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The Silver Leaf Ledger

Silver Leaf Philodendron

Philodendron brandtianum

Silver markings between green veins distinguish the juvenile heart-shaped foliage of Philodendron brandtianum. Give this climbing species bright diffused light and let the mix surface just dry before watering.

Explore the care guide
Botanical illustration

Care at a glance

Know your plant

Philodendron brandtianum is a climbing species in the Araceae family. [10][13]

Juvenile leaves are heart-shaped, with silver areas between green veins. Mature foliage can become larger and all green. [13]

Light

Choose bright, diffused light. [13]

Watering

  1. Feel the mix surface; water when it has just dried. [13]

  2. Water evenly, let excess escape, then empty the saucer or cover pot. [1]

Soil and pot choice

Use a porous, draining houseplant mix and a pot with drainage holes. [1][2]

Temperature and humidity

Keep the plant away from cold drafts and hot radiators. [3]

Moderate indoor humidity suits philodendrons. [14]

Feeding

During active growth, apply a liquid houseplant fertilizer monthly, following its label directions. Pause feeding when growth rests. [13]

Repotting

  1. Repot when roots crowd the container. Choose a slightly larger pot. [8][2]

  2. Use fresh medium, keep the plant at its existing depth and water it in. Let excess drain. [2]

Propagation

  1. Use a healthy, node-bearing stem tip for propagation. [13]

  2. With clean, sharp pruners, take a three- to four-inch stem tip below a node. Remove lower leaves, leaving two nodes for insertion into moist rooting medium. [9]

  3. Keep the cutting warm, shaded and humid, with moist rooting medium while roots develop. [9]

Pruning and foliage care

Trim extending stems to fit your space. Provide support for climbing growth. [13][14]

Problems and checks

Wilt or yellowing

Possible causes
  • Moisture stress or root damage.
Checks to distinguish them
  • Check moisture and drainage.
Low-risk next step
Water dry roots; restore drainage around persistently wet roots.
When to seek expert help
Seek advice for soft roots or continued decline.
Sources for these checks

Check moisture first. [3]

Scorched leaf patches

Possible causes
  • Excessive direct sun.
Checks to distinguish them
  • Check sun exposure.
Low-risk next step
Move behind filtered light.
When to seek expert help
Seek advice if injury spreads.
Sources for these checks

Review light exposure. [3]

Cottony clusters, bumps or webbing

Possible causes
  • Mealybugs, scale or mites.
Checks to distinguish them
  • Inspect leaf undersides and stem joints.
Low-risk next step
Separate the plant; identify the pest before treatment.
When to seek expert help
Seek advice for a spreading infestation.
Sources for these checks

Inspect pest signs closely. [4]

Seasonal indoor care

As winter growth slows, reduce watering frequency while continuing to check the mix. [13]

Children and pets

Safety

Philodendrons are toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing can cause painful mouth irritation and swelling. Keep plants, fallen leaves and cuttings away from pets that chew them. [15]

Chewing philodendron can irritate the mouth and throat. Seek urgent medical care for lip or tongue swelling or difficulty breathing or swallowing. [16]

Wear gloves when cutting, and keep sap away from skin and eyes. [14][16]

For suspected poisoning or signs of illness, contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435. Provide the botanical name. [5]

Keep plants, cuttings and loose potting material beyond young children’s reach. Keep the botanical name with the pot. [6]

For human plant ingestion in the United States, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Elsewhere, contact your local poison service. Call emergency services for breathing difficulty, seizures, collapse or inability to awaken. [7]

Similar plants

Moonlight is described with upright growth and lime-green new foliage. [11]

Brasil is described with irregular yellow-green bands on dark green leaves. [12]

Brandtianum has silver-marked juvenile heart-shaped leaves on climbing stems. [13]

Sources

  1. Watering Indoor Plants

    University of Maryland Extension

    Accessed October 5, 2026 · Updated: 2023-03-10

  2. Repotting houseplants

    University of Illinois Extension

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  3. Diagnosing Houseplant Problems from Improper Environmental Conditions

    Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

    Accessed October 5, 2026 · Updated: Last reviewed January 2024

  4. Diagnosing Houseplant Problems Caused by Insect Pests

    Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

    Accessed October 5, 2026 · Updated: Last reviewed January 2024

  5. ASPCA Poison Control

    ASPCA Poison Control

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  6. Poisonous and non-poisonous plants: An illustrated list

    National Capital Poison Center

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  7. Get help online or by phone

    National Capital Poison Center

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  8. How to Care for Houseplants

    Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

    Accessed October 5, 2026 · Updated: Last reviewed October 2023

  9. Propagating Houseplants

    University of Nevada, Reno Extension - M. L. Robinson and A. Roberts

    Accessed October 5, 2026 · Publisher date: 1998

  10. Philodendron brandtianum - Plants of the World Online

    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  11. Philodendron - Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

    NC State Extension

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  12. Philodendron plant named Brasil - USPP12956P2

    United States Patent and Trademark Office - Ruben Ernesto Acosta

    Accessed October 5, 2026 · Publisher date: 2002-09-17

  13. Philodendron brandtianum - RHS Plant Profile

    Royal Horticultural Society

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  14. How to grow philodendrons

    Royal Horticultural Society

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  15. Philodendron Pertusum

    ASPCA Poison Control

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  16. Philodendron

    Queensland Poisons Information Centre

    Accessed October 5, 2026 · Updated: November 2024