houseplant
The philodendron rio and the philodendron brasil come from the same plant genus . While they do share similarities , they also have some differences . In this clause , horticulture expert Madison Moulton walks you through what you’re able to expect from these two plants .
Contents
Philodendron hederaceumis one of the most popularbeginner - friendly and low - maintenancehouseplants around . And , with cultivar like Rio and Brasil , we can add beauty to their list of benefits .
Some of the more rare cultivars can bring in a much high price tagthan other common houseplants . But even so , these plants still have a big and perfervid following . Their rarity and more high - maintenance care can oftenjustify the mellow price tag .
Brasil , one of the olderhederaceumcultivars , and Rio , a novel sport and the only one with creamy snowy and silver diversification , are quite like . But there are a few characteristics thatdifferentiate them . Take a look at the similarities and difference between thesetwo dissimilar case of philodendrons .
Philodendron Rio vs. Philodendron Brasil Comparison Chart
Botanical Characteristics
Both cultivars aretypes ofPhilodendron hederaceum , also know as the Heartleaf Philodendron . As part of the Philodendron genus , they are both concern to other democratic houseplants , buthederaceumstands out as the most sought after and well - know metal money .
All philodendron are part of theAraceaeor arum family . This family include many species of plant commonly farm indoors , such as the Peace Lily or Anthurium .
Heartleaf Philodendrons are commonly mistaken for another appendage of the arum family , theever - democratic Pothos . These plant both have similar growth wont and looks , but they are from completely unlike genus . And , when it come to the interesting color differences of both works , they are easy to distinguish from any Pothos type .
Philodendron hederaceumisnative to the tropical areas of Central and South America . As climbing plant life , they can be found in tropical forests surrounding Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree trunks , soaking up the dappled sunlight and enjoying the high humidity .
Both Rio and Brasil are theresult of mutationsof this specie . industrial plant often mutate , either in the natural state or in configurations where mutation is advance by growers . These mutation can be temporary or stable for long - term growth through various generations . Stable mutant become new sports of the original plant , which was the case with both of these cultivars .
According to theexisting patent for Philodendron Brasil , this plant was pick out in 1991 from a agriculturist in Holambra , Brazil . It mutate from an unnamedPhilodendron hederaceumtype .
Once discovered , it was propagate via cutting to determine the constancy of the mutation . They found that the interesting color patterns from this chromosomal mutation do procreate through sequent generations . The cultivar was name Brasil after its origin of discovery .
The story ofPhilodendron Riois standardised . This sportmutated in the greenhouses of Gabriella Plantsin Florida after farm and circulate philodendron for several decades . Rio , and another cultivar know as Gabby , were selected due to their interesting mutationsand found to be relatively unchanging in their variegation .
Rio is a sport of the Brasil cultivar , making these plants quite closely related . This relation is what resulted in the name Rio of this sport , after the Brazilian urban center .
Philodendron Brasilwasdiscovered in 1991 , with its patent of invention register in 2000 . It is one of the older cultivars usable .
Philodendron Rio is a more late sport , domesticate by Gabriella Plants since 2009and only recently sell commercially . This cultivar is one of the most late case and is extremely sought - after .
As an older cultivar , Brasil is not particularly rare . Due to its far-flung popularity , it can typically be found in local nurseries around the human race or purchased online .
Rio , on the other script , is quite rare . While not quite as rarefied as thePhilodendron Birkin , it ’s still not nigh realize as much as some cultivars . As a newer cultivar only of late discovered and circularize , there are not many available . It may have been grown since the 2010s , but since new plants involve to go through various generations of propagation to test their stableness , Rio was only made available to purchase in the last few years .
As Gabriella Plants is the original producer of this sportsman , they are the most reliable source to buy a true Rio plant . However , due to their popularity and rarity , these plants are often sold out and fetch anincredibly gamey price for a diminished industrial plant ( presently $ 150 ) .
Many Philodendron speciesmarketed as Rio are often not the genuine play , resemble something closer to Silver Stripe or Cream Stripe . As these plants are not commonly available at many nurseries , any plants you see labeled as Rio that are inexpensive and easy to find are probably not the real thing .
Appearance
As Rio is a play of Brasil , the appearance of these two plants is incredibly alike . However , there are some differences in leaf shape and vividness that can help oneself you distinguish between them .
Philodendron hederaceumis named the Heartleaf Philodendron after the condition of the leaves . Each leafage has a rounded understructure and pointed tips , with a deep curve at the stem that forms the foliage into a everlasting heart form .
Brasil retain the classic shape of the original coinage , withwide foliage and sharply pointed terminal . The leaf can often have a wavy appearance , concaved slightly at the stem to create a gentle funnel shape form .
Theleaves of the Rio cultivar are more elongate . They also have a slight heart shape , but it is stretch out and far less marked . Due to the lengthened leaves , the guide tips of the Rio cultivar often stoop over slimly .
While Brasil rounds out at the stem , Rio ’s concave shape extends along the distance of the leaves , making them seem as if they were lightly folded inwards along the fundamental venous blood vessel .
Color is the easiest way to separate these two plants . Theirvariegation patternsare very distinct and look for - after in the houseplant collecting world .
Philodendron Brasilleaves are a deep green , striped with areas of bright light-green - yellow . The yellow stripes typically run down the center of the leaves , with lighter patch of unripe diversification surrounding this centre section .
The size of these stripe varies greatly . Some move thinly along the foliage , while others hatch the center and take up almost the full leaf . Each foliage has its own hopeful and colored pattern , pull in this industrial plant a true beauty to look at .
Philodendron Rio has asimilar variegation pattern but with very dissimilar colors . The bright immature leaves of Rio boast splashes of cream , white , and often silver . Rather than one typical banding , these colors mix in patchy patterns that cover the middle of the leaves .
Rio is theonly Philodendron cultivar so farto feature this creamy white and fluent color in the leaves . This makes it quite similar to some Pothos cultivars , with their intense whitened and cream variegation . Most Philodendron type boast a yellow or atomic number 10 green colour , so the Rio is really a rare sales booth - out in thePhilodendron hederaceumgroup .
Both Rio and Brasil are vining Philodendrons . They produce leaves from leaf node along long trailing stem that would go up up trees or nearby structures in the wild . These vines can be go forth to trail from the batch or prepare up trellis for quicker growth .
These fast - growing plantscan add several inch to the base every month during the tip mature seasons . They may not raise as quickly as the original Heartleaf Philodendron due to their lower chlorophyl mental object , but they still develop quickly in equivalence to some other houseplants .
Care
Both cultivars havevery similar care requirements . With some extra attention paid to lighting conditions , these plant will uprise mirthfully almost anywhere . They are incredibly low - maintenance , making them perfect plants for tyro .
Light
Heartleaf philodendron are often labeled low - light works . They can certainly tolerate changes in lighting condition well and wo n’t show too many mark of struggle when placed in lower light . However , due to the variegate parting of Rio and Brasil , lower light is not recommend .
Variegated sections of the leaves comprise less chlorophyll or no chlorophyl at all . Chlorophyll is all important in the process of photosynthesis , which countenance plants to bring forth their own solid food for outgrowth . The lower the chlorophyll content , the less photosynthesis can take place .
That means extremely variegated plants in low-spirited light areas will not grow as well . They may even start tolose their variegationas the works produces more chlorophyll to make up for the lack of visible radiation .
The amount of light your works needswill calculate on the degree of diversification in the leave . They can both handle moderate brightness but prefer bright indirect light for the upright outcome . Due to the creamy or white variegation of the Rio , the right stage of visible radiation is vital to keep up this coloring material .
Place your Rio and Brasil in front of asouth or Occident - face window cover by a sheer curtainto produce the ideal precondition . An Orient - facing windowpane with some gentle verbatim good morning Sunday is also suitable , as long as it does not scorch the leaf .
Water
AllPhilodendron hederaceumtypes have standardized watering needs . They are not heavy piddle usersand opt the ground to dry out out slightly between waterings .
Rather than water on a rigid schedule , which can change based on environmental conditions , essay the soil oft with your finger . Water when thetop 1 - 2 inch of soilare completely dry . This will serve preclude overwatering in both your Brasil and Rio Philodendron .
As the leaves are quite thin and do n’t prevail on to much water , these plants will quickly show signs of underwatering . The leaves will begin towilt and curl inwardswhen the land is too juiceless . If this is the case , water immediately and more frequently to keep your flora happy .
While underwatering is a peril , overwatering is far more usual . Both Rio and Brasil can not be leave to sit in pee for foresighted periods . In too dampish stain , the root of these plant will begin to rot , preclude the uptake of water system and crucial nutrients .
An overwatered Philodendron will havewilting or yellow parting and mushy stems . If your plant does not recuperate after the soil has dry out , you may have a display case of root rot on your workforce . Remove the plant life from its sess and shake off the ground . Trim off any mushy or molder root word back to the sizeable growth and repot into sword Modern soil to hold on the job from open .
Soil
Philodendron Brasil and Philodendron Rio , like most other tropic houseplants , need well - draining airy soil to fly high . Excessively dense or moist grunge will result in root bunk and suffocation of the theme .
you may buy a oecumenical houseplant potting mix online or from a local glasshouse which will be suitable for both Brasil and Rio . Alternatively , you’re able to mix your own by combining pot soil with coconut coir or peat moss and perlite .
While regard ground , make trusted your container has enough drain too . Even if your soil is incredibly well - draining , the weewee will have nowhere to go if there are too few drain holes or if those drain hollow are blocked .
Fertilizer
As with any Heartleaf Philodendron , Rio and Brasil will develop best when fertilize frequentlyduring the raise season . Fertilizing presently after buying is not required as the soil should contain enough nutrients to keep the plant going . However , once those nutrients are depleted , they will need additional nutrients in the variety of fertilizer to continue growing well .
Feed your Rio and Brasil once per monthwith a balanced fluid fertiliser during spring and summer . They do n’t require inseminate in fall or winter when increment slow up . Check the packaging and go for the fertilizer according to the instructions to avert over - fertilizing and damaging the roots .
Propagation
Due to the stunning looks of these cultivars , you will likely want to try out extension at some distributor point . Luckily , the process is the samefor both works . All you need is a white pair of pruning shears and a Methedrine of water system .
To propagate your Rio or Brasil , snip off a four - inch - long section of the stem just below a leaf leaf node . The discussion section should have at least two folio for successful growth . guarantee you do n’t damage the node or any aeriform roots while cutting as this is the point where new roots will grow from .
Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cut by trimming them off with your scissors . you may place the cutting in a glass of filter out water or go flat to ground by rooting in a skunk fulfill with propagating mix .
The roots should spring up within a few week . Once they have mature 1 - 2 inches long , transplant into the same soil mixas above for long - term maturation . It ’s best to group several cuttings together in one pot for a fuller - looking plant .
Uses
Thanks to their similar growth habit , both Rio and Brasil make fantastic décor features . Their long trailing stems are perfect for hang basket or resting along bookshelves . Alternatively , you’re able to train them up a trellis to create a living wall feature .
While the Brasil is quite plebeian , Rio ’s peculiarity also create it a great collector ’s item . It has become a favorite among rarified houseplant enthusiasts , along with other rarified indoor plants like the Pink Princess Philodendron .
Final Thoughts
Philodendron Rio and Philodendron Brasil are improbably popular houseplant . Since Rio is a sport of Brasil , both flora are very similar , with some decipherable difference in color to allow you to secern them apart . They require the same charge and care , making them both fantastically small - maintenance easy plants to add to your assembling .
