The Philodendron brasil vs Rio has a couple of similarities and they belong to the same Araceae plant family. These plants, which both appear similar to the Philodendron hederaceum in shape, are beautiful, low-maintenance indoor Philodendron genus plants that are good for starters. 
However, these plants also have several differences that we will go through in this article.Let us take a closer look into these plants so that you get fully equipped with the relevant details that enable you to choose your preferred plant wisely.
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Philodendron Brasil vs Rio Comparison Table
This comparison table will give you an easier insight into the differences and similarities between these wonderful plants.
| Features | Philodendron Brasil | Philodendron Rio |
| Mature size | Three to four feet | Three to four feet |
| Leaf appearance | Rounded, heart-shaped | Elongated, heart-shaped |
| Leaf color | Bright green, yellow variegation | Green, white, and silver variegation |
| Rarity | Relatively easy to find | Very rare |
| Difficulty in growing | Beginner-friendly | Beginner-friendly |
| Sun requirements | Bright and indirect | Bright and indirect |
| Soil requirements | Well-draining and light | Well-draining and light |
| Light tolerance | Does not thrive in low light | Slightly tolerant to low light |
What Are the Differences Between Philodendron Brasil and Rio?
The main difference between the Philodendron brasil and Rio is in their leaf color, as the Philodendron brasil has deep green leaves with bright greenish-yellow stripes, whereas Rio has bright green leaves that have patchy splashes of white, cream or silver.
What Is Philodendron Brasil Best for?
The Philodendron brasil plant is best for hobbyists who are looking for a plant with several benefits and amazing indoor beauty, especially when it is combined with some other philodendron varieties. Reading this section will give you more reasons for adding this plant to your collection of plants.
– Decoration Purposes
The Philodendron brasil is a trailing plant that is commonly sought for due to its decoration acumen. This plant has long stems that are ideal for hanging pots or baskets in your home. Considering its beautiful variegated form, this plant is perfect for offices and sitting rooms. It has a climbing nature and its green-white flowers bring life to your walls or bookshelves.
Consider growing this plant together with the philodendron silver stripe, which has dark green leaves that are creamy yellow toward the center and a silver lining on either side of the leaf. This gives your indoors a unique and gorgeous look.
The Philodendron brasil’s heart-shaped leaves are rounded. This adds to the ornamental properties of the plant, especially if you are in love with the rounded heart shape.
– Health Benefits
These plants improve the air quality around your homes and workplaces with their huge foliage. Their huge leaves absorb toxins and the large leaf surface area takes in more carbon dioxide and produces more oxygen than small-leaved plants.
The Philodendron brazil has huge waxy leaves that are great dust trappers. If it is misted once in five to seven days, the surrounding air humidity increases, thereby doing away with conditions like respiratory problems caused by dry air.
– Rarity
The Philodendron brasil is not very rare. You can easily get this plant if you physically visit nurseries. Another option for getting this plant is through ordering it online. Since this plant is not very rare, it is more likely to be less expensive than its counterpart.
The plant’s relatively easy access lightens the requirements for making it part of your home garden.
– Easy Care Requirements
This plant does not have strict care requirements to follow, making it perfect for even the most beginner hobbyist.
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Lighting Conditions
Bright and indirect light is best for this variegated plant species. This plant is mainly grown for its beautiful foliage so make sure it is placed on a spot where it receives adequate and not too much light. Excessive exposure to sunlight has a risk of scorching the foliage.
When grown under low light, its blooms are significant and rare, so make necessary lighting adjustments to suit the flowering conditions.
Take note that the Philodendron brasil is slightly tolerant to conditions with low light, unlike Rio, which can’t stand low-lit environments.
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Soil Requirements
The Philodendron brasil does well in a loamy and well-draining mix with slightly acidic conditions that have pH ranges between 5.5 to 6. A standard potting mix that is made for aroids is also good for this plant.
Combine one part of perlite and one part of orchid bark to make a perfect well-draining mixture. Avoid water-holding soil because this has many effects that include root rot.
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Watering Conditions
It is very easy to care for this beautiful plant, just make sure that the top two or three inches of the topsoil are dry before watering again. This plant is sensitive to overwatering so the soil must not be soggy for a prolonged period of time. An overwatered plant has the risk of pest attacks and disease infections, which may destroy its stems, roots and leaves.
Also, make sure that you do not underwater the plant. When underwatered, this plant responds by curling its leaves.
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Temperature Requirements
This plant needs warm but humid conditions since it is native to South America’s rain forests. Higher levels of humidity encourage this plant to grow large with vigor. Bear in mind that Philodendrons are not tolerant to cooler temperatures. Make sure that the temperature is kept above 55 F.
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Fertilizer Requirements
This type of plant can grow well without fertilizer, although the application of a balanced liquid fertilizer can accelerate its growth and development. Consider applying these additional nutrients once a month during the plant’s active growing season, which is spring and summer. This plant is dormant during winter so we advise you to stop fertilizing it.
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Pruning Requirements
Please note that the Philodendron brasil is a fast grower, so pruning must also be well-considered. Pruning aids larger leaf growth and this means it must be done when the plant is in its growing season. Pruning is also vital in enhancing adequate air circulation around the plant, in addition to contributing to doing away with infections. Use a clean pair of sharp scissors or shears to cut off any unruly and long stems.
Also, cut off some aerial roots that may grow closer to leaf nodes to give your plant a perfect look and aid vining abilities.
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Propagation Requirements
Philodendron brasil propagation can be done through stem cuttings. As highlighted earlier, it is important to use clean cutting utensils to avoid passing disease-causing pathogens to your beautiful plant. Cut a four- to five-inch-long stem with at least four to six leaves from the mother plant. Prune off the bottom two or three leaves and place the stem in a container with water.
Ensure that the remaining leaves are submerged above the water and place the container in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. When the roots are at least one inch long, you can repot the plant in a well-draining soil mix.
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Problems
This plant is beginner-friendly and is not too demanding. It is not that vulnerable to pests although you will have to be very careful and watchful for pest infestations. When attacked by pests, remove the affected parts and spray the plant with a pesticide to eliminate them.
When you notice the leaf tips browning, the plant might be responding to dry conditions. Avoid exposing your gorgeous plant’s leaves to direct wind which dries them up. Use a pebble tray or humidifier to provide your plant with extra humidity. Prolonged and direct exposure to sunlight and underwatering are the other causes of brown leaf tips.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the Philodendron brasil and Rio are different plants that thrive in similar conditions. These plants are mostly sought for their climbing nature and huge leaves which are perfect for homes and offices.
Their large leaf surfaces release more oxygen and trap toxins as well as dust from the surroundings, thereby making the air fresh. They are both beginner-friendly and you should consider growing them for a start.
If you were to choose one of the two plants, your preferences would matter most. If you are more oriented toward elongated heart-shaped leaves, then your best pick should be Philodendron Rio, whereas if rounded heart-shaped leaves are more appealing to you, get your hands on a Philodendron brasil.
In the event that you prefer brighter environments, the yellow variegation of the Philodendron brasil will certainly get the job done. The reverse is also true — the less-vibrant colors of the Philodendron Rio can give your home a more calming vibe.
