Philodendron Rio Vs Brasil: Which Is Better?

Both plants are beginner-friendly and cost low maintenance making the houseplant for tight schedules.

However, Philodendron Rio and Brasil are different, which is also a surprising but happy moment for plant enthusiasts.

You have already planned to purchase one of the Philodendron Rio and Brasil but feel startled about choosing one.

This article will be a lifesaver for you, providing accessible tools to differentiate between the two. You will be all covered here. Let’s start!

Are Philodendron Rio and Brasil the Same?

Though Philodendron Rio and Brasil are the results of the mutation of Philodendron hederaceum, they can baffle you with their striking differences.

Philodendron Rio has a silver stripe in the center of the leaf and features a small space between internodes.

You can witness the differences through the table also!

Philodendron Rio Vs. Brasil (Confusion Solved)

Let’s inspect the differences between Philodendron Rio and Brasil in detail.

1. Foliage Shape and Structure

All of the varieties or cultivars of Philodendron hederaceum have round bases with pointed tips crafted with deep curves at the stem that give the leaves a perfect heart shape.

However, Rio leaves are slightly narrow and elongated with long pointy tips. The stretched-out leaves accentuate the pointed tips of Rio.

And interestingly, as the leaves are extended, you can find their ends often curled or slightly bent.

The foliage marks variegation through patchy patterns that inscribe silverly patterns inside, i.e., in the middle of the leaves.

In contrast, the leaves of Philodendron Brasil are much similar to other classical heart-shaped philodendrons.

It has a round base with a pointed tip. Its leaves are slightly wavy around the edges and concave at the stem, giving it a soft funnel shape.

Brasil’s leaves round out to the stem; meanwhile, the concave shape of Rio’s extends along the length of the foliage, creating an appearance of a cave as the leaves fold themselves inwards along the central vein.

2. Leaf Color and Size

Philodendron rio, called cream strips or silver stripes, is famous for its silvery-white variegation.

Meanwhile, the foliage of Philodendron Brasil has deep green leaves with light green and yellow to creamy variegation.

Heart-leaf philodendrons boast glossy leaves that emerge bronze and quickly turn green.

Their leaves extend to 2-4 in (5-10 cm) long, whereas stems grow to 4 ft (1.2 m) or more.

The yellow variegated stripes run down the center of the foliage amidst the lighter green patches.

3. Growth Habits

In their natural habitat, Philodendron rio and Brasil grow along the surfaces of trees and on rocky surfaces. So, they do best when you let them climb.

Moss stick goes well with both varieties as they are climbing. You can keep these plants in a hanging basket as they create beautiful trailing tropical vibes.

Both of the varieties are fast growers compared to other plants. But, as they have variegation, they do not overgrow, unlike other non-variegated philodendron species.

Both grow swiftly, shedding dark green leaves and sprouting new ones when actively developing.

When the leaves get older, they turn yellow which can be noticed at the bottom.

4. Rarity of Plants

Philodendron rio is not rare like Birkin but is not easily found like Brasil. This new cultivator does not have multiple options to propagate.

On the other hand, Philodendron brasil is an old cultivar and a popular widespread. You can find them in any local nurseries or online stores around.

Philodendron spiritus sancti represents the rarest species among the philodendrons because of its slow growth rate and unavailable propagation method.

5. Place of Origin

Rio is a recent finding that started cultivating in 2009 and has gained popularity only in recent years.

It is native to Rio, a city in Brazil, and is primarily found in tropical rainforests.

Insight! Georg Marcgraf initiated collecting Philodendrons from the wild as early as 1644, but the credit for the first successful scientific attempt to collect and classify the genus goes to Charles Plumier.

Regarding the point of origin, Philodernon brasil was discovered in 1991, but its patent was registered only in 2000.

Brasil comes from the tropical rainforests of South America, so it is native to Mexico, Brazil, and the West Indies.

6. Difference in Price

When purchasing, I find a visible gap in Philodendron rio and Brasil pricing.

Look at the table to compare the two!

You can also watch this video for comparisons between Philodendron rio and Brasil.

Similarities Between Philodendron Rio and Philodendron Brasil

Philodendron rio and Brasil are types of Philodendron hederaceum and part of the Philodendron genus.

Here is an overview of the similarities between Philodendron Rio and Brasil.

Let’s look at the care guide closer look!

1. Bright Indirect Light

Although Philodendron Rio and Philodendron Brasil are labeled low-light tolerant plants, they do not thrive well if kept in low light for a long time.

As both species are variegated, their leaves have fewer chlorophyll pigments. Hence, you need to provide them with sufficient bright indirect light to maintain their variegation.

Low light compels high chlorophyll production, which can cause loss of variegation.

Place these plants in an eastern-facing window as it reflects indirect bright sunlight. Besides, you can introduce the plant to artificial grow lights if the light intensity is low.

Note: Philodendron rio is less tolerant to low light than Philodendron brasil.

3. Adequate Watering

As Philodendron Rio and Brasil are tropical species, they need adequate water. It is ideal for maintaining consistent soil moisture for both of them but not soggy all the time.

They prefer filtered or distilled and chlorine-free water.

Consider watering them once the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out. Also, avoid overwatering the plants as it causes bacterial and fungal growth.

4. Well-draining Soil

Although Philodendron Rio and Brasil prefer soil moisture, they hate soggy soil. So, it is better to provide these varieties with soil that dries up quickly.

So, it is ideal to have chunky, light, porous, nutrient-rich soil that drains excess water while retaining optimal moisture.

Pro Tip: Combine 1 part perlite, 1 part peat moss, one part of the orchid mix, and 1/3 part of compost and coarse sand to make a perfect potting mix for Philodendron rio and Brasil.

5. Warm Temperature

As Philodendron rio and Brasil belong to tropical regions, they prefer warm temperatures.

Anything above 90ºF and below 50ºF could harm both varieties.

They also cannot tolerate frost; hence bring them indoors or use heating pads or insulation to protect them from the cold.

Besides, you also need to take these species from direct sunlight and drafty areas like heating and cooling vents.

6. Moderate to High Humidity

Here is a fun fact: Philodendron rio and Brasil are not fussy about humidity requirements. Your average indoor humidity works for both of the species.

Low humidity might cause minor curling, yellowing of foliage and stunted growth.

An excellent way to maintain humidity is using an electric humidifier.

However, you can also use wet pebble trays or mist the plant 2-3 times a week in the morning.

7. Flowering Habits

Both varieties produce spathe, a leaf-like hood that coats the spadix, a tubular structure, and feature tiny white-greenish inflorescence with cream or yellow stripes.

But let me remind you, getting them flowering indoors is challenging. Besides, the plant produces flowers only after it reaches maturity.

8. Monthly Fertilization

Philodendrons like Rio and Brasil do not need heavy food.

Water these plants enough before fertilizing and feed them only during the growing period in summer and spring.

You need to avoid feeding these plants during winter.

9. Plant Toxicity

Are there pets and children around your house? Philodendron rio and Brasil can extend some harm to your family and furry friends.

Thus, Philodendron rio and Brasil contain toxins in elongated leaves and soft, velvety stems.

When consuming these parts, the pets can show up some symptoms:

• Coral irritation
• Tongue and lips, Pain and swelling of the mouth,
• Excessive drooling and vomiting (except for horses)
• Difficulty swallowing

If you are doubtful about your pets and children nibbling parts of Philodendron, seek health assistance.

The following helpline can be your lifesaver!

• ASPCA: (888) 426-4435
• American Association of Poison Control Center: (800) 222-1222

What Are They Great For (Philodendron Rio Vs. Brasil)?

I brought Philodendron rio and Brasil home in 2015, and since then, they have been two of my favorites because of their aesthetic look and several other benefits.

Let’s find out what we can get from these two plants.

1. Health Benefits

Growing Philodendrn rio and Brasil in your space will help improve your mental state.

This helps you relax your nerves and get some stress-free moments.

Also, if you place it next to you when studying or working, these plants can improve your productivity.

2. Aesthetic Value

You can keep Philodendrn Rio and Brasil in hanging baskets near a window or on any shelves.

Rio features silver, lighter green, and cream variegation, but Brasil also shows up with lighter green and cream variegation.

Both can make a bold impression as a centerpiece for the interior of your home!

3. Environmental Benefits

Plants release oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, regulate the water cycle, and hold life on earth.

Besides, these two Philodendron varieties can boost humidity and reduce dry air at home.