'Rio' philodendron guide
Philodendron hederaceum 'Rio', also called Philodendron Rio, silver stripe philodendron
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the top 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine. More helps big leaves.
- Temperature
- 16 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 13°C (55°F).
- Soil
- Chunky houseplant mix with bark and perlite
- Feeding
- Balanced liquid fertilizer, monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing causes mouth pain and drooling.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- Vines trail 1 to 3 m (3 to 10 ft). Upright types reach 60 to 150 cm (2 to 5 ft).
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings with a node, rooted in water or soil
- Where to buy
- Plant shops
This page covers what makes 'Rio' philodendron different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the philodendron care guide.
What it is
‘Rio’ is a heartleaf philodendron with streaks of cream, white, and silver down the center of each leaf. The outer leaf is dark green. It looks like a ‘Brasil’ with silver and cream in place of lime and yellow. It is a newer variety.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Rio’ | Cream and silver center streaks | Pale, cool-toned center |
| ‘Brasil’ philodendron | Lime and yellow center stripe | Warm yellow-green center |
| Satin pothos | Matte, silver spots all over | Silver spots, thick matte leaves |
Care differences
The pale center cannot make much food. ‘Rio’ grows slower than ‘Brasil’ and needs bright indirect light to keep its silver. In low light, new leaves come in green.
Reverting
If a vine grows all-green leaves, cut it back to the last leaf with good silver streaks. Move it to brighter light.
Grow it from a cutting
Take cuttings from the most variegated vines. Cut below a node and root in water or moist soil. Roots show in two to three weeks.
Buying it
‘Rio’ is sold at plant shops and some garden centers. Look for clear cream and silver centers on most leaves. A label that says ‘Rio’ on a plant with lime centers is likely a ‘Brasil’.