The Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’ is a highly sought-after houseplant, prized for its unusual foliage. This hybrid, a cross between Philodendron pedatum and Philodendron squamiferum, is named for the pale coloration of its new leaves. Its striking appearance and straightforward care make it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts.
Understanding the Florida Ghost Philodendron
The most distinctive feature of the Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’ is its dramatic leaf color transformation. New foliage emerges in striking shades of bone white, silvery-blue, or pale lime green, giving the plant its “ghostly” moniker. These leaves gradually transition to a deeper green as they mature.
The intensity and duration of the pale “ghost” phase are influenced by light exposure. While some growers use grow lights to encourage whiter new leaves, leaves naturally darken over time, a developmental trait rather than variegation. The plant’s deeply lobed leaves and red-tinged petioles enhance its visual appeal.
Florida Ghost Philodendron Care Guide
Light
The Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window for filtered light. Sufficient light helps produce desirable creamy white new leaves. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch delicate foliage and cause leaf burn. Insufficient light can cause new leaves to emerge mint green rather than white and may lead to leggy growth.
Water
Proper watering is essential for the Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’, which prefers consistently moist but not soggy soil. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil have dried out. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation and root rot. During winter, reduce watering frequency and monitor soil moisture.
Soil
The Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’ grows best in a well-draining, airy potting mix that retains some moisture. A good soil blend includes perlite, orchid bark, and peat moss or coco coir. This composition mimics the plant’s natural epiphytic habit, allowing for proper aeration around the roots and preventing compaction. Enhance a standard indoor potting mix with these amendments.
Temperature and Humidity
As a tropical plant, the Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’ prefers warm temperatures and moderate to high humidity. An ideal temperature range is 65°F to 95°F (18-35°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause stress, so keep it away from cold drafts. While it adapts to typical household humidity, providing 50% to 70% humidity supports healthier growth and aids new leaf unfurling. Increase humidity using a humidifier, a pebble tray, or by grouping plants.
Fertilizer
During the active growing season (spring and summer), the Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’ benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength is suitable. Apply fertilizer once a month to provide necessary nutrients for vibrant foliage and new growth. Avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant, and water before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn. Reduce or stop fertilization during fall and winter when growth slows.
Propagating Florida Ghost Philodendron
Propagating the Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’ is commonly achieved through stem cuttings. To take a cutting, use sterilized pruners to snip a 6-inch section of stem that includes several leaves, cutting just below a node. Remove any lower leaves from the cutting, ensuring at least one or two nodes are exposed.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or a moist rooting medium. If using water, place the cutting in a glass with at least one node submerged, changing the water regularly. For rooting in a medium, moist sphagnum moss or a mixture of equal parts coco coir and perlite works well, ensuring at least one node is buried. Place the cuttings in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light. Roots should begin to form within a few weeks. Once roots are several inches long, transplant the new plant into potting mix.
Repotting Florida Ghost Philodendron
Repotting a Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’ is typically necessary every one to two years, or when the plant has outgrown its current container. Indicators include roots growing out of the drainage holes, the plant becoming root-bound, or stunted growth. Repotting is best done during the spring or early summer.
When repotting, select a new pot that is only one to two inches larger in diameter than the old one. An overly large pot can lead to excess moisture retention and potential root issues. Carefully remove the plant from its old pot, gently loosen any compacted roots, and place it in the new container with fresh, well-draining soil mix. Ensure the new pot has drainage holes for proper water flow.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering or poor drainage. If the soil remains soggy, allow it to dry out more between waterings. Yellowing can also indicate insufficient light, suggesting the plant needs a brighter location.
Brown or crispy leaf edges typically point to low humidity or overexposure to direct sunlight. Increasing humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray, or moving the plant away from harsh sun, can alleviate these symptoms.
Stunted growth or leggy stems often indicate the plant is not receiving enough light, causing it to stretch. Moving the plant to a brighter spot with indirect light can encourage more compact growth.
Drooping leaves can result from inconsistent watering, whether over or underwatering, or from low humidity. Checking soil moisture and adjusting watering practices, along with ensuring adequate humidity, can help the foliage regain its turgor.
Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids can also affect these philodendrons. Regular inspection helps catch infestations early for treatment with neem oil or insecticidal soap.