The Philodendron ‘Florida Green’ is a popular houseplant known for its attractive foliage and ease of care. This vining plant displays glossy, vibrant green leaves that develop a distinct lobed shape with maturity. Its long, slender stems often feature a reddish tint. The ‘Florida Green’ is a hybrid, resulting from a cross between Philodendron squamiferum and Philodendron pedatum.
Florida Green Philodendron Care
Light
The ‘Florida Green’ philodendron thrives in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window provides suitable light; a sheer curtain can filter stronger light from south or west-facing windows to prevent leaf scorching. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth with sparse leaves, whereas too much direct sun may cause leaves to turn yellow or develop scorched, brown edges.
Watering
Consistent watering is important for the ‘Florida Green’ philodendron, which prefers moist, not soggy, soil. Water the plant thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Allowing water to drain completely prevents the plant from sitting in standing water, which can lead to root rot. Overwatering (yellowing, mushy stems) and underwatering (drooping, crispy edges) can negatively affect the plant.
Soil
A well-draining, airy, and organic-rich potting mix supports the ‘Florida Green’ philodendron’s root health. A suitable mix includes peat moss or coco coir for moisture retention, combined with perlite and orchid bark for aeration and drainage. This mimics the loose, rich forest floor environment where philodendrons naturally thrive, allowing roots to breathe and preventing waterlogging.
Temperature and Humidity
This tropical plant prefers temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 27°C). It appreciates high humidity (ideally above 60%). To increase humidity, you can group the plant with other humidity-loving plants, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier. While it tolerates average household humidity, higher humidity encourages larger, healthier leaf development.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), feed your ‘Florida Green’ philodendron with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength and apply it once per month. Stop fertilizing in fall and winter, resuming in late winter as growth begins again. Ensuring the soil is moist before fertilizing prevents potential root damage.
Propagating Florida Green Philodendron
Propagating the ‘Florida Green’ philodendron is an effective way to multiply your plant collection, primarily through stem cuttings. Identify a healthy stem with at least one node (where new roots and leaves emerge). Using clean, sharp shears, cut just below a node, ensuring the cutting is at least six inches long and removing any submerged leaves.
Root cuttings in water by placing the cut end, with the node submerged, into a jar of room-temperature water. Place the jar in a warm spot with bright, indirect light, changing the water every few days to prevent cloudiness or bacterial growth. Roots develop within a few weeks to a couple of months. Once roots are a few inches long, transplant the cutting into a well-draining soil mix.
Alternatively, cuttings can be placed directly into a well-draining soil mix. Prepare a small pot with a suitable philodendron soil blend, inserting the cut end of the stem into the moist soil, ensuring at least one node is buried. Maintain consistent soil moisture, avoid overwatering, and keep the pot in a warm, humid environment with indirect light to encourage root growth.
Common Problems and Solutions
The ‘Florida Green’ philodendron can exhibit signs of distress through its foliage, often indicating care issues. Yellowing leaves can signal overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or too much or too little light. Rapid yellowing with a foul soil smell suggests root rot from overwatering; check for mushy, black roots.
Brown leaf tips or edges point to low humidity or underwatering. Ensure the plant is not near drafts and use methods like pebble trays to increase humidity. Drooping leaves indicate both overwatering and underwatering; assess soil moisture to determine the cause and adjust your watering schedule.
Common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and aphids can affect ‘Florida Green’ philodendrons. Regularly inspect your plant for these pests, as early detection allows for easier management. Treatment options include wiping affected areas with a damp cloth or using insecticidal soap or neem oil.