The Philodendron ‘Florida Beauty’ is a popular variegated aroid, admired for its unique foliage patterns. Owners of this plant may encounter reversion, the loss of its characteristic variegation. This results in a return to its original, often all-green form.
Understanding Reversion in Philodendron Florida Beauty
Reversion in Philodendron ‘Florida Beauty’ occurs due to the plant’s genetic makeup. Its variegation is often chimerical, resulting from a mix of genetically different tissues. These mutations are not always stable.
All-green cells contain more chlorophyll than variegated cells, allowing them to photosynthesize more efficiently. This makes green sections more vigorous, enabling them to outgrow and overwhelm variegated portions. Factors contributing to reversion include genetics, insufficient light exposure, and environmental stress. Reversion can be partial, where some variegation remains, or full, where growth becomes entirely green.
Identifying Reversion
Recognizing reversion on your Philodendron ‘Florida Beauty’ involves careful observation of its new growth. Reverted growth typically appears as entirely green leaves. These all-green shoots tend to be more vigorous than the variegated sections of the plant. Inspecting the stems is also important, as all-green sections on a stem indicate that new leaves emerging from that point will likely lack variegation.
It is important to differentiate between true reversion and temporary all-green growth. Sometimes, a new leaf might emerge with less variegation due to environmental factors, but subsequent leaves from the same node could still display variegation. True reversion is characterized by a consistent pattern of all-green leaves emerging from a specific stem section, indicating a permanent shift in that part of the plant. Observing the plant’s overall growth habit and the color of the stem sections can help confirm whether true reversion has occurred.
Addressing Reversion
Once reversion is identified, targeted pruning is the primary method. The goal is to remove all-green sections and encourage new growth from variegated tissue. Use clean, sharp, sterilized pruning shears to make precise cuts and prevent damage or disease.
Prune the reverted stem section back to a node where variegation is still clearly present. This encourages the plant to activate dormant buds at that variegated node. If the reversion is extensive or genetic, there is no absolute guarantee that variegation will return from the pruned section. However, removing the reverted growth prevents it from taking over the entire plant and helps maintain the desired variegated appearance.
Preventing Future Reversion
While some genetic predisposition to reversion exists and cannot be entirely prevented, optimizing cultural practices can help maintain variegation. Providing bright, indirect light is important for Philodendron ‘Florida Beauty’, as sufficient light encourages chlorophyll production in variegated sections without scorching the delicate leaves. Placing the plant near an east or west-facing window, or using supplemental grow lights, can provide appropriate light levels.
Consistent care, including appropriate watering and stable environmental conditions, contributes to the plant’s overall health and can reduce stress that might trigger reversion. Maintaining temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and moderate to high humidity levels helps create an ideal growing environment. Avoiding extremes in temperature or humidity supports robust growth.