Philodendron Florida ghost is a rare hybrid within the family genus Philodendron. It is also known as philodendron Pedatum and is quite popular among gardeners. Its amazing foliage with deep green leaves makes it more demanding.
Although many of us are not aware of its parent plants, Philodendron Squamiferom is known to be one of its parent plants. Unlike all other varieties of philodendron, this plant grows and thrives well with minimal care.
The leaves of a philodendron Florida ghost have a combination of different shades when matured. As the white pale leaf shape resembles a little flying ghost so, it is named after it and draws the attention of most plant collectors.
Go through this article carefully to know more about different ways to take care of this rare plant so, that it grows fast, stays healthy, and thrives for a long.
Why is a Philodendron Florida Ghost Considered to Be a Unique Plant?
Although most varieties of philodendron are found in the tropical rain forest of central and south America, a philodendron Florida ghost does not come from there.
It is a rare variety of philodendron and is known to be a hybrid plant. Although both of its parents are still unknown, this rare and affordable plant is loved by plant collectors.
When young It has pale white shaded leaves that resemble a ghostly appearance. The color of the leaves changes to yellow-green and lastly to deep green as they mature.
Besides, making your house look more beautiful and fresher keeping this plant can also help you to get fresh air as this plant purifies air by removing toxins. As it is a low-maintenance plant so, it can easily grow and survive with minimal care.
Did You Know
The Florida Ghost belongs to the Araceae family, commonly known as the Aroid family. This family includes many other well-known houseplants like pothos, monsteras, and peace lilies.
Philodendron Florida Ghost Care
A Florida ghost does not require much care and attention to grow and thrive. So, those who are fond of growing tropical plants like me can easily keep them at home or office.
Here are some simple tips you should consider while growing and caring for the plant.
Light requirement
To make the plant stay healthy you need to place it in a spot with adequate indirect bright light. The proper amount of light will keep the color of the leaves bright and young. Use grow lights if the plant is placed indoors where it does not receive adequate bright light.
However, direct sunlight should be avoided as it can cause severe damage to your philodendron. The leaves may get burnt if exposed to direct sunlight.
Placing the plant in a north or east-facing window can be a good idea. The light requirement to grow this plant is between 10,000 to 20,000 lux.
Watering
Unlike all other varieties of philodendron, a Florida ghost requires the right amount of water. Overwatering the plant can lead to several problems and can kill the plant in time. Always check the top 2 inches of the soil before watering.
If you are interested in the watering guide, you can read more about it here: Philodendron Watering Guide.
Soil Needed
Philodendrons love well-draining loose soil so, that they can grip their roots in the chunky potting mix. It also becomes easier for these climbers to grow tall and produce large, beautiful leaves. Using an aroid potting mix or sphagnum peat moss can be a good option as they allow excess water to drain away completely.
Mixing organic matter with the soil used for planting a philodendron can make your plant stay healthy, disease disease-free and get the right amount of nutrients required.
You can also prepare a DIY soil mix with organic matter for your philodendron Florida ghost. Your homemade potting mix should include 25% perlite, charcoal, 25% house plant potting mix, 15% peat moss or coco coir, 25% orchid bark, and 10% worm castings.
This DIY soil mix can work as a power booster for your plant and make it grow fast and survive long.
Temperature and Humidity Needed
Unlike all other varieties of philodendron this, tropical plant survives well in warm and humid weather. Always keep your Florida ghost away from cold and weather as they cannot tolerate such temperatures.
The humidity of the place where the philodendron is kept should be around 65 to 80 % and the temperature should vary between 65 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are in a location with dry cold weather then, make sure you use a humidifier closer to the plant.
You can also use a pebble tray with some water to increase humidity around the plant. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity and temperature mostly during winter months when the weather conditions become too dry.
Fertilizer to Be Used
Fertilizing a philodendron Florida ghost during summer and spring is best because it is the growing season of this plant. Always use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to boost the growth of its leaves.
Fertilizing should only be done when the soil is moist to prevent root damage. Using a nitrogen-rich fertilizer can give the best result and help your plant to produce large green leaves.
It is important to dilute the fertilizer before using it. Avoid using fertilizer during winter as these plants do not need much nutrition during the cold months. Also, use fertilizer once a month during spring and summer.
Prune the Plant
pruning or trimming your plant can make it look more beautiful and healthier. If you notice your Florida ghost is looking leggy or outgrowing then, it is time to prune the plant.
Cut off the excess foliage above a node using a clean, sharp knife. Pruning your philodendron during summer or spring is the best option as the plant grows actively during this time.
Philodendron Florida Ghost Propagation
Propagating a Florida ghost is quite simple. It can be done by air layering method or stem cutting. Propagation of this plant can be done in water or directly into the potting medium.
Here are some easy ways to propagate a Florida ghost to get new plants without spending money to buy a new one.
- Make the cutting below a node using a sharp clean scissor.
- The stem cutting should have a few healthy leaves attached to it.
- Place the stem cutting with a node into sphagnum moss or moistened potting mix.
- Make sure only the node is buried and not the leaves.
- To make new roots sprout keep the soil moist.
- Place the pot in a location with adequate humidity and indirect bright light.
- A humidifier or pebble tray with water can be used to increase the amount of humidity around the plant.
- New roots will develop within a few weeks.
- Place the cutting in a pot where you want to grow the plant permanently.
- Take proper care to make your philodendron Florida ghost grow fast and stay healthy.
- This process is almost the same as propagating in the soil mix.
- Cut a stem with one node and a few healthy leaves.
- Place the stem cutting in a jar of normal water.
- Only the node should be under the water and not the leaves.
- Place the jar in a place with enough indirect bright light.
- When the water gets grimy, change it.
- New roots will sprout within a few weeks.
- Place the cutting in a permanent pot when the roots are 2 to 3 inches long.
- Take care to make the plant grow well and thrive for long.
Repotting a Philodendron Florida Ghost
Repotting is necessary if you notice the roots are coming out of the drainage holes. Repotting should be done every few years when the roots come out slipping the plant out of its pot.
Repotting a philodendron is not a very difficult task. Buy a new pot one size bigger than the current one. The pot should have enough holes to drain away excess water.
Terracotta pots are quite popular these days as they prevent root rot more efficiently by draining and drying out the excess water fast. Repotting should be done during summer or spring as it is the growing season of a philodendron Florida ghost.
Problems With a Philodendron Florida Ghost
Although a Florida ghost is a low-maintenance plant like all other varieties of philodendron, some common problems may come up while growing them.
Diseases and Pests
Even if proper care has been taken, your plant may be affected by pests and diseases. Houseplant pests like aphids, spider mites, scale, and mealy bugs can often be seen on your philodendron. Also, diseases caused by bacteria can make brown and yellow spots on the leaves which are called bacterial leaf spots.
To get rid of the pests and diseases you can cut off the affected part of the plant using a sterilized tool to prevent further spreading. If the damage is severe then, use insecticidal, antibacterial sprays, or fungicides. You can also use natural products like neem oil to get rid of pests and bacteria easily.
Yellowing of Leaves
Yellowing of leaves can be due to over-watering the plant or your Florida ghost is not getting enough bright light.
So, whenever you notice the leaves becoming yellow reduce watering your plant. Only water after checking the moisture level of the top 2 inches of the soil. Also, place your plant in a location where it can receive enough indirect bright light.
Leaves Becoming Brown
Lack of humidity can lead to the browning of leaves. So, if you are in a dry area then, make sure you use a humidifier to increase the moisture level around the philodendron ghost.
Take Away
A philodendron Florida ghost is a rare hybrid variety and thus, loved by most plant lovers. Its ghost-like leaves are quite uncommon and can make your house look more unique and beautiful.
Taking care of a Florida ghost is quite easy and treating the common problems can make the plant stay healthy and survive for years.
FAQs
Is philodendron ghost rare?
It is a rare plant with white colored leaves that looks like a small ghost. The leaves turn to lime green and lastly to dark green as the plant grows and matures. Unlike all other varieties of philodendron, a Florida ghost is also a low-maintenance plant.
Is Florida Ghost a climber?
Yes, a philodendron Florida ghost is a climber and thus, needs support to grow. Using a coco pole to provide proper support to the plant can be a good option.
Does a Florida ghost need a moss pole?
To make the plant stay healthy and grow fast use evenly moist soil and make sure it receives enough bright light and humidity. Yes, your plant will need the support of a moss pole or trellis to climb upwards as it grows.
