Philodendron Florida Ghost Care

The Philodendron Florida Ghost is a leafy houseplant that has unique foliage. The glossy leaves are deeply lobed, giving this plant a distinctive look, unlike most Philodendrons. This hard-to-find plant is favored by Philodendon collectors, rare plant collectors, and anyone interested in the unique foliage. Here is what you need to know about Philodendron Florida Ghost care.

Friendly Ghost

The interesting color-changing foliage and a closely related plant inspired the quirky name, Philodendron Florida Ghost. New leaves are white upon unfurling and gradually transition to dark green with age. Sometimes the white leaves will have green variegation before becoming engulfed in green. A cultivar known as Philodendron Florida Mint starts out a pale, light green before transitioning to deep green.

The leaves are supported by red stems with tiny, hair-like bumps. The Florida Ghost is a vining plant plant. New leaves emerge from the stem of the previous leaf, creating a full, reaching appearance. Mature plants can reach several feet. Philodendron Florida Ghost care is similar to most other Philodendrons.

Family Legacy

Botanist Robert McColley created the Philodendron Florida Ghost. McColley was also behind the related hybrids Philodendron Florida Green and Philodendron Florida Beauty. If you’re into Philodendrons, this name may sound familiar because he is also the namesake of the Philodendron McColley’s Finale.

Philodendron Florida Ghost Light Needs

Bright, indirect sunlight is vital for Philodendron Florida Ghost care. This plant is all about foliage, and sunny conditions help this Philodendron push out lots of ghostly leaves. The leaves will eventually turn green no matter what you do, but providing excellent care keeps the leaves coming in, so you can enjoy the white foliage. Keep this beauty away from direct light, which will burn the striking leaves.

How Often to Water Philodendron Florida Ghost

The Philodendron Florida Ghost has high water needs, so water when the top couple of inches of soil is dry. This ghoulish plant does not like to be wet but doesn’t like to be dry. Feeling the soil is the most dependable way to determine when this Philodendron needs a drink. Dormant plants have lower water needs, so scale back watering during the winter.

Best Soil for Florida Ghost

Loose potting mix is best for the Philodendron Florida Ghost. The soil should be moist but well-drained because overly wet conditions lead to root rot. An acidic potting mix will support growth. Most available potting mixes are good, but add perlite or sand to improve drainage.

Temperature for Philodendron Florida Ghost

Warm temperatures are a must for the Florida Ghost. Anything between 65° to 95° F will keep this plant happy and thriving. Temperature fluctuations are trouble, so keep the Florida Ghost away from heating or cooling vents, drafty windows, and exterior doors.

Florida Ghost Humidity Needs

As a tropical plant with Florida in the name, it should be no surprise that this leafy houseplant thrives in humidity. The Philodendron Florida Ghost can tolerate average humidity but won’t like it. Increased humidity, ideally around 70%, is what this beauty needs to thrive. The ideal spot will have naturally high humidity, or you can make any spot a good home by increasing the dampness in the air.

Philodendron Florida Ghost Fertilizer

Fertilize the Philodendron Florida Ghost monthly during the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. Since this plant is all about foliage, use a fertilizer high in nitrogen. A plant food with a ratio of 11-3-8 is a good choice.

Pruning the Florida Ghost

The Florida Ghost does not often need much pruning, but removing leggy growth can jump-start new growth and keep the plant looking its best. Trim overgrowth in the spring, at the start of the growing season. Dead growth can be removed at any time.

Does Philodendron Florida Ghost Bloom?

Technically, the Philodendron Florida Ghost does bloom, but it is exceedingly rare for houseplants to set flowers. Like most Philodendrons, this plant only blooms under very exacting conditions that often only happen in nature or a controlled greenhouse environment.

When to Repot Philodendron Florida Ghost

The Florida Ghost is content to hang around in the same pot for several years, so don’t be in a rush to repot. You’ll know your plant needs to be repotted when roots poke through the holes in the pot or if growth slows down.

Philodendron Florida Ghost Propagation

Propagating a rare plant is often the only way to get more. If you want to create a more dense-looking planting, feature the plant throughout a space, or gift the plant, then propagation is the answer.

It’s best to propagate the Philodendron in the spring as the plant is gearing up for the growing season. The mother will quickly recover, and the cutting is more apt to take. Propagate Philodendron Florida Ghost by removing a stem section with a couple of leaves, growth nodes, or aerial roots. Remove lower leaves and place the cut end in water or well-draining soil. The nodes should be covered by the water or potting mix.

Stem cuttings are more likely to root when they receive ideal Philodendron Florida Ghost care. Place the cutting in a warm, humid location with bright, indirect sunlight. Give water-propagated cuttings fresh water weekly, and keep the potting mix consistently damp for soil-propagated cuttings. Roots should emerge in one to two months.

Is Philodendron Florida Ghost Pet Safe?

The Philodendron Florida Ghost is not pet-friendly. This plant contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic. Eating any part of the Florida Ghost will harm cats, dogs, and even children.

Philodendron Florida Ghost Styling Tips

This leafy plant has spectacular, eye-catching foliage, so pair it with a subdued container that will not distract from the white and green leaves. The Florida Ghost has a vining growth habit, but give it a trellis or support to keep the foliage upright so the leaves are on full display. Mature plants can grow several feet tall, so feature this stunner as a floor plant or give it a stand to be a focal point.