Philodendron Florida Green Care

It’s much more challenging to track down a Philodendron Florida Green than it is to care for one. The Florida Green is a somewhat rare houseplant with a uniquely tropical look. This houseplant is also connected to several other well-loved and hard-to-find Philodendrons. Here’s the backstory and care requirements for the Philodendron Florida Green.

Green Machine

The narrow and deeply lobed foliage of the Florida Green is unmistakable. The green leaves stand out against the red petioles or stems. The Florida Green is a cross that goes by the botanical name Philodendron squamiferum x pedatum. The person responsible for this cross is Robert McColley, the same botanist behind the Philodendron Florida Ghost and Philodendron Florida Beauty.

Mature plants can grow up to eight feet tall. Growing a plant of this size requires serious dedication, attention to care, and space. The Florida Green is a fast-growing plant under the proper conditions and is generally adaptable.

Philodendron Florida Green Light Needs

Remind the Florida Green of its namesake with plenty of bright, indirect light. Sunlight is vital for this plant to reach its full potential. Avoid direct light because it will burn the leaves. Rotate the pot every few weeks or at least once per month to prevent the plant from leaning towards the light source. Pale foliage is a sign of too little or too much sunlight. Routinely inspect the plant to ensure everything is going well.

How Often to Water Philodendron Florida Green

Water the Philodendron Florida Green when the top one to two inches of the soil are dry. Sticking your finger in the soil is the easiest way to determine the dryness. This plant likes moisture but does not like wet or soggy conditions or prolonged wet conditions. Empty standing water from the cover pot or saucer so water is not reabsorbed into the soil, which can cause root rot.

Best Soil for the Florida Green

Use a rich, loose, well-drained potting mix for the Philodendron Florida Green. Drainage is essential because it protects the roots. Amend a general potting mix with perlite or sand to create a suitable mix.

Best Temperature for the Florida Green

Average household temperatures work well for the Florida Green. Anything between 65° and 85° F is comfortable and will support growth. Keep the plant away from drafts, like near windows and exterior doors, and avoid placing the Florida Green near air conditioning or heating vents.

Some plant owners choose to keep their rare plants inside year-round to avoid any risk of damage from the elements or pests, but if you relocate your Florida Green outside for the summer, be aware of the temperature. Anything below 55° F is damaging, so choose a spot that doesn’t receive direct sunlight and get this stunner inside before the temperature turns chilly.

Philodendron Florida Green Humidity Needs

Above-average humidity is necessary to keep the leaves of the Philodendron Florida Green looking healthy and lush. Humidity at or above 60% is ideal. Leaves will curl or form dry spots along the edges when the air is too dry.

Give the plant a boost in humidity by placing it in a naturally damp room, like a kitchen or bathroom. Clustering several plants nearby or using a pebble tray with water are other options to increase the humidity. When all else fails, bring in a humidifier.

Philodendron Fertilizer Tips

Fertilizer helps plants grow by ensuring they receive a balanced diet of necessary minerals. Fed the Philodendron Florida Green using a balanced fertilizer applied monthly during the growing season. Dormant plants don’t need to be fed, so take a break from fertilizing during the fall and winter.

Does Florida Green Bloom?

Philodendrons bloom, but the flowers are not showy, so you’re not missing out on anything. Also, the conditions need to be just right for this plant to bloom, so it’s rare for houseplants to flower.

Philodendron Pruning Tips

Trim dead or damaged growth to keep this beauty looking its best. The Florida Green is a fast grower and can overtake a space when it receives proper Philodendron care, so you may need to trim the plant to help it fit within your home. Prune during the growing season and hold on to those cuttings to propagate.

When to Repot Florida Green

Despite being a fast grower, the Philodendron Florida Green typically only needs an upgrade every two to three years. Plants that have had a particularly busy growing season may need a larger pot sooner. Philodendrons can handle being slightly rootbound, but they don’t like it, so repot as soon as you see signs that the plant is too big for its current container.

Philodendron Florida Green Propagation

Propagating is a fun and easy way to expand your plant collection, and when it comes to a rare plant like the Florida Green, it may be your only option to grow your collection. The Philodendron Florida Green can easily be propagated by stem cuttings rooted in water.

Each cutting must have a couple of leaves and nodes or aerial roots. Place the cut end, including the nodes, locate it in water in a sunny spot, and wait. Roots will emerge in a few weeks, and the cutting can be transplanted into a container with drainage, filled with suitable potting mix when the roots are at least a couple of inches long.

Is the Philodendron Florida Green Pet Safe?

The only drawback of the Philodendron Florida Green is that it is not safe to have around pets. Philodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic if ingested by pets, and humans for that matter. Eating any part of a Philodendron can cause swelling and irritation to the mouth, tongue, and throat, as well as vomiting and diarrhea.

Florida Green Styling Tips

Give the Philodendron Florida Green a trellis or moss pole, and let this beauty climb. Most plants available in stores are small, but with proper care, your plant will be big fast, so have a support handy. You may need to gently secure the vines to the pole or trellis to start, but the vines will grab on with time.