Would you like cute little ghosts flying around on a plant pot? The Philodendron Florida Ghost is a rare Aroid. It is a recently introduced hybrid of two other philodendrons. The multi-lobed leaves surprisingly unfurl in glossy white color. At this stage, these juvenile leave look nothing less like a tiny ghost floating on the red stems. The leaves show beautiful shades of yellow and green until they get the mature dark-green shade.
This climbing plant is perfect to make a pot to beautify any place in your home. Let us learn more about the low-maintenance, Florida Ghost Philodendron, along with its care and propagation.
Philodendron Florida Ghost Classification
Family: Araceae.
Genus: Philodendron.
Hybrid: Florida Ghost.
Genus Philodendron
This is the second-largest Aroid genus comprising of about 489 diverse flowering species (2015 Checklist of plants of selective families) Members of this genus belong to Central and Southern regions and rain forests of America. C. Plumier officially introduced this genus in the 16th century.
However, these Philos are known in folk art and medicine since ancient times. Extensive hybridization and crossing have been done on these species. Thus, a large number of new plants have diversified the original genus.
Philodendron Florida Ghost Parentage
It is a popular opinion that Philo Ghost is a hybrid between;
- Philodendron squamiferum.
- Philodendron pedatum.
However, this concept is not confirmed and there are still some confusions about it.
Features of The Philodendron Florida Ghost Plant
Height and Structure
- The height of an average plant ranges between 2 to 4 feet. It usually spreads around 2 feet. Howbeit, they can grow much taller if grown around a totem.
- Ghost Plant inherits the climbing trait from one of its parents.
Leaves and Flower
- Each mature leaf is around 5 to 12 cm in length.
- The leaves are multi-lobed with about 5 lobes. The upper lobe (away from the petiole) is usually the largest.
- These plants have typical Philo Flowers. The tiny flowers are covered with a large leaf, often confused as the main flower.
Air-Purification
Interestingly, it will purify the air around it. Just like the majority of other philodendrons, this plant has air-purifying properties.
Toxicity
Toxicity is the common trait of the P. Florida Ghost and all its siblings. They have high levels of calcium oxalate crystals in their bodies. Thus, keep your kids and pets away from all your Philodendron plants.
Philodendron Florida Ghost Care
Water Requirements
The water requirement of the plant is medium, just like typical Philodendrons. Just let the soil get dry between consecutive watering. You can make a preplanned schedule as well. Just water your Ghost Philo thrice in summer. While once a week will be enough in fall and winter.
Always avoid over-watering. As the water standing at the base may cause root rot.
Droopy leaves are a possible symptom of improper watering. See your schedule and adjust accordingly.
Sunlight Requirement
Bright indirect sunlight is ideal for the Florida Ghost Philodendron. You can place it indoors near a window, where the sun lights but doesn’t reach the plant directly. Importantly, exposure to direct sunlight may burn the foliage.
Yellowing of leaves is a part of development. However, if a large number of leaves are turning yellow, it may be a symptom of over-exposure to sunlight.
On the other hand, the leggy stem indicates a shortage of sunlight.
Soil Requirements
Philos usually need a well-drained substrate. Common all-purpose houseplant mix is a suitable choice.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature range is 50 to 95 °F(10 to 35 °C). These are not winter hardy. Thus, in winter, don’t forget to shift them to the warmer area especially in the cooler zones.
Humidity Requirement
They can adjust well with a range of humidity levels. Normal moisture level in your growth zone will be enough for the Florida Ghost Philodendron.
Fertilizer Requirement
Provide some extra nutrition on a monthly basis in spring and summer. For this, you can use any common houseplant fertilizer suitable for the aroids. Alternatively, winter cuts down the nutrition requirements of the plant. Thus, no fertilizer is required on colder days.
Pot Requirements
These climbers need support to grow around. Simply, take some pot with a totem and drainage holes to allow the water drainage.
Pruning Requirements
In spring and summer, you can remove a few leaves from the lower side of the plant. Prefer removing the week and unhealthy leaves. This will help to maintain the appearance and health of the plant.
Philodendron Florida Ghost Propagation
Common methods of propagation are;
- Air-layering.
- Herbaceous stem-cutting.
Air-layering is a comparatively tricky process and is commonly used for creating hybrids. Thus, it is more suitable for experienced growers.
Just take sharp gardening shears. Cut about 7 inches of stem from a healthy plant. Just plant them about 4 inches deep in a pot with moist soil or potting mix. Now, place the plant in a warm spot with indirect sunlight exposure.
Three to four weeks is the usual time for the start of development. Moreover, the tiny shoot will start developing after about 5weeks. Be ready to see the tiny ghost unfurling in your home.
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Summary
Philodendron Florida Ghost is a rare, evergreen, hybrid Philodendron. The multi-lobed leaves are white in their juvenile state. As they grow, the color changes beautifully into shades of yellow and finally turns green.
Philodendron Florida Ghost Care includes bright indirect sunlight, warm temperature, and frequent watering after the upper soil gets dry. The plant is a climber and its reddish stems grow beautifully around support. Importantly, keep your kids and pets away from this toxic houseplant.
