Philodendron Florida Ghost plant is a recently introduced hybrid of philodendrons. It is a hybrid between Philodendron Squamiferum and Philodendron Pedatum.
Philodendron is a broad genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. It has 489 species and is the second-largest member of the family Araceae, after the genus Anthurium.
The name comes from Greek, where the words “Philo” mean love or affection, while “dendron” means tree. The other translation is a tree hugger.
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The Philodendron Florida Ghost plant has shiny white leaves and changes hues to yellow-green. The mature plant has dark green leaves. It is a climber that needs strong support to reach its full optimal growth. The stems of this variety are much longer than other hybrids, and each leaf of the plant has many lobes.
Besides the stunning looks, this plant purifies the air. This attribute makes it a perfect house plant. We have compiled an in-depth guide to answer all your questions about the care. It will also help to troubleshoot your Philodendron Florida Ghost plants.
Contents
Philodendron Florida Ghost Soil RequirementPhilodendron Florida Ghost Plant Guide
Philodendron Florida Ghost plants appreciate a well-drained soil mixture. You can create your own or buy a ready-made bag. Keep in mind that the soil must drain water well but also allows the plant to soak water. Adding more organic matter to the soil can help you achieve this balance.
Peat moss is a perfect material to grow your Philodendron Florida Ghost plants.
You can use it without adding anything else to it. It has a coarse structure that allows good aeration. It also encourages drainage, which Philodendron Florida Ghost plants love.
You can also find a ready-made soil mix for Philodendrons in the market. It contains bark, charcoal, and peat. Note that this soil mix will also be a little more acidic than the neutral pH of the peat moss. Both will work, but some other factors also impact the growth of the plants.
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Philodendron Florida Ghost Light Requirement
Philodendron Florida Ghost grows best in the bright indirect sunlight. Direct light may cause scorching on the leaves besides other problems like withering of leaves. Place your Philodendron Florida Ghost close to a window that gets indirect light. This source will be enough to encourage photosynthesis and avoid direct sun rays.
If you are using grow lights, then place the plant at least five inches away from the light. The plant must be right under the light. Make sure that the Philodendron Florida Ghost receives a consistent amount of light during the day and night. It means twelve hours of light followed by twelve hours of darkness.
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Philodendron Florida Ghost Water Requirement
Philodendron Florida Ghost plants need moderate watering. Do not overwater it, and do not let it try. Weekly watering can bring that right balance. But always check Philodendron Florida Ghost plant soil. It may need water more frequently in a drier environment.
You can check it by sticking your finger into the soil. Allow the top two inches of the potting mix to dry before the next watering. If the soil remains dry for too long, it will kill the plant. On the other hand, wet soil with poor drainage can develop root rot in your Philodendron Florida Ghost plants.
If the soil is wet, then let it dry out a little before you water. In case it is dry, then you water it immediately. Remember, the Philodendron Florida Ghost plants will need water only thrice a month in the coldest months. Isn’t it great?
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Temperature
Philodendron Florida Ghost prefers a temperature between 65-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Since it is a hybrid of a tropical plant, it is sensitive to cold weather. Make sure the temperature around them is maintained during winters so that they thrive even in colder months. Do not place it close to the air conditioner or an open window during the cold season.
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Humidity
Philodendron Florida Ghost plant needs a moderately humid environment to thrive and survive. The surrounding needs to be highly humid, mimicking the natural tropical setting, for the best growing condition. Here are simple ideas to create that:
- Place the humidifier close to the plants.
- Spray your plants when you water them.
- Grow other plants close to the Philodendron Florida Ghost plant. It will create more humidity.
- Make a pebble tray for your Philodendron Florida Ghost plants. You can place pebbles in a tray and add some water to it.
Place your pots on top of the pebbles. The plants receive more moisture when the water from the tray evaporates. You can easily refill the tray when it dries out. Amazing, right?
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Fertilizer
Philodendron Florida Ghost plants love nitrogen-rich fertilizer. When you are picking fertilizer for your plants, make sure you get the one that has more nitrogen. Nitrogen helps plants grow larger, healthier leaves. It is a safe fertilizer for your plants for regular feeds. The best time to fertilize your plants is from spring to summer.
Remember, the plants should be watered well before feeding them with any fertilizer.
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Potting Philodendron Florida Ghost Plants
Philodendron Florida Ghost plants can grow up to five feet tall. The leaf can be as big as four inches in length. It depends on how the plant is grown.
Philodendron means tree hugger in Greek. Remember, the plants are climbers. As a potted plant, they will need some kind of supporting structure to hold on to. It will love to cling to a moss pole and grow stronger and look good as a houseplant.
The exotic-looking climber grows white-as-ghost leaves. The multi-lobed leaves change colors from white to yellow-green. Finally, take on the green hue when they mature.
The Philodendron Florida Ghost plants rarely produce flowers. You are lucky if your plants grow beautiful 12 inch long purple flowers. The plant is also a slow grower and will take its time to mature. Be patient!
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When Should I Repot My Plants?
Philodendron Florida Ghost plants will not need repotting before two or three years. When roots begin to come out from the drainage hole, it is a sign that the plant needs a pot. The new pot must be 2 inches bigger to allow the Philodendron Florida Ghost plant roots to spread and breathe.
The roots of the Philodendron Florida Ghost like to breathe. This condition means the soil must remain moist, not soggy. Now let us look at some propagation methods for your Philodendron Florida Ghost plants.
How to Propagate Philodendron Florida Ghost?
Philodendron Florida Ghost plants can be propagated by using the stem cutting or air layering method. Let us learn more about both of these methods.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
Spring is the time to propagate your Philodendron Florida Ghost plants. This season is the time when plants are growing and will root and adjust to a new location.
If you are a beginner, choose the stem cutting method to multiply your plants.
– Propagating Using Stem Cuttings
- Use sterilized pruning shears for getting the Philodendron Florida Ghost stem cuttings.
- You can easily clean your shears using isopropyl alcohol.
- Cut exactly above the leaf node, making sure it has two leaves attached to it.
- Take stem cuttings that are two to four inches big.
- Relax; the cut can be imperfect.
- Cure your cuttings to create a calloused end. To do this, allow the cutting to dry out for a week.
- Once the cutting is cured, you can begin potting your cuttings.
- Add peat moss to the pots with drainage holes.
- Make a hole in the peat moss using your hands. Gently place your stem cuttings into the soil, making sure the leaves are above the surface of the soil.
- Pack the soil around it.
- Water your cuttings and place them close to the mother plant. It will offer it the perfect growing conditions.
– Propagating Using Air Layering
Philodendron Florida Ghost also grows well using the air layering method. Follow this guide to grow new plants using this technique successfully.
- Use a sterilized knife to wound your plants.
- Cut into the stem of the plant. Make sure it doesn’t go all the way through but should reach the middle of the stem.
- The cut can be two inches deep and two inches long.
- Hold it open, and take a handful of wet peat moss to rub around the cut on the stem.
- Allow peat moss to fill the space between the cut and around it.
- Take a plastic wrap and roll it around the wound covered with peat moss.
- Use duct tape to hold the plastic wrap tightly around the stem.
- Wait for a few weeks until the roots begin to sprout from the wound.
- Once you can see the roots through the plastic wrap, cut the stem to separate your cutting.
- Remove the plastic wrap carefully.
- Plant it in a well-drained soil mix. The pot must have good drainage holes.
- Remember, the Philodendron Florida Ghost plants are slow growers, be patient, and you will see results soon.
Philodendron Florida Ghost Problems
Philodendron Florida Ghost plants may show signs of some illness or problems that you can resolve. The trick is to identify the problem timely and take action.
Here are some common problems of the Philodendron Florida Ghost plants.
– Fire Blight
This disease affects the Philodendron Florida Ghost plants. A bacteria called Erwinia amylovora that upon contact will plant spread. The fire blight can make the branches turn brownish or black. It can kill your plants if left untreated.
The best way to control the blight is to remove infected branches right away. If you do not do this as soon as it begins to invade your plants, then you might lose the entire plant very fast. Always use sterilized pruning shears for this. In case your plant is under attack by fire blight, then it’s time to reduce your nitrogen fertilizer as well.
– Mealybugs
Mealybugs also like to attack the Philodendron Florida Ghost plant. They like to feed on the sap of your plant. The sap is nutrient-rich and a source of hydration for your plants. Mealybugs multiply very fast and can soon leave the plant dull and weak.
Neem oil helps reduce the problem if applied at the beginning of the invasion. This organic remedy works in most cases.
– Aphids
Aphids can also multiply very fast and can leave the plant weak. Use insecticidal soap spray or a strong blast of water to wash away the bugs. This solution usually stops the problem. It is also a good idea to test the soap on a section of the plant first.
– Root Rot
Root rot happens because of overwatering. If the roots remain soaked in water for a longer time and the soil doesn’t drain well. It will cause the roots to rot, and the plant will die. The only solution in the worst cases is to take cuttings and restart.
To prevent the problem, make sure the pot has good drainage, and the soil is right.
Troubleshooting Philodendron Florida Ghost Plants
– My plant has yellow leaves. What is wrong with it?
Overwatering could be the reason behind the yellowing of the leaves of the Philodendron Florida Ghost plants. Overwatering can cause serious damage too. You can also examine the roots of your plant to ensure it doesn’t have root rot. Slow down on the pace of watering.
Make sure the top two inches of the soil are dry before watering Philodendron Florida Ghost plants.
– The leaves of my Philodendron Florida Ghost plants are turning brown
Brown leaves on a Florida Ghost Philodendron are a warning of low humidity. This plant can survive in moderate humidity but will prefer high moisture. High humidity produces the most robust Philodendron Florida ghost.
As we shared earlier, you can easily create highly humid conditions by using one of our ideas above.
– The Philodendron Florida Ghost plant is getting pale. What am I doing wrong?
Pale leaves are often a sign of a shortage of nutrition. Philodendron, Florida Ghosts plants, need a good supply of nitrogen-rich fertilizer. It also needs balanced watering and sunshine.
If your Philodendron Florida Ghost plant has pale leaves, it requires a feed of fertilizer. Consider fertilizing your plant at a more frequent interval.
Other Varieties of Philodendrons to Grow
Philodendrons offer many varieties that can be grown in containers as house plants. Here are our top picks if you want to bring in other varieties to go with your Philodendron Florida Ghost plant.
The Philodendron grazielae is a more unusual Philodendron species. It has petite heart-shaped foliage and looks quite stunning. Furthermore, the Philodendron hederaceum plant is a popular house plant.
The leaves vary from green to yellow shade. This characteristic is a delightful variety of Philodendrons to be grown indoors. This creeper has big leaves with silvery shine on them that resembles a stroke of paint.
The Prince of Orange variety gets the name from the big orange-tinted leaves, and these Philodendrons grow into huge plants. The other type with long leaves is the Philodendron moonlight. The yellow leaves are stunning and take on a deep green hue as they mature.
Philodendron Florida Ghost FAQ
– Are the Philodendron Florida Ghosts plants safe for children and pets?
No, Philodendron Florida ghost plants are highly toxic for both people and pets. The great quantity of calcium oxalate crystals in plants may cause swelling of pets’ tongues and shortness of breath.
– My plants have different colors of leaves. Should it concern me?
The leaves of Philodendron Florida Ghosts plants change colors. They can be white, yellowish-green, or green. This phenomenon is normal. You should be concerned if the plants are turning pale, yellow, or brown. Follow our troubleshooting guide above to resolve that problem.
– My Philodendron Florida Ghost plants have spots on the leaves. What is wrong with it?
The mysterious spots on your Philodendron Florida Ghost are “necrotic spots.” They are a sign of bacterial leaf spot, a disease caused by overwatering.
Use sharp, sterilized shears to clip off the infected sections of the plant before it spreads. Be sure to isolate this plant. A fungicide may not kill bacteria. A copper-based fungicide may prevent the bacteria from spreading any further.
We hope the guide above answered all your questions related to Philodendron Florida Ghost plans. And it gives you the confidence to grow your plants. Let’s quickly review what we learned today.
Conclusion
Philodendron Florida Ghost plant is a new tropical hybrid that grows well as an indoor plant. Besides being a stunning vine, it also helps purify the air. The leaves clear the toxins from the air and refresh the environment for us.
Here is what we learned about this beautiful plant:
- The stunning white new leaves resemble a ghost-like appearance.
- The names come from the cream or white color of the new leaves.
- The leaves later turn green as they mature.
- Philodendron Florida Ghost plants are a vine that likes to grow upwards.
- A support structure can allow the Philodendron Florida Ghost plants to grow strong and look pretty.
- Canes, bamboo sticks, moss poles, or any structure will be suitable.
- Philodendron Florida Ghost plants can grow up to five feet tall.
- The leaf can be as big as four inches in length.
- It rarely produces a 12 inch long purple flower.
- Philodendron Florida Ghost prefers a temperature between 65-95 degrees Fahrenheit.
- It also prefers high humidity but will thrive in moderate humidity too.
- The best location for your pots is near a window that gets indirect light.
- The Philodendron Florida Ghost likes to grow in indirect light.
- The light hours and dark hours should be the same for optimal growth.
- It can grow under a grow light.
- Philodendron Florida Ghost plants grow well in pots with good drainage holes.
- The potting mix must be coarse with organic matter.
- Peat moss makes an ideal potting soil Philodendron Florida Ghost.
- Store-bought soil mix can also help in growing the plants.
- The plant has its set of problems. Pests and diseases attack Philodendron Florida Ghost.
- Timely prevention can save the plants.
- Aphids, mealybugs, root-rot, fire blight, and bacterial attacks are the main problems for the plants.
- Yellowing or browning of the leaves can also state maintenance issues.
- Neem oil is an excellent organic preventive spray.
- A strong blow of water will wash away some pests.
- Severe pruning may save plants from some diseases.
- The right amount of light, moisture, nutrition, and proper drainage, can solve most of the problems of the Philodendron Florida Ghost plants.
- Humidifiers, pebble trays, or misters can be used to increase humidity for your Philodendron Florida Ghost plants.
- Repot your plants when the roots begin to show from the drainage holes
- Spring is the best time to change your pots.
- A regular feed of nitrogen-rich fertilizer can boost the growth of the plants.
- The Philodendron Florida Ghost plants can be propagated in spring.
- Use the air layering method if you are an expert or the stem cutting method if you are starting off.
- Take two to four-inch cuttings from the stem, making sure there are two leaves attached to it. Let the wound dry for a week—plant in well-drained soil.
- For air layering, cut a stem two inches deep and two inches in length. Do not cut it all the way through.
- Wrap moist peat moss around the cut and stem.
- Cover with plastic wrap and tie it.
- In a couple of weeks, roots will begin to grow.
- Cut the stem and plant in a well-drained potting mix after removing the plastic wrap.
- The Philodendron Florida Ghost plants are toxic.
- They may cause swelling of the tongue or shortness of breath in pets like cats and dogs.
- The toxicity may not be that harmful to grown-up people but can make the children sick.
- The Philodendron Florida Ghost plants are slow growers, be patient!
- Plant Philodendron Florida Ghost vines to experience the joy of gardening.
The plants may be slow growers, but it is worth waiting. The easy-to-grow Philodendron Florida Ghost plants will grow problem-free if you keep in view what it needs. We hope that this in-depth growing guide helped you. Follow the guide to grow your Philodendron Florida Ghost plants like a pro.
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