Philodendrons are well-known house plants that can also grow outside in the garden in the right climate. The Philodendron Florida Ghost is an interesting plant that originates in tropical climates in North, Central, and South America. New hybrids have been developed that are hardier and tolerate cooler temperatures.
Philodendron Florida Ghosts are climbing plants with large multi-lobed leaves. Their name arises from the emerging new leaves that are white and slowly change color to become dark green as they mature. They require warm conditions and moderate amounts of water and are relatively easy to grow.
If you are intrigued by Philodendron Florida Ghost plants but uncertain of the care they need, do not despair. They are not challenging plants to care for if you follow a few basic rules.
Botanical And Common Names Of The Florida Ghost Plant
There is some contention about the correct botanical name for the Florida Ghost. Some people refer to it as a Philodendron pedatum. The Florida Ghost is believed to be a hybrid of Philodendron pedatum and Philodendron squamiferum, but there are also arguments about this.
The Florida Ghost has a very similar shape to the Philodendron pedatum and is often referred to as a pedatum.
The common name is Florida Ghost or Florida Ghost Mint. The name arises from the color of the new leaves.
What Does A Florida Ghost Look Like?
The Florida Ghost plant is a climbing plant with a thin reddish stem that winds around supports. The leaves of The Florida Ghost give the plant its name. They emerge from a red petiole and initially have a single lobe.
The new leaf is white, and as the plant matures, the color changes to cream, yellow, light green, and finally dark green. The single lobed leaf changes shape and develops additional lobes.
The central lobe is the largest and oval. The other lobes are smaller, giving the overall impression of a body with a head, arms, and legs. This impression, together with the color, makes the new leaves resemble floating ghosts and hence the name Florida Ghost.
The Florida Ghost Plant is between two to four feet tall and usually spreads to a width of about two feet. The leaves range in size from two to five inches (5 cm to 13 cm) and have five lobes.
How Much Light Does a Florida Ghost Plant Need?
The Florida Ghost prefers indirect bright light. The ideal placement is near a window out of the direct sunlight. Direct sunlight burns the leaves, turning them brown or yellow. If there is insufficient light, the stem will be leggy, and the plant will have only a few leaves.
What Is The Best Temperature For A Florida Ghost?
Florida Ghost plants prefer warm temperatures but have a range they can tolerate as the seasons change. The ideal temperature range is 50° to 90° F (10° to 35° C). They do not tolerate cold conditions and must be moved to a warmer spot in winter.
If your environmental temperatures fit in with the temperature range, the plants can be grown outside in filtered light.
How Much Water Does A Florida Ghost Plant Need?
The Florida Ghost plant has moderate water needs. It does not tolerate overwatering. The best approach is to water the plant and allow it to dry until the top 50% of the soil is dry. Once this occurs, the plant needs to be watered again.
Watering needs are higher in summer, and some gardeners advocate watering three times a week in summer. The humidity and evaporation rates will affect the time the soil takes to dry. Monitoring the moisture in the soil is a better approach.
During the dormant fall and winter months, you should water your Florida Ghost plant once a week or once every two weeks. Monitor your plant carefully and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Florida Ghost plants grow best with humidity levels of 60 to 70 %. You can increase humidity levels in the room by placing pebbles in a tray of water. Ensure the water does not overflow the pebbles. Place the plant on top of the pebbles.
What Soil Does The Florida Ghost Plant Prefer?
The Florida Ghost plant does not like waterlogged soil, so well-draining soil is essential. Potting soil should be mixed with vermiculite or perlite. Adding bark or peat moss can increase the aeration and improve drainage.
Florida Ghost plants prefer soil with high amounts of organic matter. They can even grow in a pure sphagnum peat moss medium.
Florida Ghost plants tolerate a wide range of soil pH. As long as the soil is between 5 and 8 on the pH scale, the plant should grow well.
Care Tips For Florida Ghost Plants
Regular feeding with nitrogen fertilizer produces a healthy plant with large glossy leaves.
The University of Connecticut advises gardeners to use half-strength nitrogen fertilizer as the plants are not growing in direct sunlight and consequently need less concentrated nitrogen.
It is better to apply half doses of fertilizer more often. Fertilizer should be supplied every three weeks in summer. Always ensure the soil is moist before fertilizing your Florida Ghost. Fertilizing on dry soil can damage the plant’s roots.
Florida Ghost plants are climbers and need a stake or solid structure to give the plant stability. Providing a stake will allow the plant to grow taller.
Common Issues In Philodendron Florida Ghost Plants
If the Florida Ghost plant is stressed and not thriving, consider the pot you are using. These plants have roots that grow down rather than spread sideways. The pots should be deep rather than wide. If the roots are emerging from the bottom of the pot, you need to repot it.
Yellowing in the leaves can be due to too much water. Allow the top layers of the soil to dry out before watering. The local climatic conditions affect the frequency of watering. If the environment is humid, there will be less water evaporation from the soil. You may need to water less often in this instance. If you have dry, hot summers, water more frequently.
A Florida Ghost plant with brown curling leaves is getting too much direct sunlight, and the leaves are burning. Move the plant away from the direct sun.
Repotting You Philodendron Florida Ghost
Repotting is best done in spring when the plant begins its active growing stage. Choose a pot bigger than your previous pot, remembering to ensure it is deep enough. One method of choosing a pot is to measure the height of the plant from the soil to the top leaf. Divide this number by three and choose a pot with this diameter.
Place the appropriate growing medium in the pot, ensuring there is ample organic matter and drainage. Add water to the pot until the soil is moist but not wet.
Remove the Florida Ghost from its old pot. Remove any roots that appear dead. If possible, try not to disturb the roots too much as this can stress the plant. Place the Florida Ghost plant in the new pot, cover the roots with soil and attach the stem to the new stake.
How To Propagate Philodendron Florida Ghost Plants?
Florida Ghosts can be propagated from cuttings. Make a two to three-inch cutting from the stem, being sure to include a leaf and a node. Place the cutting in a pot with a suitable growing soil medium. Cover the cutting with a clear plastic bag and water the soil. The cutting will grow roots and establish itself.
Conclusion
Philodendron Florida Ghosts are wonderful plants to grow inside or add to your garden. They are easy to grow if you ensure their basic needs are met.
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