Philodendron Florida Ghost
Philodendron Florida Ghost
Philodendron 'Florida Ghost'
❦ ❧ ❦
Difficulty — Advanced CollectorThe most spectral and sought-after of the Florida clan, the Ghost unfurls new leaves in a ghostly pale, near-white green that slowly deepens to a rich emerald as they harden. To watch a new leaf emerge phantom-white is one of the great theatrical pleasures of the hobby. She is a coveted collector's plant, and asks a steadier hand than her green sibling.
Notes on Cultivation
☀Light
Bright, indirect light is essential — and rather a lot of it. Her pale new leaves carry little chlorophyll, so she leans heavily on good light to fuel them; in gloom she sulks and her ghostly emergence falters.
❦Water
Water when the top inch or two dries, keeping her evenly moist but never wet. Her paler tissue is more susceptible to rot, so err toward caution and ensure she drains freely.
☁Humidity
She craves humidity of 60 percent or higher, particularly as new leaves emerge. Dry air browns her tender pale growth, so a humidifier is, for her, very nearly essential.
✵Temperature
Keep her warm and steady, 65 to 85 Fahrenheit, never below 55. She resents cold and any sudden swing in her conditions.
❧Soil
A chunky, airy aroid mix of bark, perlite, and coir is essential for her climbing roots. Dense soil that holds water will be the end of her.
❀Fertilizing
Feed every four to six weeks in the growing season with a balanced fertiliser. Steady nutrition helps her pale new leaves transition and harden well.
✿Propagation
Propagate from stem cuttings with a node and, ideally, an aerial root. Keep cuttings warm and humid in sphagnum or a light mix; she is slower and more demanding to establish than the green Florida.
Field Observations
The drama is in the emergence: leaves appear ghostly white, then green up over weeks. A plant kept too dim will produce weaker, less striking white growth, so light is the whole secret to her show.
She is a true collector's plant — slower, pricier, and fussier than her green sibling. Give her warmth, humidity, and bright light without compromise, and she will reward you handsomely.
— faithfully recorded by Mr. Phileas Plant
