Philodendron Florida Ghost is one of the most sought-after houseplants, and with good reason. This rare tropical plant is known for its shiny, deeply lobed leaves on hairy red petioles that unfurl ghostly white before eventually darkening to a deep, attractive green. You'll sometimes see variegated versions of this plant, with green patterning against the white on immature leaves. Some specimens whose young leaves emerge pale green rather than white are referred to as Florida Ghost Mint by houseplant collectors.
Philodendron Florida Ghost is a relative of philodendron Florida Green, another hybrid of Philodendron squamiferum x pedatum. Both were developed by Florida botanist Robert McColley in the 1950s. Here's what you need to know to grow and care for philodendron Florida Ghost.
It might be difficult to get your hands on a philodendron Florida Ghost, but once you do, this fascinating houseplant is pretty easy to grow. Evenly moist soil, higher-than-average humidity, and lots of bright, indirect light will keep it healthy and growing its signature ghostly white leaves. As your plant grows, use a trellis or moss pole to give this climbing plant the support it needs.
Keep your philodendron Florida Ghost in a place with lots of bright, indirect light. Leaves will eventually fade to green as they mature, but lots of light will help your plant put out the creamy white young leaves this plant is known for. Some growers swear by grow light to ensure the leaves start out white. However, it's important to keep your plant out of direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves and harm your plant.
Plant philodendron Florida Ghost in a loose, rich potting mix. You want a mix that drains well but holds onto the moisture your plant needs to stay healthy. This can be a standard indoor potting mix with some perlite or orchid bark mixed in for drainage. You can also use a premade aroid mix if you don't want to make your own growing medium.
Your philodendron Florida Ghost requires soil that's moist but not soggy. Water your plant when the top inch or so has dried out and always keep your plant in a pot with drainage holes. Check drip trays after watering and pour off any excess so the plant isn't sitting in water, which can lead to root rot. When the plant goes dormant in winter, cut back on watering and monitor the soil moisture to avoid overwatering.
This tropical plant loves warmth and humidity. The ideal temperature for philodendron Florida Ghost is between 65 and 95 degrees. Temperatures below 50 degrees will harm your plant, so keep it away from cold, drafty windows in winter. This plant can survive at typical household humidity levels, but running a humidifier near the plant to add moisture can help it thrive. Shoot for around 70% relative humidity in your space if you're measuring the moisture in the air with a hygrometer.
Feed your plant with a nitrogen-rich liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Always water before fertilizing, as adding fertilizer to dry soil can harm your philodendron Florida Ghost's leaves. Feed once per month during the spring and summer growing season, then stop feeding in fall and winter. Resume fertilizing when the plant comes out of dormancy in spring.
