Philodendron Variegated Florida Beauty

Philodendron 'Florida Green' (Philodendron squamiferum x pedatum) is a lush, vining tropical plant with an intriguing backstory—and some rare relatives. It's a cross between two species, Philodendron squamiferum and Philodendron pedatum, and this somewhat rare hybrid plant has the deeply lobed leaves of the former and the reddish petioles, or leaf stems, of the latter.

It's thought that philodendron 'Florida Green' was developed by botanist Robert McColley in Florida in the 1950s. McColley also developed two other hybrids from these philodendrons Florida Green is variegated with pale and dark green, and ultra-rare philodendron 'Florida Ghost', whose leaves are very light green when they unfurl but grow darker over time. Despite the fact that it's a somewhat rare philodendron 'Florida Green' is easy to grow if you provide it with the right conditions and care. Lots of bright, indirect light and humidity will help it grow more quickly. Use a sphagnum moss pole or trellis to support the vine as it grows taller.

Give your philodendron 'Florida Green' lots of bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is ideal. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves and harm the plant. Use a sheer curtain to filter stronger light from south-facing or west-facing windows.

Plant your philodendron 'Florida Green' in a rich, loose potting soil mix that drains quickly but retains moisture, such as two-thirds peat moss and one-third perlite with a few handfuls of orchid bark for aeration.

Keep the soil of your philodendron 'Florida Green' moist but not soggy. Water deeply when the top inch or so of soil begins to dry out, then allow it to drain well. Check drip trays and cache pots to ensure the plant never sits in water.

Feed your philodendron 'Florida Green' with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength once per month during the spring and summer growing season. Stop fertilizing in fall, but resume feeding in late winter the following year.