Philodendron Florida Ghost
A climbing hybrid whose new leaves open ghost-white, fade through mint to green over a few weeks, and are shaped like little multi-lobed hands. Needs bright light to stay pale, a pole to climb, and otherwise plain philodendron care.
Florida Ghost earns the name. Every new leaf unfurls almost pure white, holds that for a week or two, then fades through pale mint to a normal green. The leaves themselves are odd and lovely, cut into three to five lobes on long, red-flecked stems, so a plant with several leaves at different ages looks like a small crowd of pale hands.
It is a hybrid of two Brazilian climbers and behaves like one: give it a pole and bright, filtered light and it climbs steadily. In lower light the ghost phase shortens or vanishes and the leaves open green, which is the usual complaint.
Light
This is the one thing that matters. The white phase needs bright, indirect light, more than most philodendrons. Right beside an east window, or a foot or two back from a south or west one with a sheer curtain, is ideal. In medium light it survives fine but the leaves open green. Direct sun scorches the white leaves quickly, since they have little chlorophyll to protect them.
Water
Water when the top two inches are dry, roughly weekly in summer and every twelve days in winter. It prefers to dry slightly between waterings and rots in soggy soil. If it is on a moss pole, keep the pole damp; the aerial roots drink from it.
Soil and potting
A very airy aroid mix: potting mix cut with a third each of orchid bark and perlite, or a bark-based mix. Repot every eighteen months and give it a taller pole each time. It climbs by aerial roots and the leaves enlarge as it goes up.
Feeding
Half-strength balanced feed every four weeks in the growing season. It grows more slowly than plain green philodendrons and does not need more than that.
Propagation
Stem cuttings with a node, rooted in damp sphagnum or perlite rather than water, which it tolerates less well. Roots in three to five weeks. Cuttings are slow to settle; be patient.
In a hot, dry home
Doable, with attention. It wants forty-five percent humidity to keep the white leaves from crisping at the edges, so group it with other plants or run a humidifier in summer. The bright, filtered light of a desert home is actually an advantage for the ghost phase. Keep it well away from vents and water a little sooner in the hottest weeks.
Philodendron Florida Ghost varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Florida Green
The same lobed leaf without the white phase; new leaves open light green. Cheaper and faster.
- Florida Beauty
Cream and yellow variegation splashed across the lobed leaves. Rare and slow; needs bright light.
- Florida Bronze
New leaves open a coppery bronze instead of white.
Problems and fixes
New leaves open green, no ghost phase
Likely cause: Not enough light
Fix: Move it much closer to a bright window; the next leaves will show it.
White leaves browning at the edges
Likely cause: Dry air or direct sun
Fix: Raise humidity, pull it back from the glass.
Slow, small leaves
Likely cause: No support, or cold
Fix: Add a moss pole and keep it above sixty degrees.
Yellow lower leaves
Likely cause: Overwatering
Fix: Let the mix dry more between waterings.
Philodendron Florida Ghost questions
How long do the leaves stay white?
One to three weeks, depending on light. Brighter light means whiter leaves that stay white longer.
Is Florida Ghost hard to grow?
Not really. It is a normal philodendron that happens to need more light than most. Give it that and it is straightforward.
Is Florida Ghost pet safe?
No. Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Philodendron Silver Sword
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Water
- Weekly
- Pets
- Toxic
Philodendron Pink Princess
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Weekly
- Pets
- Toxic
