The Florida Ghost Philodendron just isn’t your typical houseplant. These pale, nearly translucent new leaves that slowly flip inexperienced are a sight to behold.
The variegated sorts occur to be my favourite.
These uncommon crops had been developed by Florida botanist Robert McColley within the Fifties (that’s a very long time in the past). As such, you’d anticipate them to be in each family, however you’d be flawed. Florida ghost philodendrons are tough to return by.
They’ve since develop into favorites amongst plant collectors and plant fans worldwide.
The excellent news is that they’re straightforward to propagate, plant, and take care of indoors. And in at this time’s, we’ll talk about all about it.
Let’s begin with some background info.
About Florida Ghost Philodendron
The Florida Ghost (Philodendron pedatum
‘Florida Ghost’) is a hybrid that’s believed to have originated from crossing Philodendron squamiferum and Philodendron pedatum.
What makes it so particular is its ghostly white new leaves, which progressively fade to lime inexperienced and ultimately flip deep inexperienced as they mature.
It’s a climber, which means it likes to seize onto a moss pole or trellis because it grows. In its pure habitat or in a wonderfully humid indoor nook, it will probably develop fairly giant, with dramatic, uniquely lobed leaves that look nearly sculptural.
Though it might seem unique and high-maintenance, the Florida Ghost is surprisingly forgiving when grown in containers.
You simply have to get just a few key issues proper.
Straightforward Suggestions for Rising Florida Ghost in Containers
Supply: Reddit
Earlier than we dive into the nitty-gritty, right here’s the fast model: this plant loves vibrant, oblique mild, ethereal soil, and constant humidity. Hold it heat, water when the highest inch of soil feels dry, and feed it sometimes.
That’s the gist. However let’s unpack {that a} bit.
Necessities
Potting Combine
The Florida Ghost loves a chunky, well-draining combine. Consider what an aroid (which it’s) would get pleasure from within the wild: plenty of natural matter and air pockets.
An important potting combine recipe is:
1 half orchid bark1 half perlite1 half peat moss or coco coirA handful of charcoal (non-compulsory, however helps with aeration and odor management)
You may also add some worm castings or compost for slow-release vitamins. The objective is to maintain the roots moist however by no means soggy. This plant hates moist toes.
Containers
Use a pot with drainage holes, non-negotiable. Terracotta pots work nicely as a result of they let extra moisture evaporate, however plastic or ceramic is ok so long as drainage is sweet.
As a result of it’s a climbing plant, give it assist early. A moss pole or bamboo stake will assist it develop upright and develop these signature mature leaves.
Location (Gentle, Temperature, Humidity)
Florida Ghosts love vibrant, oblique mild. Too little mild, and the leaves flip darkish inexperienced too shortly. An excessive amount of, and also you’ll get crispy edges. A spot close to an east or north-facing window is ideal.
Temperature-wise, preserve it between 65°F and 85°F (18°C–29°C). They hate chilly drafts, so preserve them away from home windows in winter or air conditioners in summer time.
Humidity is one other massive one. These crops thrive in 60%+ humidity. If your property is dry, a humidifier or pebble tray will help. Even grouping crops can increase humidity a bit.
Propagation and Planting
Propagating a Florida Ghost isn’t difficult. Stem cuttings are your greatest wager. Decide a wholesome vine with no less than one node and an aerial root. You should purchase a mom plant from Pandy’s Backyard Middle (featured picture) – not paid to advocate them.
Minimize slightly below the node.Let the slicing callous for just a few hours.Place it in water or immediately into moist potting combine.Hold it heat and humid, and roots ought to type in just a few weeks.
As soon as the roots are about two inches lengthy, switch the slicing to a pot. Hold it flippantly moist whereas it settles in.
Care Suggestions
Watering
That is the place most individuals go flawed.
The Florida Ghost doesn’t like being too dry or too moist. Examine the highest inch of soil earlier than watering. If it’s dry, give it a drink till water drains out the underside.
In winter, water much less typically for the reason that plant grows extra slowly. I’ve discovered that utilizing filtered or rainwater helps stop these annoying leaf spots brought on by arduous faucet water.
Fertilizer Utility
Feed month-to-month throughout spring and summer time with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half energy. Throughout fall and winter, decelerate or cease feeding altogether.
For those who choose organics, worm castings, or liquid seaweed work nice. Simply don’t overdo it. An excessive amount of fertilizer can burn the roots and boring these beautiful leaf colours.
Pests and Ailments Administration (IPM)
Spider mites and mealybugs sometimes present up, particularly in dry air. Wiping the leaves with a moist fabric and spraying neem oil each few weeks helps preserve them away.
Good airflow is essential.
Stagnant air and overwatering are recipes for fungal points like root rot. In case your leaves begin yellowing or drooping, examine the roots and let the soil dry out.
Mulching
In pots, mulching might sound odd, nevertheless it helps retain moisture and retains the topsoil from drying out too quick.
Use tremendous bark chips or sphagnum moss; it additionally seems to be neat and ornamental.
Overwintering
For those who dwell someplace chilly, convey your Florida Ghost indoors earlier than temperatures drop beneath 55°F (13°C).
Hold it away from heating vents, which might dry the air. You may also mist the plant sometimes to counteract low humidity.
Repotting
Repot each 1–2 years, or whenever you see roots circling the underside.
Transfer up only one pot measurement at a time. Repotting can also be the proper alternative to refresh the soil combine and provides the plant a brand new moss pole if wanted.
Pruning
Trim any leggy or broken progress to encourage new shoots. Don’t be scared to chop again. Florida ghost responds nicely to pruning.
Plus, you need to use the cuttings for propagation to get extra crops to share as presents.
For those who’re excited by studying about different uncommon and unique philodendrons, listed below are my prime suggestions:
Conclusion
The Florida Ghost Philodendron could look problematic and demanding, nevertheless it’s not when you perceive what it wants.
To recap, simply give it good mild, humidity, and the appropriate potting combine, and it’ll reward you with gorgeous, ever-changing foliage that brightens any house.
In addition to, rising it in a pot makes it straightforward to handle, and watching these ghostly leaves flip inexperienced by no means will get outdated. I hope you’ve loved this text.
Thanks for dropping by.
