Growing and Caring for the Exotic Philodendron Florida Ghost

Growing and Caring for the Exotic Philodendron Florida Ghost 

Homiful.com -- This rare tropical plant stands out by its shiny, deeply lobed leaves on hairy red petioles that unroll ghostly white before darkening to a deep, attractive green. Variegated forms of this plant sometimes appear with green pattern against white on young leaves. Houseplant collectors refer to some examples whose juvenile leaves appear light green rather than white as Florida Ghost Mint.



Plant Overview

@juan.halaman

Common Name :  Philodendron Florida Ghost, Florida Ghost

 Botanical Name :   Philodendron squamiferum x pedatum 'Florida Ghost'

 Family :   Araceae

 Plant Type :   Perennial

 Mature Size :   2-5 ft. tall

Sun Exposure :   Bright, indirect light

 Soil Type :   Loose, well-drained soil

 Soil pH :   Acidic

 Native Area :   Central and South America 

 Toxicity :   Toxic to people and pets



Plant Care

@little_green_thumbs

It may be tough getting a philodendron Florida Ghost, but if you can, this interesting houseplant is quite easy to grow. As your plant grows, use a trellis or moss pole to provide the support it requires. Here are some tips:

- Light : Keep the plant in a place with plenty of bright, indirect light. However, stay out of direct sunshine, which can burn the leaves and injure the plant.

- Water : Soil must be moist but not soaked. Water when the top inch or two of soil has dried up, and maintain the plant in a pot with drainage holes at all times. Check drip trays after watering and drain any extra water so the plant does not remain in water, which can cause root rot.

- Temperature and Humidity : The ideal temperature range for philodendron Florida Ghost is 65 to 95 degrees. This plant can live at typical household humidity levels, however adding moisture with a humidifier near the plant can help it grow. 

- Fertilizer : Feed the plant a nitrogen-rich liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Always moisten before fertilizing, as fertilizer can injure plant leaves if applied to dry soil. Feed once a month during the growing season in the spring and summer, then stop feeding in the fall and winter.



Pruning

@tanah.leila

If your philodendron Florida Ghost is outgrowing its container or becoming leggy, give it a trim. Cut off extra foliage right above a node with a clean, sharp knife or pruners. When the plant is actively developing in the spring, it is ideal to trim it. 

You may also experiment with growing new plants from the sections you clip away. maintain in mind that you may remove dead or dying leaves at any moment to maintain your plant looking healthy.



Propagating

@tanah.leila

Propagation is best done in the spring, when the plant is actively developing. Stem cuttings can be used to propagate philodendron Florida Ghost in water or growth media. Here's how to do it.

- Cut a six-inch stem with numerous leaves directly below a node with sterilized pruners. Take off the bottom leaves.

- Place the cutting in a glass of water or a small pot filled with rooting material such as damp sphagnum moss or an equal blend of coconut coir and perlite. At least two nodes must be below the water or soil line.

- Maintain the cuttings in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light. If you use water, make sure to replace it on a regular basis to keep it from becoming hazy. Water the growth medium on a regular basis to keep it uniformly wet.

- Within a month or two, roots should begin to emerge from the nodes. When the roots are several inches long, put the cutting into standard potting soil and continue to care for it as usual. whether you're propagating in growth media, gently tug on the plant to see whether the roots have formed; if it stays in place, the roots have formed. Another indicator of effective roots is new leaf growth.



Potting and Repotting

@tanah.leila

Your philodendron Florida Ghost only has to be repotted every three years or so unless it is pot-bound, which means that roots are growing out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Use fresh soil and a pot that is only an inch or so wider in diameter than the old one for repotting.



Common Pests, Plant Diseases, and Problems

@tanah.leila

On your philodendron Florida Ghost, keep a watch out for typical houseplant pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale. If you see evidence of insects, apply neem oil or an organic insecticide spray to get rid of them. 

Bacterial leaf spot, which shows as black spots surrounded in yellow, and fire blight, which causes leaves to appear burnt and charred, are two diseases to keep an eye out for. Remove any afflicted plant portions and apply antibacterial sprays or fungicides to healthy-looking leaves.

Philodendron Florida Ghost is a low-maintenance plant, but keep an eye out for some frequent plant issues.

- Yellowing Leaves: Overwatering is a typical cause. 

- Browning Leaves: Can indicate that the air in your room is too dry. 

- Drooping Leaves: Something is wrong with your watering—either too little or too much.



Like this article? Don't forget to share and leave your thumbs up to keep support us. Stay tuned for more interesting articles from us in the future!

For those of you looking for a minimalist home design that ranges from simple to modern. Please leave your message and comments on Home Lovers on Facebook.


This article should be useful for those of you looking for design ideas and house plans.

Hopefully, you will find it easier to create your ideal home.

Don't forget to share it with your friends and family so that it can help others.


Author        : Rieka

Editor        : Munawaroh

Source        : Various sources


Homiful.com is a collection of minimalist home designs and floor plans ranging from simple to modern. There are also several home decorating tips and tricks in various themes. Our main theme is the design and layout of the house, as well as the inspiration for the living room, bedroom, family room, bathroom, house prayer room, house terrace, and child's bedroom.