Philodendron Florida – Plant Care Tips

Philodendron Florida Introduction

The Philodendron Pedatum ‘Florida’ is a magnificent houseplant, loved for its dramatic green lobed leaves, ease of care and fast growing, climbing nature. The distinctive leaves of this plant begin their lives as white and then mature into a dark green colour, creating a stunning array of colour contrasts on a single plant. The Philodendron Florida Green is a Philodendron variety that is simple to cultivate. When the leaf is fully developed, the lobes become more distinct, and the reddish hue of the stems becomes more noticeable. This particular Philodendron is a climbing variety, making it an excellent choice for a moss pole or totem.

Philodendron Florida Light

The Philodendron Florida can handle fairly low light condition but there is no better light for a Philodendron pedatum Florida plant than bright indirect light. Many issues arise when the plant is exposed to direct sunlight. This may be accomplished by exposing it to high temperatures, resulting in the leaves drying out or possibly scorching. There are a few options for producing just the correct amount of lighting. One simple solution is to position your Philodendron pedatum in a South-facing window. It will still get enough sunlight for photosynthesis to occur, but the sun’s rays aren’t striking it head-on.

If using artificial lighting it will do best by mimicking nature with a balance of daytime and night time. Expose the plant to light for a minimum of 12 hours a day and a full ‘night time’ darkness.

Philodendron Florida Watering

Philodendron pedatum florida needs water around once a week. It is a relatively hardy and forgiving plant but if the soil is too dry it will suffer and too much water can causes root rot, also known as wet feet. Before watering, the top two inches (50mm) of soil should be dry. Stick your finger in the earth until your knuckle strikes it. Wait at least a day to inspect the soggy soil and water the plant if it’s dry. In Winter, the cold will let water sit longer in the soil and the plant will not be actively growing so reduce watering.

During the winter when growth is slower, allow the top part of potting soil to dry out completely before watering. Yellow leaves indicate over-watering and brown leaves mean the plant needs more water.

Philodendron Micans Soil

Philodendrons Micans prefer a soil that drains quickly and provides good aeration to the roots. Avoid anything specifically formulated for a given type of plant such as acid-loving plants or succulents. To improve the drainage rate of the potting soil, you can also add extra perlite.

Philodendron Florida Humidity

Philodendron pedatum Florida is a Tropical plant but as far as indoor plants go it can handle dryer conditions quite well. In saying that, it will appreciate higher humidity and in 60–70% humidity it will really thrive. Your plant may require additional hydration if you reside in a dry environment.

For Philodendron Florida Ghost, the variegated variety, humidity is more important and will benefit from a humidifier or a pebble tray. To prepare a pebble tray take a tray and fill it with stones. When done, fill the tray with water. Water shouldn’t flow over stones. Now all you need to do is place your plant on top of the stones. Evaporating water provides plant moisture. Refill the empty tray with water.

Philodendron Florida Fertilizer

Nitrogen-rich fertilizer should be used for your Philodendron Florida plant. Nitrogen will guarantee that your plant’s leaves grow huge and that it sparkles with green health. It’s best to fertilise this plant more frequently and with a half diluted fertiliser. Before fertilising your Philodendron, ensure the soil is wet. Fertilising the plant while the soil is dry can damage the roots.

We recommend using our Plant Food available here. 

Philodendron Florida Vulnerability to Pests and Disease

Although Philodendron Florida has a high level of resistance to pests, it is still possible for it to be infested by common houseplant pests like mealybugs, spider mites, whitefly and scale. Neem oil can be effective in controlling pests.

Philodendron Florida Ghost can be a little more sensitive and can occassionally get Fire Blight caused by the Pathogen Erwinia amylovora. New growth and branches are generally attacked first where they will turn black or dark brown. Fire Blight can destroy plants so it’s best to treat immediately. There is no cure but quarantine the plant and remove all infected branches and leaves to prevent the diseases transmission. Monitor and hopefully by removing the troubled parts you can save the plant.

For more information on how to manage common plant pests, head to our blog here.

Philodendron Florida Toxicity

Crystals of calcium oxalate, which are harmful to both people and animals, are present in every region of the Philodendron Florida plant, just like they are in every other member of the Araceae family.

Philodendron pedatum — Philodendron Florida Types

The Phildondron Florida has a beautiful green leaf.

The Philodendron Florida Ghost has as the name suggests more of a ghostly appearance with a variegation ranging from pure white, to more of a washed out, faded minty look through to a few full green leaves. This is an in demand rare plant, with Tissue Culture attempts largely unsuccessful.

Philodendron Florida Ghost Mint will usually not have the strong white variegation but a very light mint green colouring.

The Philodendron Florida Beauty has a more conventional variegation for a Philodendron with marble splattered variegation with a yellow colouring. Again, this remains a rare in demand plant with Tissue Culture attempts largely failing to maintain variegation.

Philodendron pedatum — Philodendron Florida Design Tips

The Philodendron Florida is a climber so let her climb! Whether you provide a totem or something else for this beauty to climb, allow it to climb and get big! The stunning leaves are a showpiece so give them prominence with a fairly plain background, whether a white, pink or dark green wall or similar. This plant with its crazy leaves that project out from its main stem has a strong jungle vibe so feel free to embrace this wild nature and it will look great next to old weathered timber or ratan furniture.