Philodendron Florida Ghost – The Most Comprehensive Guide
Do you have a Philodendron Florida Ghost and have no idea how to care for it?
Fret not, as we will share the most comprehensive guide to owning and buying one. For all the newbies who do not know what Philodendron Florida Ghost is or fear killing it, we have got you covered as well.
Philodendron Florida Ghost is an evergreen hybrid and a climbing plant.
Being evergreen means that it grows well all year round but it is not seasonal in terms of growth and care required. This means it is quite an easy plant for beginners to start their gardening journey with.
Here Is What We Will Be Covering in This Article:
- What is Philodendron Florida Ghost?
- How do you identify a Philodendron Florida Ghost?
- How do you care for a Philodendron Florida Ghost?
- Philodendron Florida Ghost Propagation Steps
- Best places to buy Philodendron Florida Ghost plants and seeds
- Benefits of Philodendron Florida Ghost
- Common Problems with Philodendron Florida Ghost
- How to save an unhappy Philodendron Florida Ghost
- What is Florida Ghost Mint?
So grab a cup of tea and your best reading glasses, because we are going on an educational, botanical journey.
DISCLAIMER
Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.
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What Is a Philodendron Florida Ghost?
The Philodendron Florida Ghost is native to South America.
It is important to note, it grows slowly. Each leaf within the plant has a unique shape, size, and colour. In its infancy, the leaves are white, hence it is called Philodendron White Ghost.
It will slowly turn yellow to green as it matures.
The surrounding temperature will affect the colour of the leaves. If it is cooler, the leaves will be more white. If the plant is overwatered, the leaves will turn yellow.
However, if it is not watered enough, the leaves will turn brown.
It is commonly found indoors because it has strong air-purifying characteristics. The Philodendron Florida Ghost comes from the Araceae Family. This is a Subfamily of Aroideae. Its Genus is Philodendron.
A plant Family is a way of grouping plants that share similar characteristics.
A Genus refers to a group of related plants. However, the similarity between plants that share the same genus may not be obvious. These are just terms of classifications.
The name Philodendron means tree-loving in Greek. This usually means that the plant will hug trees to grow. As such, it is a vine climber. Hence, you need a bamboo pole to be placed where the plant is growing so that it can grow to its maximum size. The bamboo pole will serve as support because Philodendron Florida Ghost is a tree-hugger. Get your bamboo pole here.
How Do You Identify a Philodendron Florida Ghost?
The Philodendron Florida Ghost has stems that are very long. Their leaves all have unique shapes. Each leaf will have a few lobes.
Lobes refer to the portion of the leaf margin that is partially rounded.
It can grow up to a height of several feet if given the right care and conditions to grow. Since it is a climber plant, as long as good climbing support is given, you can expect it to look quite tall if it is thriving.
How Do You Care for a Philodendron Florida Ghost?
- Soil
The Florida Ghost Philodendron requires well-draining soil to grow well.
Well-draining soil can drain excess water fully. This soil needs to be high in organic matter. It must have a pH level that is between 5 to 8. Get the best all-purpose potting mix that has some compost here.
The Florida Ghost can also grow in Sphagnum Peat Moss. Sphagnum Peat Moss is an easy alternative for soil. It is dead plant matter that has decayed and settled at the bottom of Sphagnum bogs. Sphagnum Peat Moss works well because it is coarse and easily aerated.
The coarseness will help it retain water as long as needed. While the aeration will help the extra water to drain away. This is exactly the condition required for Philodendron Ghost to grow well.
Get your Sphagnum Peat Moss here.
- Light
Philodendron Florida Ghost grows well in bright but indirect sunlight. That means you can place it where there is light coming through, but not in the direct trail of the sunlight.
This way, it still gets enough light to do photosynthesis but not wither away and burn the foliage. Photosynthesis is the process where plants make food and oxygen by using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
Reminder: Now do you know why it is wrong to cut down trees? We are depleting our oxygen supply and creating more carbon dioxide which heats the planet.
If you are using artificial lights, then you should not place the plant directly under the bulb. You can put it a few cm or inches away from the bulb depending on the size of your tank.
Please take note that this plant needs to experience day and night equally. Hence, if you are using artificial light, do set a timer so that it can be switched off after 12 hours.
You may get your indoor plant light here.
Luckily, there are ways for you to study if your plant is getting either too little or too much sunlight. If too many leaves become yellow suddenly, it means there is too much sunlight.
On the other hand, if your stems are looking ‘leggy’, it means there is not enough sunlight reaching the plant. Leggy stems mean that the roots are growing longer than usual without any leaves. It also means that the stems are trying to reach out for the sun.
This is a problem because if it continues to become leggy, the plant may slowly bend over as it cannot support the weight of the plant. This will eventually kill the plant.
- Water
Philodendron Florida Ghost can be watered regularly. It requires a lot of moisture to prosper. However, like all plants, you need to water it in moderation. Too much or too little water will kill it.
There is a technique you can learn when knowing how much and when to water it. Firstly, place your fingers inside the soil up to the first 2 inches. If you find that it is dry, please go ahead to water your plant.
If it is wet or very damp, then skip the watering that day. Take note that an overwatered Philodendron Florida Ghost will suffer from root rot, which is also known as wet feet.
Root rot is a disease that can kill your plant.
If you find that you have overwatered your Philodendron Florida Ghost and it is still alive, there is a way to save it. The best method is to re-pot your plant and remove any dead roots before you replant it into a bigger pot.
Do make sure that you get soil that can drain water better to prevent this root rot from happening again. Additionally, please be mindful about how much you water it.
- Temperature
The Philodendron Florida Ghost grows well in temperatures between 10°C (50°F) to 35°C (95°F). This would be the range of regular room temperatures.
During the colder months, please move them away from the open windows. Avoid placing them near air conditioners as well.
- Humidity
The Philodendron Florida Ghost prospers in a warm and humid environment. The best of them grow in jungles where it is extremely humid.
If you do not live in a humid environment, fret not, as you can always create some humidity around your plant.
It is an easy process known as creating a pebble tray. You may take a tray and place some pebbles on it. After that, pour some water inside but be careful to not let the water overflow.
Then you can rest your plant pot on the tray of pebbles. The water from the pebbles will slowly evaporate, and create moisture around your plant. When all the water is evaporated, just add some more water to repeat the process.
If you are not confident about the process, you may watch the video here.
Getting yourself a humidifier can instantly give back moisture into the dry air, just the perfect environment for your plant to thrive in.
- Fertilizer
It is recommended that you use common houseplant fertilizer on your Philodendron Florida Ghost just once a month during the warmer months. For winter, you can switch the frequency of adding fresh fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks instead.
If you notice that your plant is growing slower than usual or has smaller leaves than usual, it probably needs additional fertilizing. The recommended fertilizer to purchase would be rich in nitrogen.
Get your nitrogen-rich fertilizer here.
Do remember that you must add fertilizer only when your soil is moist. If not, your plant will suffer from root rot. Additionally, the moisture will help to distribute the nutrients more evenly.
Furthermore, your Philodendron Florida Ghost will not need as much fertilizer if it is growing in a low-light condition, compared to one that is growing in a bright environment.
- Growth
The Philodendron Florida Ghost can grow between 2 to 5 feet in height. It needs a space of about 2 feet to spread out, which is roughly the length of an elbow.
We shared above that the Philodendron Florida Ghost is a Vine climber. It can only grow well if you provide it with the required stability that comes by attaching it to a bamboo pole.
Do take note that the Philodendron Florida Ghost cannot be placed in a crowded environment surrounded by other plants. It will not grow well then.
- Potting
The Philodendron Florida Ghost needs a pot that can drain the water well. We shared above that the soil required must be well-draining. The same goes for the pot. If the pot has no holes at the bottom for water to drain, the plant will die.
Get your ideal pot here.
As the Philodendron Florida Ghost grows slowly, you can ideally repot it every 2 to 3 years for healthy plants.
However, if you see the roots poking out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, then it is a sign that you need to re-pot your plant. That means that there is no more space in the pot for your roots to grow. Hence you will need to re-pot your Philodendron Florida Ghost then.
- Pruning
Luckily for you, the Philodendron Florida Ghost Plant is quite easy to care for in terms of pruning. Since it grows well throughout the year, you only need to clip away any weak or unhealthy leaves when it appears.
Please remember to use clean equipment so that you do not transfer germs to your plant.
The reason why you clip away weak or unhealthy leaves is so that the plant can utilize its nutrients and resources efficiently for healthier leaves. Otherwise, the plant will end up spreading its nutrients to these dying leaves too which would be a waste.
Philodendron Florida Ghost Propagation Steps
Plant Propagation is the process of creating new plants.
There is sexual and asexual propagation. Sexual Propagation is when the male pollen joins with the female egg to create a seed.
Asexual propagation is a form of plant cloning as you use cuttings from the parent plant to create a new plant that shares the same characteristics as the parent plant.
To get a Philodendron new Ghost, you are advised to propagate it asexually. The best method is by using stem cuttings.
- Firstly, you need to have sterile pruning shears. You may get yours here. You can clean it with isopropyl alcohol.
- Cut your stem between 2 to 4 inches in length.
- After cutting it, you need to let it rest for about a week to recover.
- You should get a pot that is similar to what we recommended above. One with draining holes.
- However, the soil required is Sphagnum Peat Moss for this early-stage growth.
- Once your stem cutting has recovered after a week, you may plant it.
- You must attach a stick to the stem cutting so that it has the proper support to grow.
- Now, you just need to care for it similar to the steps we shared above. Slowly, you will have a new Philodendron Florida Ghost Baby.
- After 5 to 6 weeks, you can gently tug on the stem. If there is a slight resistance, then rest assured your Philodendron Florida Ghost is growing.
If you are still unsure, do not worry, you may watch this video.
Best Places to Buy the Philodendron Florida Ghost Plant
If you are excited to know about all the Philodendron Florida Ghost for sale, you may purchase them from any of the following suppliers. They are all verified online sellers and provide a free phytosanitary certificate for your plants.
A phytosanitary certificate is an official document that is required when plant products are being shipped. If there is no phytosanitary certificate attached to your plant during shipping, it will not clear customs and will be destroyed.
Fortunately, the sellers listed below will handle the process of applying for this. Now you need not worry about this if you purchase from any of these recommended sellers below:
For your easy reference, we have also included the Philodendron Florida Ghost Price.
Price: USD 41.72 / € 34.58
Delivery: To the USA: 5 to 7 days. Outside the USA: 5 to 10 days.
Features: Packed in Sphagnum Peat Moss and Hydrogel. The plant will have 2 to 4 leaves before shipping.
Price: USD 61.09 / € 50.63
Delivery: To the USA: 6 to 9 days. Outside the USA: 9 to 12 days.
Comes With: The plant will have 4 to 6 leaves before shipping.
Price: USD 48.87 / € 40.51
Delivery: 10 to 12 days worldwide.
Comes With: Packed in Sphagnum Peat Moss. The plant will have 4 to 6 leaves before shipping.
Price: USD 41.72 / € 34.58
Delivery: To the USA: 5 to 7 days. Outside the USA: 5 to 10 days.
Features: Packed in Sphagnum Peat Moss and Hydrogel. The plant will have 2 to 4 leaves before shipping.
Price: USD 58.57 / € 48.55
Delivery: To the USA: 5 to 7 days. Outside the USA: 5 to 10 days.
Features: Packed in Sphagnum Peat Moss and Hydrogel. The plant will have 2 to 4 leaves before shipping.
Price: USD 57.37 / € 47.55
Delivery: To the USA: 3 to 8 days. Outside the USA: 5 to 10 days.
Features: Packed in Sphagnum Peat Moss and Hydrogel. The plant will have 3 to 5 leaves before shipping.
Price: USD 46.94 / € 38.91
Delivery: To the USA: 5 to 7 days. Outside the USA: 5 to 10 days.
Features: Packed in Sphagnum Peat Moss and Hydrogel. The plant will have 2 to 4 leaves before shipping.
Benefits of Philodendron Florida Ghost
The main benefit to owning a Philodendron Florida Ghost is that it acts as an air purifier.
Having an indoor plant that can purify your air will also help with:
- Removal of Carbon Dioxide
- Reduce your anxiety and stress
- Natural cooling effect
- Produce a state of mental calmness
Additionally, the Philodendron Florida Ghost is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Looking at pretty plants can also reduce your stress levels and impress your guests.
Common Problems with Philodendron Florida Ghost
As with all plants, there is a downside to having the Philodendron Florida Ghost.
- Toxicity
The Philodendron Florida Ghost calcium oxalate crystals are extremely toxic.
If Calcium Oxalate Crystals have been ingested, it will irritate the muscle tissue. Therefore, you are strongly advised to keep it away from children or pets.
If this plant has been accidentally ingested either by a human or pet, please seek immediate medical attention and bring your plant along too.
- Pests
The Philodendron Florida Ghost is quite a sturdy plant and survives well. However, there are still certain pests that can attack it.
Fire Blight is a disease that will attack any new growth in your plant.
You will be able to tell if any part of your Philodendron Florida Ghost starts to turn black or dark brown. Please trim off the affected parts of the plant before the disease spreads.
Another danger is Mealybugs. Mealybugs look like sticky cotton that is stuck to your leaves. Once it appears, it will start consuming all the nutrients meant for your plant and then slowly inject harmful toxins.
If you notice any Mealybugs on your leaves, you can spray Neem Oil which is an organic pest control. Get your Neem Oil here.
How to Save an Unhappy Philodendron Florida Ghost
Earlier in this article, we highlighted some of the signs that would show whether your Philodendron Florida Ghost needs extra watering, sunlight, nutrition and more. You may refer to this simple summary below:
- Yellow Leaves
If you see a lot of yellow leaves appearing, then you are either over-watering your plant or giving it too much sunlight.
Remember to check the moisture of the soil by sticking your fingers in up to 2 inches. If it is still damp, please do not water your plant.
Alternatively, check the amount of sunlight your plant is getting. If it is in the direct path of the light, please shift it a bit.
- Brown Leaves
Brown leaves mean that your plant is not enjoying enough humidity. Please create some humidity around your plant by making a pebble tray.
- Pale Leaves
This means that your plant is not getting enough nutrition, besides water and sunlight. Try increasing your fertilizer by an extra half per serving or increase the rate of fertilizing.
You should slowly see some improvements. Remember to fertilize only when your soil is moist so that the nutrients are distributed evenly.
- Leggy Stems
If your Philodendron Florida Ghost is growing leggy or tall without many leaves sprouting, it means that there is not enough sunlight. You need to place it in the path of more sunlight but remember, not under the direct trail of the sunlight.
- Roots Sticking Out
If you notice that the roots are sticking out at the bottom of the draining holes, it means that you need to repot your plant as there is no longer enough space for your Philodendron Florida Ghost to grow.
What Is the Philodendron Florida Ghost Mint?
The Philodendron Florida Ghost Mint is a hybrid of the Philodendron Florida Ghost. There is not much difference between the two. The care requirements for both plants is the same.
The reason it has the word Mint at the end of its name is that it grows to be minty green when it fully matures. It does not produce any mint leaves. It is just as toxic as a Philodendron Florida Ghost.
Please DO NOT consume it because it has the name Mint in it.
You may buy your Philodendron Florida Ghost Mint from this verified online seller who provides a free phytosanitary certificate with your plant.
Price: USD 52.16 / € 43.23
Delivery: To the USA: 4 to 9 days. Outside the USA: Please contact the seller to verify.
Comes With: Packed in Sphagnum Peat Moss. The plant will have 4 to 6 leaves before shipping.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks. You will not find a more holistic resource to learn everything there is to know about the Philodendron Florida Ghost.
The best part about this amazing plant is that it is so easy to care for. If you wish to kick-start your journey with taking care of plants, then you need to get the Philodendron Florida Ghost.
Thank you for reading this Philodendron Florida Ghost Care Guide till the end. Over to you and best of luck.
