Philodendron 'Florida Ghost' (v)
This is a choice hybrid of Philodendron pedatum and Philodendron squamiferum. These are both climbing species, and this trait is passed on to the hybrid. This cultivar bears foliage which is pure white when young, becoming lime-green and then darker green as the leaves age. The leaves on juvenile plants are spear to arrow-shaped, becoming lobed and then deeply indented on either side of the central vein as the plant matures. It is still a rarity in cultivation and can be expensive to buy. The plant grows well as a houseplant and is undemanding in its care. It rarely flowers in cultivation but mature plants produce a reddish green spathe surrounding a light green spadix or column
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green White | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green Purple | Green White | ||
Autumn | Green White | |||
Winter | Green White |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant/allergen - For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Philodendron can be shrubs, trees or climbers, with glossy, leathery, evergreen, simple to pinnately divided leaves, and tiny flowers borne within arum-like white, green or reddish spathes
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in an open, ericaceous, well-drained, but moisture-retentive mix, which can include, lava rock or pumice, fine fir bark and leafmould or chopped sphagnum moss, choosing a position in bright but diffused light. During the growing season, allow the surface of the compost to become just dry before thoroughly watering the compost. Avoid plants sitting in water which can cause the roots to rot. Apply a liquid houseplant fertiliser monthly during April to September. Water less frequently in winter, when growth slows right down, and stop feeding until the spring. Repot every 2-3 years. See Philodendron and houseplant cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by stem-tip or leaf bud cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects, glasshouse red spider mite and mealy bugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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