Philodendron ‘Florida Green’ is a popular indoor houseplant known for its lush, heart-shaped leaves. With proper care, these tropical plants can grow into large trailing or climbing specimens.Learning how to grow and care for Philodendron ‘Florida Green’ will allow you to enjoy this plant’s gorgeous foliage for many years.
Light Requirements
Philodendron ‘Florida Green’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it near an east or west facing window where it will receive a few hours of gentle morning or late afternoon sun. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
This plant can tolerate lower light conditions, but growth will slow and foliage will become less vibrant in color. If your Philodendron lacks its signature glossy sheen, try moving it to a brighter spot. Insufficient light also encourages leggy, uneven growth as the plant reaches for sunlight.
Ideal Temperature
Native to tropical regions, Philodendron ‘Florida Green’ prefers warm indoor temperatures between 65-80°F. Avoid drafty areas as cold air and sudden temperature drops can damage leaves. In cooler climates, you may need to provide supplemental heat in winter.
During summer, temperatures above 80°F are fine provided the plant has adequate moisture. Heat combined with dry air causes leaf burn. Boost humidity or mist the plant regularly to prevent issues.
Watering and Humidity
Allow the top 50% of the potting mix to dry out between waterings. The frequency will vary based on factors like light, temperature, humidity, and container size. Stick a finger into the soil to check moisture levels and water when the top few inches become dry.
Philodendron ‘Florida Green’ enjoys moderate humidity around 50-70%. Set the pot on a pebble tray, mist regularly, or use a humidifier during dry winter months when home heating dries the air.
Signs of under-watering include drooping, wrinkled leaves and dull, lifeless foliage. Over-watering can lead to root rot, characterized by yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and leaf drop.
Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix for tropical plants. Good options include mixtures containing peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, or bark. Aim for a lightweight, porous blend that retains some moisture but allows excess water to drain freely.
Heavy potting soil negatively impacts drainage and aeration in the roots. Amend regular potting mixes with extra perlite or orchid bark to improve the texture for a Philodendron.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer. Reduce frequency in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
Good options include all-purpose houseplant formulas or tropical plant fertilizers. Follow label diluting instructions to avoid burn.
If using slow release pellets or spikes, apply once every 2-3 months. Flushing the soil monthly prevents fertilizer buildup.
Lack of nutrients causes small, pale leaves and stunted vines. But excess fertilization can also damage roots and leaves, so only use at recommended levels.
Pot Size
A young Philodendron may arrive in a 4-6 inch nursery pot. Repot into a container one size larger when the roots fill the existing pot. Thereafter, shift the plant to a slightly bigger pot every 2 years or so.
Select pots with drainage holes and use a potting mix suitable for tropical plants. Both plastic and decorative pots work well as long as they are not too oversized for the root system.
Larger, mature Philodendron specimens can be kept slightly rootbound. Restricting root growth helps encourage flowering and prevents floppy, sparse growth.
Pruning
Pinch or snip off leggy stems and any yellowing, damaged, or diseased foliage as needed to maintain an attractive appearance. Sterilize pruners before each use to avoid transferring diseases.
To control size, cut back wayward or excessively long vines to promote bushier growth. Remove stem sections all the way back to the main plant.
Major pruning is best done in late winter or early spring right before the growing period. Avoid heavy pruning during fall and winter dormancy.
Propagation
Philodendron ‘Florida Green’ can be easily propagated by stem tip cuttings in water or soil. Choose a healthy stem and cut below an aerial root or leaf node using clean shears.
- For water propagation, place the cutting in a vase of water until roots form, then plant in soil. Change the water weekly.
- For soil propagation, insert the cut end into a starter potting mix and keep warm and moist until new growth emerges.
Once rooted, pot up the new plantlet into a regular potting mix using a container with drainage. Keep the soil moist but not saturated as the young plant establishes.
Mature Philodendron can also be propagated by air layering. For this technique, wound the stem, apply rooting hormone, and wrap in sphagnum moss until roots grow from the wound. Then, sever to create a new plant.
Common Problems
Philodendron ‘Florida Green’ is quite robust when grown under proper conditions but may encounter a few issues:
- Wilting, drooping leaves indicate under-watering. Check soil moisture and water appropriately.
- Over-watering leads to root rot, causing leaves to yellow and fall. Allow soil to dry before watering.
- Leaf scorch occurs if exposed to direct hot sun. Move to a shaded spot.
- Slow growth and small leaves can result from insufficient light or nutrients. Increase sunlight exposure and fertilize regularly.
- Dropping leaves result from over-watering, low humidity, or cold drafts. Improve cultural practices.
- Pale leaves indicate too little light. Move to a brighter location or use supplemental lighting.
- Leggy growth is caused by inadequate light. Prune back stems and place in a sunnier spot.
FAQs
How fast does Philodendron ‘Florida Green’ grow?
Given proper care, Philodendron ‘Florida Green’ grows at a moderate pace, averaging 12-24 inches of new growth per year. Growth rate depends on factors like light, temperature, and maturity. Optimal conditions lead to faster growth.
What size pot does a Philodendron need?
Use a pot with drainage holes that is 2-4 inches larger than the current roots or nursery pot. Philodendron ‘Florida Green’ enjoys being slightly pot bound but avoid over potting in a huge container. Repot every couple years as the plant grows larger.
Is Philodendron ‘Florida Green’ toxic to pets?
Yes, Philodendron contains insoluble calcium oxalates that can cause swelling, pain, and irritation if chewed or ingested. Keep plants out of reach of pets and children. Seek medical advice if poisoning occurs. Other parts of the plant are non-toxic.
How do I get my Philodendron to climb?
Philodendron ‘Florida Green’ can be grown as a bush or encouraged to climb up supports. Place trellises, moss poles, or other sturdy supports near the base of the plant. Use plant ties or clips to gently attach new stem growths and aerial roots to the support.
Why are the leaves on my Philodendron turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves usually indicate overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out more between waterings. Insufficient nutrients, low light, or cold temperatures can also cause yellowing. Check care practices and make adjustments as needed. Remove any overly yellow or dead leaves.
What causes brown spots on Philodendron leaves?
Brown spots or scorched marks on the leaves can be caused by direct hot sun, insufficient humidity, or chemical and salt buildup in the soil. Move to a shadier spot, increase humidity, or flush the soil to improve conditions. Avoid wetting foliage in strong midday sun which can burn leaves.
Conclusion
With its stunning dark green leaves, Philodendron ‘Florida Green’ makes a fantastic low maintenance houseplant. Provide this tropical plant with bright filtered light, warm temperatures, moderate humidity, regular watering, and diluted fertilizer to keep it thriving gracefully in your home. Avoid direct sun and overwatering which are the most common causes of problems. Propagate new plants from stem cuttings for more of this beautiful foliage. Give this Philodendron a pole or trellis to climb on if desired. With the proper care outlined here, you can enjoy the lush ambiance of Philodendron ‘Florida Green’ for many years to come.