Florida Ghost Philodendron

Florida Ghost Philodendron (Philodendron 'Florida Ghost') is a rare, climbing philodendron with deeply lobed leaves that reaches 60cm to 1m tall and about 60cm wide. Leaf shape and colour vary from plant to plant, from variegated and nearly all cream to plain green, and nobody can tell from a tube which one you will get. It is bred as a houseplant, and it also grows in a shady tropical border.

Why you'll love it

• Deeply lobed leaves. The cut-leaf shape is the draw, and mature leaves take on a wiggly outline that earns it the nickname violin philodendron.
• No two plants alike. Leaves can be variegated, almost all cream, or several shades of green, so yours is one of a kind.
• Bred for pots. It was developed as a houseplant for indoor display, in homes and workplaces.
• Indoors or in a tropical border. In frost free gardens it can go outside into a shady border under taller plants.
• A simple routine. Bright filtered light, even moisture and one feed in spring keep it growing.

Where it works best

Indoor pots. A bright room out of direct sun suits it. Paler plants need more bright indirect light than all-green ones, so move them closer to the window.

Shady tropical borders. In frost free tropical and subtropical gardens, plant 60cm apart beneath taller plants where the light is filtered.

Homes and workplaces. It is made for indoor display, but plant it away from places where children and pets play, because the leaves are poisonous if chewed.

Growing Florida Ghost Philodendron in Australia

Position and climate. It suits tropical and subtropical gardens without frost, and homes and workplaces anywhere. Bright, filtered light is ideal, and hot direct sun should be avoided. Protect it from cold, and keep it away from children and pets, because the leaves contain a poisonous substance. Avoid skin contact with the sap.

Soil. A free draining potting mix, or garden soil that is rich in organic matter and mulched. Do not let the roots sit in standing water.

Water and feed. Keep it moist through dry periods without waterlogging, and mist regularly, since philodendrons thrive in humid conditions. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring.

Pruning. Little pruning is needed. Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth if dust gathers, which brings back the glossy finish, and repot container plants at the beginning of spring. Wear gloves when handling it.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Florida Ghost Philodendron as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Leaf colour cannot be predicted from a tube, so treat it as an all-green houseplant and count any cream or variegation as a bonus. The tube is a small starter, so pot it into fresh mix soon after it arrives and keep it in bright, filtered light.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the philodendron range
• Philodendron care guide
• More tropical plants
• Indoor exotic plants guide

Common questions

Will mine be variegated?

That is the lottery of this plant. Leaves vary from plant to plant, and we cannot tell from a tube what the mature colouring will be. Treat it as an all-green houseplant and enjoy any cream or variegation that appears.

Is it safe for pets and children?

No. The leaves contain a poisonous substance and the sap can irritate skin. Keep it away from areas where children and pets play, and wash your hands after handling it.

How much light does it need?

Plenty of bright, filtered light. Paler plants need more bright indirect light than all-green ones, and direct hot sun should be avoided.