Philodendron Florida Ghost
Color-shifting foliage driven by light, not luck.
Philodendron Florida Ghost is a fast-growing, climbing philodendron best known for its pale, chlorophyll-delayed new leaves. Fresh growth emerges cream to yellow-white, transitions through mint tones, and gradually hardens off to matte green as chlorophyll develops.
This color cycling is not variegation in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a predictable physiological response tied to light intensity, nutrient availability, and growth rate. Brighter, diffuse light will extend the ghosted phase; lower light speeds the transition to green.
Florida Ghost is believed to be a hybrid involving Philodendron pedatum and Philodendron squamiferum. As the plant matures with support, leaves develop deeper lobing and more dramatic form. Juvenile leaves are simpler and more ovate; adult leaves take on the familiar multi-lobed silhouette.
If you’re comparing Florida Ghost vs Mint Ghost: this is not the mint cultivar. However, soft mint tones may still appear depending on lighting, humidity, and feeding—especially during the transition phase.
Exact Plant Available (What You See Is What Ships)
Exact Plant — 3" Pot
• This exact, pictured plant
• Actively climbing with a clear growth point
• Strong ghosting on the newest leaf with mint tones in transition
• Fully rooted and established
You will receive the exact plant shown in the photos.
Grower’s Choice Option
Grower’s Choice — 4" Pot
• A larger, well-established plant from the same crop
• Selected for healthy structure and active climbing growth
• All plants show at least one pale or mint-toned emerging leaf
• Rooted, stable, and ready for support
Pattern, tone, and leaf shape will vary naturally from plant to plant.
Growth Habit & Care Overview
Growth Habit
Climbing philodendron. Benefits significantly from a moss pole or vertical support to encourage larger, more deeply lobed leaves.
Light
Bright, indirect light.
• ~200–350 μmol/m²/s will prolong ghosted coloration
• Lower light = faster reversion to green
Avoid direct sun, which can scorch pale tissue.
Watering
Allow the substrate to dry moderately between waterings. Do not keep constantly wet.
Substrate
Chunky, well-draining aroid mix. Avoid peat-heavy or compacted soils that retain excess moisture.
Humidity
60%+ preferred. Will tolerate lower humidity if airflow and warmth are consistent.
Temperature
65–85°F. Stable warmth supports cleaner leaf expansion and stronger ghosting.
Feeding
Light, consistent feeding works best. High nitrogen deepens green color more quickly; reduce nitrogen if you want to extend pale phases.
Important Notes on Color
Florida Ghost color changes are cyclical, not permanent. Pale leaves will eventually turn green. This is expected behavior and not a defect or loss of variegation.
Each new leaf resets the cycle.
Philodendron Florida Ghost — FAQ
What is Philodendron Florida Ghost?
Philodendron Florida Ghost is a climbing philodendron hybrid known for its pale new foliage that emerges cream to yellow-white, transitions through mint tones, and matures to solid green. Its color shifts are driven by chlorophyll development, not genetic variegation.
Is Florida Ghost variegated?
No. Florida Ghost does not have stable genetic variegation. The pale coloration is caused by delayed chlorophyll production in new leaves. Over time, all leaves will turn green.
This behavior is expected and normal.
Why did my Florida Ghost turn green?
Because that’s how the plant works.
Each new leaf emerges pale, then gradually greens up as chlorophyll develops. Brighter, indirect light can slow this process, but it cannot stop it permanently.
Every new leaf restarts the cycle.
How do I keep the leaves pale longer?
You can prolong the ghosted phase by:
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Providing bright, indirect light (~200–350 μmol/m²/s)
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Avoiding excess nitrogen
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Maintaining warmth and steady growth conditions
Even under ideal conditions, leaves will eventually turn green.
Is Florida Ghost the same as Mint Ghost?
No. Florida Ghost and Mint Ghost are different cultivars.
Florida Ghost transitions from white/cream → mint → green.
Mint Ghost typically holds a cooler, more consistently mint-toned appearance.
That said, Florida Ghost may show temporary mint tones depending on light and care.
Is Florida Ghost a climber?
Yes. Florida Ghost is a true climbing philodendron. It benefits significantly from a moss pole or other vertical support, which encourages:
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Larger leaves
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Deeper lobing
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Faster maturity
Without support, it will still grow but with smaller, simpler leaves.
How big does Florida Ghost get?
With time and support, Florida Ghost can produce large, deeply lobed leaves. Size depends on light, support, pot size, and overall care rather than age alone.
Is Florida Ghost fast-growing?
Yes. Under warm conditions with consistent feeding and support, it is considered a fast grower for a climbing philodendron.
What kind of soil does Florida Ghost prefer?
A chunky, well-draining aroid mix that allows air around the roots while retaining light moisture. Avoid dense or peat-heavy mixes that stay wet.
Does Florida Ghost need high humidity?
It prefers humidity above 60%, but it can tolerate lower household humidity if airflow and watering are well managed. Higher humidity supports cleaner leaf expansion.
Are Grower’s Choice plants guaranteed to show pale leaves?
Yes. Grower’s Choice plants are selected for active growth and visible pale or mint-toned new foliage at the time of shipping. Tone and intensity will vary naturally.
Are these plants cuttings?
No. All Florida Ghost plants ship fully rooted in soil. Exact Plants are the photographed specimens; Grower’s Choice plants are rooted plants from the same crop.
Are cosmetic imperfections normal?
Yes. Pale new leaves are thinner and more delicate, so minor cosmetic issues (light creasing, small marks, slight yellowing of older ghosted tissue) are normal and not a sign of poor health.
Is Florida Ghost toxic to pets?
Yes. Like most philodendrons, it is toxic if ingested. Keep away from pets and children.
