The Philodendron Florida Beauty is a hybrid variety with attractive dark-green leaves and red-gnarled stems. These plants get very big and are climbers that can be grown against a moss support.
In USDA zones 9 to 11, the Philodendron Florida Beauty can be grown outside in a hanging basket or in your yard, where it will provide ground cover. Let’s look at how to grow and care for a Philodendron Florida Beauty plant.
What is a Philodendron Florida Beauty?
The Philodendron Florida Beauty is a beautiful evergreen plant that’s part of the Araceae family. It’s a hybrid variety that was grown using a Philodendron pedatum and squamiferum. These plants have vines and can be grown as trailing or climbing plants.
The foliage is eye-catching due to its splotchy variegation. During the spring and summer months, the Florida Beauty produces cream-colored flowers.
Like all varieties of philodendron, these plants are toxic to humans and animals when ingested. Don’t plant a philodendron anywhere where horses or livestock can reach it. When grown as a houseplant, keep out of the reach of young children and pets.
Philodendron Florida Beauty Growth and Care
The Philodendron Florida Beauty is easy to care for as long as you get the basics right. Here’s how to care for your plant:
Sunlight needs
It’s essential to get the lighting right when growing a Florida Beauty. If the light levels are too low, the plant will turn green and lose its variation. These plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. In ideal conditions, your plant will grow leaves with a lush green color with a cream variation.
Watering Requirements
Philodendron Florida Beauty thrives in moist soil. You’ll need to be careful not to overwater your plant as waterlogging can lead to root rot. Most people find that their philodendron needs to be watered once or twice a week. The amount of water your plant needs will depend on the season and climate. The topsoil should be left to dry out between waterings.
Soil
If your Philodendron Florida Beauty is to thrive, you’ll need to plant it in well-draining soil. These plants also like the soil to be loose and well aerated. You can add some organic matter such as perlite, peat moss, or bark to a standard houseplant soil to make it less compact. The earth should be able to retain some moisture, but excess water should be able to drain away.
Temperature
The Philodendron Florida Beauty thrives in warm, humid climates. These plants aren’t cold tolerant and like the temperature to be between 60 and 70°F. A lower night time temperature is ok, as long as it’s not below 50°F. If your Philodendron is growing outside, it should be moved indoors or into a greenhouse in the fall if frost is likely.
Don’t leave your Philodendron Florida Beauty in a draft from an open window, doors, or the air conditioning. Temperature fluctuations can cause your plant to drop its leaves.
Humidity
Philodendron Florida Beauty plants thrive in high humidity. Aim to provide around 50 to 60% humidity. If you live in a dry area, you may grow your plant in the bathroom or kitchen as these rooms have higher humidity.
Alternatively, you can increase moisture levels by using a tray of water and pebbles placed under your plant. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity in the area surrounding your plant. Another option is to mist your plant daily with a spray bottle that produces a fine mist.
If you have lots of tropical plants, you can group them together to improve humidity. You may also like to invest in a humidifier to create the desired humidity.
Fertilization
You can give your Philodendron Florida Beauty a liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Alternatively, use a slow-release product two or three times a year.
Pests
Philodendron Florida Beauty is relatively resistant to pests but are sometimes affected by sap-sucking insects. Aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs can all live on philodendrons but are easy to get rid of. You can place your plant in the bathroom while you have a shower. The insects won’t like the steam. If this doesn’t work, you can use neem oil or an insecticidal spray to kill the pests.
Philodendron Florida Beauty Growth and Care: Conclusion
The Philodendron Florida Beauty is a lovely plant that has variegated leaves and red stems. They are easy to care for and grow well indoors or outside in the right climate. Ensure your plant gets enough water is grown in well-draining soil and placed in bright indirect sunlight. You can also fertilize your plant monthly throughout the growing season.