Philodendron ‘Florida Green’

The original 1950s Florida hybrid

The Florida hybrid was created in Robert H. McColley’s Bamboo Nursery programme and published in 1956. The recorded cross used Philodendron squamiferum as the seed parent. The pollen parent was then called Philodendron quercifolium or Philodendron laciniatum. Both names are now treated under Philodendron pedatum.

Florida Green became a later name for the unvariegated original as pale, bronze and variegated selections joined the cultivated line.

Care for supported climbing aroids

• Climbing structure: Give the stem a vertical surface that aerial roots can grip. As the aerial roots attach, new leaves can become more deeply divided.
• Light for compact nodes: Bright filtered exposure keeps the green leaves firm and the spaces between leaves short. Increase the light gradually.
• Watering and root air: Once the surface has begun drying, water fully and empty all excess. An open-textured mix holds moisture between particles without smothering the roots.
• Temperature and feeding: Keep the vine away from cold draughts. Balanced humidity, circulating air and a light feed support active growth.

When Philodendron ‘Florida Green’ needs attention

• Deepening leaf divisions: Increasing lobing and a rough reddish petiole are normal as the vine develops. Fresh irregular bites, frass or detachable scale bodies indicate a separate problem.
• Spreading lesions: Move the Philodendron ‘Florida Green’ away from nearby plants when a patch becomes wet, soft or larger. Prevent splashing and clean cutting tools. If damage advances into the petiole or stem, keep the vine isolated and do not use affected nodes for propagation.
• Yellowing and poor growth: Test moisture throughout the container and examine firm versus soft roots. Correct dry pockets, long saturation or salt build-up before adding more fertiliser.
• Silver scars or stippling: Check the underside and rolled tip. Thrips leave black deposits and silvering; mites leave fine pale dots and sometimes webbing. Treat both leaf surfaces and the protected climbing tip once the pest is confirmed.
• Smaller, simpler leaves: Weak light, a long unattached stem or poor aerial-root contact can reduce mature form. Improve the climbing surface and exposure gradually, then assess later growth.

Philodendron ‘Florida Green’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Why is it called Philodendron?

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.”

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Philodendron in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.