Philodendron Florida Green

Philodendron 'Florida Green' (Philodendron squamiferum x pedatum) is a lush, vining tropical plant with an intriguing backstory—and some rare relatives. It's a cross between two species, Philodendron squamiferum and Philodendron pedatum, and this somewhat rare hybrid plant has the deeply lobed leaves of the former and the reddish petioles, or leaf stems, of the latter.
 
Philodendron 'Florida Green' (Philodendron squamiferum x pedatum) is a lush, vining tropical plant with an intriguing backstory—and some rare relatives. It's a cross between two species, Philodendron squamiferum and Philodendron pedatum, and this somewhat rare hybrid plant has the deeply lobed leaves of the former and the reddish petioles, or leaf stems, of the latter.
 
 
It's thought that philodendron 'Florida Green' was developed by botanist Robert McColley in Florida in the 1950s. McColley also developed two other hybrids from these species: philodendron 'Florida Beauty' is variegated with pale and dark green, and ultra-rare philodendron 'Florida Ghost', whose leaves are very light green when they unfurl but grow darker over time.
Common Name: Philodendron Florida, philodendron Florida Green
Botanical Name: Philodendron squamiferum x pedatum
Family: Araceae
Plant Type: Perennial
Mature Size: 5-8 ft. tall
Sun Exposure: Part shade
Soil Type: Loamy, quick-draining soil
Soil pH: Acidic
Native Area: Central and South America
Toxicity: Toxic to people1 and pets2
 
Philodendron Florida Green Care
Despite the fact that it's a somewhat rare plant, philodendron 'Florida Green' is easy to grow if you provide it with the right conditions and care. Lots of bright, indirect light and humidity will help it grow more quickly. Use a sphagnum moss pole or trellis to support the vine as it grows taller.
 
Slightly raised angle showing a philodendron Florida green plant
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
Closeup of a philodendron Florida green leaf
Closeup of a philodendron Florida green leaf unfurling
overhead view of small florida green philodendron potted plant with dark green deeply lobed leaves and short stems outdoors on white table
Light
Give your philodendron 'Florida Green' lots of bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is ideal. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves and harm the plant. Use a sheer curtain to filter stronger light from south-facing or west-facing windows.
 
Soil
Plant your philodendron 'Florida Green' in a rich, loose potting soil mix that drains quickly but retains moisture, such as two-thirds peat moss and one-third perlite with a few handfuls of orchid bark for aeration.
 
Water
Keep the soil of your philodendron 'Florida Green' moist but not soggy. Water deeply when the top inch or so of soil begins to dry out, then allow it to drain well. Check drip trays and cache pots to ensure the plant never sits in water.