Philodendrons are experiencing a renaissance, with many previously overlooked hybrids suddenly becoming very popular.
The captivating Philodendron Florida hybrid is one such plant: a sturdy vine with leaves that often show dramatic color variations and differences.
However, it is common for sellers to confuse Philodendron Florida with one of its parent plants, Philodendron Pedatum, and there is much confusion as to whether P. florida is its own genus.
Philodendron pedatum is a tall, hardy vine with large, lobed leaves and soft green petioles, and although new leaves emerge slightly lighter than mature leaves, they range from bright green to dark bluish green, often varying in shape depending on the age. Philodendron Florida is a smaller, more compact vine with lighter lobed leaves, sometimes white or variegated, more uniform but with some variation.
Although closely related, the two are different plants. Here’s how to tell them apart.
| Philodendron Pedate | Philodendron in Florida | |
| USDA hardiness zone | Areas 9-11 | Areas 9-11 |
| Scientific name | Philodendron Pedate | Philodendron pedatum x squamiferum |
| adult size | Up to 10ft (3m) | Up to 5 feet (1.5m) |
| leaf color | Blue green | Pale to dark green, often variegated |
| Rate of growth | Slow to moderate. | slow growing |
| Habit | ascend | ascend |
| Light requirement: | Brilliant in partial shade. | Brilliant in partial shade. |
| the type of soil | Well drained, rich in organic matter. | Well drained, rich in organic matter. |
| soil pH | slightly acidic to neutral | slightly acidic to neutral |
| Water frequency: | once a week | Once a week. |
| harmful | Scale insects, thrips, spider mites | Scale insects, thrips, spider mites. |
| Diseases | fire blight, leaf spot | Fireworks, foil stain. |
Contents
Difference Between Philodendron Pedatum and Philodendron Florida
leaf color
The key to the difference between these two plants is the color of their leaves. Philodendron. florida produces pale or variegated leaves that gradually darken with age, a key trait that led to the development of the hybrid.
Some subspecies even produce completely white young leaves! As the leaves age, their color changes to a uniform bright green.
The petioles, or leaf stalks and stalks, are usually reddish in color, rough in texture, inherited from its other relative, Philodendron squamiferum.
Philodendron pedatum, on the other hand, produces larger leaves with an even, darker green color on softer green petioles.
They usually do not grow variegated leaves at all, and their color remains consistent even when darkened.
leaf shape
Both philodendrons are preserved for their broad, multi-lobed leaves. The thrilling bends and swerves often remind me of an electric guitar! The leaves change as they grow, making both plants surprisingly entertaining.
Philodendron florida produced smaller leaves with a more consistent shape. Despite this, it is not uncommon to see ones with longer lobes or shallower notches. In general, they all have a similar shape, although the depth of the lobes varies.
Philodendron Pedatum, on the other hand, can produce leaves that show many variations throughout its lifespan.
The leaves begin life as small ovals and develop their characteristic lobes as they age.
Mature leaves usually reach a length of about 6 to 8 inches, although on well-maintained plants they spread over a foot, with deep notches on the petiole.
Different light levels will also result in different leaf textures, with leaves being wider and less marked in brighter light and more deeply marked in shadow.
Flourishing
These two philodendrons bloom very rarely, if at all. When they do, P. pedatum produces cream to brown bracts. P. florida, on the other hand, produces purple bracts.
height and structure
The different leaves give these two plants a slightly different structure. The Philodendron with the most open lobe. pedatum likes to spread.
In brighter light it can be a very different looking plant, with broad, almost rounded leaves that fan out from the central body of the plant. Q. Florida, on the other hand, prefers to stay compact. The leaves form tighter clusters, creating an overall lusher, denser plant.
As climbing plants, the height of these plants is limited by the height of surrounding support structures.
That said, P. pedatum is much more adventurous and, given the chance, can grow to over three meters. P. florida is more compact and tends to reach about half that height.
Similarities Between Philodendron Pedatum and Philodendron Florida
Growing demands
Philodendron Florida is closely related to Philodendron Pedatum, a hybrid created with Philodendron squamiferum in the 1950s.
As a result, they have very similar cultivation needs. Both prefer warmer climates, with moderate to high humidity and neutral to slightly acidic soils.
They can generally be maintained in the same way, making them good companion plants in a group arrangement.
growth habit
P. pedatum and P. florida are climbing philodendrons. They like to climb on a mossy pole or other support.
Some growers will leave them hanging or trailing, but I find the plant does much better with a strong moss stick to promote growth.
light requirements
Like many rainforest plants, both philodendrons prefer indirect light to shade. If either species receives too much direct light, the leaves may turn yellow, brown, or burn.
Keep your plants in a well-lit room away from windows and they will reward you with abundant foliage.
irrigation needs
These philodendrons hate soggy feet and can develop root rot if overwatered. In spring and summer, they need water once a week.
Always check soil moisture first and allow the top two inches to dry out between waterings. In winter, limit the amount these plants receive. Once every 10-14 days you should do this.
Usually I
These showy darlings are epiphytes and prefer a loose, well-drained mix. They do well in soilless mixes consisting entirely of peat moss, coco and the like.
A good quality orchid mix is ideal, but anything that drains well and has a lot of organic matter is also good.
But they’re not particularly picky, and as long as their medium is able to retain moisture without getting soggy, your philodendron will be fine.
fertilizer
Both philodendrons are hungry plants that benefit from regular fertilization. A good tactic is to fertilize regularly with a medium-strength nitrogen-rich fertilizer every other watering.
This will provide them with good nutrition to keep their foliage lush and spectacular. As with all houseplants, their fertilizer needs decrease as the weather gets colder and they require little to no fertilizer during the winter.
Plagues and diseases
Both varieties are hardy and resistant to disease and pests. The usual swarm of mealybugs, mites and thrips won’t turn a blind eye to these philodendrons, but the plants aren’t particularly vulnerable to attack and are easy to manage.
Although they are known to suffer from blight and leaf spots, they easily reappear if the affected leaves are removed.
Toxicity
Like many rainforest plants, these philodendrons produce calcium oxalate crystals in their leaves and stems to deter salad-loving critters.
Causes throat irritation, swelling, nausea and vomiting. It’s a good idea to keep them away from pets and small children.