The Philodendron "Florida" Family
The Philodendron “Florida” family is one of the most recognizable and influential groups of modern aroid hybrids. These plants share the same dramatic, deeply lobed leaf shape, yet express it in very different ways depending on color, variegation, and growth stage. For many collectors, a Florida type Philodendron is a gateway into climbing plants with real presence and personality.
This article covers where the Florida family came from, how the main forms differ, and why newer hybrids are continuing to build on this iconic lineage.
The Origins of the Florida Philodendrons
The Florida line traces back to hybrid work done in the mid twentieth century by breeder Robert McColley in Orlando, Florida. McColley was known for crossing Philodendrons to emphasize leaf shape, texture, and strong climbing habits that performed well indoors.
The original Florida hybrid is a cross between Philodendron pedatum and Philodendron squamiferum. P. pedatum contributes the deeply lobed, oak-like leaf shape, while P. squamiferum is known for its vigorous climbing habit and distinctive hairy petioles. Together, these traits created a plant with bold structure, adaptability, and strong vertical growth.
From this foundation, several distinct expressions developed over time.
Philodendron Florida Green
Florida Green is the baseline expression of the hybrid and the best reference point for understanding the entire family. It features large, glossy green leaves with deep lobes and a strong climbing habit.
When grown with vertical support, Florida Green produces increasingly large and complex leaves. While it does not have variegation or color-shifting foliage, it highlights the structural beauty of the Florida hybrid in its purest form.
Philodendron Florida Bronze
Florida Bronze is closely related to Florida Green but is best known for its emergent growth. New leaves emerge with bronze to copper tones before hardening off to green.
This color change is caused by anthocyanins, pigments that protect young leaves as they develop. As the leaf matures and chlorophyll production increases, the green color takes over. Florida Bronze shows how dramatic color shifts can occur naturally without being true variegation.
Philodendron Florida Ghost
Florida Ghost is a sport selection of the original Florida hybrid. A sport is a naturally occurring mutation rather than a new cross.
In Florida Ghost, new leaves emerge extremely pale, often white or minty white, before slowly transitioning to light green as they mature. The length of time the leaves remain pale depends heavily on light and overall growing conditions.
Collectors are drawn to Florida Ghost because each new leaf brings a fresh, temporary contrast that changes over time.
View available Philodendron Florida Ghost listings:
https://www.rareplantfairy.com/collections/philodendron-florida-ghost
Philodendron Florida Beauty
Florida Beauty is the variegated form within the Florida family and is often considered the most collectible. Its variegation appears as irregular patches and marbling of cream or white against green foliage.
This variegation is chimeral, meaning it exists in specific cell layers of the plant rather than being evenly distributed. Because of this, variegation can be unpredictable from leaf to leaf. That variability is part of what makes Florida Beauty so appealing to collectors.
View available Philodendron Florida Beauty listings:
https://www.rareplantfairy.com/collections/philodendron-florida-beauty
Growth Habit and Care Across the Family
All Florida Philodendrons are climbers. They benefit greatly from vertical support such as a moss pole or plank. Support encourages larger leaves, shorter spacing between nodes, and more dramatic lobing.
That said, some growers choose to let these plants trail for aesthetic reasons, especially in hanging baskets or on shelves. Trailing is not wrong. It simply produces a different look with smaller leaves and longer stems. Climbing becomes important when leaf size and mature form are the goal.
Across the family, care requirements are similar. Bright, indirect light, evenly moist but well draining soil, and consistent conditions support healthy growth.
New Hybrids Building on the Florida Line
The influence of the Florida hybrid continues today. Newer crosses incorporating plants like Philodendron mayoi and Philodendron tortum are beginning to appear, combining the Florida leaf shape with finer lobing, more extreme silhouettes, or different textures.
These emerging hybrids highlight how foundational the Florida line has become in modern Philodendron breeding and why it continues to inspire collectors and growers alike.
Why the Florida Family Endures
The Florida Philodendrons balance bold form with adaptability. They grow well indoors, respond strongly to support, and offer visual interest even without variegation.
Whether you are drawn to the structure of Florida Green, the color shifts of Bronze and Ghost, or the unpredictability of Florida Beauty, this family remains a cornerstone of collector growing.
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