Philodendron Florida Beauty vs Florida Ghost: Which Variety is Right for Your Home?
Philodendron Florida Beauty vs Florida Ghost: Which Variety Is Right for You?
As an avid plant parent, choosing the perfect houseplant can be a real dilemma. There are so many gorgeous options to consider! Two popular philodendron varieties that often leave enthusiasts debating are the Florida Beauty and the Florida Ghost. Both make beautiful additions but have notable differences. In this article, I’ll break down the key distinctions between these philodendron types to help you decide which might suit your needs and environment best.
Appearance
Visually, the main way to tell these plants apart is in their leaves. The Florida Beauty sports heart-shaped leaves ranging from lime green to apple green in color. New growth comes in vibrant while mature leaves fade to a deeper hue. Veins are prominently raised on the leaf undersides. Meanwhile, the Florida Ghost has narrow oval leaves in various tones of blueish grey. Some leaves appear nearly silvery while others have a subtle bluish tint. Veins are less defined than on the Beauty. Overall, the Beauty puts on a bolder green show versus the Ghost’s elegant blueish tones.
Growth Rate
When it comes to propagation, the Beauty is a quicker grower. From my experience caring for both varieties, the Beauty can put out a new leaf every few weeks while thriving. The Ghost tends to grow at a slower pace, producing one leaf every month or so. Neither is extremely fast-growing compared to some other philodendron types, but the Beauty will fill out a bit quicker over time. Though the Ghost’s gradual growth has its owncharm, allowing you to appreciate each new leaf.
Light and Water Requirements
In terms of environmental needs, the Beauty prefers a tad more illumination than the Ghost. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light. Too much direct rays could scorch its leaves. The Ghost tolerates lower light conditions better, adapting to medium light. Both do well near an eastern or western window. As for water, the Beauty likes to dry out slightly between waterings versus the Ghost which retains moisture in its soil longer. When the top inch of soil is dry for the Beauty, it’s time to water again. The Ghost you can let dry out just a bit more before watering.
Pests and Diseases
In my experience as an avid plant parent, the Florida Beauty has shown susceptibility to spider mites in dry indoor conditions. The pests can lurk unseen until leaves start yellowing. I’ve managed minor infestations by thoroughly spraying the plant with neem oil. Scale has rarely been an issue for either variety for me. Overall, the Ghost seems somewhat harderier than the Beauty when faced with pests or diseases, though neither are especially prone if cared for properly.
Toxicity
An important consideration if you have pets or young children is that both the Beauty and Ghost are mildly toxic if ingested. Their sap can cause mild irritation. However, like most houseplants, neither are highly toxic so long as common sense precautions are taken to keep them out of reach. Minor contact with skin is usually not an issue for most healthy individuals.
Price
Cost-wise, the Florida Beauty tends to be more affordable when purchased as a young plant. It can often be found for under $20. The Ghost typically ranges from $15-$30 depending on the size. Both are very budget-friendly choices for beginning collectors or those on a limited plant budget. Once established, either makes a very showy addition for not a lot of moola.
Personal Take
From my own experience growing both varieties from cuttings, I’ve found the Florida Ghost to be hardier with a more refined look. Its pale blue tones add an elegant flair to any room. Plus, that stiffer foliage holds up well to occasional mishandling—like the time I may have accidentally left it in bright sun a bit too long while rushing off to work. Whoops! The Ghost persevered with just a few singed tips. Though the Beauty fills out more densely, it demands more precise care. Its vibrant leaves are absolutely stunning…when they’re healthy. Buuuutttt spider mites basically ruined my last one despite neem oil treatments. So for a low-maintenance stunner, Team Ghost all the way in my plant pad!
In Summary
To wrap it all up, the Florida Beauty sports bolder foliage and faster growth but requires a tad more specialized care. Meanwhile, the Florida Ghost puts on a subtle silvery show while tolerating less-than-ideal conditions fairly well. Both make charming additions. I’d recommend the Beauty for green-loving collectors with the time for precise care routines. The Ghost suits those wanting low effort, hardier foliage at a slower pace. Regardless of which you choose, you can’t go wrong adding a touch of tropical beauty to your indoor ecosystem. Just commit to keeping your new friend happy—and be sure to share plant parent war stories with fellow enthusiasts!
I hope this breakdown of the key Florida Beauty vs Florida Ghost comparisons has helped shed some light on which variety might suit your circumstances best. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions! Happy planting.
Philodendron Florida Beauty vs Florida Ghost
| Details | Florida Beauty | Florida Ghost |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf Color | Dark green | Light green with white streaks |
| Variegation | None | White streaks and splotches |
| Leaf Shape | Ovate to heart-shaped | Heart-shaped |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Slow |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 10b-11 | USDA zones 10b-11 |
| Water Needs | Moderate, allow soil to dry between waterings | Moderate, allow soil to dry between waterings |
| Light Needs | Bright, indirect light | Bright, indirect light |
FAQ
- What are the main differences between philodendron florida beauty and florida ghost?
The florida beauty has heart shaped leaves that are deep green in color with contrasting pinkish stripes on the back. Meanwhile the florida ghost sort of just looks pale and washed out with a light green leaf that almost appears partly see-through.
- Which plant grows faster, the florida beauty or the florida ghost?
From what I’ve read, the florida beauty tends to grow a bit quicker than the florida ghost. However, the growth rate for both plants is fairly fast in general. As long as they get bright indirect sunlight and consistent moisture, either one could fill out pretty fast, though the beauty may pull ahead slightly in terms of speed.
- Do the florida beauty and ghost need the same care?
More or less, the care requirements are pretty comparable for the two plants. They both like humidity around 50% and temperatures around 70-80°F. In terms of water, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings works well for both. Also, they get along fine with the same type of potting mix. I’d say the care is basically identical between the two.
- Which plant is more delicate?
From what I’ve read, the florida ghost is a touch more delicate than the florida beauty. Its pale leaves seem like they could bruise or scorch more easily if not handled with care. That said, neither plant is extremely fragile. As long as you’re gentle when repotting or transporting the plants, both should withstand normal care without issues. Still, the ghost may benefit from slightly more delicate treatment.
- Can the florida beauty and ghost be grown together?
Yes, it’s totally possible to grow these two plant varieties together in the same environment or pot. Since their care requirements are so similar, providing conditions that work for one will work for the other. They won’t compete with each other either. So don’t hesitate to combine these two beauties, or ghosts! Having them side by side could really show off their differences.
- Which plant is generally more expensive?
In my experience, the florida ghost plant tends to carry a slightly higher price tag than the florida beauty. Because of its cool singular pale appearance, the ghost seems to hold more collector appeal. However, the cost difference is usually minor. Both are affordable houseplants, especially if started from a smaller sized plant or clipping. So in the end, your choice should be based more on personal preference than small variations in price.
So in summary, while they have subtle differences like leaf color and variegation pattern, the florida beauty and florida ghost require quite similar care making them easy plants to grow together. With the ghost being a bit more delicate and pricey, the hardier florida beauty may be the better option for beginners. However, either plant makes for an awesome conversation piece to brighten up your space. I hope this FAQ helped explain some of the key comparing points between these two popular philodendron varieties!