Philodendron pedatum aka Philodendron Florida Ghost

Philodendron pedatum is a climbing vine that stays green year-round. It belongs to the arum family, Araceae. It comes from wet forests in tropical South America. There, it climbs the trunks of large trees. People grow it indoors for its green, lobed leaves. It suits homes, conservatories, and greenhouses. It needs little day-to-day care. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Grown plants reach about 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres] tall. They spread about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] wide. They take five to ten years to reach full size. Young plants have plain green leaves with lobed edges. The cuts between the lobes deepen as plants age. The leaves stay green all year. Mature plants may bloom, but rarely do when grown. Each bloom has a bronze-green spathe, a sheath around the spadix. The spadix is the white spike at its heart.

Give this vine bright light through a filter, indoors or under glass. The RHS gives it a hardiness rating of H1A. This means it needs temperatures above 15°C. Use a loose mix that drains well but holds moisture. The RHS lists loam and an acid to neutral pH. Its potting advice calls for an acidic mix. This should have coarse parts and parts that hold moisture. These may include pumice, fine fir bark, or leafmould. Chopped sphagnum moss is another choice. Keep roots moist, but do not leave pots standing in water.

In active growth, let the compost surface just dry. Then water well, so the whole mix gets wet. Water less in winter, when growth slows. Feed once a month from April through September. Use a liquid feed made for houseplants. Stop feeding in winter and start again in spring. Repot every two to three years. You need not prune as part of routine care. Stems may still need a trim. Grow new plants from stem-tip cuttings or leaf-bud cuttings. Its climbing shape and lasting leaves add value indoors.

Mealybugs and scale insects can attack this plant. The RHS reports few disease problems when conditions suit it. But standing water can cause roots to rot. This plant harms people and pets if they eat it. Touching it can irritate skin or eyes or cause allergic reactions. Wear gloves and other gear to protect yourself when handling it. Grow it for its looks, not for food.