The Philodendron ‘Florida Bronze’ is a highly sought-after aroid hybrid, prized for its dynamic coloration and relative ease of care. Its unique aesthetic transitions from a warm coppery hue to a deep green, making it an appealing addition to any indoor collection.
Defining the Bronze Aesthetic
The foliage of the ‘Florida Bronze’ is characterized by its distinctive structure, featuring deeply lobed leaves that give it the characteristic “Florida” look. This multi-lobed morphology is a defining feature of the hybrid series. The surface of the mature leaves possesses a slight gloss, enhancing the depth of the color.
The cultivar earns its name from the striking pigment displayed in its new growth, which emerges with a rich, coppery-red or reddish-bronze hue. This pigment is temporary; as the leaf unfurls and hardens, the warm tone gradually fades.
The color transition completes as the leaves mature, settling into a deep, rich green. This dynamic change means the plant constantly displays a spectrum of colors, from the metallic bronze of the newest leaves to the dark green of the oldest. This distinguishes it from the ‘Florida Green,’ which lacks the coppery new growth, and the ‘Florida Ghost,’ which produces pale leaves that eventually turn green.
Essential Growing Conditions
Light
To encourage the most vibrant bronze coloration, the Philodendron ‘Florida Bronze’ performs best in bright, indirect light. Adequate light intensity is directly correlated with the richness of the coppery pigment in new leaves; if the light is too low, the bronze hue will be noticeably faded. Avoid placing the plant in direct, intense sunlight, as this can easily scorch the sensitive foliage.
Watering
The watering regimen should focus on preventing both drought and saturation. Allow the top inch or two of the soil to dry out between applications. Overwatering is a common cause of issues, potentially leading to root rot. Check the soil moisture level every few days and reduce the frequency of watering during the cooler winter months.
Soil and Temperature
The ideal substrate is an airy, well-draining aroid mix designed to prevent compaction and promote healthy root aeration. A successful blend often includes standard potting soil mixed with amendments such as perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir to increase porosity. The ‘Florida Bronze’ thrives in consistent ambient temperatures between 18°C and 27°C (64°F to 80°F). Protect it from sudden temperature drops or cold drafts, which can cause leaf drooping and stress.
Humidity
Humidity is a significant factor, with the plant preferring levels of 50% to 60% or higher. While it can tolerate average household humidity, prolonged exposure to dry air can cause the leaf edges to turn brown and crispy. To increase humidity, growers often utilize a nearby humidifier or place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
Techniques for Propagation
Multiplying the ‘Florida Bronze’ is reliably accomplished through stem cuttings. Select a healthy, non-diseased section of stem and use a clean, sharp cutting tool. The cutting should be approximately four to six inches long and must include at least one node.
The leaves surrounding the node should be removed to prevent them from rotting if submerged, ensuring the node is fully exposed. Cuttings can be rooted successfully in several mediums, including plain water, moist sphagnum moss, or perlite.
If rooting in water, submerge the node while keeping the leaves above the water line. Place the container in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light, and change the water weekly to maintain oxygen levels. Once the new roots have developed to a length of at least one to two inches, the cutting is ready to be transferred to its permanent soil mix.
History and Parentage of the Hybrid
The ‘Florida Bronze’ belongs to the ‘Florida’ series of hybrids. The original ‘Florida’ hybrid is believed to be the result of a cross between Philodendron squamiferum and Philodendron pedatum. P. squamiferum contributes the characteristic red, scaly petioles, while P. pedatum provides the deeply dissected foliage structure.
The specific ‘Bronze’ cultivar was selected from subsequent generations for its unique temporary coloration in the new leaves. Some sources suggest the ‘Bronze’ may involve the dark-leafed Philodendron ‘Black Cardinal’ in its lineage to enhance the depth of the initial coppery pigmentation.
The ‘Florida’ series gained significant popularity due to its vigorous growth and dramatic, sculptural appearance. Their hybrid nature grants them increased resilience, making them adaptable to typical indoor environments.