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How To Propagate Philodendron: An Ultimate Master Guide

Philodendrons are among the most popular and easy to care for indoor plants. They have a wide range of shapes, sizes, colors, and growth habits, making them suitable for any style and space. They are also very adaptable and tolerant to a range of conditions, such as low light, humidity, and temperature.

But what if you want to have more of these beautiful plants in your home or share them with your friends and family? The good news is that philodendrons are easy to propagate from cuttings, which means you can create new plants from your existing ones. Propagating philodendrons is not only a fun and rewarding activity, but also a great way to save money and grow your collection.

In this article, we will show you everything you need to know about philodendron propagation, from choosing the best time and method, to preparing the materials and tools, to taking and caring for the cuttings, to transplanting the new plants. We will also share some tips and tricks to help you succeed in propagating your philodendrons. By following this comprehensive guide, you will be able to master the art of philodendron propagation and enjoy the results.

Understanding Philodendron: A Brief Introduction

Before we dive into the details of philodendron propagation, let’s first understand what philodendrons are and what makes them so special.

Philodendrons are a genus of plants that belong to the family Araceae, which also includes other popular houseplants such as pothos, monstera, anthurium, and peace lily. The name philodendron comes from the Greek words “philo” meaning love and “dendron” meaning tree, which reflects their affinity for climbing or trailing on trees or other supports.

There are hundreds of different types of philodendrons, which can be divided into two main groups: vining and non-vining. Vining philodendrons have long stems that can grow up to several feet in length and produce aerial roots that help them attach to surfaces. Non-vining philodendrons have short stems that grow upright or spread horizontally and do not produce aerial roots.

Some of the most common and popular types of philodendrons are:

• Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum): A vining type with heart-shaped leaves that can be green, yellow, or variegated. It is one of the easiest and most adaptable philodendrons to grow and propagate.
• Micans (Philodendron hederaceum var. micans): A vining type with velvety leaves that have a bronze or purple hue. It is also known as velvet leaf philodendron.
• Split-leaf philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum): A non-vining type with large leaves that have deep lobes or splits. It is also known as Swiss cheese plant or monstera deliciosa.
• Lacy tree philodendron (Philodendron selloum): A non-vining type with large leaves that have wavy edges and deep veins. It is also known as hope philodendron or horsehead philodendron.
• Brasil (Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’): A vining type with heart-shaped leaves that have a yellow stripe in the center. It is a cultivar of the heartleaf philodendron.
• Pink princess (Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’): A vining type with dark green leaves that have pink variegation. It is a hybrid of the red-leaf philodendron.

Key Characteristics of Philodendron

Philodendrons have some key characteristics that make them ideal for propagation. These include:

• They have nodes: Nodes are the points on the stem where leaves, buds, or branches emerge. Nodes are also where roots can form when cuttings are placed in water or soil. Philodendrons have nodes along their stems that can be easily identified by the presence of a leaf or an aerial root.
• They have indeterminate growth: Indeterminate growth means that the plant does not have a predetermined size or shape and can continue to grow indefinitely. Philodendrons have indeterminate growth, which means they can produce new stems and leaves continuously from their nodes. This allows them to regenerate from cuttings easily and quickly.
• They have high rooting potential: Rooting potential refers to the ability of a plant to produce roots from cuttings. Philodendrons have high rooting potential, which means they can readily root in water or soil without much difficulty or intervention. This makes them easy to propagate even for beginners.

Various Types of Philodendron

As mentioned earlier, there are hundreds of different types of philodendrons, which can vary in their appearance, size, growth habit, and care requirements. However, for the purpose of propagation, we can categorize them into two main groups: vining and non-vining.

Vining philodendrons are the ones that have long stems that can climb or trail on supports or hang from baskets. They are the easiest and most common types of philodendrons to propagate from cuttings, as they have many nodes along their stems that can produce roots. Some examples of vining philodendrons are heartleaf philodendron, micans, brasil, and pink princess.

Non-vining philodendrons are the ones that have short stems that grow upright or spread horizontally. They are more difficult and less common to propagate from cuttings, as they have fewer nodes and less stem material to work with. Some examples of non-vining philodendrons are split-leaf philodendron, lacy tree philodendron, and xanadu.

In this article, we will focus on propagating vining philodendrons from stem cuttings, as they are the most suitable and successful method for these types of plants. However, we will also briefly mention some other methods that can be used for non-vining philodendrons or for more advanced propagators.

Deciding the Best Time to Propagate Philodendron

The best time to propagate philodendron is during the spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing and producing new stems and leaves. This is because the plant has more energy and resources to devote to rooting and developing new plants.

However, you can also propagate philodendron during the fall or winter, as long as you provide adequate light, warmth, and humidity for the cuttings. You may need to use artificial lighting, heating mats, or humidifiers to create a favorable environment for the cuttings.

The best time of the day to take cuttings is in the morning, when the plant is well-hydrated and fresh. Avoid taking cuttings in the afternoon or evening, when the plant may be stressed or dehydrated by the heat or sun.

The A-Z of Philodendron Propagation from Cuttings | How To Propagate Philodendron

Propagating philodendron from cuttings is a simple and straightforward process that anyone can do with some basic tools and materials. Here are the steps you need to follow to successfully propagate your philodendron from cuttings:

Preparing for the Cutting: Everything You Need

Before you take your cutting, you need to prepare everything you need for the propagation process. Here is a list of the tools and materials you will need:

• A sharp and clean knife or scissors: You will need a sharp and clean knife or scissors to make a clean and precise cut on your stem. Make sure you sterilize your knife or scissors with rubbing alcohol or bleach before and after each use to prevent any infection or contamination.
• A healthy and mature philodendron plant: You will need a healthy and mature philodendron plant that has plenty of stems and leaves to choose from. Avoid taking cuttings from a young, sick, or stressed plant, as they may not root well or produce healthy plants.
• A container with water or soil: You will need a container with water or soil to place your cutting in. You can use any type of container that is clean and has drainage holes. For water propagation, you can use a glass jar, a vase, a bottle, or any transparent container that allows you to see the roots. For soil propagation, you can use a small pot, a cup, a tray, or any container that can hold enough soil. Make sure you fill your container with fresh water or moist potting soil before inserting your cutting.
• Optional: Rooting hormone: Rooting hormone is a substance that stimulates root growth and development in cuttings. It is not necessary for propagating philodendrons, as they can root easily without it. However, some people like to use it to speed up the rooting process or increase the success rate. You can use either a powder or a gel form of rooting hormone. If you decide to use it, make sure you follow the instructions on the label carefully.

Determining Where to Take Philodendron Cutting

The next step is to determine where to take your cutting from your parent plant. You want to choose a healthy stem that has at least one node and one leaf attached to it. A node is a point on the stem where a leaf or an aerial root emerges. A leaf is an obvious sign of a node, but an aerial root may be harder to spot. Look for a small bump or protrusion on the stem that indicates an aerial root.

You can take your cutting from anywhere along the stem, but avoid taking it from the tip or the base of the stem. The tip of the stem is where new growth occurs, so taking it may slow down or stop the growth of your parent plant. The base of the stem is where the roots are, so taking it may damage or kill your parent plant.

The best place to take your cutting is somewhere in the middle of the stem, where there are several nodes and leaves. This will allow you to take a longer cutting that can produce more roots and plants. You can also take multiple cuttings from the same stem, as long as you leave some nodes and leaves on the parent plant.

Expert Techniques on Taking a Philodendron Cutting

The next step is to take your cutting using a sharp and clean knife or scissors. You want to make a clean and precise cut just below a node, at a 45-degree angle. This will increase the surface area of the cut and expose more tissue for rooting. You also want to avoid crushing or tearing the stem, as this can cause infection or rot.

You can take your cutting as long or as short as you want, depending on how many nodes and leaves you want to have on your new plant. However, a good rule of thumb is to take a cutting that is about 4 to 6 inches long and has at least 2 to 3 nodes and leaves.

After you take your cutting, you should remove any leaves from the bottom node or nodes that will be submerged in water or soil. This will prevent them from rotting and attracting fungus or bacteria. You should also remove any flowers or buds from your cutting, as they will consume energy and resources that are better used for rooting.

Details on Philodendron Cutting Care

The next step is to care for your cutting until it roots and grows into a new plant. You can choose to root your cutting in water or soil, depending on your preference and availability. Both methods have their pros and cons, which we will discuss in the following sections.

Step by Step Guide to Propagating Philodendron in Water

Propagating philodendron in water is one of the easiest and most common methods of philodendron propagation. It allows you to see the roots growing and monitor their progress. It also requires less maintenance and attention than soil propagation. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as slower growth, weaker roots, and higher risk of rotting.

Here are the steps you need to follow to propagate your philodendron in water:

Starting Process: How to Insert Cuttings in Water

The first step is to insert your cuttings in water. You will need a container with fresh water that is large enough to hold your cuttings without overcrowding them. You can use any type of container that is clean and transparent, such as a glass jar, a vase, a bottle, or a plastic cup.

You should fill your container with room temperature water that is filtered or distilled. Tap water may contain chlorine or other chemicals that can harm your cuttings or inhibit their rooting. You should also change the water every few days or whenever it becomes cloudy or dirty.

You should insert your cuttings in water so that only the bottom node or nodes are submerged. The rest of the stem and leaves should be above the water level. You should also make sure that no leaves are touching the water, as they can rot and contaminate the water.

You should place your container with cuttings in a bright spot that receives indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can overheat the water and damage your cuttings. You should also avoid low light, as it can slow down the rooting process and cause leggy growth.

Monitoring the Growth of Cuttings in Water

The next step is to monitor the growth of your cuttings in water. You should see new roots emerging from the nodes within a few days or weeks, depending on the type of philodendron and the conditions. The roots may be white, green, or brown in color, and may vary in thickness and length.

You should let your cuttings grow in water until they have enough roots to support themselves in soil. This may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the type of philodendron and the conditions. A good sign that your cuttings are ready for soil is when they have roots that are at least an inch long and have several branches.

Tips for Successful Water Propagation

Here are some tips to help you succeed in propagating your philodendron in water:

• Change the water regularly: Changing the water every few days or whenever it becomes cloudy or dirty will prevent algae, fungus, bacteria, or pests from growing and harming your cuttings. It will also provide fresh oxygen and nutrients for your cuttings.
• Add some fertilizer: Adding some diluted liquid fertilizer to the water once a month or every other week will provide some extra nutrients for your cuttings and speed up their growth. However, be careful not to over-fertilize them, as this can burn their roots or cause salt buildup.
• Trim any dead or damaged parts: Trimming any dead or damaged parts of your cuttings, such as leaves, stems, or roots, will prevent them from rotting and spreading infection to the rest of the plant. It will also encourage new growth and branching.
• Provide adequate light and temperature: Providing adequate light and temperature for your cuttings will ensure their optimal growth and development. You should aim for bright indirect light and a temperature range of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also avoid exposing your cuttings to drafts, heat sources, or cold windows.

Everything You Need to Know About Propagating Philodendron in Soil

Propagating philodendron in soil is another method of philodendron propagation that can be more natural and faster than water propagation. It allows your cuttings to grow stronger and healthier roots that are better adapted to soil. It also requires less monitoring and changing of water than water propagation. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as less visibility, more maintenance, and higher risk of drying out.

Here are the steps you need to follow to propagate your philodendron in soil:

Preparing the Pot for Philodendron Propagation

The first step is to prepare the pot for philodendron propagation. You will need a pot that is clean and has drainage holes. You can use any type of pot that is suitable for houseplants, such as a plastic, ceramic, or terracotta pot.

You should fill your pot with a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. You can use a commercial potting mix that is designed for houseplants, or you can make your own by mixing equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and compost. You should also moisten your potting mix before inserting your cuttings.

You should leave some space at the top of the pot for watering and adding more soil if needed. You should also label your pot with the name and date of your philodendron cutting.

Inserting and Nurturing Cuttings in Soil

The next step is to insert your cuttings in soil. You will need to make a hole in the soil with your finger or a pencil that is deep enough to accommodate the bottom node or nodes of your cutting. You can also dip the end of your cutting in some rooting hormone before inserting it in the soil, but this is optional.

You should insert your cutting in soil so that only the bottom node or nodes are buried. The rest of the stem and leaves should be above the soil level. You should also make sure that no leaves are touching the soil, as they can rot and attract fungus or pests.

You should gently press the soil around your cutting to firm it up and hold it in place. You should also water your cutting lightly to settle the soil and remove any air pockets.

You should place your pot with cuttings in a bright spot that receives indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch your cuttings or dry out the soil. You should also avoid low light, as it can slow down the rooting process and cause leggy growth.

You should keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy or wet. You can check the moisture level by inserting your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If it feels dry, you should water your cutting lightly. If it feels wet, you should let it dry out a bit before watering again.

You should also provide some humidity for your cuttings by misting them with water once or twice a day, or by placing them on a tray with pebbles and water. This will prevent them from wilting or drying out.

Monitoring and Caring for Soil Based Cuttings

The next step is to monitor and care for your soil based cuttings. You should see new roots emerging from the nodes within a few weeks or months, depending on the type of philodendron and the conditions. The roots may not be visible from the surface, but you can gently tug on your cutting to feel if there is any resistance.

You should let your cuttings grow in soil until they have enough roots to support themselves as independent plants. This may take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on the type of philodendron and the conditions. A good sign that your cuttings are ready for transplanting is when they have several stems and leaves and show signs of new growth.

Tips for Successful Soil Propagation

Here are some tips to help you succeed in propagating your philodendron in soil:

• Use a well-draining potting mix: Using a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter will provide enough air, water, and nutrients for your cuttings and prevent root rot or fungal infections.
• Avoid overwatering or underwatering: Overwatering or underwatering your cuttings can cause them to rot or wilt and die. You should keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy or wet, and check the moisture level regularly by inserting your finger into the soil. 
• Provide adequate light and temperature: Providing adequate light and temperature for your cuttings will ensure their optimal growth and development. You should aim for bright indirect light and a temperature range of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also avoid exposing your cuttings to drafts, heat sources, or cold windows.
• Add some fertilizer: Adding some diluted liquid fertilizer to the soil once a month or every other week will provide some extra nutrients for your cuttings and speed up their growth. However, be careful not to over-fertilize them, as this can burn their roots or cause salt buildup.
• Trim any dead or damaged parts: Trimming any dead or damaged parts of your cuttings, such as leaves, stems, or roots, will prevent them from rotting and spreading infection to the rest of the plant. It will also encourage new growth and branching.

Transitioning Practices: From Water to Soil

If you have propagated your philodendron in water, you may want to transition it to soil at some point. This is because soil provides more stability, nutrients, and aeration for your plant than water. It also allows your plant to grow bigger and stronger than in water.

However, transitioning from water to soil is not as simple as just planting your cutting in a pot. You need to follow some steps and precautions to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Here are the steps you need to follow to transition your philodendron from water to soil:

When to Transition from Water to Soil

The first step is to decide when to transition your philodendron from water to soil. There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on several factors, such as the type of philodendron, the size of the roots, the condition of the water, and your personal preference.

However, a general rule of thumb is to transition your philodendron from water to soil when it has enough roots to support itself in soil. This may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the type of philodendron and the conditions. A good sign that your philodendron is ready for soil is when it has roots that are at least an inch long and have several branches.

You should also consider the quality of the water that your philodendron is growing in. If the water is cloudy, dirty, smelly, or has algae or fungus growing in it, you should transition your philodendron to soil as soon as possible. This is because poor water quality can harm your plant and cause root rot or disease.

You should also consider your own preference and convenience. If you want to have more control over your plant’s growth and care, or if you want to free up some space on your windowsill or shelf, you may want to transition your philodendron to soil sooner than later.

How to Successfully Transition your Philodendron Cutting

The next step is to transition your philodendron cutting from water to soil. You will need a pot that is clean and has drainage holes, a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter, and some optional rooting hormone.

Here are the steps you need to follow to transition your philodendron cutting from water to soil:

• Prepare the pot: Fill the pot with moist potting mix and leave some space at the top for watering and adding more soil if needed. You can also label your pot with the name and date of your philodendron cutting.
• Remove the cutting from water: Gently remove your cutting from water and rinse off any dirt or debris from the roots. You can also trim off any dead or damaged roots with a sharp and clean knife or scissors.
• Optional: Apply rooting hormone: You can apply some rooting hormone to the end of your cutting where the roots are. This can help stimulate root growth and development in soil. However, this is optional, as philodendrons can root well without it.
• Plant the cutting in soil: Make a hole in the soil with your finger or a pencil that is deep enough to accommodate the roots of your cutting. Insert your cutting in soil so that only the roots are buried. The rest of the stem and leaves should be above the soil level. Gently press the soil around your cutting to firm it up and hold it in place.
• Water the cutting lightly: Water your cutting lightly to settle the soil and remove any air pockets. You should keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy or wet.
• Place the pot in a bright spot: Place your pot in a bright spot that receives indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch your cutting or dry out the soil. You should also avoid low light, as it can slow down the growth process and cause leggy growth.

Factors Affecting the Success of Philodendron Propagation

The success of philodendron propagation depends on several factors, such as the type of philodendron, the method of propagation, the time of the year, the environment, and the care. Here are some of the factors that can affect the success of philodendron propagation and how to optimize them:

• Type of philodendron: As mentioned earlier, there are hundreds of different types of philodendrons, which can vary in their appearance, size, growth habit, and care requirements. Some types of philodendrons are easier and faster to propagate than others, depending on their rooting potential and growth rate. For example, vining types of philodendrons are easier and faster to propagate than non-vining types, as they have more nodes and stem material to work with. You should research your specific type of philodendron and its propagation preferences before attempting to propagate it.
• Method of propagation: There are different methods of propagating philodendrons, such as water propagation, soil propagation, division, or air layering. Each method has its pros and cons, depending on the type of philodendron, the availability of materials and tools, and the personal preference. You should choose the method that suits your type of philodendron and your level of experience and convenience. You should also follow the instructions for each method carefully and accurately to ensure a successful propagation.
• Time of the year: The time of the year can also affect the success of philodendron propagation, as it influences the growth and development of the plant. The best time to propagate philodendron is during the spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing and producing new stems and leaves. This is because the plant has more energy and resources to devote to rooting and developing new plants. However, you can also propagate philodendron during the fall or winter, as long as you provide adequate light, warmth, and humidity for the cuttings.
• Environment: The environment can also affect the success of philodendron propagation, as it influences the health and well-being of the cuttings. You should provide an optimal environment for your cuttings that mimics their natural habitat. You should aim for bright indirect light, a temperature range of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, a humidity level of 50 to 70 percent, and a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. You should also avoid exposing your cuttings to drafts, heat sources, cold windows, direct sunlight, or low light.
• Care: The care you provide for your cuttings can also affect the success of philodendron propagation, as it influences their growth and development. You should care for your cuttings by keeping them hydrated, nourished, clean, and protected. You should water your cuttings regularly but not excessively, fertilize them occasionally but not excessively, trim any dead or damaged parts promptly and carefully, and protect them from pests or diseases.

Expand Your Green Thumb: Other Ways to Propagate Philodendrons

Besides water propagation and soil propagation from stem cuttings, there are other ways to propagate philodendrons that you can explore if you want to expand your green thumb. These include:

1. Propagation by Division

Propagation by division is a method that involves separating a mature plant into two or more smaller plants. This is usually done for non-vining types of philodendrons that have multiple stems or crowns that can be divided. To propagate by division, you need to remove your plant from its pot and gently pull apart or cut apart its stems or crowns with a sharp and clean knife or scissors.

You should make sure that each division has enough roots and leaves to survive on its own. You should then plant each division in a separate pot with fresh potting mix and water them lightly.

2. Propagation by Air Layering

Propagation by air layering is a method that involves inducing roots to grow on a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. This is usually done for vining types of philodendrons that have long stems that can be wrapped with moist sphagnum moss or peat moss.

To propagate by air layering, you need to make a small cut or wound on a stem just below a node with a sharp and clean knife or scissors. You should then wrap some moist sphagnum moss or peat moss around the wound and secure it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You should then wait for roots to grow from the wound into the moss within a few weeks or months. You should then cut off the stem below the roots and plant it in a pot with fresh potting mix.

Transplanting Your Philodendron: The Finishing Touch

The final step in propagating your philodendron is transplanting it into its permanent home. This is when you move your new plant from its temporary container into a larger pot where it can grow and thrive.

Transplanting your philodendron is not difficult, but it requires some care and attention to avoid damaging or stressing your plant. Here are the steps you need to follow to transplant your philodendron into its permanent home:

Preparing For Transplanting

Before you transplant your philodendron, you need to prepare everything you need for the process. Here is a list of the tools and materials you will need:

• A larger pot: You will need a larger pot that is clean and has drainage holes. You can use any type of pot that is suitable for houseplants, such as a plastic, ceramic, or terracotta pot. The size of the pot should be about 2 to 4 inches larger than the current pot of your plant, depending on how big and fast-growing your philodendron is.
• A well-draining potting mix: You will need a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. You can use the same potting mix that you used for propagating your philodendron, or you can use a commercial potting mix that is designed for houseplants. You should also moisten your potting mix before filling your pot with it.
• Optional: Fertilizer: You can add some diluted liquid fertilizer to the potting mix to provide some extra nutrients for your plant and boost its growth. However, this is optional, as philodendrons can grow well without fertilizer. If you decide to use it, make sure you follow the instructions on the label carefully and avoid over-fertilizing your plant.

Steps to Transplanting your Philodendron

The next step is to transplant your philodendron into its new pot. You should do this gently and carefully to avoid damaging or stressing your plant. Here are the steps you need to follow to transplant your philodendron:

• Remove the plant from its current pot: Gently remove your plant from its current pot by holding the stem and tipping the pot upside down. You may need to tap or squeeze the sides of the pot to loosen the soil and roots. You should avoid pulling or tugging on the stem or roots, as this can cause injury or breakage.
• Inspect and trim the roots: Inspect the roots of your plant and look for any signs of damage, disease, or rot. You should trim off any dead, damaged, or diseased roots with a sharp and clean knife or scissors. You should also remove any excess soil or debris from the roots.
• Fill the new pot with potting mix: Fill the new pot with moist potting mix and leave some space at the top for watering and adding more soil if needed. You can also make a hole in the center of the potting mix that is large enough to accommodate the roots of your plant.
• Plant the philodendron in the new pot: Place your plant in the new pot and spread its roots evenly in the hole. You should position your plant so that its stem and leaves are above the soil level and its roots are buried. You should also make sure that no leaves are touching the soil, as they can rot and attract fungus or pests.
• Add more potting mix and water: Add more potting mix around your plant and gently press it down to firm it up and hold it in place. You should also water your plant lightly to settle the soil and remove any air pockets.
• Place the new pot in a bright spot: Place your new pot in a bright spot that receives indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch your plant or dry out the soil. You should also avoid low light, as it can slow down the growth process and cause leggy growth.

Summary | How To Propagate Philodendron

Here are some key takeaways to summarize what you have learned about philodendron propagation:

• Philodendrons are easy to propagate from cuttings, either in water or soil.
• The best time to propagate philodendrons is during spring or summer, when they are actively growing.
• The best place to take cuttings is somewhere in the middle of a healthy stem that has at least one node and one leaf.
• The best way to take cuttings is to make a clean and precise cut just below a node, at a 45-degree angle.
• The best way to care for cuttings is to keep them hydrated, nourished, clean, and protected.
• The best way to transplant cuttings is to move them into a larger pot with fresh potting mix when they have enough roots.

I hope you enjoyed this article on philodendron propagation and learned something new. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Happy propagating!