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How to propagate philodendron

Propagating Philodendron: Methods that every Plant Lover Should Know

How to propagate philodendron
How to propagate philodendron

Plants add character and aesthetic value to any space. They make it more livable as they tend to be unique decorations regardless of where you place them. In addition, Plants grow to appeal to our senses and calm our minds. They are beautiful to look at and lovely to touch, and some of them have fragrances that can relieve our stress and soothe our tired bodies. These are the reasons why many people love indoor plants. From tall columnar-shaped plants that we use to frame corridors to ferns and small ones that we put on pots and place on tabletops, the variety of species that we can use are wide, and all are beautiful in their own right. An excellent example of these plants would be the Philodendrons.

The Philodendrons include hundreds of different species, often used in Interior Landscaping or Interiorscaping. These other species share many similar characteristics that can be classified and considered simply “Philodendron.” And it is understandable because, even though they have slight variations, they still have uncanny resemblances to one another. It also helps that taking care of them and propagating them are also the same. So if you’re one of those people who love plants and would like to know how to propagate philodendrons, you have found the right article. This article will discuss the different propagation methods for these well-loved plants.

Propagation Methods for Philodendron

Are you on a budget but would still like to have many of these lovable plants in your home? Or are you just one of those simply interested in knowing how to propagate philodendrons? If your answer to any or both of these questions is yes, then I am happy to tell you that breeding these plants is pretty straightforward and that the most common methods include Seeds, Stem Cuttings, and Plant Division.

Seeds

If you’re one of those who prefer traditional methods, then this one is the best option. The only problem with this method is that the process takes a more extended time than the other ones. But if you’re still interested in using this, the materials you will need include the seeds, a pot, a plastic cover, and good, well-drained, rich soil. While there is no specific standard or required size of the pot, most people use the 6-inch one. Regardless of the diameter of your pot, your seeds will still have to be planted with 2 to 3 inches (50mm to 75mm) spacing in between, and your soil depth should be approximately 1/3 inch or 8.5mm.

Once you have planted the seeds, you will have to cover the pot with plastic. It is, however, essential to make sure that the plastic covering the pots can be easily removed so that you may be able to water them and let the air in regularly. To ensure the proper development of the seeds, you also have to make sure that you can provide the right amount of water, and the temperature of the soil should be around 20 to 23 degrees Celsius (68 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit).

This stage may last a maximum of eight weeks before you can notice significant development. Once the seedlings are strong and big enough to be moved and handled, you will have to re-pot each of them. Philodendrons, despite having the capacity to thrive indoors, still need sunlight. The plant may tolerate low light conditions, but just like any other species, you will still have to bring them out for sun once in a while. To avoid this hassle, it is best to put them in a bright but indirect light space.

Stem Cuttings

This is one of the most recommended propagation methods for Philodendron. For this propagation method, you will need the following materials: a mature plant, a pot, well-drained soil, a container, water, clean pruning shears, and a rooting hormone. At this point, it is vital to take note that you have two options here. You can either put your cuttings in a small pot with soil or a small container with water.

You’ll need a mature plant and clean pruning shears to start with. Using your clean pruning shears from the mature plant, cut a piece of stem with one end just above a leaf. Ensure that your cuttings have a node because the roots will develop from here. Also, the length of the stem should be approximately about 3 to 6 inches (75mm to 150mm). Once you already have cuttings, clean it and remove the leaves that can be found at the lower end while retaining the uppermost four. You have to make sure that the end of the stem you’re going to submerge into the small container or pot has no leaves.

If you choose to use water as your medium, you will have to put a significant amount of it into the container, but make sure that the jar is not filled. I would recommend the water be up to at least half or 3/4 of the said container. Ensure the upper portion of the stem where there are leaves is not underwater. After that, place the container with the cuttings in a bright but indirect light space. Remember to constantly and regularly visit your stem cuttings because you may need to add water once in a while. This is especially true because of the process of evaporation. As time passes, the water in the container will evaporate, and if you just let it stand alone, you may not have sufficient water for the root system to develop.

Also, you may need to replace the water in the container twice a week to prevent root rot. This method usually takes 2 to 3 weeks before the root system becomes fully developed. After that, you may transfer the cuttings to a new pot with moist soil. Some people suggest using a rooting hormone to ensure the healthy and complete development of the root system while the cuttings are still in the water-filled container. You have, however, the option to this because the cuttings will still develop even without it.

If you choose to use soil and pot, you’ll have to ensure that the cuttings are not entirely under the soil. The portion of the stem with leaves must be exposed to light. Then, please place it in a well-lit space, preferably not under direct sunlight. You will need to occasionally water the cuttings in this setup to keep the soil moist. And then, after two to three weeks, check if the roots have already developed by slightly pulling the cuttings gently and carefully. You will be able to identify whether there is already a root system using this method. The cuttings already have a root system if you can feel as if something is keeping the plant firm on the soil when you slightly pull it. Once you have confirmed that they already have a root system, you may transfer the cuttings to a slightly larger pot to ensure growth and development.

The process of Stem cuttings may seem easy, but you have several things to remember for it to be successful. First is the time of the year when you should do this activity. Experts and enthusiasts suggest doing stem cuttings during spring or early summer when the temperature is neither too cold nor too warm. The second thing you need to remember is to ensure that the soil or the water has the right temperature. Those who have succeeded in propagating Philodendron using stem cuttings suggest that we maintain the temperature around 18 to 23 degrees Celsius (65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit). It would be best to remember the last thing to ensure that a node is included in your cuttings. You must provide it; otherwise, your cuttings will not develop their root system. Roots, in stem cuttings, develop from the nodes.

Plant Division

This is the simplest and the fastest way to propagate Philodendrons. This method involves separating and dividing a healthy and mature philodendron into several sections and replanting it to separate pots. Here, you have to make sure that each division has enough roots to support two or more shots. It would be best if you also made sure that none of the sections of the plants, including the roots, is damaged by your method of dividing and separating them. This is why experts and enthusiasts suggest that you water the plants first, in the morning, before proceeding to divide them. Once you have separated the sections, plant them in different pots and place them in a well-lit space with indirect sunlight. Usually, the new plant grows and develops within just a couple of days.

Regardless of which propagation method you intend to use, you have to keep in mind that Philodendrons are living things, and they will require care and attention. The seeds and the cuttings in soil and pots must be regularly watered adequately, and you cannot overwater or neglect to water them. In addition to that, the plants being developed must be placed in a space where they will receive light indirectly. It may survive in low light conditions, but its’ health and growth rate will not be as good and fast compared to those that can receive a good quality of light.

Sources

  1. Propagating a trailing philodendron into more plants is super easy here’s how. B. H. G. Garden Editors. (2020, November 3). Better Homes & Gardens. Retrieved October 14, 2021, from https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/care/how-do-i-propagate-a-philodendron/.
  2. Melvin. (2021, March 18). Philodendron not rooting? Top 11 Reasons Why You’re Failing. Unica Plants. Retrieved October 14, 2021, from https://unicaplants.com/philodendron-not-rooting-top-11-reasons-why-youre-failing/.
  3. Richford, N. (n.d.). How to propagate Philodendron. Hunker. Retrieved October 14, 2021, from https://www.hunker.com/13427580/how-to-propagate-philodendron.
  4. VanZile, J. (2021, August 30). How to grow and care for philodendrons. The Spruce. Retrieved October 14, 2021, from https://www.thespruce.com/grow-philodendron-houseplants-1902768.
How to propagate philodendron
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