Hey Plant Mama’s, today I wanted to share how I propagate my Philodendron plants. The heartleaf, brasil, and many other vining plants are pretty similar in nature when it comes to growing more indoor plants from the mama. I first started my propagating journey with the Philodendron Heartleaf {Scandens}. It’s one of the hardest plants to kill and by all means if she looks distressed, don’t toss. These live houseplants can tolerate a lot. Just pay attention to them each week to take note of their progress, cut off dead leaves and she’ll be filling your jungle apartment in no time.
Philodendron Propagation
Before you start propagating this beauty remember to look for these few things:
- Healthy Leaves– you want to make sure the leaves are full and lush with no damage. If there are some leaves that need to be cut off, attempt taking that stem with a node on it to propagate.
- Long Vines– take from a longer vine and not an immature one. I’ve had greater success and they grow much faster when you cut from a longer stem.
- Nodes– this is where you are going to clip your stem (halfway in between the internode). Look for the node as shown below and make sure you have some pretty healthy ones before clipping. They do much better when they’re fully developed.
Easy Ways To Create More Houseplants From The Mama Plant
Normally I like to rescue plants in distress and fancy them up for propagation. I don’t know how many times I’ve walked into a nursery or grocery store and witnessed plants in an unhealthy state. Makes this #plantmama go mad. But I’ll buy it and rehome with saving it in mind. The Philodendron Heartleaf photographed is one I saved from Whole Foods. For some reason they get lush plants in but neglect to keep them that way. I guess that’s the problem with Stock Dealers. I’m far different. I don’t like seeing any living thing a mess. LOL
- Buy a luscious mama plant to begin with. I always look for full plants to either divide the roots or propagate. Watch our Pinterest stories for more tips.
- Water or Soil Propagation- I propagate both ways mainly because I like to see which one works best. To be honest I would much rather soil propagate because I think they grow faster. When placing the stem part in the water be sure that you fill the glass to cover the node. Avoid allowing leaves to fall into the water because this can happen and they will rot. Use 3″ nursery pots to soil propagate by adding some Peat Moss and Fresh soil to the pot (halfway) and then dip your finger in the middle to make a hole for your stem with a node. Finish packing in soil to give this new baby a solid home to grow in.
- Add very little water to the new plant and then place in a well lit room with other plants. I normally stick a bamboo stick or my finger in the soil to see when she’s dried out and then water accordingly. Don’t overwater or they will not make it. Less is more. Always.
Simple Plant Tips For Propagation
Really the Philodendron family is one of the easiest, most simple plants to propagate. I’ve rarely been unsuccessful when making more plants for our home. You can and should cut off any damaged leaves because this makes room for new ones to grow.
Once you decide on which stems you’d like to take for propagation (normally I lay them all out on a table), prepare your soil or water jars and place the plant in as described above. When you’re happy with the way the new baby has been planted, move to an area where they will get lots of INDIRECT sunlight. I place on a bookshelf or shelf out on my lanai to give them the most of their growing experience. They love:
- Humidity- if you don’t have natural humid spaces to give these plants, create a weekly hot shower and place the plants in the bathroom on the vanity for them to get this. It makes them grow faster.
- Natural sunlight but not direct sunlight (the leaves will burn).
- Tap water- as mentioned before check the soil to see if it’s dry before adding new water to the pot. If you’re water propagating then change the water every 3-5 days.
- Being grouped together. Plants love their friends. Don’t keep them separated or alone, ever!
Follow these simple tips and you’ll be enjoying your new jungle home in a few short months. I always see dramatic growth in these plants when I do exactly what I’ve discussed. That’s not too much for a beginning plant lover.
What’s your favorite houseplant? I’d love to know. My current fave is the Philodendron Brasil. I’ve been propagating and they are seriously so gorgeous.
If you are still not sure how to go about propagating your mama plants, no worries. I’ve got you mama. Check out the shop because cuttings will be sold there soon! XO –
V
