Article Description: Learn how to easily propagate Philodendron Selloum in water for healthy plant babies and vibrant growth.
If you’re wondering how to propagate Philodendron Selloum in water, you’re in the right place! This tropical plant, known for its deeply lobed leaves, can thrive with a little care. According to experts, using water propagation is a simple way to create new plants from cuttings. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to help you grow your own plant babies!
Key Takeaway
- Choose a healthy cutting with nodes for better root growth.
- Change the water weekly to prevent root rot.
- Transfer rooted cuttings to soil for continued growth.
Picking the Best Part of the Plant for Your Philodendron Selloum Cutting
Source : Johnson Engleng
To start your Philodendron Selloum from a piece of the momma plant, look for a good section of the main stem. Aim for one that has at least two or three leaf joints. These are the bumpy parts where leaves grow out – they’re important for roots to sprout.
When choosing, make sure it looks healthy overall. A strong, perky cutting has a better chance than one that seems tired. Check for any sickly leaves or spots too.
Length matters too. About 5 inches usually works well – long enough for roots but still easy to handle. Once you’ve selected a nice cutting like that, you’ll be well on your way to growing a new plant from it! Let me know if any other questions come up as you get started.
Getting Your Philodendron Selloum Cutting Ready
Before you start rooting your new Philodendron Selloum piece, gather the tools you’ll need. Clean sharp scissors are a must – using sterile ones helps prevent any germs that could make your plant sick.
Next, pick where to cut. Just below a leaf joint is the sweet spot. Cut at a slight angle downwards too. This helps pull up water and nutrients for growth.
Check your length after cutting – aim for around 5 inches with some leaves still attached. The leaves will give your piece energy from sunlight while roots grow in.
Last step – make sure to wipe the scissors with rubbing alcohol between cuts for a sterile slice. A clean cut means less stress and more focus on root development.
Once prepped, your Philodendron cutting will be all set for the next phases. Let me know if any other questions come up as you get started!
Starting Your Philodendron Selloum Cutting in Water
Now it’s time to get your cutting rooting in water. Grab a clean glass or jar and fill with distilled H2O. Tap water can have minerals that aren’t good for plants, so distilled is the way to go(1).
Gently place the cutting stem in the glass – submerge the leaf joint part but leave the leaves above the surface. This lets the roots grow while keeping the leaves dry to avoid rot.
Check on the water level each day. Top it off with more distilled water as it gets low so the stem stays moist. That simple step will help your cutting get cozy in its new home.
In no time, you should start to see tiny white roots sprouting from the leaf joint part. When they’ve grown a couple inches, it’s time for soil. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Keeping an Eye on Your Philodendron Selloum Cutting
Place the jar in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun can be too much and damage the leaves.
Check on it regularly too. Swap out the water weekly or sooner if it looks cloudy – fresh water prevents germs that could slow root growth.
It’ll likely take 4-6 weeks to see roots sprouting from the leaf joint. Watch for those white roots developing to know it’s doing well.
Moving it to soil is the next step once the roots reach a couple inches long. A well-draining potting mix in a pot with holes on the bottom sets it up for success in its new home.
Let me know if you have any other questions! Proper care during propagation helps ensure a healthy new plant(2).
Moving Your Philodendron Selloum Cutting to Soil
Once the roots on your Philodendron Selloum cutting reach about two inches, it’s ready for soil. First, pick out a pot with drainage holes on the bottom. This allows extra water to drain out so the roots stay happy. Potting mixes with things like peat moss, perlite or vermiculite work well since they keep the soil fluffy instead of packed down.
When you move the cutting, be real gentle. Lift it out of the water and place it in the center of the pot. Try not to mess with the roots too much during transfer. Fill in the soil around the sides, pressing it down just a little so the cutting doesn’t fall over.
After planting, the new soil home will need some care. Water when the top inch of soil gets dry. Keep it moist but not soaked. Bright light that’s not direct will help it adjust. And giving it plant food once a month supports good growth. Check on it often at first to make sure it’s settling in okay. With the right routine, your Philodendron Selloum cutting should start to feel at home in no time!
Things to Watch Out For When Growing Philodendron Selloum
Propagating Philodendron Selloum cuttings in water is usually pretty easy. But there are a few issues that can come up. One sign of trouble is yellowing leaves. This often happens if the plant gets too much water. Soil that stays soggy for long periods can cause root rot, which is bad for the plant. To avoid this, always make sure the cutting isn’t sitting in standing water.
Another thing to look out for is brown spots forming on the leaves. Too much water or poor drainage down below can lead to these spots. If you notice them, it may be time to change your watering schedule or check that the pot has holes on the bottom for excess water to drain out.
Spider mites can also be a problem for these plants. They are tiny bugs that suck the life out of leaves and slow growth. If you spot any webs or mites, act fast. Using soapy water or neem oil regularly will help keep them away. Checking leaves and stems now and then lets you catch issues early too. With the right care, your Philodendron Selloum cuttings should thrive and grow nicely.
Conclusion
Propagating Philodendron Selloum is a great way to grow more plants. By selecting nice stem pieces and caring for them in water, roots will sprout in a few weeks. Switching to soil lets the new plants continue growing strong. With some time and TLC, you’ll soon have more Selloum to enjoy around your space!
FAQ
How do I propagate philodendron selloum in water?
To propagate philodendron selloum in water, start by cutting a healthy stem with a few leaves just below a node. Place the cutting in a jar of water, making sure the node is submerged. Keep it in bright indirect light and change the water weekly. Once roots grow a few inches long, you can transplant the cutting to soil. This water propagation method is great for tropical plants like the selloum philodendron, also known as thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum or tree philodendron.
What are the ideal conditions for successful propagation of philodendron selloum?
For successful propagation, provide your philodendron selloum cutting with bright indirect light, humid conditions, and room temperature. Avoid direct sun and cold drafts. These tropical plants thrive in their natural habitat’s warmth and moisture. Keep the water clean and watch for root development. Once roots are growing well, transplant to a well-draining potting mix. Remember, philodendron selloum care is generally low maintenance, making it a great choice for plant propagation beginners.
How long does the propagation process take for philodendron selloum?
The propagation process for philodendron selloum can vary, but typically roots start growing within 2-4 weeks. It may take 1-2 months before the roots are long enough for transplanting to soil. The growing season (spring and summer) is the best time to propagate, as the plant babies develop faster. Be patient – while some philodendron varieties root quickly, selloum can be slower. Keep an eye on your cutting and ensure it has the right conditions for optimal growth.
What are common issues when propagating philodendron selloum in water?
Common issues when propagating philodendron selloum in water include root rot, turning yellow leaves, and stunted growth. These problems often stem from poor water quality or lack of light. Change the water regularly to prevent the spread of bacteria. If you notice dark brown or damaged leaves, trim them off. Watch out for pests like spider mites – if spotted, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid overexposure to cool weather, which can slow the rooting process.
How do I care for my newly propagated philodendron selloum after transplanting?
After transplanting your propagated philodendron selloum, place it in bright indirect sunlight. Use a well-draining potting medium and a pot with drainage holes to prevent excess water. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mist the leaves regularly to maintain humidity. As a tropical plant, it appreciates warm, moist conditions year round. Feed during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Prune occasionally to maintain its shape and remove any yellowing or damaged leaves.
What’s the difference between leaf philodendron and split leaf philodendron like selloum?
Leaf philodendrons typically have heart-shaped leaves, while split leaf philodendrons like selloum have deeply lobed leaves. The selloum philodendron, also called philodendron bipinnatifidum, is known for its large, elephant ear-like foliage that becomes increasingly split as the plant matures. Unlike smaller philodendron varieties, selloum can grow into a tree-like form, earning it the nickname “tree philodendron”. Both types are popular houseplants, but selloum requires more space due to its size.
How do I encourage aerial roots on my philodendron selloum?
To encourage aerial roots on your philodendron selloum, maintain high humidity around the plant. Mist the main stem and leaves regularly or use a pebble tray filled with water. Provide a support structure like a moss pole for the aerial roots to attach to. These roots help the plant climb in its natural habitat. Keep the potting mix moist but not waterlogged. Aerial roots also indicate that your plant is healthy and potentially ready for propagation.
Should I use rooting hormone when propagating philodendron selloum in water?
While rooting hormone isn’t necessary for water propagation of philodendron selloum, it can speed up the process. If you choose to use it, dip the cut end of your stem in rooting hormone before placing it in water. This can stimulate root development, especially in cooler weather or for slower-rooting plant babies. However, many gardeners find that philodendron selloum, like other tropical plants, roots easily in water without any additives.
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/philodendron/how-to-propagate-philodendron.htm
- https://cafeplanta.com/a/blog/how-to-propagate-philodendron-selloum-in-water
Related Article
- https://knowngarden.com/can-philodendron-selloum-grow-in-water/
- https://knowngarden.com/philodendron-names/
- https://knowngarden.com/philodendron-aerial-roots/