The Philodendron is not only considered a tree friend, but is also friendly to its gardener with uncomplicated care requirements. Its advantages also come into play if you want to grow more examples of the evergreen houseplant. These instructions explain how to do it with an offshoot.
How to propagate a philodendron?
To propagate a philodendron, cut off shoot tips 10-15 cm long in early summer, remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in growing soil made from coconut fibers and lava granules. A plastic bag promotes rooting in a bright but not full sun location.
Cut and prepare offshoots - This is how it works
Early summer is the best time to propagate a tree friend. It is primarily the climbing Philodendron species that are suitable for the cutting method. Cut off one or more shoot tips 10 to 15 cm long. Remove any leaves that could later come into contact with substrate. At least one leaf should remain at the tip of each cutting.
Potting and caring for cuttings – this is what you should pay attention to
Prepare seed pots with holes in the bottom for your offshoots (€6.00 on Amazon), which you fill with a mix of coconut fibers and lava granules. Please place one large-leaved Philodendron cutting individually in the pot. Small-leaved offshoots can be potted with several specimens to save space. Proceed as follows:
- Moisten the substrate with lime-free water
- Place half to two thirds of a cutting in the potting soil
- Use several wooden sticks as spacers and put a plastic bag over them
Rooting progresses quickly in a bright, not full sun location with normal room temperatures. Ventilate the hood daily and moisten the soil without causing waterlogging. If a fresh leaf develops after 4 weeks, the plastic bag has done its job and can be removed. From this point on, fertilize the cuttings with liquid fertilizer at half the concentration every 3 to 4 weeks.
After an average of 6 months, a Baumfreund cutting is mature enough to be repotted. The small-leaved offshoots are not separated, but instead take their place together in the nutrient-rich, acidic plant soil. From now on, care for your young ones like adult philodendrons.
Tip
The rare, non-climbing species, such as Philodendron bipinnatifidum, can be propagated with seeds. If your tree friend is not blooming and fruiting, you can get certified seeds from specialist retailers. Place the white seeds 1 cm deep in coconut fiber substrate and care for them at 23 to 25 degrees Celsius in a partially shaded location. Under ideal conditions, the germination time is between 2 and 6 weeks.
