Tree Philodendron Propagation Tips & Growing Guide 2023!

Are you in search of tree philodendron propagation? This interesting and rewarding species of philodendron is the perfect plant to fill your home or yard. The Tree Philodendron is an ornamental perennial plant also called Horsehead Philodendron, Philodendron Selloum, lacy leaf, etc. 

It has large bodacious glossy textured leaves with deep lobes and cuts and can grow to an enormous height of 5-8ft.

This dramatic plant adds liveliness to any room and is extremely irresistible to look at. It originates from Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, and is best grown in a high humidity warm environment with dappled sunlight. 

Tree philodendrons can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering, and it’s important to note that the propagation process requires patience and time.

While we are talking about the living conditions of the Tree philodendron, it is also important to note that it is a trouble-free plant and is straightforward to care for. So how can you go about the tree philodendron propagation process and multiply its presence in my home? 

Let’s get into answering this question in the remaining part of this article.

Tree Philodendron Propagation

The propagation process for Tree Philodendron is as straightforward as its maintenance. However, before propagating the plant, you must be sure your plant is ready to be propagated. 

It has to be healthy and mature; a plant with fresh green waxy leaves, almost 3 feet tall, pest-free and almost growing larger than its pot, is up and ready to be a mother. Meanwhile, the tree Philodendron may take a few years to reach its maturity. 

Generally, it takes up to 15-20 years to fully mature and start to blossom. However, you can propagate the plant when it is root bound and indicates that it’s old enough. Also, note that the best time for propagation is during spring.

There are different easy methods of propagation for this plant which we will discuss in detail shortly. 

Make sure you have all the requirements and tools for propagation ready; some of the tools you may need include, a sharp sterilized knife or pruner, a new clean terracotta pot with enough drainage holes, a good pest-free environment with sufficient sunlight, and humidity, and watering cane with distilled or filtered water. 

So, if you have all these ready, we can go straight into the propagation process;

1. Stem Cuttings In Soil

This is an easy method; it requires you to cut a stem from the mother plant and root it in fresh soil. However, you need to follow certain steps to get it right. Here is a guide to doing this;

• Step one – Before starting the propagation process at all, you need to water the plant moderately. Be careful not to make it too much or too little. This step is to get the plant ready.
• Step two – Find a healthy stem from the plant. The stem is close to the base of the plant and you will likely need to move its leaves aside to see it. 
• Step three – Cut a stem at 45 degrees just above a node, using the sterilized knife or scissors. And make sure the stem is at least 2-3 inches long and has one or two nodes with leaves at the top. The leaves need to be present to aid photosynthesis and quicken the rooting process, while the node facilitates the new development of stems and leaves. 
• Step five – Prepare the proper potting soil mix for the plant. Use a soil mix with a ratio of (1:1:1:1) of coir, perlite, soil, and peat moss. After mixing these components, put it in a good well-drained pot, and moisten the soil a little.
• Step six – Dip the stem cutting in a rooting hormone to hasten up the rooting process.
• Step seven – Then bury the stem cutting in the prepared soil, such that at least a node is covered in the soil.
• Step eight – Keep the new plant in a position where it has access to bright direct sunlight and a room temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit; you can put it close to a window for easy light access. Also, water the plant every few days, but don’t overdo it. After about 2 weeks, new roots will start to develop.

2. Stem Cutting In Water

This method of propagation is used by plant enthusiasts because it allows them to monitor the growth of the roots; also because it is unlike propagating directly in the soil where you do not know whether or not the propagation process was successful until new leaves develop. 

This method may take longer than propagating stem cuttings in soil, but it is just as easy. So, if you think you want to go with this method, follow these steps;

• Step one – After getting a healthy stem cut from the plant, fill a container or glass with spring or distilled water.  
• Step two – Dip the cutting in the glass of water so that at least a node is submerged but make sure the leaves are sticking out.
• Step three – Then place the plant in a well-lighted spot and change the water every 3-4 days; or whenever the water starts to look dull.
• Step four – In a few weeks, new roots will emerge provided the plant is given the right living condition. When the new root reaches 1 or 2 inches, then you can remove the plant from the water.
• Step five – You can now plant your pre-rooted philodendron in a pot already filled with the required potting mix. However, if you want you can leave the philodendron for as long as you want in the water.

3. Root Cutting

Instead of using stem cuttings, you could decide to propagate the tree philodendron using root cuttings. This is best if your plant is already root bound; here’s a guide to go about it;

• Step one – First prune dead and lateral roots around the plant if any. Then, cut the root horizontally at the upper end, and make a 45 degree cut at the lower back.

Step two – Prepare your plant’s potting mix with perlite, coir, or vermiculite and peat moss in a pot 

• Step three – Then, bury the rooted cutting in the soil and water the soil lightly, and place it in a spot with dappled bright sunlight.
• Step four – New roots may take about three to four weeks to form depending on the time of the year. 

4. Air Layering

Unlike other propagation methods, the air layering method doesn’t require a node cutting, at least not until the new roots have developed. This method is best used for philodendrons with thick stems. 

So, let’s take a look at how you can go about this assuming you’ve chosen this method.

• Step one – Find a healthy, thick stem that you will cut later.
• Step two – Then, select a node and apply rooting hormone around it, then wind it with sphagnum moss. After you’ve done this, tie it up with a cling film or polythene to keep everything in place.
• Step three – The wrapped node will start to grow new roots because of the presence of sphagnum moss and rooting hormone.
• Step four – Constantly check the moss for new root developments. Then, once enough roots have grown, you can unwrap the node and cut the stem just below the node
• Step five – Since your plant is already rooted, then you can go on to plant it in a proper pot or container!

See a similar post: Philodendron Birkin Propagation

Outro

Tree Philodendron is a fascinating houseplant perfectly fit for any room, so it is a good idea to propagate it for its aesthetics and air cleansing advantages in your home. The tree philodendron propagation is an easy and quick process, and you can choose to use any method that best suits you.

A healthy and mature philodendron is the perfect choice for propagation; it ensures the fast growth of the baby plant, and so that the mother plant does not have stunted growth. 

A tree philodendron can be placed close to a window in a room, or your garden or yard. In whatever location it is, ensure that it gets the appropriate living conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions