Philodendron is the second largest genus in the family araceae, after anthurium, with over 500 identified species, many more yet to be described and numerous hybrids. Originating from South and Central America, philodendrons are highly adaptable and make spectacular garden specimens or beautiful indoor plants.

 

Philodendrons show a variety of growth habits. Some are climbers and require a tree or totem to fully mature and show off adult leaves, attaching roots to the tree or totem for support. Others prefer to scramble along the ground, sending out roots from the growing stem, anchoring them to the earth. Species with extremely short internodes take on a rosette style of growth.

 

As philodendrons come from a variety of habitats and show different growth patterns, it is important to understand the species you are trying to grow and try to adjust your growing conditions to accomodate. As a general rule, all philodendrons require a course, free draining medium as too much moisture may rot the growing stem. Many species are extremely drought tolerant once established, but will still benefit from ambient humidity.

 

Propagation is by seed, tip cuttings and node cuttings, with some species requiring more care than others. They benefit from regular feeding which will bring on larger leaves and deeper colouration. Although philodendrons are relatively pest and disease free, specimens grown indoors may be susceptible to spider mites and other pests. Fungal problems can occur if ventilation is inadequate and moisture levels are too high. Most species will require a warm sheltered position with low to medium light levels.

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At Fern and Forest we sell established plants, and, in some cases propagating material like wet sticks and tip cuttings. Wet sticks and Tip cuttings are sometimes a more affordable way to establish a plant collection.

 

Wet Sticks and Tip Cuttings are easy to propagate. Both will require warm humid conditions to establish. An ideal solution is clear plastic Tupperware or storage crates that have a tight fitting lid. Ideally, these crates will need to be in a warm situation with indirect light. Heat mats and grow lights are recommended but not necessary. A warm, sheltered spot in your home will also suffice.

 

WET STICKS

 

A wet stick is a single node cutting taken from the growing stem of some aroids, like philodendrons and monsteras and is an easy and useful way to propagate such plants.

 

The node is a small bud that emerges from a segment of stem, and is a point where new growth emerges.

 

Once the cutting is made, the fresh cut end are allowed to callus over for a few days, sometimes the ends may be dipped in fungicide powder or cinnamon to help prevent rot.

 

The wet stick is then placed on a bed of damp growing medium such as sphagnum moss, moist vermiculate or sterile potting medium then placed in a warm, humid place. In time, a new shoot and roots will emerge from the node. Once established the wet stick can be placed into an appropriate growing medium and allowed to develop into a mature plant.

 

Wet Sticks are an affordable and reliable way to propagate some aroids, and are a great way to get a large number of new plants in a short period of time.

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TIP CUTTINGS

 

Tip cuttings are taken from the tip of a growing stem and are a popular way to propagate some aroids such as philodendrons and monsteras. Tip cuttings will consist of a tip, and a few nodes, sometimes with the larger leaves removed to help the plant conserve moisture.

 

Tip cuttings can be placed into a moist growing medium such as sphagnum moss, moist vermiculate or sterile potting medium then placed in a warm, humid place until new roots develop.  Alternatively tip cuttings can be placed in a vase of water, which needs to be changed daily, until new roots develop. Once new roots develop tip cuttings can be planted up into an appropriate growing medium and allowed to mature. Tip cuttings are more reliable than node cuttings and a little faster.