Philodendrons are among the easiest plants to propagate. The only real question is where to root them. Both water and sphagnum moss work, but they behave differently.
Rooting in water
Place the node under water in a clear jar and change the water every 4 days. You can watch the roots grow, which is satisfying and easy for beginners.
- Pros: simple, visible progress, cheap.
- Cons: water roots are thin and can struggle when moved into soil.
Rooting in sphagnum moss
Use damp sphagnum moss in a clear cup or small box, squeezed so it is moist but not dripping. Place the node against the moss and cover loosely to keep humidity high.
- Pros: stronger, soil-ready roots and less transplant shock.
- Cons: needs a little attention to keep moisture right.
Which method wins?
For the strongest plant, sphagnum moss usually wins. For fun and visibility, water is fine. If you root in water, move the cutting to soil as soon as roots reach 2 to 3 cm, before they become long and weak.
Step by step
- Cut just below a node with clean scissors.
- Remove the lowest leaf so the node is exposed.
- Place the node in water or moss in bright, indirect light at 22 to 26 degrees Celsius.
- Wait 2 to 4 weeks for roots 3 to 5 cm long.
- Pot into an airy aroid mix and water lightly for two weeks.
Start with healthy material from our Philodendron cuttings.