Understanding Tree Philodendrons
Tree philodendrons, also known as lacy tree philodendrons or selloum, are tropical plants that originate from South American countries like Brazil and Colombia. They make beautiful houseplants with their lush leaves and can be grown indoors for many years. While these plants do not produce flowers, the leaves themselves come in a variety of shapes and sizes that provide an interesting look regardless of season.
These long-lived plants require very little care to thrive. However, if you’re looking to propagate your own tree philodendron or give one away as a gift, it’s important to understand how they reproduce. This guide will provide an overview of propagating these unique trees so you can enjoy them for years to come!
Getting Started: Choosing Your Cuttings
Before you begin propagation, it’s important that you choose healthy cuttings from mature plants with at least three nodes on each stem (nodes are the point where new growth begins). The ideal size for cuttings is between 8-10 inches in length; any longer than this may cause difficulty during rooting due to increased water loss from transpiration. Additionally, ensure there are no signs of disease on your chosen cuttings before starting the process—this includes yellowing leaves or weakened stems which could indicate root rot or other problems caused by improper watering habits.
Once you have selected the best specimens available for propagation purposes, use clean gardening shears or scissors to snip off segments just below a node closest to where desired roots will form (rooting hormones can help encourage growth but aren’t necessary). Make sure each cutting has two opposing sets of healthy green leaves near its tip—this way they will be able withstand environmental stress during propagation without dying off prematurely!
Preparing Your Cuttings For Rooting
After selecting your cuttings and trimming them accordingly it’s time prepare them for planting in soil! To do this simply fill containers such as mugs jars small pots etc with moist potting mix then place 1-3 sprigs inside—the more sprouts per container equals less chance any single cutting won’t root successfully once placed into dirt later down line . Be sure not leave too much room around perimeter ; instead make sure all pieces are tightly packed together so roots form good contact points when growing outwards eventually .
Next remove excess foliage from lower portion bottom half branch (leaving only 2–3 sets leaf pairs) – this helps reduce water evaporation since fewer exposed areas exist after pruning process is complete . Finally dip base end plant material into rooting hormone powder – this stimulates root development thereafter burrowing deep within surrounding soil environment soon enough !
Planting & Caring For New Plants
Now comes time actually plant newly prepared cuttings into soil medium — start by using large pot making hole slightly larger than diameter branch itself filling area loose composted matter create soft bedding upon which young trees rest comfortably ! Ensure hole isn’ t too deep as overplanting increases chances succumbing both fungal diseases nutrient deficiencies because lack oxygen below surface level — next slowly press dirt around outside edges until firmly held place , giving extra attention near bases hold securely upright positions thereon . Water deeply afterward helping settle everything nicely position beforehand !
Lastly protect fragile stalks with some light plastic film while allowing air flow remain constant throughout days ahead – maintain regular irrigation cycles taking care avoid overwatering altogether especially during first few weeks after establishment takes place otherwise rotting occur rapidly causing death entire crop quickly following day ! In addition adding fertilizer occasionally helps promote stronger healthier growth patterns future generations alike believe me when say proper maintenance brings magnificent results thus far guaranteed satisfaction every step journey forthwith yay : )
