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 to withstand environmental stress during propagation without dying off prematurely!
Preparing Your Cuttings For Rooting
Once you have selected and trimmed your cuttings, it’s time to prepare them for planting in soil. To do this, fill containers such as mugs, jars, or small pots with moist potting mix, and place 1-3 sprigs inside each container. Ensure that the sprouts are tightly packed together, with no excess room around the perimeter, so that roots can form good contact points when growing outward.
Next, remove excess foliage from the lower portion of the branch, leaving only 2-3 sets of leaf pairs. This helps to reduce water evaporation and stimulate root development. Finally, dip the base end of the plant material into rooting hormone powder.
Planting & Caring For New Plants
To plant the newly prepared cuttings, start by using a large pot to create a hole slightly larger than the diameter of the branch. Fill the area with loose composted matter to create a soft bedding upon which the young trees can rest comfortably. Ensure that the hole is not too deep, as overplanting can increase the chances of succumbing to fungal diseases or nutrient deficiencies due to a lack of oxygen below the surface level. Next, slowly press the dirt around the outside edges until it is firmly held in place, giving extra attention near the bases to hold them securely in an upright position. Water deeply afterward to help settle everything nicely in position.
Lastly, protect the fragile stalks with some light plastic film while allowing air flow to remain constant throughout the days ahead. Maintain regular irrigation cycles, taking care to avoid overwatering altogether, especially during the first few weeks after establishment takes place, as otherwise, rotting can occur rapidly, causing the death of the entire crop quickly the following day! In addition, adding fertilizer occasionally helps to promote stronger, healthier growth patterns for future generations. Proper maintenance brings magnificent results, so believe me when I say that every step of the journey forthwith guarantees satisfaction.
