Sharing houseplants with others is one of the best parts of owning them. If you have a philodendron, it’s especially simple. These trailing plants have heart-shaped leaves and are easy to grow more of, so you can quickly add to your collection or give new plants to friends.
Philodendrons are tough plants. They handle low light and can survive if you sometimes forget to water them, making them great for beginners. (How to Propagate Philodendron for Endless Houseplants, n.d.) If you want to grow more of them, this guide will show you how to propagate your philodendron step by step.
What is Propagation?
Plant propagation means making new plants from ones you already have. For philodendrons, the easiest way is by taking stem cuttings. You cut a piece of stem from the main plant and help it grow roots, so it becomes a new plant on its own.
You can root philodendron cuttings in water or straight into soil. Both ways work well, so it’s up to you. Water rooting lets you watch the roots grow, which is fun for beginners. Soil rooting takes a little more patience but can give you a stronger plant at first.
How to Propagate a Philodendron from Cuttings
It’s best to propagate in spring or summer, when your plant is growing most actively. This gives your cuttings the best chance to root. (Heartleaf Philodendron Plant Care Guide, 2024) You can also try in fall or winter, but it may take longer.
Also, make sure the “mother plant” you are taking cuttings from is healthy and well-established. This ensures it can recover easily and that your new cuttings have a strong start.
Step 1: Take Your Cuttings
First, gather your tools. You’ll need a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. Sterilising your tool with rubbing alcohol helps prevent the spread of disease. (Steil & Aaron, 2024)
Find a few healthy, long stems on your philodendron that have several leaves.
- Pick a healthy vine that’s at least six inches long.
- Make the Cut: Cut the stem just below a leaf node (the small bump on the stem where a leaf grows). An ideal cutting should be 3-6 inches long and have at least two to four nodes. (How to propagate philodendron: 3 expert methods, 2023)
- Prepare the Cutting: Gently remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, leaving two or three leaves at the top. The nodes you’ve exposed are where new roots will sprout.
Step 2: Choose Your Rooting Method
Propagating in Water
Many people like this method because they can easily watch the roots grow.
- Put the prepared cutting in a glass jar or vase filled with water. Make sure the bare nodes are underwater, but keep the leaves above the surface.
- Find the Right Spot: Position the jar in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun can be too intense for the delicate new cutting.
- Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and stop bacteria from growing. In two to three weeks, you’ll see small white roots coming from the nodes.
Propagating in Soil
You can also plant your cuttings directly into the soil. This method helps the new plant acclimate to the soil from the beginning.
- Prepare a Pot: Fill a small pot with a fresh, well-draining potting mix. A mix of one part peat and one part perlite is a good option. (Philodendron Propagation: Root Cuttings FAST (90%+ Success Guide), n.d.) Moisten the soil lightly.
- Make a hole in the soil with your finger or a pencil. You can dip the cut end in rooting hormone if you want, as it may help roots grow faster. (Heartleaf Philodendron Plant Care Guide, 2024) Put the cutting in the hole and cover the bare nodes with soil.
- Gently press the soil around the stem to keep it steady, then water it lightly.
- To help roots grow, cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to make it humid. (Philodendrons Propagation methods, n.d.) Use chopsticks to keep the bag from touching the leaves.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy. After a few weeks, gently tug the stem. If it resists, roots have started to grow.
Step 3: Potting Your New Plant
If you rooted your cutting in water, move it to soil when the roots are about an inch long.
- Fill a small 3- or 4-inch pot with fresh potting soil.
- Gently place the rooted cutting in the soil, making sure all the roots are covered.
- Water your new philodendron well to help it settle in. Keep the soil moist for the first week or two while it adjusts.
If you want a fuller plant, plant three to five cuttings together in the same pot. (Rooting Houseplant Cuttings, 2025)
Your Next Steps
Propagating a philodendron is easy and rewarding. Whether you root your cuttings in water or soil, these steps will help you succeed. In a few weeks, you’ll have new plants to add to your collection or share with friends and family.
