6 Steps to Growing a Philodendron from a Node

Growing a Philodendron from a node is pretty straightforward. Simply follow the instructions below, and within a few months you should have roots growing down and a shoot growing up (if yours didn’t come with roots or a shoot already). Before you begin, please note that it’s completely normal for the ends of your node to be black and even a little soft. The plant tissue is in the process of healing itself up, as if it has an open wound. It’s only if the black area begins to creep up the stem do you have a rot problem. It is also not a problem if you see black or brown dried up aerial roots sticking out of the node. These are roots that may have been previously working to attach the plant to a moss pole or wooden plank that the plant is obviously no longer on. No longer needed for duty since being pried off of its stake, these roots have languished. You can leave them be or cut them off, either way it won’t affect your plant.

Here is how to grow your node into a total Philodenbabe in six easy steps:

1.     Ideally but optionally, you put a little rooting hormone powder or gel like Clonex on the node / roots (the node, remember, is the bumpy part in the middle where the aerial roots are popping out – not the entire green stick) to speed things up.

2.     Create a “Prop box” for your node using a clear plastic storage bin (a clear plastic sweater bin or shoe box make good sizes to start with). I absolutely love the “tall shoe bins” from The Container Store as they are thin and tall, as well as their sweater bins, and I wait for them to go on sale before purchasing. You can use any clear plastic bin however! I believe Walmart makes some good sized shoe bins as well. Throw a couple inches of perlite or LECA on the bottom of the box. Perlite and LECA absorb excess water that may pool on the bottom. Next, throw in 2-4 inches of damp sphagnum moss on top of the porous substrate for the node to root in. Your propagation box is complete!

3.     Lay the node on top of the damp sphagnum moss in the prop box. Close the lid.

4.     Place in a warm sunny spot or approximately 1-2 feet under a single T8 LED grow light.  A heating pad is not necessary but can speed things up if your room is cold. Just make sure it does not cook your plant (this has happened to me sadly using a prop box directly on a seedling heat mat).

5.     Open the lid occasionally to let fresh air in and to check that the node isn’t rotting. If you notice any rot you can cut the rot off with sterilized cutting shears.

6.     When the roots are 3-4 inches long you can transfer it to aroid mix or the potting medium of your choice, but remember to gradually transition it to lower levels of humidity as to not shock your plant.

Best of luck and don’t forget to tag me in any photos on social media! @alltheplantbabies (IG) and @alltheplantbabiesOG (tiktok). You’re going to do great.