How do I propagate a Philodendron?

One of the best things about Philodendrons (apart from how gorgeous they are) is just how easy they are to propagate.

Whether you want to grow your collection for free, share cuttings with friends or rescue a leggy plant, propagating a Philodendron is surprisingly simple. In most cases, all you need is a healthy stem, a node and a little patience.

Here's everything you need to know to propagate your Philodendron successfully.

Step 1: Find the node

Before you make any cuts, you'll need to locate a node.

A node is the small bump or slightly swollen section of stem where a leaf grows from. You might also notice a tiny aerial root or brown nub emerging from it. This is where your new roots will develop.

Without a node, your cutting won't be able to grow roots. A single leaf on its own might stay green for months, but it will never become a new plant.

Once you've found a healthy node, use clean, sharp secateurs or scissors to cut around 1–2cm below it. Leaving a little stem beneath the node helps reduce the chance of rot and gives the cutting something to anchor itself with.

Propagating climbing Philodendrons

Most popular Philodendrons are climbers, including favourites like:

• Philodendron hederaceum Scandens
• Philodendron micans
• Philodendron scandens 'Brasil'
• Philodendron brandtianum

To propagate them:

1. Choose a healthy vine with at least two or three nodes.
2. Cut 1–2cm below the lowest node.
3. Remove the bottom leaf so it won't sit in water or soil.
4. Leave the cutting somewhere dry for around 30–60 minutes to allow the cut to callous over.
5. Place it into your chosen rooting medium.

While single-node cuttings work perfectly well, we often prefer taking slightly longer cuttings with two or three nodes. They tend to establish more quickly and grow into fuller plants.

Propagating crawling Philodendrons

Not all Philodendrons climb.

Species like Philodendron gloriosum and Philodendron mamei grow along the surface on a thick rhizome rather than climbing upwards.

To propagate these:

• Find a section of rhizome with at least one healthy node.
• Make a clean cut between two nodes.
• Ensure each section has at least one leaf and some existing roots.
• Lay the rhizome on top of your potting mix rather than burying it.

This is really important burying the rhizome can quickly lead to rot.

What's the best way to root a Philodendron?

There are three popular methods, and each has its advantages.

Water propagation

Water is a great option if you're new to propagation because it's easy to monitor root growth.

Simply place the node underwater while keeping the leaves above the surface. Refresh the water every few days to keep it clean.

Once roots reach around 3–5cm long, it's ready to move into soil.

Sphagnum moss

This is our favourite method at the nursery.

Lightly damp sphagnum moss holds plenty of moisture while still allowing lots of airflow around the roots. We recommend using a clear pot so you can easily monitor progress without disturbing the cutting.

Roots grown in moss also transition into potting mix much more smoothly than water-grown roots.

Potting mix

You can also root your cutting directly in soil.

Use a chunky, well-draining houseplant mix, keep it lightly moist and avoid digging it up to check on the roots. It can be tempting, but patience really is key!

How long does propagation take?

Philodendrons are fairly quick to root during the growing season.

Typically you can expect:

• Roots to appear: 2–4 weeks
• Ready for potting: Once roots reach around 3–5cm long
• First new leaf: Around 4–8 weeks after potting

Warm temperatures between 20–25°C will speed things up. If you're propagating during winter, expect the process to take longer.

Using a heat mat or heated propagator can also encourage faster root development.

A few common questions

Can I propagate a variegated Philodendron?

Yes! Just make sure the cutting comes from a variegated section of the plant. If you take a cutting from an all-green stem, the new plant is likely to grow green leaves too.

Do aerial roots help?

Absolutely. If your cutting already has an aerial root, leave it attached and tuck it into the moss or soil. It'll often help the cutting establish more quickly.

Is propagating a Monstera the same?

Pretty much! Monsteras and Philodendrons are closely related and both produce roots from their nodes, so the propagation process is almost identical.

Propagating Philodendrons is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to grow your houseplant collection. Once you know how to spot a node, the rest is simply choosing your favourite rooting method and giving your cutting a warm, bright place to settle in.

If you're looking for your next Philodendron, browse our collection for everything from easy beginner varieties to rare collector's plants. And if you're ever unsure whether your cutting looks healthy, feel free to get in touch with the team as we're always happy to help.