How to Propagate Philodendron Burle Marx in Water: A Complete Guide to Growing New Plants from Leaves and Stems

The Ins and Outs of Propagating Philodendron Burle Marx Cuttings in Water

If you’re looking to start new philodendron burle marx plants from cuttings or tissue culture flasks, water propagation is a great option. In this article, I’ll walk through the entire process of rooting cuttings in water – from preparing your cuttings to transplanting rooted cuttings. I’ll also address some common questions people have about this propagation method.

Getting Started with Cuttings

The first step is selecting cuttings from your mother plant. Look for new growth tips or side shoots that are 3-6 inches long. Use a clean, sharp knife or pruners to remove the cuttings. Make a straight cut just below a node.

To prepare the cuttings for water propagation, remove any leaves that would be fully submerged. You can leave a single leaf if it will remain above the water level. It’s best to remove leaves to reduce the risk of rot. Use a razor blade or paring knife to make a shallow slice on the bottom of the stem, about 1/4 inch from the end of the cutting. This stimulates root growth.

Setting Up Your Water Propagation Station

Now you’re ready to get your cuttings in water. I like to use clear glass vases or jars for this. Plastic containers can leach chemicals that are harmful for roots. The containers should be at least 3-4 inches wide to give roots space to develop. Fill the container about halfway with room temperature water. Avoid using distilled water, as it lacks the minerals that roots need. Tap or filtered water works great.

To anchor your cuttings in place, you can add small pebbles, marbles or aquarium gravel to the bottom of the container before filling with water. This will keep the cuttings from floating around. Once everything is set up, it’s time to insert the cuttings.

Starting the Rooting Process

Take each prepared cutting and insert it stem-first into the container, resting the cut end on a pebble so it’s not completely submerged. Space the cuttings about an inch apart. You’ll likely be able to fit 6-10 cuttings per container, depending on size.

Place the container in a warm, bright location out of direct sun. Indirect light works best. Roots will form within 2-6 weeks. Check the water level weekly and top off as needed. Don’t let the water level drop below the node where leaves will form.

Signs Your Cuttings Are Rooting

There are a few signs to look for that will indicate your cuttings are developing healthy root systems:

1. You may see small white root nubs starting to form at the node where leaves will grow, usually within 2-4 weeks.
2. The stem will soften slightly as it callsuses over the cut end and begins rooting.
3. New leaf growth may emerge from the node as roots establish.

Be patient, as some cuttings may take longer than others to show visible roots. As long as the stem remains green and plump, it’s still alive and capable of rooting. Rotting stems will become soft and mushy.

Transplanting Rooted Cuttings

Once roots have formed and are about 1/4-1/2 inch long, it’s time to pot up your new plants! Thoroughly soak potting mix before use. Terra cotta or breathable plastic pots work well. Gently remove rooted cuttings from containers, teasing away any pebbles or debris from the roots. Use a pencil or chopstick to make holes in the soil, then insert each rooted cutting. Pat soil firmly around the stem. Place pots in a warm, bright area and keep the soil moist as new growth develops.

Misting the foliage daily until leaves form can help reduce transplant shock. Within a few weeks you should see new growth emerging. Congratulations – you’ve now propagated your own philodendron burle marx plants from cuttings using the water method! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Common Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about water propagating philodendron burle marx cuttings:

How long until I see roots form?

Most cuttings should start forming visible root nubs within 2-4 weeks. Some may take up to 6 weeks. As long as the stem remains firm and green, it’s still capable of rooting. Be patient and give it ample time.

Can I root cuttings without removing the leaves?

It’s possible but not recommended. Leaving leaves increases the chance of rot, especially if they’re fully submerged. Remove all but the topmost leaf to reduce risks. A single leaf above water is okay.

What temperature is best for rooting?

Aim to keep cuttings between 70-80°F for fastest rooting. Warmer temps within that range are generally better than cooler. Avoid drafts but make sure it gets indirect light.

How do I know when to transplant?

Roots should be at least 1/4-1/2 inch long before repotting. Gently test for good root development by tugging slightly on the stem. If roots are established, it’s time to pot up!

Will the new plants look like the mother?

Yes, the propagated plants from cuttings should be genetically identical clones of the mother plant. They’ll have the samevariegation patterns and growth habit once established.

I hope this gives you all the information needed on propagating philodendron burle marx cuttings in water. Let me know if any other questions come up! Best of luck with your new plants.

Propagating Philodendron Burle Marx Cuttings in Water

FAQ on Philodendron Burle Marx Propagation in Water

1. How long does it take for Philodendron Burle Marx cuttings to root in water?

   Usually, Philodendron Burle Marx cuttings will develop roots in water anywhere from 2-6 weeks. However, it sort of depends on factors like temperature and lighting. Cuttings may root faster in warmer conditions. At the same time, they need decent light to encourage root growth despite being submerged in water.

2. What kinds of cuttings should I use for water propagation?

   You’ll want to select cuttings that are 4-6 inches long with at least 2 sets of leaves. The cut ends should be clean and free of any damaged or rotting tissue. Cut just below a leaf node for the best results. On the other hand, much smaller cuttings may not have enough energy stores to successfully root. Furthermore, overly woody cuttings may be harder to root in water alone.

3. How often should I change the water for rooting cuttings?

   Most gardeners recommend changing the water out about once a week to keep it fresh and prevent algae growth or bacterial contamination. Nevertheless, you can probably get away with changing it every other week if you use purified or distilled water. Don’t just top off the water as that leaves old nutrients behind. Despite what some say, changing the water more frequently than weekly likely won’t help rooting go faster either.

4. When should I plant rooted cuttings in soil?

   Once you see nice white root growth developing on the cutting ends, it’s time to plant them in soil! Normally this happens within 6 weeks. However, wait until the roots are at least an inch long before transferring to help ensure good transition. Furthermore, plant them just deep enough so the original stem is buried. Amazingly, the new plant should acclimate quickly to soil from water culture!

5. Can I start multiple Philodendron Burle Marx cuttings at once?

   Sure, it’s perfectly fine to root several cuttings simultaneously in the same container of water. Some gardeners get dozens of cuttings rooting together very successfully. The only thing is you may want to change the water a little more often if crowding becomes an issue to avoid issues like rot. On the other hand, any light competition between cuttings seems minimal in water culture.

6. What problems might I encounter with water propagation?

   Common issues include rot or decay if the water isn’t changed regularly. Leaf drop can also happen if conditions aren’t right, like with inadequate warmth or lighting. Other potential pitfalls involve algae growth, bacterial infection in the water, or insufficient root development to survive transplantation. As such, close monitoring is sort of crucial. Despite potential problems though, water rooting generally rewards patience with a high success rate.

   

7. Does the container type matter for water rooting?

   Not usually – you can root cuttings in just about any clear container that allows you to see root progress, like vases, jars or test tubes. However, make sure it’s at least 4-6 inches deep so roots have room to develop without crowding. Still, some gardeners swear by using glass over plastic to better see progress and avoid chemicals leaching from certain plastics. On the other hand, cheap options like water bottles work very well too.