How To Propagate Heartleaf Philodendron?

Heartleaf Philodendron is a fast-growing houseplant that is easy to grow and boasts lovely green foliage. If you are a Philodendron fan, you might wonder if there is a way that you can create several Philodendron plants without having to buy new plants. A straightforward way is to propagate it, but how do you do this yourself?

To propagate Heartleaf Philodendron:

Gather your jar, sterile cutters, and water.
Cut a vine with at least one node from the main plant.
Propagate your Philodendron cutting in water.
Maintain proper temperature, light, and hydration.
Transplant your Heartleaf Philodendron into the soil.
Propagate your Philodendron directly into the soil.

Indoor plants can be pricey, and it makes sense to propagate your Heartleaf Philodendron yourself. The process is highly gratifying, and you can replicate your favorite Philodendron in several places without paying a cent. Please read on how to propagate your Heartleaf Philodendron at home.

Table of Contents

1. Gather Your Jar, Sterile Cutter and Water

Whether an amateur or an expert, having the right tools makes gardening easy. For this task, you will need the following materials:

A clean container or jar that can hold water.
A sterile pair of scissors, shears, or a knife.
Water.

Heartleaf Philodendron needs enough water to sustain their rapid growth. The water should be chemical-free to avoid poisoning the plant. Additionally, it is essential to sharpen and sterilize the cutting tool to avoid contaminating the water, the cut vine, and the parent plant. If the cutting tool is blunt, it will damage the parent plant.

2. Cut a Vine With at Least One Node From the Main Plant

Selecting and cutting the vine determines whether your cutting will take and how fast the propagated plant will grow.

To select and cut the Heartleaf Philodendron vine for propagation follow these easy steps:

Extract the vine from a healthy parent plant. A healthy Heartleaf Philodendron has vibrant leaves and robust growth and is pest and disease free.
Choose a mature vine. Cutting a very young vine will shock it, reducing its chances of survival. On the other hand, a vine that is too old will not sprout on time.
Take a clean cut between two nodes. Poor cutting – whether due to inexperience or a blunt tool – reduces the chances of survival. The vine will rot, and the parent plant may also wither and die.

3. Propagate Your Philodendron Cutting in Water

To propagate Heartleaf Philodendron in water:

Fill a container with clean water.
Dip one of the nodes in it.
Avoid submerging the entire vine.
Trim some of the leaves.
Place the container where the plant will get indirect sunlight.
Change the water regularly.
Add liquid fertilizer to support root growth.
Roots will begin to sprout after a few days or weeks.
Top up the water if it goes below the root level.

Heartleaf Philodendron thrives in water. It is necessary to prune some of the leaves on the vine so the plant can concentrate on root development instead of simultaneously struggling to maintain the leaves and roots.

4. Maintain Proper Temperature, Light, and Hydration

Factors that affect the growth of Heartleaf Philodendron in water:

Temperature.
Light.
Humidity.
Fertilizer application.

Temperature Requirements

Heartleaf Philodendron grows best at temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18-29°C). In winter, it can survive temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C). In the summer, it can also survive temperatures as high as 95°F (35°C).

However, extremely low temperatures will lead to stunted growth, while high temperatures will give the leaves a dull appearance. If you are growing Heartleaf Philodendron in a hot region, you may have to change the water frequently due to evaporation.

This temperature preference is why the plant will always do very well in a city like South Florida.

Light Requirements

Heartleaf Philodendron does not require exposure to direct sunlight. If it receives such exposure, its leaves will lose their luster and turn yellow. Therefore, the plant should access bright light indirectly. You can rotate the container regularly so other parts of the plant can have access to sunlight.

Without adequate, indirect sunlight, the Philodendron will not be able to photosynthesize which is an essential part of plant health and growth.

Humidity and Water Needs

This plant likes humid areas. But since you are planting it in water, you have nothing to worry about in this regard. The leaves will grow faster and more significantly.

Heartleaf Philodendron requires water weekly and more frequently during summer or in hot regions. An excellent way to check this is to feel dryness in the soil using your fingers. If the soil is still wet, it does not need more water. But do not allow the soil to dry completely before watering it.

Fertilizer Application

If you plant Heartleaf Philodendron in rainwater, it should already contain nutrients sufficient for the roots to sprout. But if you use distilled water, the nutrients may be absent. In this case, add a few drops of liquid fertilizer to facilitate the growth.

5. Transplant Your Heartleaf Philodendron Into the Soil

A few days after planting in water, the roots will emerge. Allow them to grow to about 2 to 3 inches (5-8 centimeters) before transplanting them into the soil.

To transplant Heartleaf Philodendron in soil:

Get a planting pot with good drainage.
Fill the pot with moist, airy soil.
Make a hole in the middle, deep enough to contain the length of the plant’s root.
Carefully remove the plant from the water and place it in the hole.
Cover the hole with soil.
Place the pot in a bright spot, not under direct sunlight.

After transplanting, the plant may take a while to recover. So, if it appears weak or dull, give it time. With continuous care, it will become vibrant again. Take care not to flood the plant with water. Ensure the soil is moist, not wet.

6. Propagate Your Heartleaf Philodendron Directly into the Soil

You can grow Heartleaf Philodendron in the soil directly. If you do, you won’t know if it was successful or not until you see signs of a new leaf emerging. But, when you propagate in water, you can see the growing roots, confirming that the propagation was successful.

How To Propagate Heartleaf Philodendron in Soil

Propagating a Heartleaf Philodendron in the soil is fairly straightforward if you follow these steps:

Fill a planting pot with well-drained soil.
Cut a vine with at least one node and some leaves.
Dust the cut portion in rooting hormone or cinnamon.
Stick the vine in the soil, covering one of the nodes.
Water the soil lightly.
Cover the vine with a plastic bag to retain moisture.
Position the pot in a spot where it will receive indirect sunlight.
Remove the plastic bag as soon as you spot new leaf growth.

Philodendron Propagation FAQs

When Should I Repot My Heartleaf Philodendron?

You should report your Heartleaf Philodendron every two years or as soon as you notice the roots shooting out of the drainage holes. Transfer the plant into a container that is big enough to accommodate its spreading roots. If the roots are tangled, the plant may experience stunted growth.

How To Report a Heartleaf Philodendron Plant

Let’s look at how to repot the plant when it’s been two years, or you notice that the current pot is no longer big enough for its spreading roots.

To report Heartleaf Philodendron:

Place the planting pot in a bag.
Remove any damaged or yellow leaves.
Inspect the soil for insects or pests.
Tip the pot over and squeeze the bottom.
Carefully loosen the soil.
Spray down with some water if the soil is hard.
Clean the new pot.
Fill about three-quarters of it with fresh soil.
Gently place the Heartleaf Philodendron in the pot.
Cover the root with more soil.
Use a spray bottle to spray dirt off the leaves.
Water the soil and allow it to drain through the holes at the bottom.

How Long Does Philodendron Take To Root?

It takes 10 to 21 days long for a Philodendron plant to take root. If it’s propagated in water, you’ll see when the first set of roots emerges. If you propagated it in soil, gently tug the stem. If you feel resistance, it means the roots have emerged. Otherwise, leave it for another week.

Why Is My Philodendron Not Growing?

Your Philodendron is not growing due to low humidity, insufficient or excess light, overwatering, or underwatering. Your pot could also be too small, your soil may be unsuitable, or your temperatures are too low. Finally, lack of nutrients, pests, and diseases may be the cause.

Conclusion

Heartleaf Philodendron is a very popular houseplant known for its bushy growth. Propagation is one effective way to spread more of the plant around different parts of your home or office, whether in New York or any other country.

The steps are easy to follow, and the plant requires low maintenance. As soon as the roots emerge, ensure that your plant receives the right light, water, and nutrients. Soon you will have enough green leaves on your Heartleaf Philodendron to show off to friends and family members.