How to Propagate & Grow Philodendrons in Water

by Emily Ford 09/04/2024

Growing plants in water is a fun and convenient way of bringing nature indoors. Many popular houseplants and herbs can sprout and live in water with the right nutrients. Heartleaf philodendrons are especially successful growing this way. Here is a basic guide for growing a philodendron in water:

What You'll Need

A clear vessel - Commonly used items for growing a plant in water include glass jars, miniature vases or recycled glass bottles. You can use colored glass if you wish, but doing so will make it more difficult to monitor root growth.
Clippers, scissors or knife - Find a sharp, sanitized tool for making a cutting.
Your philodendron of choice - Heartleaf, lemon-lime and Brasil varieties are some of the best choices for this project.

Step by Step

First, make one or more cuttings. To do so, start at the end of the vine and count back at least two leaves and identify the nearest node. The node will be a small bump or nodule on the vine and might even have tiny aerial roots sticking out.
Once you've found the node, carefully cut the vine approximately two inches below it. You should have a cutting with at least two leaves and one node.
Continue this pattern until you've divided the entire vine. Feel free to compost or throw away any remaining leaves or stem pieces without nodes, as they will not grow in water.
Fill the vessel with non-chlorinated water.
Place the cuttings in the water as you would display flowers in a vase. Make sure to position the cuttings so that the nodes are submerged completely but the leaves are exposed.
Put the cuttings in a place where they'll get plenty of bright, indirect light.
Wait and watch your philodendron cuttings grow new roots from the nodes. This process can take weeks before showing any obvious growth.

Now you'll have a collection of brand-new baby philodendrons. You can transfer them to soil once the roots are at least an inch long or simply keep them in the water. As long as they get enough light and an occasional dose of diluted fertilizer, your philodendron will produce more vines and leaves just as it would when planted.

About the Author

Emily Ford

My experience dates back to 2002 when I obtained my degree in Economics from Kalamazoo College and then immediately went to work as a sales manager for a 72 unit, new home development in Clarkston. I am in my 22nd year of full time residential real estate sales and real estate is my number one passion!

· I earned the "Top Producer" award at Morgan Milzow & Ford Realtors from 2007-2023

· My career accomplishments to date include over 1,000 homes sold and in excess of $315M in closed transactions

· I've been voted an Hour Magazine All-Star 2013-2023, an honor only given to the top 5% of Metro Detroit Real Estate Agents

· I'm a lifelong Clarkston resident & service all of Oakland County, parts of Genesee, Livingston and Macomb Counties, and my area knowledge, professionalism and real estate expertise is unparalleled

· As a top-producing & seasoned Realtor I have a strong support staff that handles all facets of your transaction and thus creates a concierge-like real estate process that is as seamless and hands on as it can be, delivering the service you deserve! “Stress free, worry free” is our mission & mantra

· We offer an unmatched marketing plan with preferred positioning on all major Internet outlets and social media, the best in professional photography, staging, handyman services, top-notch negotiating skills, excellent communication & much more!

· In 2022 I was awarded the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce Independence Women of the Year award for excellence in business and for my community contributions. In 2019 I received the Clarkston Community Businessperson of the Year Award. I’m also proud to have served my community as the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce President in 2018 & 2019. I'm a past recipient of the NOCBOR (North Oakland County Board of Realtors) Distinguished Service Award, nominated by my peers

· I consistently contribute to other, local charitable causes that are close to my heart including Tree of Dreams, benefitting Neighbor for Neighbor, SCAMP and Clarkston Schools

· My resume also includes being an investment property owner, landlord, land developer and home flipper. With my experience and expertise plus my valuable connections I can also offer temporary housing to clients ensuring the most harmonious moving transition possible!