The Xanadu plant, scientifically known as Thaumatophyllum xanadu, is a popular tropical foliage plant prized for its deeply lobed, lush green leaves. Although reclassified in 2018, it is still commonly referred to as Philodendron xanadu. Propagation creates new, independent plants from a parent specimen, allowing gardeners to multiply their stock or rejuvenate an oversized plant. Understanding the Xanadu’s clumping growth habit guides the selection of the most successful methods.
The Preferred Propagation Method: Root Division
Root division is the most effective and straightforward technique for propagating a mature Xanadu because the plant naturally develops dense, clumping growth from its underground rhizomes. The best time to perform this division is during the plant’s active growing period in spring or early summer, which allows the new plantlets ample time to establish their root systems.
To begin, carefully remove the entire plant mass from its container, gently loosening and removing the excess potting mix from the root ball. The goal is to identify natural separations or individual clumps, ensuring each section you plan to separate has healthy roots and established foliage attached. Using a sharp, sterilized knife or pruning shears, cut the thick rhizomes that connect the individual clumps, making a clean separation. Sterilizing the tool with alcohol before and after the cut prevents the potential spread of disease.
Each newly separated division should be immediately planted into a small pot filled with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Ensure the roots are fully buried, and the plant is positioned upright as it was previously growing.
Alternative Propagation: Stem Cuttings
While division is preferred, Xanadu plants can also be propagated using stem cuttings, a method that is less common but still viable. This technique involves selecting a healthy, non-flowering stem section that is typically four to six inches in length. The cut must be made cleanly just below a node, which is the slightly swollen area on the stem where new leaves and roots are programmed to emerge.
After taking the cutting, remove any lower leaves that would otherwise be submerged in the rooting medium to prevent them from rotting. The cutting can then be placed into a glass of clean water, ensuring at least one node remains submerged, or it can be inserted directly into a sterile, porous medium like perlite or a well-draining soil mix. Applying a rooting hormone powder to the node area before planting can help stimulate quicker root development.
Cuttings should be placed in a warm environment that receives bright, but never direct, sunlight. Maintaining high atmospheric humidity is beneficial for successful rooting, which can be achieved by covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or placing it inside a specialized propagator. Roots typically begin to form within two to four weeks, indicating the cutting is on its way to becoming an independent plant.
Post-Propagation Care and Establishment
Once the divisions or rooted cuttings are potted, their immediate environment must be carefully managed to ensure successful establishment. The newly potted plants require bright, indirect light, as this level of illumination supports the energy-intensive process of root and new leaf growth. Direct, intense sunlight should be avoided because it can easily scorch the tender foliage, especially while the root system is vulnerable.
Watering
Watering is a delicate balance during this establishment phase, requiring the soil to be consistently moist but never soggy. Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot, which newly propagated plants are particularly susceptible to. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry slightly before watering again, ensuring excess water can drain completely from the pot. This consistent moisture level is generally maintained for the first one to two weeks until the divisions begin to acclimate.
Humidity and Fertilization
The Xanadu plant naturally thrives in high-humidity conditions, and replicating this tropical atmosphere aids in the recovery of the newly separated plantlets. Strategies like placing the pots on a pebble tray filled with water or using a room humidifier will help prevent the leaves from drying out. Fertilization should be completely withheld until the plant shows clear signs of active growth, such as the unfurling of a new leaf. Once new growth is visible, a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer can be introduced during the spring and summer.