The Philodendron McColley’s Finale is a popular houseplant known for its striking foliage, which shifts from coppery-red to deep green as leaves mature. This plant is appreciated for its relatively easy care, making it suitable for beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts. Propagating allows you to create new plants from an existing one, expanding your collection or sharing with others. This guide will walk you through the process of propagating this unique philodendron.
Preparing for Propagation
The optimal time to propagate Philodendron McColley’s Finale is during its active growing season, typically in spring or early summer. This timing ensures the cutting has the best chance to establish roots and develop into a new plant.
Before you begin, gather a few essential supplies. You will need sharp, sterilized pruning shears or a knife to make clean cuts, which helps prevent disease. A rooting hormone, while optional, can improve the success rate of your cuttings. You will also need an appropriate rooting medium, such as water or a well-draining potting mix, and small pots or containers for the new plants.
Taking Cuttings
Selecting the right stem for propagation is important. Look for a healthy, mature stem with at least two leaves and visible nodes, which are the small bumps where leaves and roots emerge. Stems with new growth or those that appear leggy are good candidates.
Make a clean cut just below a node using sterilized shears or a knife. A precise, clean severance minimizes damage to the plant. After taking the cutting, remove any lower leaves that would be submerged in water or buried in soil, ensuring at least one or two nodes are exposed. Roots will primarily develop from these exposed nodes.
Rooting Your Cuttings
There are two common methods for rooting Philodendron McColley’s Finale cuttings: water propagation and soil propagation.
Water Propagation
Water propagation is favored for its visibility, allowing you to observe root development directly. Place your cutting in a clear container filled with room-temperature water, ensuring at least one node is submerged. Change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth and provide fresh oxygen. Keep the container in bright, indirect light. Roots should begin to form within three to four weeks. Once roots are approximately one inch long, the cutting is ready to be transitioned to soil.
Soil Propagation
Alternatively, root cuttings directly in a well-draining potting mix. A general houseplant mix amended with perlite or sand for improved drainage works well. Plant the cutting so at least one node is buried, then gently firm the mix around the base. Maintain consistent moisture without making it waterlogged, which can lead to rot. Providing a warm, humid environment, perhaps by covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or dome, can encourage rooting. Check for root establishment by gently tugging on the cutting; if it offers resistance, roots have formed.
Caring for New Plants
Once your Philodendron McColley’s Finale cuttings have developed established root systems, proper care is important for continued growth. New plants thrive in bright, indirect light, which encourages vibrant foliage coloration. While they can tolerate lower light, avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch their leaves. Rotating the plant weekly helps ensure even light exposure.
Watering should be consistent, allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot. Philodendron McColley’s Finale appreciates moderate to high humidity, ideally 50% or more. Increase humidity by misting regularly, placing plants on a pebble tray with water, or using a humidifier. When the rooted cutting has filled its current container with roots (often indicated by roots emerging from drainage holes), pot it into a slightly larger container with good drainage. Begin light fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength, typically once a month.
Troubleshooting Propagation Issues
Despite best efforts, some issues can arise during propagation. If cuttings fail to root, it might be due to insufficient nodes, improper cutting technique, or cold environmental conditions. Rooting can take several weeks, so patience is needed. Ensure the cutting has at least one or two nodes and is placed in a warm, consistent environment to improve success rates.
Rot is another common problem, identifiable by mushy stems or a foul odor. This occurs due to unsterilized tools, stagnant water in water propagation, or overly wet soil and poor air circulation in soil propagation. To prevent rot, always use clean tools, change water frequently, and ensure your potting mix is well-draining. If a cutting shows signs of rot, immediately remove affected parts and re-propagate any healthy sections.
Yellowing or dropping leaves on a new cutting can indicate stress. This might be due to transplant shock (especially when moving from water to soil) or environmental issues like insufficient light or improper watering. Both overwatering and underwatering can lead to yellowing leaves. Ensure the plant receives bright, indirect light and that soil moisture is checked regularly, allowing the top layer to dry before rewatering. Addressing these factors promptly helps the new plant recover and continue growth.