Philodendron plants are popular houseplants known for their varied and lush foliage. While many varieties are vining, the larger, non-trailing types often grow in a clumping habit that benefits from periodic division. Splitting a Philodendron is a simple, effective method of propagation that allows you to multiply your collection while simultaneously revitalizing the parent plant. This guide details the technique for successfully dividing and replanting your mature Philodendron.
Why and When Division is Necessary
Splitting a Philodendron becomes necessary when the plant outgrows its container and becomes root-bound. Visual cues that indicate this condition include roots beginning to circle the inside of the pot or protruding from the drainage holes. The plant may also exhibit stunted growth, or water might immediately run straight through the soil without being absorbed, signaling that the roots have displaced most of the potting medium.
Division serves two primary purposes: propagation and rejuvenation. By separating the crowded root ball into smaller sections, you create new plants with established root systems, promoting rapid growth. This process also prevents the plant from becoming stressed due to nutrient and water competition. The optimal time for this procedure is during the plant’s active growing season, typically in early spring or early summer, when light and warmth support a faster recovery.
Preparing the Workspace and Supplies
A clean and organized workspace is required to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens to the exposed roots. You will need a sharp cutting instrument, such as a sterile knife or shears, which must be wiped down with rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution before use. Having clean containers with drainage holes and a fresh, well-draining potting mix ready for immediate replanting is essential.
Water the Philodendron thoroughly one or two days before dividing it. This pre-watering ensures the plant is well-hydrated to better withstand the stress of the process, a phenomenon known as transplant shock. Moist soil also makes the root ball more flexible and easier to remove from the pot. Laying down a tarp or newspaper will simplify cleanup, as the process can be messy once the old soil is removed.
Step-by-Step Division Technique
Begin the process by gently tipping the pot and easing the Philodendron out of its container, taking care not to damage the stems. Once the root mass is exposed, carefully inspect the root ball, gently loosening the compacted soil and teasing the roots apart with your fingers. For densely matted root balls, a gentle soak in a bucket of water can help wash away the soil and increase root flexibility.
Identify the natural divisions or separate clumps where individual plants have formed within the larger root system. If the roots are too interwoven to separate by hand, use your sterilized knife to make a clean, vertical cut through the root ball between the desired clumps. Ensure that each resulting division retains a healthy amount of established roots and at least one growth point or several leaves to support its new life. If you made a substantial cut, you may optionally dust the severed root surfaces with a rooting hormone or fungicide powder to encourage healing and prevent fungal infection.
Post-Division Care and Replanting
The separated divisions must be immediately replanted into their new containers using fresh potting medium. Center each new plant in its pot, spreading the roots out, and fill around them with soil, ensuring the crown is at the same depth as it was previously. Gently firm the soil around the base of the stem to eliminate large air pockets and secure the division upright.
After replanting, give the newly potted divisions a thorough, deep watering until the water drains freely from the bottom of the pot. This initial drenching settles the soil around the roots and removes any remaining air pockets. The new plants should then be placed in a location that receives bright, indirect light to promote photosynthesis without the stress of direct sunlight.
For the first few weeks, the plants are susceptible to transplant shock. Maintain a warm environment, ideally between 60°F and 75°F, and keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged to support root establishment. High ambient humidity will also help reduce moisture loss through the leaves while the roots recover.