How To Reroot A Philodendron: A Step-By-Step Guide For Lush, Thriving

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever looked at your beloved philodendron and felt a little pang of sadness? Perhaps it’s become a bit “leggy,” with long, bare vines and just a few leaves clinging to the ends. Or maybe, despite your best intentions, it’s suffering from the dreaded effects of overwatering and root rot.

It’s a common story, and one every plant parent experiences. But here’s the good news: your plant is far from a lost cause. I’m here to promise you that there’s a simple, almost magical solution to bring it back to its former glory and even multiply its beauty.

This comprehensive guide will teach you exactly how to reroot a philodendron. We’ll walk through everything from why you should do it, the tools you’ll need, two foolproof methods for success, and the essential aftercare to ensure your new plant thrives. Get ready to turn that struggling plant into a lush, vibrant showstopper!

Why Reroot a Philodendron? The Surprising Benefits

Before we grab our pruning shears, let’s talk about the incredible advantages of this process. Understanding the “why” makes the “how” so much more rewarding. This isn’t just a repair job; it’s an opportunity for renewal and growth.

Exploring the benefits of how to reroot a philodendron shows it’s one of the most valuable skills in a gardener’s toolkit.

Salvaging a Plant from Root Rot

We’ve all been there—a moment of overzealous watering leads to a sad, wilting plant with mushy roots. Root rot is a common ailment that can quickly kill a philodendron from the bottom up.

By taking cuttings from the healthy, upper portions of the vine, you can essentially hit the reset button. You’re saving the healthy genetic material of your plant and giving it a completely fresh start, free from the diseased root system. It’s the ultimate plant rescue mission!

Reviving a Leggy or “Bald” Plant

Philodendrons are climbers and vining plants. Over time, especially in lower light, they can become “leggy”—meaning the vines get very long with large gaps between the leaves. This can leave the top of the plant looking sparse or “bald.”

Rerooting cuttings allows you to prune back this leggy growth. You can then plant the newly rooted cuttings back into the same pot as the mother plant, creating a much fuller, bushier, and more attractive specimen. It’s like giving your plant a stylish, voluminous haircut.

Creating New Plants for Free (Propagation!)

Perhaps the most exciting benefit is propagation! Every cutting you reroot is a brand-new plant in the making. This is a fantastic, sustainable how to reroot a philodendron practice.

Instead of buying new plants, you can grow your own collection or share them with friends and family. It’s an eco-friendly way to spread the green-thumb joy, reducing waste and connecting with your community. Who doesn’t love the gift of a homegrown plant?

Getting Started: Tools & Preparation

Like any good project, a little preparation goes a long way. The good news is you don’t need any fancy equipment. You probably have most of these items around your home already.

Here’s your simple toolkit:

  • Clean, Sharp Scissors or Pruning Shears: Sharpness ensures a clean cut that heals quickly. Cleanliness is crucial. Wipe your blades with rubbing alcohol before you start to prevent spreading bacteria.
  • A Clear Glass Jar or Vase: For water propagation, a clear vessel is perfect. It allows you to watch the magic happen and easily monitor root growth.
  • A Small Pot with Drainage Holes: If you choose to root directly in soil, a small 2-4 inch pot is ideal. Drainage is non-negotiable!
  • Fresh Potting Mix: A well-draining, airy mix is best. A standard houseplant mix with some added perlite or orchid bark works wonders.
  • Water: Room temperature tap water that has been left out for 24 hours (to allow chlorine to dissipate) is fine. Filtered or rainwater is even better.
  • Optional – Rooting Hormone: This is a powdered or gel supplement that can encourage faster and more robust root development. It’s not essential, as philodendrons root easily, but it can speed things up.

The Ultimate How to Reroot a Philodendron Guide: Step-by-Step

Alright, it’s time for the main event! This is your complete how to reroot a philodendron guide. Don’t be nervous—philodendrons are incredibly resilient and practically want to grow for you. We’ll break it down into simple, easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Identifying and Taking Your Cuttings

First, you need to find the right spot on the vine to make your cut. Look closely at the stem. You’ll see small bumps or brown nubs where the leaves meet the vine. These are called nodes.

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A node is the powerhouse of your cutting. It’s where new roots and new leaves will emerge. Your cutting must have at least one node to be successful, though two or three is even better.

Using your sterilized shears, make a clean cut about a half-inch below a node. Your ideal cutting will have 2-4 leaves and at least one node. If there is a leaf growing right at the bottom node, gently snip it off. You don’t want any leaves sitting in water or soil, as they will rot.

Step 2: Choosing Your Method – Water vs. Soil Propagation

You have two excellent, time-tested options for rooting your cuttings. Neither is “better” than the other; it’s mostly a matter of personal preference. I recommend beginners start with water because it’s so satisfying to watch the roots grow!

Method A: Rerooting in Water (The Visual Method)

This is my favorite method for its simplicity and visual appeal. It’s one of the best how to reroot a philodendron tips for beginners because you can see progress every day.

  1. Place Cutting in Water: Take your freshly prepared cutting and place it in your glass jar or vase.
  2. Submerge the Nodes: Fill the jar with enough room-temperature water to submerge the bottom one or two nodes. Make sure no leaves are touching the water.
  3. Find a Bright Spot: Place the jar in a location that receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near an east-facing window is perfect. Avoid direct, harsh sun, which can scorch the leaves.
  4. Keep it Fresh: This is a key step! Change the water every 3-5 days to keep it oxygenated and prevent bacteria from building up. Fresh water is a happy cutting’s best friend.
  5. Watch and Wait: Within a week or two, you should start to see small white roots emerging from the nodes. Wait until these roots are at least 1-2 inches long before moving on to the next step. This can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks.

Method B: Rerooting Directly in Soil (The Direct Approach)

If you prefer a more direct route, you can skip the water phase and plant your cutting straight into soil. This method avoids the step of transitioning the plant from water to soil later on.

  1. Dip in Rooting Hormone (Optional): Moisten the bottom inch of your cutting’s stem and dip it into your rooting hormone powder, gently tapping off any excess.
  2. Plant Your Cutting: Fill your small pot with a pre-moistened, well-draining potting mix. Use your finger or a pencil to poke a hole in the center, and gently place your cutting inside.
  3. Secure the Cutting: Gently firm the soil around the stem to hold it in place. Make sure at least one node is buried beneath the soil surface.
  4. Create a Humid Environment: To encourage rooting, you need to create a mini-greenhouse. You can place a clear plastic bag over the pot or use a glass cloche. This traps humidity, which is vital for root development.
  5. Provide Care: Place the pot in bright, indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Water it lightly when the top layer starts to feel dry. You should feel resistance when you gently tug on the cutting after 3-4 weeks, indicating roots have formed.

Aftercare: Your Philodendron Care Guide for New Roots

Congratulations, you have roots! But the journey isn’t quite over. Proper aftercare is essential for helping your newly rooted cutting mature into a full, healthy plant. This how to reroot a philodendron care guide ensures a smooth transition.

Transitioning from Water to Soil

If you rooted in water, this is a critical step. Roots grown in water (“water roots”) are more delicate than soil roots and need to acclimate. Pot your rooted cutting in a small pot with fresh potting mix. For the first one to two weeks, keep the soil more consistently moist than you normally would to help ease the transition. Don’t panic if you see a little bit of wilting at first; this is normal transplant shock.

Light, Water, and Humidity Needs

Your new philodendron plantlet will thrive under the same conditions as its parent. Provide plenty of bright, indirect light. Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Philodendrons love humidity, so grouping them with other plants, using a pebble tray, or running a humidifier nearby will make them very happy.

When to Expect New Growth (And Be Patient!)

After potting your cutting, the plant will first focus its energy on developing a strong root system in the soil. It may take several weeks or even a month before you see the first new leaf unfurl. Be patient! As long as the existing leaves look healthy, you can be confident that good things are happening beneath the surface.

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Troubleshooting: Common Problems with How to Reroot a Philodendron

Even with the best care, you might run into a hiccup. Don’t worry! Here are solutions to some of the most common problems with how to reroot a philodendron.

“My Cutting is Turning Yellow or Mushy!”

This is almost always a sign of rot. In water, it means the water wasn’t changed often enough or the container wasn’t clean. In soil, it means the soil is too wet. Your best bet is to act fast. Trim off any mushy, black, or brown parts of the stem with a clean tool. Let the cutting air dry for an hour, and then try again in a fresh container with fresh water or soil.

“It’s Been Weeks and I Don’t See Any Roots!”

Patience is a virtue in gardening! Some cuttings are just slower than others. Double-check that your cutting is in a warm spot with enough bright, indirect light. If it’s been over a month with no progress, you could try moving it to a brighter location or adding a touch of rooting hormone to the water or soil to give it a boost.

“The Leaves on My New Plant are Drooping After Potting.”

This is classic transplant shock. The delicate water roots are adjusting to their new, denser environment. Ensure the soil is kept evenly moist (not wet!) for the first couple of weeks and increase the humidity around the plant if you can. It should perk back up within a week or so as it adjusts.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Reroot a Philodendron

How long does it take to reroot a philodendron?

In water, you can expect to see the first roots appear in 2-4 weeks. It typically takes 4-6 weeks for the roots to become long enough (1-2 inches) for planting in soil. In soil, rooting usually takes 4-8 weeks before the plant is well-established.

Can I reroot a philodendron without a node?

Unfortunately, no. A node is essential for rooting because it contains the specialized cells that can differentiate into new roots. A piece of stem or a leaf with its petiole (leaf stalk) will not be able to grow roots on its own.

What’s the best time of year to reroot a philodendron?

The best time is during the active growing season, which is spring and summer. The warmth and longer daylight hours encourage faster root development. However, philodendrons are so hardy that you can successfully reroot them any time of year indoors.

Do I absolutely need to use rooting hormone?

Not at all! Philodendrons are prolific rooters and will generally do just fine without it. Rooting hormone is simply a helpful tool that can speed up the process and may lead to a more robust initial root system, but it is completely optional.

Your Journey to a Lusher Philodendron Starts Now

And there you have it! You’re now equipped with all the knowledge and how to reroot a philodendron best practices you need to revive, reshape, and multiply your beautiful plants.

You’ve learned not just how to save a struggling friend, but how to create new life from a simple cutting. It’s a rewarding process that connects you more deeply to your plants and the natural cycle of growth.

So go ahead, take a look at your philodendron with new eyes. See the potential in every vine and every node. Grab your shears, have fun with it, and give your plant a new lease on life. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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