Hammond Residential Real Estate
Michael Rothstein, GRI , Hammond Residential Real EstatePhone: (617) 470-3165
Email: [email protected]

How to Grow a Philodendron in Water

by Michael Rothstein, GRI 03/07/2022

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Fill the vessel with non-chlorinated water.
  5. 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.
  6. Put the cuttings in a place where they'll get plenty of bright, indirect light.
  7. 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
Author

Michael Rothstein, GRI

Active in residential brokerage since 1985, Michael enjoys a loyal following of past buyers and sellers. Prior to entering brokerage, he studied culinary arts and managed restaurants in the Boston area. Born and raised in Newton, Michael is very familiar with the Greater Boston area. His seven-day-a-week commitment to his profession serves his clients and customers well. His educational background includes The Johnson & Wales Culinary Institute, The Lee Institute for Real Estate, and The Tom Hopkins and Floyd Wickman Sales Training courses. 

In recognition of his completion of the prescribed courses in real estate practice and ethics, Michael has earned the distinguished GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute) designation. He continues his long-standing membership in the National Association of Realtors and is an avid fly fisherman, musician, and outdoor enthusiast. 

Michael was awarded the International President's Circle Award for sales expertise, market knowledge, and dedication to clients for 2020 and 2021. In 2022 and 2023 he was awarded the International Presidents Elite Award, representing the Top 2% of Hammond Residential & Coldwell Banker Agents Worldwide, for demonstrating exceptional sales production, ambition and his commitment to the Real Estate Industry.