Philodendron Selloum Propagation [Root & Stem Cutting- Over the shoulder guide]

Have you ever tried the method of propagation of the Philodendron Selloum? If you have done this before, it can be surely said that you enjoyed doing this because of its ease.

You can easily propagate your Selloum plant by stem cutting. You have to cut the stem properly with nodes and plant them in another pot. The most important point is you have to keep a root with the cut stem. Propagation can also be done in the water.

For your convenience, this article contains the actual time, tools and method of propagation of this beautiful plant. Scroll down to get your cherished topic and enrich your garden with so many plants by using the correct propagation system. The journey starts here.

Philodendron Selloum Overview

Philodendron Selloum can be said as horsehead philodendron, lacy tree philodendron etc. You can cultivate this ornamental plant in your landscape gardens in any tropical, subtropical or temperate region.

It can also serve you as a houseplant if you want to grow it in a cool temperate region. After taking care for 15-20 years, you may be gifted with enchanting flowers in your plant.

Scientific Name	Thaumatophyllum Bipinnatifidum
Common name	Philodendron Selloum, Horsehead philodendron
Invented	1976
Origin	South America(Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay)
Type of plant	Perennial
Suitable for	Tropical, Subtropical and warm temperate region
Family	Araceae
Clade	Angiosperms(monocot)
Genus	Thaumatophyllum
Plant height	Around 5 feet
Leaf size	Length- 3 feetWidth- 12”-14”
Plant width	10 feet
Leaf Color	Green
Inflorescence	Encased in a spathe
Flower	White-colored
Light	Medium-light but direct sunlight is avoided
Soil	Rich in nutrients and slightly alkaline
Temperature	56 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit
Watering	Moist soil is needed but clogging up of water is prohibited
Fertilizer	Needed in the growing stage once a month
Maturity year	10-15 years
Propagation	Root cutting or stem cutting

What is Propagation?

The term propagation can be introduced as the way of growing new plants by using different kinds of sources such as seeds, stolon, sucker, runner, stem or other plants.

Propagation can be primarily divided into two parts- sexual and asexual. Seeds are the materials for sexual propagation. On the contrary,  asexual propagation consists of the different vegetative parts of a plant. 

Why we should know about propagation systems?

Different states are considered perfect for different plants. On the other hand, you can’t use the same method for all plants. These procedures vary from plant to plant.

That’s why for appropriate plant growth, you have to study the overall processes of propagation of the Philodendron plant. 

Again, the cutting system and materials are also important factors. You have to identify the correct place for propagation. The combined knowledge of these factors will ensure perfect propagation.

How do I know if my selloum is ready to propagate?

It would help if you had a clear concentration on your plant prior to propagating. You have to ensure that the plant is ready for propagation following the below-mentioned steps.

Healthy Growth: A plant that shows vigorous growth is suitable for propagation. You have to remember that the new plant will contain the exact qualities of the plant from which you departed that stem. Be sure that the Selloum plant doesn’t have any disease or lack of nutrition. You may understand it by the fresh leaves and all-over condition of the plant.

Maturity: The plant from which you want to propagate must be matured. Now the question is how can you ensure maturity? You will find that the pot size of the plant is becoming smaller than its necessity. The roots, size of leaves and nodes will be developed. A Selloum plant normally starts flowering after proper care of 15-20 years. You will get an idea of your plant’s maturity from this information.

Rootbound: This may be considered one of the best indications for you. The roots will be so dense and clustered. There will be no space for root nourishment. The roots will be tangled and the process of reaching into the deep lair will be prohibited. And then you will need to propagate. 

What Tools Do I Need to Propagate a Philodendron Selloum Plant?

The types of equipment that you need to propagate your plant are mentioned here-

A Sharp Knife: You have to cut the stem with the proper amount of root. This is a crucial factor where you will need a clear and smooth cut. A blunt knife can not serve you properly. Arrange a sharp knife before cutting.

A New Pot: You have to put the cut portion in a new pot for development after separating it from the main plant. So keep the pot prepared early so that you may keep the baby plant in that pot fast after cutting.

Proper Environment: When you are trying your propagation method, try to select a place that may not harm your baby plant with excessive sunlight, humidity or pest attack. You may use gloves to avoid direct touch to keep your plant apart from bacteria. 

Watering can: You will need to water your plant before and after propagation. To continue a smooth propagation procedure, you should have the soil wetted. Again, when the propagation is finished and you have planted the baby plant in a new pot, you should water that so that the soil is not dry. Using a watering can will assist you in not watering much to your plant. If the baby plant faces any of these problems, it may not grow properly or die forever.

How to Propagate a Philodendron Selloum?

Philodendron Selloum can be propagated by two methods-

• Root Cutting
• Stem Cutting

Stem cutting can be conducted by two methods- In water and In soil.

The details of these methods are described here-

Root Cutting

Philodendron Selloum plants’ roots always help to propagate in a vast amount. Why don’t you go through the detailed procedure?

Step 1- Search the root

Take a Philodendron Selloum plant with a prolific root system. Search the roots from the plant and identify them.

Step 2- Separate the leaves

Separate the leaves and nodes from the root with a sharp knife or shear. As perfect cutting is important in this case, you need to have a sharpened knife.

Step 3- Cut below the root

Cutting below the root and departing the whole plant from the root system is the next step.

Step 4 – Place the cut root in pot

The root is now ready for propagation. Place that separated root in another pot.

Step 5- New leaves

After 30 days the new leaves will come out from those portions.

Stem Cutting

Clearance between stem and leaf

Before starting the procedure of stem cutting, a fact should be made clear. The identification of stem and leaf is important in this case.

We know that nodes lie in the stem. So firstly try to identify where the node is. This will make you understand where to cut. The whole green part of Philodendron Selloum is considered a leaf. The stem stands near the ground from where the root comes out. And the entire narrow and broad portion of green color is a single leaf. 

Have this in mind when you are going to cut the parts for propagation. 

Now, let’s go through the propagation system.

Stem Cutting in Soil

Stem cutting may be a comfortable way for you to continue the propagation system. Most importantly, you can carry on this process in both soil and water. Let’s start knowing about stem cutting in soil.

Step 1-Watering

 Water the plant before propagation. Remember not too much or not so little. You can check the watering procedure of Philodendron.

Step 2- separate the stems 

 After 20 minutes of watering the plant, take a sharp knife and separate a part of the stem with nodes and a little amount of root.

Step 3- pull out the part

Pull out the separated part and make it completely detached from the mother plant.

Step 4- prepare soil in the pot

Take the necessary things to make the soil properly nutrient available for the baby plant. A proper ratio(1:1:1:1) of perlite, soil, coir and peat moss will be needed. Mix the ingredients properly and put them in a little amount in the pot.

Step 5- Use rooting hormone

Place the new plant in the rooting hormone.

Step 6- Place the baby plant 

Keep the baby plant in the pot that you made ready before.

Step 7- Filling up the pot

Fill up the pot with the rest of the soil after placing the plant.

Step 8- Watering after potting

Water the pot properly.

Step 9-Avoid direct sunlight 

 Keep the pot near the window so that it may not get direct sunlight but proper light. At the same time, water it properly. A dry surface may cause yellowing of the plant.

Step 10- Using fertilizers

Use dilute fertilizers once a month.

Well, the procedures of propagating in the soil are completed. But still, we have to go through one more procedure and that is propagating in the water. 

Stem Cutting in Water

This may be the simplest way of all. Check the steps below.

Step 1- Take the plant

Take a matured plant.

Step 2- Separate plant part

Separate the part of the stem with the root.

Step 3-Cleaning root

 Clean it properly to remove the soil.

Step 4- Placing in water

 Place it in the pot filled up with water.

Following these procedures, you may easily increase the number of Philodendron Selloum plants to enrich your home garden. 

Which Method is Suitable?

The method you want to propagate is completely your choice. You may have some hassle in the root-cutting system. Stem cutting in water may be the easiest method for you. But the most perfect way to propagate is by stem cutting in soil. 

Maybe you have already studied the methods of stem cutting and it should be a cushy method for you as it does not require more workings. 

So choose from the methods and have your suitable one. 

You can see Philodendron Xanadu Propagation Method.

Tips to take care of philodendron selloum after propagation

Whatever the propagation system is, you must abide by some rules of taking proper care of the Philodendron Selloum plant. Naturally, these plants don’t require much care. But you have to be concerned about some crucial factors to have perfect growth and health of the Philodendron Selloum plant.

Light: Philodendron Selloum can’t tolerate scorching heat. So you have to keep it in such a place where it will get proper light but indirectly. 65-82 degrees Fahrenheit is appropriate for this maintenance. Ensure it by measurement. Partial shade can be helpful for it.

Humidity: Philodendron Selloum needs a warm but humid area. You have to ensure perfect moisture of the soil. You can measure it by using Humidifier.

Watering: Watering should not be frequent. But you should not keep your plant dry. Again, water must not be clogged.

Fertilizers: Use diluted fertilizer for your plant to give great support. Use it once a month when the plant is in the growing stage.

Pest Control: Pest attacks like aphids, mealybug, spider mites etc. may cause harm to your plant. A spray made of water and insecticidal soap or neem soap will be effective in this case. You can also take the help of pesticides.

Diseases: Fungus gnats, bacterial blight, Yellowing leaves etc. are severe problems of Philodendron Selloum. Bacterial blight creates dark spots in the plant leaves. It may cause plant death as well. Insecticides like insecticides can be helpful for you in this term.

Final thoughts

The Philodendron Selloum propagation system is undoubtedly a simple process. You need not gather much equipment or don’t need to be so skilled. By following some easy rules, you may get many new plants from only one.

Besides your home garden, your water garden or room corner can also be decorated by the small-sized plants of Philodendron Selloum. 

You don’t need to give much attention to maintenance. But a pretty look will be provided in your room by their green glace.

Choose the best one for yourselves and have a delightful journey with a Philodendron Selloum plant.