I have a huge philodendron that is planted in the ground but it is getting too big, in that the trunk is too long. I would like to cut the trunk about three feet below the base of the leaves and put it in a pot and try to get it to grow vertically using some braces. Is this possible or am I going to kill it. I heard they are hardy, but this may be too much.
Image taken on 2009-07-16 12:39:53 by g_kat26.
Well, first of all, Spring and Summer are excellent times of the year to do this. I have no clear idea how thick the “trunk” of your plant is. However, for plants with thicker “trunks” the correct method is ‘air layering’ for propagation. If the actual main trunk is too thick, perhaps you could use one of more of the branches.
The method is this: first you must make a clean cut at an upward diagonal half way through the branch/trunk. Hold this cut open by sticking a small stick (like a popsicle stick across the cut. Then wedge some sphagnum moss around the cut and wrap plastic around everything. Tie it with twist ties at the top and bottom. You must keep the moss moist (use a sprayer) in order for the roots to start. Check it every couple of days and spray the moss to dampen as necessary. When you have a decent sized root ball growing in the plastic, simply cut about 1 inch below the root ball and plant. Voila!