I’m pretty new to plants and got this cutting as a freebie from a shop last year. I’ve intended to pot it but life keeps getting in the way. I’d still prefer to convert it to soil, but I’m worried about shocking the plant since the roots have been establishing well in water for 6 months. Would it be better off staying in water at this point? If so, what can I do to encourage leaf growth?
by manytinyhumans
6 Comments
Pot since 8 months
It’s already pretty happy in water I’d leave it. Especially with such an extensive root system.
In my experience potting will encourage growth. Plants generally like to be in soil more than in water.
At least with begonias (which I water propagate frequently) I have a lot of luck with transplanting to soil after establishing good roots in water. I think it should do okay. Give the soil a good soak and let drain well
If you have any pon at home, I suggest potting it up in pon. It’s a very valid concern that it might get transition shock adapting to soil whereas these water roots are perfect for semihydro substrates. I recently transplanted one of these cuttings to pon, it had also been water rooted extensively, and it has no issues. I have another larger one of a different cultivar that I’ve been growing in a leca/perlite/pon mix that is also doing well. I can take pics if wanted.
I am concerned about the lack of any new growth. This is a philodendron so I’d hesitate to say there are no growth points, maybe a lighting issue? I find that even in little to no light while water rooting, these will try pushing out a new tiny leaf every now and then still. I think I might see new growth on the green little bump growing up near the roots.
And no, it would not do better in water. People can agree to disagree on whether plants “should” be kept in just water — I’d be more inclined to agree if the plant was thriving. This one isn’t so common wisdom applies in that no, your plant should not be kept in water.
Plants been fruitlessly searching for soil for 6 months. Pot it