Are you wanting to propagate your Philodendron Birkin plant but aren’t quite sure where to start? It might seem overwhelming, but I’m here to help.
This rare house plant is sure to grab the spotlight in any room. The Philodendron’s lower classification is that of a ‘Birkin.’ Its zebra-like striped leaves make the Birkin a highly desired addition to many households.
Why propagate your Philodendron Birkin? Due to the Philodendron Birkin uniqueness and popularity, they can be challenging to get your hands on.
Propagating is a great way to grow your collection for free! It’s a little more difficult than propagating a snake plant, but there are two different ways to reproduce this houseplant, both satisfying, rewarding, and fun.
To help you decide which way to go, and how to get started, here’s a step-by-step guide on Philodendron Birkin propagation.
How To Start a Philodendron Propagation
Before you start cutting everything, it’s crucial to set up your propagation station. This will help keep the mess together and the area, tools, and plant sterile. Keeping everything clean will help reduce the chance of spreading disease and bacteria from one plant to another.
Methods to Propagate Philodendron
There are three methods for propagating a Philodendron Birkin:
- Stem cutting method
- Air layering method
- Philodendron Birkin division method
If you’re starting your journey as a beginner propagator, growing philodendron from cuttings is perfect for you. This simple and effective method lets you watch the growth progress like a science project and fall in love with propagation.
For more advanced propagators, the air layering method is tricky but rewarding. This method is the least disturbing for the plant and results in a flourishing plant in a matter of weeks rather than months.
What You Need for Propagating a Philodendron
- Philodendron Birkin
- Sharpened scissors
- Glass for cuttings
- Water
- Coco chips
- Perlite
- Soil
- For air-layering: a toothpick, plastic wrap, peat moss
Method 1: How To Root Philodendron Cuttings in Water
The water propagation method is a great way to watch your plant grow. It can be a fun activity to teach the kids about plants or a stunning decorative piece.
1. Find a Healthy Stem
First, you need to make sure that the plant you want to propagate is mature and healthy enough to multiply. Look for a good-looking stem with at least one node. A node is where a stem grows out of the plant. It’s even better if you can include some aerial roots in your cutting, as this will speed up the growing process.
2. How To Cut Philodendron
Using clean, sterilized scissors, cut the stem diagonally without transferring dirt or soil that will infect the Birkin. Cutting diagonally across the stem will increase the surface area on the cutting, allowing more space for roots to grow.
3. Remove Leaves From the Birkin
Since this method involves placing the cutting in water for a while, we need to remove any leaves that may rot. Carefully remove all leaves from the lower half of your cutting, ensuring no leaves will touch the water.
4. Place Cutting in Water
Get your glass and fill it with room temperature water. If the water is too hot or too cold, the plant won’t react well and will die. Bottled, rain or purified water is best for the Philodendron clippings, but tap water is fine if the chlorine and fluoride have evaporated over 24 hours.
Place your cutting in the water and get ready to watch your Birkin grow right in front of your eyes.
5. Rooting a Philodendron
Throughout the next month or so, you will see new roots growing. You’ll need to change the water every few days to prevent bacteria growth, stagnating and unpleasant smells.
6. How to Root Philodendron Cuttings
Keep watching your Birkin grow. Once the roots have reached a few centimetres (1-2 inches), it’s time to start the repotting process. You’ll want to use aerated soil to encourage proper drainage.
A build-up of water can lead to the roots rotting and bacteria growth, ultimately killing your propagation.
What potting media to use for philodendron cuttings?
Birkins can use similar dirt to the fiddle leaf’s soil. Good soil is key to maximize root health in any potted plant. A good potting soil will be determined by a few factors such as your watering scheduled, your climate and the amount of light your plants will get per day.
Your Philodendron Birkin potting mix should contain the following:
- Peat Moss (helps the soil hold nutrients by increasing what is called cation exchange capacity and moisture and is acidic)
- Perlite
- Coco chips
Gently take your propagation and place the cutting’s roots in the soil mix. The plant will experience some sort of shock for a week or so. But, how often to water your philodendron? It’s best to keep it away from direct light for a week or two and carry on with your regular watering and care routine.
Try not to overwater your Birkin plants as this can lead to root rot.
Method 2: Air Layering
Air layering involves creating a new plant without sending your mature plant into shock and prolonging new growth. While this method is a bit more complex than water propagation, it gives impressive, quick results that experienced gardeners will appreciate.
1. Choose the Perfect Stem
With air layering, it’s essential to choose the healthiest stem on your plant. This will ensure optimal growth and a quicker bounce back after propagation.
2. Make a Vertical Cut
Once you’ve chosen the ideal stem, take a sterilised tool or knife and make a vertical cut, 5-8cm (2-3 inches) along the stem. Make sure the blade reaches the halfway depth through the stem.
3. Keep That Cut Open
Next, we want to keep the incision open so roots can grow. To do this, place a toothpick into the cut centre so it props it open.
4. Attach the Peat Moss
First, dampen your peat moss. Then take the moist moss and wrap it around the stem where the cutting is. Make sure that the peat moss remains damp at all times but not soggy, as this encourages bacteria growth.
5. Wrap It All Up
Get your plastic wrap out and enclose it around the peat moss and steam. This technique stops the peat moss from drying out too quickly and preventing dirt and bacteria from getting into the incision.
6. Replanting Your Philodendron Birkin
After a few weeks of caring and patiently waiting, you should start to see new roots growing out of the peat moss. This indication lets you know that it’s time to cut your clipping off. Cut below the peat moss and roots and carefully place your cutting into your fresh potting soil mix.
It’s essential to be very gentle throughout the process to avoid damaging the cutting and roots and evade killing your propagated Birkin.
How To Propagate A Philodendron Recap
Propagating houseplants is a fulfilling task for any level gardener. Not only do you get free plants out of it, but you care for and nurture cuttings to become mature plants, much like raising an easy, quiet child. It takes patience, consistency and love.
Your extra plants make great gifts for family and friends or just add to the jungle inside your home. If you’ve propagated a Birkin before or plan to, drop your tips, trick, and questions in the comments.