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About 50 years in the past, my great-aunt gave me a philodendron and, remarkably, it has survived these a few years. Nonetheless, its progress sample baffles me.
Regardless of how a lot or how little I water it, the leaves alongside its two stems, over time, flip yellow and die, leaving a really lengthy, naked stem with wholesome progress at its tip and one leaf at its base.
When these lengthy naked stretches (presently at about one metre) turn into too bothersome, I amputate the stem at its base, sacrificing the wholesome leaves on the tip, and start the method anew.
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Nonetheless, there have to be a greater methodology of caring for this plant. Are you able to assist? – JH
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Philodendrons are a vine, however all crops finally will lose their older leaves.
Begin by reducing the stem again like you’ve got finished so many instances earlier than, however don’t throw out the leaves on the tip. As an alternative reduce the stem about seven to eight centimetres beneath the leaves and place in a glass of water. In a few week, you will note new progress. When this occurs, add this new reducing to the prevailing pot through the use of a chop stick or wood skewer to loosen the soil with out damaging the roots. Subsequent, combine some new soil in. Then, add your cuttings. This can assist add extra stems to the pot.
When you see about 5 new leaves pinch out the middle of the stem. You’re going to take away the plant’s chief or heart leaf. This can power new progress out of the place the leaves meet the stems. If you’re nervous about this, simply do one stem at a time. This can permit new stems to kind off the principle stem so your plant will bush out.
Additionally, take into consideration how one can give the plant extra mild, whether or not it’s pure or synthetic. This can assist the stems from getting so lengthy between the leaves.
Don’t overlook to feed your plant. I like a water soluble fertilizer at half the advisable energy at the very least as soon as a month.
Let’s maintain this plant going for one more 50 years.
Denise Hodgins is knowledgeable gardening coach in London. Ship your inquiries to [email protected]
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