Philodendron in Water: Simple and Fail-Proof Hydroponics - Complete Guide
Autore: Redazione I Giardini di Giulia
4 min di lettura
Condividi:
This guide explains how to grow Philodendron in water, from taking a cutting to transitioning from soil to hydroponics with expanded clay. For growing it in a pot with potting soil, read our tips for helping Philodendron thrive. If you want to move from theory to practice, explore our selection of hydroponic plants.
Hydroponics is a fascinating and clean way to grow Philodendron (Philodendron): no soil, just water and roots growing visibly. This technique, perfect for those looking for modern, minimalist solutions, eliminates watering problems and reduces the risk of pests. In this guide, we will show you how to root your philodendron in water, how to transition from soil to hydroponics, and how to use expanded clay for optimal results. With our tips, you will transform your Philodendron into a striking decorative feature.
What Is Hydroponics and Why Does It Work with Philodendron?
Hydroponics uses water as the main growing medium, enriched with nutrients. Philodendron is particularly well suited to this method thanks to its aerial roots, which naturally absorb moisture and nutrients from the environment. The benefits are numerous: automatic watering, reduced root rot, and no soil pests.
Philodendron in Water: Rooting from a Cutting
To root a Philodendron in water, use sterilized scissors to cut a 10-15 cm cutting with at least one node, leave only 2-3 leaves at the top, and place it in a transparent glass container with room-temperature water in a bright place without direct sunlight, changing the water every 3-5 days.
Starting with a cutting is the most rewarding method. Rooting a philodendron in water is a unique experience.
How to Root a Philodendron in Water in 5 Steps
1.Cut the cutting: Using sterilized scissors, cut a 10-15 cm section of stem with at least one node.
2.Remove the lower leaves: Leave only 2-3 leaves at the top.
3.Place it in water: Put the cutting in a transparent glass container with room-temperature water.
4.Find the ideal location: A bright place without direct sunlight.
5.Change the water: Every 3-5 days to keep it oxygenated and clean. Knowing when to change the water for the philodendron is essential.
A Philodendron can be transferred from soil to water in about a week: remove it from the pot, rinse the roots under lukewarm water, cut off any brown or soft parts, and place it in fresh water, changing it every 2 days. After one week, add hydroponic fertilizer at half strength.
It is possible to transfer a Philodendron from soil to water, but the process requires care.
Transitioning from Soil to Water in 7 Days
1.Extract the plant: Gently remove it from the pot.
2.Clean the roots: Rinse away all the soil under lukewarm water.
3.Cut off damaged roots: Remove the brown or soft parts.
4.Immerse in water: Place the clean roots in a container of fresh water.
5.Change the water often: Every 2 days, to remove dead cells from the old roots.
6.Start fertilizing: After one week, add hydroponic fertilizer at half strength.
7.Monitor the plant: It is normal for some leaves to turn yellow.
Expanded Clay: The Foundation of Hydroponics
Expanded clay stabilizes the plant and makes hydroponics tidier and more attractive: rinse it to remove the dust, fill the pot up to two thirds full, position the Philodendron in the center, and add water to about one third of the clay's height, topping it up when the level drops and changing it every 2-4 weeks.
Expanded clay (LECA) is an excellent material for hydroponics. A philodendron in water and expanded clay is a winning combination. A philodendron in a pot with water and clay is an attractive and functional solution.
Hydroponics with Expanded Clay
1.Wash the clay: Rinse it thoroughly to remove the dust.
2.Prepare the pot: Fill a hydroponic pot with clay up to two thirds full.
3.Position the plant: Place the plant in the center and add more clay to stabilize it.
4.Add water: Fill it to about one third of the clay's height.
5.Maintenance: Top up the water when the level drops and change it completely every 2-4 weeks.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydroponics
Hydroponics means fewer watering problems, fewer pests and diseases, a clean, modern look, and roots that are always visible. In return, it requires specific fertilizers, may slow growth slightly, has a slightly higher initial cost, and, if the pot is exposed to direct light, promotes algae growth in the water.
Advantages and disadvantages of hydroponics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Fewer watering problems
Need for specific fertilizers
Fewer pests and diseases
Potentially slower growth
Clean, modern look
Slightly higher initial cost
Roots always visible
Algae formation when exposed to direct light
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The three most common mistakes with a Philodendron grown in water are exposing it to too much direct light, which causes green algae to form in the water, leaving the water stagnant instead of changing it regularly to keep it oxygenated, and using just any fertilizer when only products specifically designed for hydroponics should be used.
1.Too much direct light: It causes green algae to form in the water.
2.Stagnant water: Change the water regularly to keep it oxygenated.
3.Wrong fertilizer: Use only products specifically designed for hydroponics.
Transparent pots and expanded clay are available in our shop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use regular tap water? Yes, but let it stand for 24 hours so the chlorine can evaporate.
Why is the water of my Philodendron turning green? It is caused by algae, which grow in the light. They are not harmful, but you can clean the vase for aesthetic reasons.
What should I do if the roots of my Philodendron grown in water rot? Cut away the rotten parts, change the water, and make sure the container is clean.
Does the Philodendron grow more slowly in water? Growth may be slightly slower, but the ease of care more than makes up for it.
Should I prune the Philodendron grown hydroponically? Yes, regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages fuller growth.
Conclusion
Hydroponics is an elegant and modern way to enjoy the beauty of the Philodendron. With a few simple precautions, you can have a healthy, lush plant that decorates your home in style. Remember to change the water regularly, use the right fertilizer, and place the plant in a bright location without direct sunlight.
