Question
#1- Philodendron
Last October I cut a few pieces from the Philodendron that grows across the floor of my bank. I placed them in a vase of water along with two other cuttings of the same type of plant from another person. They rooted well, so last week I combined them and the cutting I placed directly in dirt around the same time all into a 10 inch soil pot, in effort to have one large potted house plant.

How should it be cared for from now on and how exactly should I cut it back?


Also, I recently got some more cuttings from the same plant at the bank and placed them in a vase with water to root. However, it seems as though the plant is now 'crying'. I should mention that the plant has thick stems and larger leaves. Did I do something wrong?

#2- Nepthytis
#3- Painted Net Leaf
I repotted both of these plants after I purchased them, they were in small pots. The new pots are similar in size only a little bigger.

What is the best way to care for them now? #2 has some yellowing leaves that seem to start from the stem and travel to the leaves. #3 seems to be doing just fine, I combined two of the same plant into a slightly bigger pot, but have never owned either of these plants before.

#4- Chamaedorea Cataractarum
This plant stands about 4 ft tall from the base of the pot, I transplanted it into a 2 inch bigger pot yesterday and am worried it may not have needed it right away. I trimmed and cut all the yellowing and brown leaves and gave it plenty of water.

Do you have any recommendations on what I should do now?

#5- Ardisia
I purchased this plant 5 months ago. At the time it was in a very small pot, I moved it to a larger one. Which must have been a mistake, all the leaves began to fall off or get really dry, in addition to those issues, I also started having a problem with gnats. This past weekend I moved him to a smaller pot, in doing so I noticed how dry the top of the soil was and how wet and dark the bottom was.

Mainly my questions have to do with giving my plants the best care I can while at the same time not having to live with bugs. I grew up in a home full of them and would like to have these for some time, but I'm not quite sure if I was ready for this many? Too late now, I can't return them.

Any help you can provide me will be greatly appreciated. Especially along the lines of when to water, how often, how much sunlight is needed, preventing the gnat issue and knowing when the best time to transplant is.

Answer
Hi NaMichelle,

I can answer only a limited number of questions each day, so it would not be fair for me to answer all of your many questions. I will answer the questions related to your Philodendron. Feel free to re-submit your other questions, one-at-a-time at some other time. I hope you understand.

In regard to your Philodendron (or Pothos) cuttings, a larger pot will not make for a larger plant. A large plant will have lots of separate cuttings or stems - a dozen or more. Each stem will grow only longer and will not produce new shots from below the soil. So if you want a full plant, you must start with many cuttings potted together. It is best to pot them in the smallest pot they will fit into snugly - usually a 4" or 6" diameter pot. If the plant later outgrows its pot, it can be moved up one size.

Keep the soil moderately moist by watering only when the top half-inch of soil feels dry. As the roots develop and take up more space in the pot, you will notice that the soil dries out sooner. Provide lots of bright, but indirect sunlight. That could be on a north windowsill or off to the side of an east window or several feet away from a south or west window. Fertilize very sparingly at half-strength no more than once per month.

Any stem can be cut or pruned back any time it appears to be getting too long. New growth will emerge on the cut stem just below the point where you make the pruning cut. The cuttings can then be added to the pot for more stems. Pruning is a lot like cutting hair - you do it to change the appearance to suit your taste.

Your reference to cuttings that are "crying" is a process called guttation. It is a way for a plant to relieve excess water pressure in its cells. It does not mean they are overwatered or that there is any problem. It is a normal function of this and other plant species and can be ignored.

I have written an article on Philodendron & Pothos care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com