Question
Sadly I think I have totally killed my deceased mother's 30 year old split leaf philodendron while I was on vacation.... there is some green root left,,, can i save it?  and how?
thanks!

Answer
Elizabeth,

You say you think you killed it but you do not say how you think you killed it? Did you leave it not watered for 2 weeks and it turned totally brown? In that case cut as much brown as possible off. If the lower parts of the stalk are still green do not cut that off and water it normally. Put it outdoors in a shady location if possible where it will have a lot of humidity and water it normally but make sure you do not overwater it. Do not leave it sitting with a drain tray full of water and make sure the surface of the soil is dry for 2 days before you water it again.

If you left it sitting in a tub of water while you were on vacation and killed it by drastically overwatering it you should dry it out immediately. Again cut the dead parts off and water it normally. Put it outdoors in a shady location if possible where it will have a lot of humidity and water it normally but make sure you do not overwater it. Do not leave it sitting with a drain tray full of water and make sure the surface of the soil is dry for 2 days before you water it again.

Be patient. It will take awhile before you know whether you can save it or not. If you get no new growth in the next 2 months it is probably hopeless. If it doesn't make it go on the internet and find a new one to buy in memory of your mother. Make it a present to yourself on your mother's birthday! Good luck.

Darlene