A philodendron white ice princess has unique features that make it popular among gardeners. It can produce leaves that look like a beautiful canvas with a little care and light.
This beautiful variety of philodendron has variegated leaves with a tapestry of green interwoven with patches and streaks of white and some of them have a blush of pink. Proper propagation makes it easy to grow this plant in huge numbers.
Go through this post to know more about different ways of propagating a white ice princess and the care it needs after propagation.
What Are the Right Propagation Methods?
A white ice princess can be propagated using air layering and stem-cutting methods. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of each way of propagation.
Stem Cuttings
| 🌱Benefits | 🌱 Drawbacks |
| A sharp cutting tool and rooting medium are enough. | May not be suitable for plants that root with difficulty or woody plants. |
| Suitable for plants that root easily. | The stem cutting may take longer to establish due to the stress caused. |
| Easier and faster than air layering. | Cuttings may not root successfully, especially if not done properly. |
Air layering
| 🌱Benefits | 🌱 Drawbacks |
| Best for propagating woody plants. | Requires more material like plastic wrap, rooting medium, tools for wounding the stem, and sphagnum moss. |
| It remains attached to the parent plant while rooting thus, minimizes stress. | The process takes longer than stem cutting. |
What Are the Necessary Materials Needed for Propagation?
The method of propagation you choose determines the materials you need while propagating a philodendron white ice princess. Here, are some of them.
Stem cutting
You will need sharp cutting tools like, a sharp knife, secateurs, or pruning shears while stem cutting. Always, sterilize the tools properly before using them.
As a rooting medium, you can use a well-draining potting mix or water. Go for a well-draining potting mix and a pot with enough drainage holes for soil propagation. On the other hand, use a clean jar or glass for water propagation.
Air layering
Sterilized tools like sharp knives and secateurs are needed for air layering propagation. Sphagnum moss is necessary during this process as sphagnum moss retains moisture around the wounded stem. The moss should be completely moist before use.
To create a humid environment around the sphagnum moss you can wrap it using transparent plastic. Place a string or tape around the plastic to hold the sphagnum moss. Using a support pole can provide stability to the air-layered stem.
How to Propagate a White Ice Princess Through Stem Cutting?
Follow the steps below to propagate a philodendron white ice princess in the right way through stem cutting.
Stem Cutting Guide
Select a Stem:
Choose a healthy stem with 2 to 3 nodes and at least 2 healthy leaves. The cutting should be around 3 inches long.
Make the Cut:
Make a cut at a 45-degree angle just below a node using, sterilized tools.
To prevent root rot you can allow the cut end to callous over 1 to 2 days in a dry, cool place.
Soil And Potting:
For soil propagation moisten the well-draining potting mix properly. Avoid making it too soggy. For water propagation use room temperature water and fill it in a clean jar or glass.
Watering:
For water propagation dip the bottom node of the cutting into water. However, the leaves should not dip into the water and stay above the waterline. For soil propagation make a deeper hole in the potting mix and plant the cutting, gently firm the soil around the base.
Avoid direct sunlight and place the plant in a place where it can receive sufficient indirect bright light.
Avoid over-watering the plant and only water after checking the moisture level of the top 2 inches of the soil. For water propagation, top up the water level to submerge the lower nodes. To keep the water oxygenated and fresh, change it every week.
Be Patient:
It may take a longer time for the roots to appear. So, you need to be patient. In soil propagation, you will notice new growth from the top node which is a good sign. On the other hand, you will find white root nubs forming on the submerged stem in water propagation.
Once you notice new growth in your soil and water reaches a few inches long, you can transplant the cutting into a pot with fresh, well-draining aerated soil.
How to Propagate a Philodendron White Ice Princess Through Air Layering?
Air layering can be another effective way to propagate a white ice princess. Follow the steps below for that desired result.
Air Layering Guide
Select a Stem:
Choose a healthy aerial root-producing stem on your white ice princess. The stem should have a few nodes and should be at least 4 to 6 inches long.
Make the Wound:
Make a vertical cut almost halfway through the stem, just below a node. The cut should be 1 to 2 inches long. You can easily remove a thin strip of bark from the stem by making a shallow ring wound by circling the stem. You can add a little fungicide to the wound to prevent any fungal infection.
Apply the Moss:
Prepare sphagnum moss by soaking it in water. Make sure it is completely moist. Use damp sphagnum moss to cover the surrounding stem and the wounded area.
Secure the Moss:
Use transparent plastic to wrap the sphagnum moss. This will create a humid environment around the sphagnum moss. Tie a string or a tape tightly to secure the plastic wrap.
Provide Proper Support:
To prevent leaning and for stability of the stem, you can gently tie it to a support pole.
Maintain Moisture:
Mist the sphagnum moss whenever it feels dry. Make sure the moss is always moist but, not soggy.
Wait for Roots:
It might take longer for new root growth. So, you need to be patient. As new roots develop you might see it through the transparent plastic wrap.
Planting the New Philodendron:
Separate the root from the parent plant when it becomes at least 1 inch long. Using sterilized shears carefully cut through the stem below the root ball. Then, plant it in a new pot with fresh well-draining, and aerated soil. The pot should have enough drainage holes to prevent water logging.
Ways to Care for the Propagated Plant
Taking proper care is necessary after propagating a white ice princess. So, whether you are using the stem-cutting method or the air layering method you need to follow the caring tips shred below.
Light
Avoid keeping the plant in direct scorching sunlight. Instead, place it in an area with enough indirect bright light. To ensure even growth, gently rotate the plant every week.
Water
Overwatering can lead to root rot so, water the plant only after checking the moisture level of the soil. During water propagation, allow the soil to dry out slightly more before watering again. Only use room-temperature water. If you want more information on watering guide read this: Philodendron Watering Guide: Methods for Healthy Foliage
Humidity
A white ice princess prefers moderate to high humidity levels. You can use a humidifier or a pebble tray to increase the humidity level around the plant.
Use of Fertilizer
Over-fertilizing the plant can cause severe damage to its overall health. Use diluted liquid fertilizer on your propagated philodendron mostly during spring and summer as; it is the growing season of a philodendron.
Monitor the Growth
You can be sure that the propagation is successful when you notice signs of new growth like unfurling leaves. Wilting, browning, or yellowing of leaves can be a sign of distress that can be caused due to lack of light, improper watering, or if the plant is affected by diseases or pests.
How to Troubleshoot Common Issues During Propagation?
While propagating a white ice princess you might have to encounter some common issues. Here, are some of them and ways to get rid of these issues.
Slow or No Growth of the Root
Causes
Several factors can hamper the root growth of a philodendron like insufficient indirect bright light, extreme temperatures, and incorrect moisture levels.
The Solution
When propagating in water make sure, the nodes are only submerged in the water and not the leaves. Changing the water weekly is a must. On, the other hand for soil propagation you need to check your watering habits. Always avoid over-watering and only water after checking the moisture level of the oil.
To maintain healthy plant growth, always provide sufficient indirect, bright light. However, avoid placing a philodendron in direct scorching sunlight.
For optimal root development, the temperature where a white ice princess is kept should be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rotting
Causes
Rotting can be caused due to use of un-sanitized tools or not taking proper care of the wound after air layering. Over-watering can also cause rotting.
The Solution
To prevent rotting, sterilizing tools and applying fungicide to the wounds is very important. To ensure that the potting mix drains well you need to reduce watering the plant frequently.
Wilting or Yellowing of Leaves
Causes
Over-watering and stress caused during propagation may lead to yellowing or wilting of the leaves. Here is some additional information on yellow leaves that you might find helpful: What is Making the Leaves of My Philodendron Turn Yellow?
The Solution
Avoid over-watering the plant and check for root rot. By proper watering and lighting the plant can overcome the stress.
Take away
By following the tips and tricks shared above you can easily propagate a philodendron white ice princess. Propagation helps you to save money as you can get new plants from the parent plant itself.
Both stem-cutting and air layering methods can give you that desired result if the propagation process is done properly. To make your newly grown philodendron healthy and happy, aftercare for the propagated plant is also important
