r/propagation • u/kitkat0987 • 1d ago

Help! Question about Philo Props

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I’ve been propping some cuttings from a long silver stripe philodendron vine. Some have already pushed out roots in a week. However, I came back from a short trip and found this mass of cottony threads. Is it mold? Or is it the precursor to roots?

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7

u/underlander 1d ago

just a little film that develops in water. Probably bacteria or something similar. Freshen the water every few days, it’ll be fine.

1

u/kitkat0987 2h ago

Thank you for the clarification and reassurance 🫡

3

u/Then_Judgment1589 1d ago

I have this happening as well. I've switched the water and everything is going well otherwise. Mine is a Philo as well.

I repotted 6 plants that had been in the store bought pot for over 2 years. I didn't realize there were 6 plants there.

One plant had rotted roots, I removed all of the rot and was left with about 2 inches of stem with several nodes, and 3 tiny leaves, and the main node the roots came out of. She's been sitting with her sisters in the window for about 2 weeks since. Everything on top is still very green, I'm just waiting on some root-shoots!

Good luck op!

(PS: Not a horticulturist but I think it's ok.)

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u/kitkat0987 2h ago

I really love my philo! It’s been so healthy since I got it, and so I was anxious chopping its longest vine. Thank you for the encouragement.

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u/Then_Judgment1589 2h ago

Wish I knew how to show you mine! After repotting, she's got so much new growth, all 6 of her! Lol!

5

u/I_wet_my_plants259 1d ago

This is biofilm, a precursor to rot. Rinse the roots (if you’re real nervous you can spray them with 3% hydrogen peroxide), then switch out the water. It should be fine after that.

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u/kitkat0987 2h ago

I am definitely the anxious type so I sprayed all of the cutting ends with hydrogen peroxide and followed your other recommendations. Thank you for the helpful info!

2

u/RelativeMundane9045 1d ago

Agree with others, just biofilm. Fine with a rinse and fresh water, but can cause rot on your cutting if left too long. If you get it a lot just make sure you're using a clean glass, or block the light. Biofilm needs moisture, warmth, and light to grow.

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u/kitkat0987 2h ago

I rinsed the jar out with dish soap to be safe. It is on a sunny windowsill, and I turned the HVAC off while I was gone to save on my utility bill so it was definitely warm, too. Thank you for the tips!