Question
I have a Philadendron in a 6" pot in my office, it has two kinds- a dark green and a verigated light green an white in the pot.  It's healthy and seems to like the office environment.  I'd like to take a cutting and root it at home.  How do I do this, and is it poisonous to my cats if they would eat it as I have a particularly rambunctious male cat?

Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Denise,

The drak green leaves belong to a Philodendron. The variegated leaves probbaly belong to a Pothos. They are closely related and have the same culttural requirements.

For either one, take cuttings from healthy stem tips that have 2-4 leaves. Cut the stem just above where a leaf is attached to the stem. Put the cuttings in a plastic baggie to transport them home.

Remove the lowest leaf from each cutting. The bump on the stem where that leaf was attached is called a node and that is where roots will emerge. That node must be in constant contact with water for the roots to form. Put the cuttings in a small container of fresh water. Change the water weekly. Provide bright indirect light. Roots can take anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks to form. Once the roots are at least an inch long, the cuttings can be moved into a small pot filled with a sterile potting mix.

Both Philodendron and Pothos are listed as potentially toxic if the leaves or stems are chewed on. The sap causes mouth tissue to swell up. They probably wouldn't kill your cat, but it might make him sick or ornery.

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

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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