---
title: "Hello all! I am propagating a philodendron and, while I’ve been…"
description: "Hello all! I am propagating a philodendron and, while I’ve been waiting to give the branches to a friend, the roots have gotten a little…. Overgrown. I now am…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/GpJkJG2qS7KZ7LpSwQwhSg/PU0ex3NTYa9kwXEUz7bNJA"
community: "Propagating & Sowing"
author: "Jaime"
published: "2024-12-28T19:35:42.818271Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Q1pgpcGsyQp-fIUnFjr1Fx4muPVZWz_KX4Ee7aBQfaU/1fqOgtFJThCns38Fxs1sPw.webp?size=large"
---

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# Hello all! I am propagating a philodendron and, while I’ve been…

_Posted by Jaime on 2024-12-28_

Hello all!

I am propagating a philodendron and, while I’ve been waiting to give the branches to a friend, the roots have gotten a little…. Overgrown. I now am noticing these little white tufts (looks like little cotton balls?) that are lined up on the roots. Is this just more roots growing or is it something to be concerned about?

Thank you!

![Attachment 1 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Q1pgpcGsyQp-fIUnFjr1Fx4muPVZWz_KX4Ee7aBQfaU/1fqOgtFJThCns38Fxs1sPw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Q1pgpcGsyQp-fIUnFjr1Fx4muPVZWz_KX4Ee7aBQfaU/Mmc3LUaxT8GjT_OfrXQxhQ.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Q1pgpcGsyQp-fIUnFjr1Fx4muPVZWz_KX4Ee7aBQfaU/uEAmVB-1Spq_A2Rdz0ALSg.webp?size=large)

## 10 comments

### Lilly commented on 2024-12-28

I'm struggling to propagate my philodendron, the stem always yellows and never roots, how did you get yours to root?

#### Jaime replied on 2024-12-28

I stuck stems in that had a couple nodes/knuckles (no submerged leaves!). Leaves will contaminate the water. I did use alkaline water for these, so I’m not sure if that was the trick? Lots of people try with hard, city water which is not good for this. I did also add a single branch of pothos. The pothos branch provides some beneficial nutrients for root growth!

#### Jillian Champ replied on 2024-12-29

Do you let the cuttings dry for a couple hours? If you don’t that’s probably the reason they’re rotting and not rooting

#### Lilly replied on 2024-12-29

No I dont

#### Jillian Champ replied on 2025-01-02

Ok ima guess that’s your problem you can try letting them dry and see if that works

### Lilly commented on 2024-12-28

Huh, thanks I'll try

#### Kades replied on 2024-12-28

If you’re really struggling you can try rooting hormone/stimulant like dip n grow or prop drops

### Kades commented on 2024-12-28

Totally normal! I think they’re called root precursors but you were spot on, new roots!

#### Jaime replied on 2024-12-28

Oh thank God! lol

### Lilly commented on 2024-12-28

I tried that and they still turn yellow,brown or black and never root..

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