Air-layering self-heading philodendron

[Manalto]

I'm air-layering a  Philodendron tatei 'Congo Rojo' that has developed a long, top-heavy stem over the years. (Technically, I'm simply layering it - in a pot of soil that I've jockeyed into position.) Once the top has taken root and has been severed from the parent plant, will the remaining (mother) plant regrow? (There will be plenty of leaves on it.) Also, other than tissue culture, is there another method to propagate self-heading philodendrons? I've seen mention of pups but none have appeared on this plant. It did, however, produce several flower bracts this winter.

[Jungle Yard]

After you remove the top, there will be a few pops developing on the remaining stem. 

Also, if the stem is long enough and has roots along the stem, I would just cut off the top with some roots and plant it. It will establish quick that way.

 

[Manalto]

Thanks, JY. I considered that but this plant is big - about 5' across - and I wondered how well it would survive in a low-humidity house interior with no active, functioning roots. (I have the plant in Connecticut right now.) Also, some of them look pretty shriveled. I pushed a few of the plumper ones into the rooting medium; we'll see if they take. I'll follow your recommendation when the weather warms, or if I take it to Mobile.

Good to know that the mother plant will produce pups. A Dave's Garden entry mentions dividing the rhizome too. I know this is a common plant but I like its bold texture in combination with fine-leaved plants. It's a cinch to grow.

Edited March 29, 2019 by Manalto