How to Propagate Philodendron White Princess in Water + Results
If you’ve ever fallen in love with the elegance of a Philodendron White Princess, you probably know how quickly it becomes the centerpiece of your plant collection. Mine grew over five feet tall before it started showing signs of stress – yellowing leaves, drooping stems, and compacted soil that could no longer support healthy growth.
That’s when I decided to give it a fresh start. I took a deep breath, cut the top stem, and placed it in water, hoping to revive its beauty. Within just a few days, new white roots began to appear, and soon after, fresh green-and-white leaves started unfurling. Watching this transformation was a reminder of how resilient and magical these plants truly are.
a clear sign of healthy root growth and recovery.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to propagate Philodendron White Princess in water, step-by-step – from choosing the right cutting to growing healthy roots and transitioning your plant to soil (or keeping it thriving in water long-term).
If you want to know about how to care for this plant, read my full care guide:
👉 Philodendron White Princess Care: Complete Guide to a Lush, Variegated Beauty
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
Before we dive into the steps of how to propagate Philodendron White Princess in water, it’s important to gather everything you’ll need. Having your tools ready will make the process smooth, clean, and stress-free – for both you and your plant.
1. Sharp, sterilized scissors or pruning shears
Clean, sharp blades help make a smooth cut that won’t damage the stem or invite bacteria. I usually wipe mine with rubbing alcohol or hot water before use.
2. A clear glass jar or vase
Choose one that’s deep enough to submerge at least two nodes (those small bumps where leaves and roots form). A transparent container lets you easily watch the roots grow – it’s honestly one of the most rewarding parts of propagation.
3. Filtered or distilled water
Tap water can contain chlorine and minerals that slow down root growth. I suggest using filtered or distilled water for the best results.
4. A bright, indirect light spot
Your Philodendron White Princess loves light, but direct sun can scorch the leaves and overheat the water. A north or east-facing window is perfect for consistent, gentle light.
5. Paper towel or napkin
After making your cut, gently dab the end of the stem to remove excess sap or moisture. Then, let it rest for a few hours before placing it in water. This small step helps prevent stem rot and gives the cut time to seal naturally.
6. Optional: Rooting hormone
It’s not mandatory, but if you want to give your cutting a boost, dip the end lightly into rooting hormone powder or gel before putting it in the jar. It can speed up the rooting process, especially during cooler months.
When everything is ready, take a deep breath 🙂 because this is where the magic begins. Next, we’ll move step-by-step through how to propagate Philodendron White Princess in water and help your cutting turn into a thriving new plant.
Step-by-Step: How to Propagate Philodendron White Princess in Water
Propagating your Philodendron White Princess might look intimidating at first, but I promise it’s easier than it seems and incredibly satisfying to watch. Whether you’re rescuing a struggling plant or simply want to multiply your collection, these simple steps will help you do it successfully. Here’s exactly how to propagate Philodendron White Princess in water the right way.
Step 1: Choose a healthy stem with at least one node
Look for a section of your White Princess that has at least one visible node – that little bump where roots and leaves naturally grow. Ideally, the stem should also have one or two leaves that still look fresh and firm. Avoid cutting sections with soft, yellow, or damaged leaves, as they won’t root as easily.
When I decided to propagate my own White Princess, I chose the top stem; it had around four or five leaves at the time, but most of them were already turning yellow and brown. I didn’t remove them all at once; instead, I let the weaker ones fall off naturally, allowing the plant to focus its energy on recovery. What remained was a single, leaf and a strong stem with visible nodes – and that’s really all you need to start successful propagation.
Step 2: Make a clean, diagonal cut below the node
Using your sterilized scissors or pruning shears, make a clean, angled cut right below the node. The angle helps increase the surface area for root growth and prevents water from sitting flat on the cut, which could cause rot.
Always make sure your tools are disinfected before cutting – it’s one of those tiny details that can make or break your propagation success.
Step 3: Gently dry the cut end before placing in water
This is a step many people skip, but it truly makes a difference. After cutting, gently dab the end of the stem with a paper towel or napkin to remove any excess sap or moisture. Then, let the cutting rest for a few hours in a clean, shaded place.
Allowing it to dry slightly helps the cut end callus over, reducing the chance of rot once it’s placed in water. This small pause also gives your plant a little time to “heal” before its next chapter of growth begins.
Step 4: Place the cutting in a jar of clean, filtered water
Fill your jar or vase with room-temperature filtered water and submerge the node completely while keeping the leaves above water level. Make sure no leaves are touching the water, as they can rot and spoil the environment for root growth.
Position the jar in bright, indirect light – near a north or east window is perfect. Within a few days, you’ll likely notice tiny white roots starting to appear, which is always such a rewarding moment.
Step 5: Maintain the right environment
Change the water once a week or whenever it starts to look cloudy. Consistent cleanliness is key when learning how to propagate Philodendron White Princess in water – bacteria build-up can easily slow down or damage root development.
If your space is dry, you can lightly mist the leaves every few days to keep humidity up. I also recommend turning the jar occasionally so all sides of the plant receive equal light, encouraging even root growth.
Step 6: Watch for root development and new growth
After a couple of weeks, you’ll start to see longer, thicker roots forming. Once roots reach around 2–3 inches long, you’ll have two great options: transfer your cutting into soil or let it continue growing in water permanently.
Transferring Your Philodendron White Princess from Water to Soil
Once the roots of your cutting reach about 2–3 inches long, it’s time to decide whether to move your plant from water to soil. This step marks an exciting new stage – your cutting will begin to develop stronger roots and fuller foliage as it adapts to a new environment.
The key to success is using the right potting mix. Philodendrons are aroids, which means they love a light, airy, and well-draining substrate that keeps roots oxygenated while retaining gentle moisture.
If you’d like to make your own at home, I’ve created a detailed video tutorial showing exactly how I prepare my aroid soil mix, the same one I use for all my Philodendrons, Monsteras, and Anthuriums.
🎥 Watch my step-by-step video below:
Click here to watch the video on YouTube
💚 You can also read the full guide:
👉 DIY Aroid Soil Mix: The Perfect Potting Recipe for Healthy Roots
After preparing your mix, choose a pot with good drainage. Fill it halfway, gently place your rooted White Princess cutting inside, and add more mix around the roots, keeping the base of the stem just above the surface. Water lightly to settle everything in place and let the plant adjust in bright, indirect light for the first few weeks.
Avoid fertilizing during the first month after transplanting – give your plant time to adapt naturally. Once new leaves start to form, you’ll know your propagation was successful and your White Princess has settled happily into its new home.
How to Keep Growing Philodendron White Princess in Water Long-Term
If you’re fascinated by the clean look of clear jars and love watching roots grow, you can absolutely keep your Philodendron White Princess growing in water permanently. This hydroponic style not only looks elegant but also minimizes soil pests and mess – it’s a beautiful option for modern, minimal plant setups.
Choose a glass vase or jar large enough for the roots to spread comfortably. Make sure the node remains submerged while the leaves stay above water. Place your setup in bright, indirect light – a few feet away from an east or north-facing window works perfectly.
To keep your plant healthy long-term:
- Refresh half of the water every two to three weeks to maintain oxygen and prevent stagnation.
- Top it up as it evaporates, always using filtered or dechlorinated water.
- Add diluted liquid fertilizer (half strength) every 4–6 weeks, this replaces the nutrients the plant would normally get from soil.
- Rinse the roots gently under lukewarm water every month or two to remove algae or mineral buildup.
Some algae on the glass is completely normal – in fact, it helps create a balanced little ecosystem. Just make sure it doesn’t completely cover the roots, as that can limit oxygen.
With proper light, clean water, and a little patience, your hydroponic White Princess will reward you with new leaves, bright variegation, and strong, healthy roots. I’ve kept mine in water for months now, and it continues to surprise me with fresh growth and tiny white root extensions that seem to appear overnight.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to propagate Philodendron White Princess in water is more than just a gardening experiment, it’s a gentle reminder of how resilient and adaptable nature can be. From a single cutting to a thriving new plant, the process teaches patience, care, and observation. Each root that appears and every new leaf that unfolds feels like a small victory.
Whether you decide to transfer your cutting to soil or keep it growing hydroponically, remember that stability matters more than perfection. Clean water, soft light, and gentle feeding will always keep your White Princess strong and vibrant. I’ve found that the secret to success lies not in doing too much, but in doing just enough and letting the plant do the rest.
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