Our large, 40-some-year-old philodendron looks very healthy — but we just noticed the trunk/stem seems dead at the bottom, and is actually sitting up a few inches off the ground, and the plant is being suspended/held up by the considerable air roots. What should we do? Replant? Leave it alone?
Unfortunately, your photo did not come through. I am unable to see the damage.
It sounds like the plant sustained a considerable infection, at one time. This would cause the rotting away of any stem. It sounds like the issue has resolved itself over time.
If the plant is happy, and there are no markings, holes, discoloration, or other signs of stress on the leaves then I would say that you could leave it like it is. There will be no need to disturb it more than you have to.
If the plant shows signs of stress, then it may benefit from a fresh planting.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/repotting-a-large-plant.htm
Because I do not know whether your philodendron is the vining type or prostrate type, these articles will address both:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/philodendron/caring-for-philodendrons.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/philodendron/tree-philodendron-houseplants.htm
Thank you so much, Bush doctor! Will try to post 2 photos -- but your answer was very helpful.
First photo, of seemingly happy philodendron, no stem but good air roots (although plant is supported by a stick, at least for now), Second photo, the missing bottom of the stem (and the stem seems pretty dead for maybe 10-12 inches up)...
I do see the photos, now. This looks to be healthy. I would not change anything, since it looks to have corrected the issue that it had faced at one time.
Feeding it will not be a bad idea, either.
When it does start showing signs of distress, then repotting it can help. This article will help you to do so:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/philodendron/repotting-tree-philodendrons.htm
I have a picture of a plant leaf that I am trying to find out the name of the plant that it comes from
It looks like a variety of split-leaf philodendron.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/philodendron/split-leaf-elephant-ear-philodendron.htm
The new shoots come up surrounded by a brown slimy coating? Some of the smaller leaves are limp. Is there something wrong with my plant?
Consider paying attention to watering then. An overwatered philodendron may exhibit stem rot at the base. The part of the stem that is close to the roots may get affected by the rotting since it is close to the soil. The stem, at the soil line, will be weak, limp, and slimy. If you try to remove the stem abruptly, the stem will easily separate from the roots. Water your philodendron once to twice a week. While they prefer moist soil, they do not like soggy soil so insert a finger into the soil a few inches deep and water if it feels dry. Avoid watering when the top few inches feel moist or soggy.
My husband thinks the enormous philo leaves are attractive wrapped around a large oak tree. I say they can kill the tree.
This is how they grow in nature. They aren't, typically, harmful to their host, so you can leave it knowing that it will not harm your tree.
This article will help you to care for it:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/philodendron/outdoor-philodendron-care.htm
Hi this is my first time propogating. Not sure if made the right cut, cant see any new growth point. Where would the growth point come? Made the cut on the left side of first picture. Would appreciate any advice. Thanks in adv
It has roots! That is a good sign. Likely, a new shoot will show up at any point near the root mass. It could be on the existing stem, or it could come from the new "crown". Patience will be key, here.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/philodendron/caring-for-philodendrons.htm
MY plant is growing more like a vine why. When I purchased is was amazing then it started to grow up with hanging roots, so stacked it up, but it never grew more like a bush. It’s just tall and skinny. Now I’m unhappy with the look , can I put in ground in zone 9b?
It may not be getting enough light and is stretching upward.
It should grow up and out but not like a vine. You could try growing a couple cuttings from it and adding them to the pot to make it fuller. It is also recommended to add a totem for them to cling to.
It would be damaged below 40 degrees F. so it is not suitable to plant outside in your zone. You could move it outside in the summer and bring it in for winter, but it doesn't like very hot temperatures either.
Here are its care tips:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/philodendron/congo-rojo-philodendron.htm
https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/houseplants/hybrid-philodendrons.html