I thought it would be fun to start a new series featuring house plants and their care tips to show that anyone can be a good plant parent with a little knowledge. Having house plants is like raising babies. When we become a plant parent, we have no idea what we’re doing, we just have to figure it out. Plants can’t talk but they definitely show us what what they like and dislike and some can be demanding. They must be feed to keep them alive. And locking them in a room with no light is frowned upon. If you can raise a child, you can grow a plant.

The first plant I’m featuring is one of my favorites. The philodendron is low maintenance, fast-growing and super easy to propagate for more plant babies. There are many different kinds of philodendrons. Today I’m going to focus on a few of the trailing versions I own.

First we have the Heartleaf Philodendron. The leaves are a glossy rich green color. I do not get a ton of light anywhere in my house and these plants are still happy most anywhere I put them with a window and a little sunlight.

I have had this plant for about five years and regularly take cuttings to keep the size under control. There are two ways to propagate philodendrons. One way is to dip the cut end of a clipping into rooting hormone and then plant directly into soil. My preferred method is to simply place the cuttings into water until roots have formed. The cuttings can then be planted into a well-draining pot and soil. I love using propagation tubes for my cuttings. Cups, jars or vases would work, as well. I have propagating tubes all around the house growing new plants to add to my plant family. I had a strict limit of two human children but there is no limit to the number of plant children I will welcome into my home.

Here is a new plant grown from just five cuttings from the large plant pictured above.

Next we have Philodendron Micans with its gorgeous green and pink leaves. Just like its cousin, the heartleaf philodendron, it is fast-growing and requires little attention. I have had this plant for about 3 months and have already taken cuttings that were nearing the floor. The photo below is after its first haircut.

Look at the gorgeous colors of this variety.

It won’t be long until the plant’s first haircut turns into my next plant child. They grow up so quickly!

Finally we have the show-off of the bunch, the Philodendron Brasil, with its glossy bright lime and green leaves. Just like its cousins, it requires medium light. Never direct sunlight which could burn the leaves. While watering varies by pot type & environment, I typically only water and feed my philodendrons once a week with tap water and my favorite plant food.

I will note philodendrons can be toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Thankfully neither my animals nor my human family members bother any of my plants.

Here is a quick flash card of the trailing philodendron’s statistics. Be sure to follow me on Instagram where I will keep all flash cards in this house plant series in a story highlight for easy reference. If you’re not already a plant parent, I hope this series will inspire you to give it a try. It’s really easier than you think. And you only need a babysitter once a week if you’re going on an extended vacation. Way cheaper than caring for humans. And plants don’t talk back.