But sometimes I want to go minimalist. So I cut stems of some of my favorite houseplants and use them as cut flowers. (You see this look in home décor magazines: one, two, or three stems of a tropical plant gracing a beautiful vase.)
One of my favorite leaf-as-cut-flower is ‘Xanadu’ philodendron. I have a big leafy plant on my front porch where it grows happily in the partially shaded location. It’s doesn’t seem to miss the occasional single stems I clip.
Treat the leaves of
houseplants just like the stems of flowers. BONUS! Some stems, such as philodendrons, may develop roots. You can plant the leaves in moist soil and they will
develop into plants. And if this happens, you can add another line to your resume: plant propagator! Here are houseplants that make ideal cut stems: Philodendron 'Xanadu'
1. Cut the leaves at the base of the stem, making sure the stem
is long enough for the selected container.
2. Remove any foliage that will be below the water line or these
leaves will decompose into a mushy mess.
3. Add water to the vase and replace every couple days so that it
doesn’t get funky.
Philodendron sellome
Split-Leaf
Philodendron (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma)
Ferns, such as Kimberly Queen
Written by Karen Weir-Jimerson
