Philodendron domesticum G. S. BUNTING PLANT RESPONSES TO POTTING MEDIA

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted during the winter growing season of 2019/2020 under Glasshouse conditions, Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Egypt to study effect of seven potting media on propagation and the subsequent growth and chemical composition of Philodendron domesticum G. S. Bunting plant. The tested potting media were peat moss, sand, cocopeat, peat moss+ sand (1:1, v/v), peat moss+ sand (2:1, v/v), cocopeat+ sand (1:1, v/v) and cocopeat+ sand (2:1, v/v).Planting cuttings in potting mixtures containing peat moss+ sand (1:1 v/v) or cocopeat+ sand (2:1 v/v) significantly accelerated cutting sprouting (determined 30 days after cutting plantation). While, peat moss and peat moss+ sand at 2:1 (v/v) media delayed cutting sprouting comparing to the other tested media. At the end experimental period, grow plants in peat moss + sand at 2:1 (v/v) medium produced more roots number per plant, the longest roots and the heaviest fresh and dry weights roots per plant comparing to plants grow in the other tested media. Comparing plants grew in different tested media exhibited that plants grew in peat moss+ sand 2:1 (v/v) had the tallest plants, while the shortest plants were found in plants grow in sand medium. Also, plants that grew in medium mixture of peat moss+ sand (2:1, v/v) produced significant increases in leaf area per plant and attained the highest leaf area/ plant at the experimental end. Sand and cocopeat mixed with sand at 1:1 or 2:1 (v/v) resulted in the least leaf area per plant comparing to plants grew in the other tested media. In addition, peat moss+ sand (2:1, v/v) medium significantly increased number of produced leaves per plant and resulted in the highest stem thickness and the heaviest fresh and dry shoots/ plant, but plants grew in sand or in cocopeat mixed with sand either at 1:1 or 2:1 (v/v) recorded the least values in this regard. Potting media effect was extended to the chemical composition of plant leaves. Peat moss+ sand (2:1, v/v) medium significantly increased chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll (a+ b) and carotenoids contents (mg/g FW) as well as total carbohydrates % in leaf tissues comparing to the other tested media. Conclusively, it could be recommended to use potting medium comprise by mixing peat moss and sand at 2: 1, respectively (v/v) as a rooting medium for propagation and growing Philodendron domesticum G. S. Bunting plant by sub-terminal stem cuttings