A Comparative Study on The Growth of Hybrid Philodendron and Homalomena rubescens (Roxb.) Kunth Variegated Propagated by Stem Cutting Under Controlled Greenhouse and Natural Environmental Conditions to Support Crop Production for Farmers Toward Sustainable Agriculture

Suttipan Aksornniem; Anong Hansakul; Wiwat Sangpakdee; Thaninatphasit Sangpakdee

Authors

Suttipan Aksornniem Faculty of Engineering, Thaksin University.
Anong Hansakul Faculty of Physical Education, Srinakharinwirot University.
Wiwat Sangpakdee Faculty of Science, UdonThani Rajabhat University.
Thaninatphasit Sangpakdee Faculty of Environmental Culture and Ecotourism, Srinakharinwirot University.

Keywords:

Hybrid philodendron, Crop production, Farmers, Sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Foliage ornamental plants, particularly variegated varieties, have gained high commercial value, creating demand for efficient propagation systems. Although stem cutting is widely used, it often results in slow rooting and inconsistent survival. This study evaluated the growth performance and economic feasibility of hybrid Philodendron (Philodendron spp.) and variegated Homalomena rubescens (Roxb.) Kunth propagated by stem cuttings under control and natural greenhouse conditions. The experiment followed a Split–Plot Design within a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. Leaf length, leaf width, root number, and root length were measured at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after planting. Plants cultivated in the controlled greenhouse (25–28 °C; 75–90% RH; LED 1,000–1,400 lux) exhibited significantly superior growth from day 21 onward (p < 0.05) and reached transplanting stage within 21 days, whereas those grown under natural conditions required 40–60 days. Economic analysis separated fixed investment (60,000 THB) from variable electricity cost (3,963.56 THB per cycle). At full capacity (30 plants at 3,000 THB each), revenue reached 90,000 THB per cycle, generating a net operating profit of 86,036.44 THB. The calculated ROI was 143.39% per production cycle, with a payback period of approximately 0.70 production cycles (~21 days). The enclosed greenhouse system markedly improves propagation efficiency, accelerates capital turnover, and enhances short-term financial viability, contributing to sustainable ornamental plant production and supporting SDGs 2 and 12.

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