Methods for Propagating Monstera Deliciosa

Project Summary

• Duration of Work: 10 to 25 minutes
• Duration: 15 to 30 minutes

• Proficiency Level: Novice
• Projected Expense: $5

Monstera deliciosa, commonly referred to as the split-leaf philodendron or Swiss cheese plant, has become a highly desirable houseplant, celebrated for its vibrant, unique foliage and deep green hue. Originating from the rainforests of Central America, monstera is simple to propagate, whether through soil or water cuttings or by air layering. Continue reading to discover various methods for propagating monstera, allowing you to expand your collection of this beautiful plant.

The Ideal Time for Propagating Monstera

The ideal season for propagating a mature monstera is in the spring and summer months. This period is also perfect for trimming back any leggy or excessively grown plants. If your cuttings contain a node, the pruned sections can be utilized to grow new plants. While propagation can still be done in the fall or winter, the process may require a longer duration.

Tip

To successfully propagate Monstera deliciosa cuttings, it is essential that the cutting includes a node. Once a node is propagated, it can develop new roots within approximately a month, although it may take two to three months for new leaves to emerge.

Requirements

Devices / Instruments

Stem cuttings:

• Clean, sterilized scissors or pruning tools.

Air layering is a propagation technique that involves inducing roots to form on a branch while it is still attached to the parent plant. This method allows for the creation of new plants that are genetically identical to the original. The process typically involves removing a strip of bark from the branch, applying a rooting hormone, and then wrapping the area with a moist medium, such as moss, to encourage root development. Once roots are established, the new plant can be cut from the parent and potted separately.

• A precise, sanitized blade or pruning shears.

Materials

Stem cuttings:

• Container
• Rough potting soil that provides excellent drainage.
• Hormone powder for rooting

Air layering is a propagation technique that involves inducing roots to form on a branch while it is still attached to the parent plant. This method allows for the creation of new plants that are genetically identical to the original. The process typically involves removing a strip of bark from the branch, applying a rooting hormone, and then wrapping the area with a moist medium, such as moss, to encourage root development. Once roots are established, the new plant can be cut from the parent and potted separately.

• Peat moss
• Transparent plastic pouch
• Wire ties or string

Instructions

Methods for Propagating Monstera in Soil

A common method for propagating monstera involves placing stem cuttings in a coarse, well-draining substrate. You can root the cuttings in pure perlite, enhance regular potting soil with a few handfuls of perlite or orchid bark for improved drainage, or create a custom propagation mix. For a DIY mix, blend equal amounts of peat moss, perlite, and organic compost.

Get the Pot Ready

Fill the plant container halfway with the growing medium, ensuring there is a one-inch gap between the soil surface and the rim of the pot. Gently dampen the growing medium.

Obtain a Cutting That Includes a Node

Select a vibrant stem that features a node (the raised section that can generate new growth), a minimum of one aerial root, and at least two leaves. Ensure to make a precise cut just beneath the node or beneath an aerial root.

Immerse the cutting in rooting hormone.

Immerse the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder to encourage quicker and stronger root development. Gently tap the cutting to eliminate any surplus powder; a thin layer is all that’s needed.

Place the cutting in the soil.

Create an opening in the middle of the growing medium. Position the cutting so that the node is positioned an inch beneath the surface of the soil. Wrap any aerial roots around the upper part of the pot and add an additional layer of soil on top. If the aerial roots are too large to fit in the pot, you can trim them back.

Supervise the Cutting Process

Place monstera stem cuttings in a warm area that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. After a week or two, let the top layer of soil dry out between watering sessions to prevent root rot.

Methods for Growing Monstera in Water

An alternative method for propagating monstera involves immersing the stem cutting in water. This technique can be more labor-intensive, as it requires careful monitoring to prevent issues like root rot or soft stems. Monstera can only achieve its maximum growth potential once it has established roots and is transferred to soil.

Obtain a Cutting

Take a 4-6 inch piece of a monstera stem from the parent plant, cutting about half an inch below the node. Strip the lower leaves and immerse the cutting in filtered water, ensuring that the node and any aerial roots are fully submerged.

Check and Refresh the Water Supply

Position the plant in a well-lit area with indirect sunlight and keep an eye on the water levels. Change the water every few days or whenever it appears dirty or cloudy to avoid the development of bacteria and fungi.

Transfer the cutting to the soil.

In approximately two to four weeks, you should see the emergence of new roots. When the roots reach a length of three to four inches, transfer the rooted cutting to a medium-sized pot filled with a soil mix that does not contain peat moss or perlite.

Nurturing the Clippings

After the roots are placed in the soil, ensure the plant is watered weekly. Avoid excessive watering to give the roots adequate space to breathe. Exercise patience and give the plant time to acclimate to its new environment, as it may take a while for new leaves to emerge.

Methods for Air Layering Monstera for Propagation

An alternative method for propagating monstera is through air layering, which enables the development of new roots prior to detaching the new plant from the parent. This technique is less risky, as it eliminates concerns about the cutting decaying or not establishing roots, and it allows for monitoring root development without the need to extract the cutting from its growing medium.

Get Sphagnum Moss Ready

Before you start propagating, immerse a handful of sphagnum moss in water for a minimum of 15 minutes to ensure it is fully saturated.

Take the Plunge

Select a healthy monstera stem that has a node. With a sharp, clean knife or shears, cut approximately one-third of the way through the stem, just beneath the node.

Use Sphagnum Moss.

Press the sphagnum moss to eliminate any surplus water. Encase the moss around the cut and the node, ensuring it is approximately one inch thick. Envelop the moss in transparent plastic and fasten it at both ends with a twist tie to secure it to the stem. Ensure the plastic completely covers the moss to retain moisture.

Observe Root Development

Monitor the moss over the coming weeks and spray it with water if it starts to become dry. In the next few months, you will notice roots developing within the sphagnum moss, visible through the transparent plastic.

Nurturing the Clippings

When propagating your monstera through air layering, you can continue to care for the plant normally as the new roots develop.

The Ideal Time for Transplanting Cuttings

Under optimal circumstances, cuttings typically develop roots within a timeframe of two to four weeks. Carefully remove the cutting from the growing medium using a trowel or spoon, and check for robust, white roots. The emergence of new leaves is another sign that the cutting has successfully rooted.

After your monstera cutting has developed roots and is producing new leaves, you can move it to a pot that is one size bigger and continue to care for it as you normally would.

When employing the air layering technique, allow the new roots to grow to approximately one inch in length before detaching the cutting from the parent plant. Once this length is achieved, you can make a cut beneath the new roots to separate the new plant. Transfer it to a pot and provide the usual care.

Where should I make the cut on a monstera for propagation?Make your cut slightly beneath a node to guarantee that your cutting will develop roots. Cuttings that lack a node will fail to root.Which method is more effective for propagating monstera cuttings: using water or soil?

Although it’s possible to propagate monstera cuttings in water, the resulting root structure may not be as robust as those grown in soil. To propagate monstera using stem cuttings, submerge the cutting in a water-filled jar instead of planting it in soil. Make sure the node is submerged. Replace the water whenever it becomes murky. Once the new roots reach approximately one inch in length, it’s time to transfer the cutting to soil.

What steps can I take to encourage my monstera to become more lush and full?

Trimming your plant can promote fresh growth and enhance the fullness of your monstera. Eliminate any dead leaves and cut back the sides of the plant to encourage a broader growth.