Monstera deliciosa, which is also called the split-leaf philodendron or Swiss cheese plant, is one of the most popular houseplants. Its dark green, lush leaves are making it more and more popular. Monstera is native to the rainforests of Central America. It is easy to make new plants by putting cuttings in soil or water or air layering them. Read on to learn how to grow more monstera by using a variety of methods.
Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant is a popular houseplant admired for its lush, split leaves and tropical vibe. As monsteras mature and climb, their leaves develop signature holes that make them instantly recognizable. While you can purchase young monsteras at garden centers propagating your own monstera from cuttings is rewarding and creates new plants for free. This article provides a step-by-step guide to propagating monstera plants through stem cuttings.
When to Propagate
Spring and summer, when monsteras are actively growing are the best times for propagation. This timing gives cuttings the ideal conditions to initiate new root and leaf growth. You can still attempt propagation in fall and winter but the process may progress slower. Always use a sharp, clean tool like pruners or shears when collecting cuttings to avoid damaging the plant.
Selecting a Stem Cutting
Choose a healthy stem on your monstera with at least one leaf (mature leaves with holes are ideal). Locate a node on the stem – nodes are the bumpy segments where leaves and aerial roots emerge. Make your cut 1-2 inches below the node. Angle the cut along the length of the stem. This increases the surface area for absorbing water. Choose a cutting with an aerial root if possible, as aerial roots help supply water to the cutting.
Preparing the Rooting Medium
Monsteras root well in a peat moss and perlite mixture, commercial potting soil amended with extra perlite, or even just perlite or orchid bark. The goal is a quick draining medium. Moisten the medium before planting. Fill a pot with rooting medium leaving 1 inch from the top.
Planting the Cutting
Make a hole in the rooting medium with a pencil. Insert the monstera cutting, burying the node 1 inch deep. Gently firm the medium. If your cutting has an aerial root, you can coil it loosely on top of the soil. Keep the cutting upright and support it with a stake if needed.
Caring for the Cutting
Place your monstera cutting in bright, indirect light. Maintain even moisture in the rooting medium without oversaturating it. Water when the top inch becomes dry. High humidity aids the rooting process. After a few weeks, new white roots should emerge. Reduce watering only after roots form to prevent rot.
Signs your cutting has successfully rooted include new leaf growth and resistance when gently tugged. Wait at least 6 weeks before transplanting into a larger container using a standard potting mix. Propagating monstera in water is also possible but soil rooted plants tend to grow faster and stronger.
Troubleshooting Propagation Problems
Here are some common challenges and solutions if your monstera cuttings fail to thrive
- Stem darkens or rots – Too much water; improve drainage
- Leaves yellow or drop – Not enough light; move to brighter spot
- No new roots – Wait longer, increase humidity
- No new leaves – Wait longer if roots are healthy
Advanced Techniques
More ways to increase your monstera collection:
- Air layering – Roots a cutting while attached to parent plant
- Planting single-node cuttings in sphagnum moss
- Dividing the rhizomes when repotting
Propagating and growing new monsteras from cuttings is an easy, rewarding way to expand your houseplant collection. Follow the simple steps of taking stem cuttings and provide warm temperatures, indirect light, and a well-drained rooting medium. With proper care, you’ll watch your monstera cuttings flourish!
When to Propagate Monstera
The best time to propagate a mature monstera plant is during the spring and summer. This is also the best time to prune back leggy or overgrown plants. If your cutting includes a node, you can use the pieces you prune off to propagate new plants. It’s still possible to propagate this plant in fall or winter, but the process might take longer.
Monstera deliciosa cuttings can only be propagated if the cutting has a node. As soon as a node is propagated, it can grow new roots. However, it may take two or three months for new leaves to show up.
- Container
- Coarse potting mix with good drainage
- Rooting hormone powder
- Sphagnum moss
- Clear plastic bag
- Twist ties or twine
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The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
How to Propagate Monstera in Water
Another way to propagate monstera is by placing the stem cutting in water. Water propagation is more time-consuming because you have to keep an eye on the plant to make sure it doesn’t get root rot or mushy stems. Monstera will only reach its full growth potential when it is planted in soil after it roots.
- Take a Cutting: Cut a monstera stem about 4 to 6 inches long from the mother plant, stopping about half an inch below the node. Take off the bottom leaves and put the cutting in water that has been filtered. Make sure the node and aerial root are completely submerged. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong .
- Watch the Water and Change It: Put the plant somewhere bright but not direct, and keep an eye on the water. To stop bacteria and fungi from growing, change the water every few days or when it gets cloudy or dirty. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong .
- After two to four weeks, move the cutting to soil. New roots will show up. Once a new root has grown about three to four inches, move the cutting to a medium-sized pot with soil that doesn’t have peat moss or perlite in it. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong .
- When you plant the cuttings’ roots in soil, make sure to water the plant once a week. Make sure the soil doesn’t get too wet so the roots can breathe. Allow the plant to get used to the soil, and be patient. It may take a while for new leaves to grow. Andrey Zhuravlev / Getty s .
How To Propagate MONSTERA DELICIOSA 2 EASY Ways (DETAILED)
FAQ
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