Monsteras feature among favourite plants that you can propagate in water. The mother plant typically responds well to a haircut, and cuttings take no time at all to grow roots in water (when proper steps are followed).
Because they grow so fast, Monstera cuttings are excellent plants to give as gifts to friends or even sell as starter plants. They are also one of the easiest large houseplants that you can grow.
In this article, I will guide you through everything you need to understand about how to propagate a Monstera, including instructional steps, what to expect, and tips for success.
Monstera propagation is nothing to be worried about; as a matter of fact, it is one of the best starter plants to learn how to grow cuttings in water.
Step 1: Locate the Node on a Stem
To take a cutting from a Monstera, you need to locate a node. A node will be somewhere in the bottom two-thirds of the stem.
There is usually a swollen area with a bump, and sometimes an aerial root is already starting to grow out of it.
You can find nodes at an “intersection” of two stems, which is another straightforward way to find a node.
Use sharp scissors, shears, or a box cutter to slice off a cutting about 2 inches below the node.
After taking your cutting, get rid of any other stems or sheathing from leaves growing.
Typically, you would want one long stem and avoid any extra foliage to prevent unnecessary rotting.
Step 2: Put Cuttings in a Jar of Water
After you have gotten your cuttings and cleaned them up, allow them to air dry for around 10 minutes.
Then put them gently in a jar and fill with water a few inches above the node.
Try to make sure the cutting is suspended and not squished into the side or bottom of the jar since this increases the chance of rot.
Using vases that have a broader base and a narrower opening will work well for you. This gives more room for the roots to develop and grow but keeps the stem upright.
Put your jar in a bright and sunny area (but avoid the hot, direct sun). The sunnier the location, the quicker your cutting will root.
Typically, you would want to change the water at least once a week to keep everything healthy and in optimal growing conditions.
When you change the water, gently rinse off the roots in case there is any rotting plant matter hanging around.
If you forget to change the water on a weekly basis, it is not a big deal to let it go longer, but you should be topping it up with fresh water as you go.
Step 3: Be Patient While Roots Develop
Anticipate waiting around six weeks before roots develop on your Monstera cutting before putting it in the soil.
It is recommended to wait at least 2 to 3 months to ensure a solid root system has formed for a better chance of survival.
Nonetheless, a Monstera can live in water for many months (if not years) as long as you change the water regularly, clean the roots and move the cutting into a more giant jar as it grows.
When there is a good cluster of roots that are filling up your jar, it is ready to be planted in soil.
You can plant your Monstera cutting when you have around five roots that are several inches long.
While the roots are growing, pay attention to them every week, and do not be hesitant to snip off areas that look unhealthy.
As long as there are several healthy-looking roots (yellow, white, light brown, light green), you can cut off roots that appear like they are rotting.
These are generally identified as being black, mushy, or much more slimy compared to others.
Step 4: How to Plant a Rooted Monstera Cutting in Soil
You can move your Monstera cutting from water to soil after several months when several roots have grown that are at least 6 inches long.
Get a pot that is several inches wider than the cluster of roots. Fill the bottom of the pot with a bit of soil, and then gently place the rooted cutting in. Then lightly fill the rest of the pot with soil. Ensure your pot has a drainage hole on the bottom.
Soil Selection
Monsteras are an aroid plant – they thrive in light, airy and breathable soil.
The best way to attain this is to use a mixture of regular potting soil, a handful of broken-up orchid bark chips, perlite, coco coir, and some organic matter (worm castings are the best).
Whatever you do, please avoid buying Miracle Grow. It is low quality and mass-produced and has caused a lot of issues for plant lovers in the previous years.
Step 5: Monitor Your New Plant
When you first plant your propagates Monstera, it will likely go into mild shock.
It has been enjoying living in water for the last few months, so it will take some time to get used to living in the soil.
Due to this, you need to keep the soil lightly moist quite consistently for a few weeks. You can keep the water from the vase that the cutting was in and use it to water the plant.
Bear in mind that the roots have been used to staying in a wet environment 24/7, so dry soil will be too much of a shock. Avoid keeping the soil soggy; instead, light watering every few days.
If the soil remains wet for too long, you may run the risk of root rot.
You may notice droopy stems and leaves in the first weeks, which is okay – it is a sign that the plant is adjusting to the change and should perk back up within several weeks.
After a couple of weeks, you should begin seeing new leaves sprouting!
If your newly propagated Monstera does not seem to be doing well after a few weeks, the leaves are a telltale sign of what might be causing your plant problems.
