How to Propagate Monstera Deliciosa From a Cutting
The Monstera Deliciosa plant is a beautiful and hardy plant for a beginner plant enthusiast to care for. They are quite forgiving and require very little maintenance. Monsteras can grow quite large, so if you are limited on space, it is best to purchase a smaller variety.
If you would like to propagate your own Monstera Deliciosa plant from a cutting, it is actually quite simple to do! All you need is a sharp knife or pruning shears and one of the aerial roots that hang down from the main stem of the plant.
To begin, you will want to cut a node (the area where a leaf meets the stem) from the main stem of the plant. It is best to do this in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Make sure that your cutting contains at least 2-3 nodes.
Next, you will want to allow the cutting to callous over for a few days before potting it in well-draining soil. To do this, simply place the cutting in a jar or cup of water and set it in a bright, indirect light area. Allow the roots to grow out for a few inches before planting.
When you are ready to plant, simply pot the cutting in well-draining soil and water it lightly. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. Your Monstera Deliciosa cutting should take root within 2-3 weeks and will begin to grow new leaves within a few months.
Enjoy your new plant!
Can you propagate a Monstera deliciosa with just a leaf?
Unfortunately not. To properly propagate a new plant, you will need to cut a stem with a node attached to it. A leaf by itself will last quite a long time if kept in fresh water, so it is fine if you want to use it as decoration – perhaps as a centerpiece on your table. But you will not be able to grow a new plant from a simple leaf.
Can Monstera be propagated from cuttings?
Yes, Monstera can be propagated from cuttings! All you need is a sharp knife or pruning shears and one of the aerial roots that hang down from the main stem of the plant. To begin, you will want to cut a node (the area where a leaf meets the stem) from the main stem of the plant. It is best to do this in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. It works best if your cutting contains at least 2-3 nodes.
Next, you will want to allow the cutting to callous over for a few days before potting it in well-draining soil. To do this, simply place the cutting in a jar or cup of water and set it in a bright, indirect light area. Allow the roots to grow out for a few inches before planting.
When you are ready to plant, simply pot the cutting in well-draining soil and water it lightly. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. Your Monstera Deliciosa cutting should take root within 2-3 weeks and will begin to grow new leaves within a few months. Enjoy your new plant!
Can Monsteras be propagated in water?
Absolutely! In fact, this is a great way to do it, and it’s especially fun to watch if you have young kids. Seeing the roots growing out in the water can be fun to measure each day, and it’s a good visual indicator as to when to plant.
Follow the same steps as you would when cutting for soil potting, cutting the node from the main stem of the plant. Place it into a large vase of clean water and set near an area of indirect light. Change the water every few days, watching as the roots grow. You will see a mix of thin, tangled roots and thicker, sturdier roots.
Once the roots are a few inches long, you’ll be good to plant the whole thing into soil, knowing it’s ready to pull up all the nutrients it needs.
Can I propagate Monstera directly in soil?
Definitely. Soil propagation is simple and straightforward and removes the middle step of waiting for the roots to form in water, so many prefer to go straight to the soil. In nature, monstera propagates directly into soil, so it seems like a no-brainer to do the same when manually propagating, right?
Another advantage to soil propagation is that the roots formed are much hardier than water propagated roots. They are more resistant to damage than the wispy water roots.
However, there are some disadvantages that must be discussed. In soil, you cannot see what is happening beneath the surface. If something is going wrong, you won’t be able to tell. Also, the roots require a LOT more care than in water. The moisture level must be kept exactly right to keep the roots happy. Too much water may damage the stem, killing the node before a new plant can grow. Too little water can kill the root before a new plant can grow. It is a delicate balance that can be tricky to get right, which is why many new plant owners prefer the water method in the first place.
Where do I cut Monstera propagation?
The best place to cut for monstera propagation is at a node or aerial root – the area where a leaf meets the stem. This is to say directly UNDERNEATH the node.
Be sure you are using very clean shears or knives. It is important you do not bring bacteria into your plant or cutting, as this could be bad for your plant.
When can I propagate Monstera?
The best time to propagate is in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. You will know when your plant is ready for propagation when the rough roots start growing outside the pot from the stems.
How long does Monstera take to propagate?
It typically takes 3-5 weeks for monstera to successfully propagate. The roots should be growing a little each day, and you’ll see them grow to at least one inch long all around. Some will be longer, but none should be shorter than that. When all have reached this length, it will be time to move them to soil.
Can Monstera live in water forever?
This is a difficult question to answer, as the answer is somewhere between yes and no. A monstera can conceivably live in water for quite a long time, if not indefinitely. This is provided that you are changing the water every 3-5 days and possibly even using a good water solution to keep it happy.
However, this is a plant meant for soil. The question comes as to whether the monstera is simply surviving or actually thriving. I suspect it is the former.
Not only this, but living in water will mean the plant might be subject to root rot. And if you ever did want to transition to soil, the plant may not survive. It is a lot to consider, so think hard before subjecting your cutting to a life in the water.
How do I know when to transplant my Monstera?
When you see new leaves beginning to form on the cutting, it is time to transplant. The roots should also be at least one inch long by this point. It is best to transplant in the evening so that the plant has time to adjust to its new home overnight.
Do I need to fertilize my Monstera?
It is not necessary to fertilize your monstera right away, but you can if you want to. A light fertilizer will help the plant grow faster. Be sure to use a diluted fertilizer so that you don’t burn the roots.
Can you propagate a Monstera without a leaf?
It is possible to propagate a monstera without a leaf, but it is not recommended. The plant will have a much harder time growing without the leaf to provide energy and food. If you must propagate without a leaf, be sure to keep an eye on the node. It should be green and healthy-looking. If it starts to brown or shrivel, the plant is not doing well and you should consider replanting.
Will Monstera grow back after cutting?
Yes, monstera will grow back after cutting. This is one of the reasons it is such a popular plant to propagate. The more you cut, the more it will grow!
If you want your plant to grow quickly, be sure to cut at least two nodes. This will help the plant put out new growth faster. If you only cut one node, the plant will still grow, but it will take longer.
Should I cut off damaged Monstera leaves?
It is not necessary to cut off damaged monstera leaves, but you can if you want to. If the leaves are only slightly damaged, they will eventually grow back. However, if the leaves are severely damaged, it is best to remove them so that the plant can focus its energy on new growth.
What are some signs my Monstera is not doing well?
If your plant is not growing new leaves, it is a sign that it is not doing well. Also, if the roots start to turn brown or mushy, this is a sign of over-watering and your plant is not doing well.
If you see any of these signs, it is important to take action immediately. Check the roots to see if they are still white and firm. If they are, then the plant is probably just going through a normal growth lull and will start growing again soon. However, if the roots are brown or mushy, you will need to take action to save your plant.
The most important thing to remember when propagating monstera is to be patient! It can be a slow process, but it is so worth it when you see your new plant growing.
