How to propagate Monstera deliciosa We can propagate Monstera using the water soil and seeding method.
Having Plants is great, but multiplying them is even better, so follow my guide to learn how to propagate monstera deliciosa, even if you are a beginner or haven’t done it before.
In this article, I will show you different methods to successfully propagate Monstera without losing them.
I will also provide a step-by-step guide with pictures for you and cover all related questions about the propagation of the monstera plant. Let go.
Related posts: click here to learn how to propagate spider plants.
Why Should I Propagate My Monstera Plants?
There are several advantages to propagating Monstera. First, it allows you to create new plants without buying.
Propagation can be very useful, especially if you have a rare or expensive Monstera that does not produce seeds.
In addition, the cutting allows you to reproduce the characteristics of the mother plant, which is useful if you want to create plants identical to the original plant.
Finally, it is also wise to take cuttings from your Monstera when the plant grows well and is healthy.
The most important factors in successfully propagating a Monstera are taking a good cutting and giving that cutting the right conditions to establish itself as a new plant.
When Is The Right Time To Propagate Monstera Plant
Ultimately, the best time to take multiple monstera plants is in the spring or summer.
The reason for this time is that this date is when their growing season is active; this is the best time.
Since monstera plants come from a tropical environment, the heat and humidity of summer are the conditions they prefer to grow.
How Do You Choose The Right Monstera Mother Plant?
Choosing the mother plant is an important step in making a successful cutting. We must logically turn to a healthy plant.
Choose a mature plant that is at least two years old with a node, as young plants are not robust enough to withstand cutting from cuttings.
Avoid mothers who are already flowering; they need all their energy to ensure their growth.
What Does A Monstera Node Look Like?
Monstera nodes are The point of the stem that looks like eyes where leaves begin to grow or where the leaf 🌿 is attached.
The monstera nodes are a slightly thickened part of the stem, which may appear brown and dry compared to other parts of the plant.
If you see an aerial root or petiole (the base of a leaf) emerging from the stem, you can be sure there is a node there.
Monsteras do have a lot of nodes because they grow like other climbing plants.
Each point on the stem is a potential place to anchor to a support structure (usually a large tree in nature) or to the ground to obtain more nutrients.
The areas between nodes (called internodes) are usually smooth, uniform green stems.
Most parts of the stem that are a different color or shape (usually a little gnarled or bumpy) are nodes.
How To Propagate Monstera In Soil Step By Step
If you want to know how to propagate Monstera in soil, Plant the stem of the mother plant in a moist substrate to allow root growth, but let me show you how.
What is needed to propagate monstera plants in soil?
- Get clean and sharp knife or pair of scissors to cut the cutting stem.
- A pot and a special cutting substrate. The pot must be large enough to accommodate the cutting stem, and the substrate must be suitable for the growth of the plants: for example, a mixture of peat (spongy and light material coming from the decomposition of plants) and sand.
- A spray to help maintain humidity around the cutting during the growing period.
It is important to obtain clean, disinfected equipment and sharpen scissors, pruning shears, or knives.
Let them be sharp and sterilized before cutting the stem in order to minimize the risk of contamination by bacteria or fungi.
To disinfect scissors, knives, or pruners, dip them in alcohol before using them.
Finally, make sure to prepare the cutting pot and substrate before putting the cutting stem in to create an environment conducive to growth.
How To Propagate Monstera In Soil Step By Step
- You have to Choose a healthy stem with at least 2-3 nodes.
- Now, Cut the stem about 5cm below the bottom node.
- Cut the lower leaves from the cutting stem.
- Prepare the cutting substrate.
- Place the cutting stem on the substrate and water lightly.
- Place your cutting pot in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight.
- Keep the substrate moist but without excess water. Be careful not to overwater, as the substrate must remain slightly dry between waterings.
Use the spray to maintain humidity around the cutting.
8. Wait a few weeks before you see roots developing. If you want to transplant your cutting, wait until it has developed enough roots before transplanting it.
Note: Be very careful that the plant is not exposed to temperatures that are too cold.
Water the plant regularly, taking care not to let it dry out too much between waterings.
Apply fertilizer monthly during the growing season, i.e., at the end of winter.
How To Repot Monstera Cutting After Propagation
When the roots of your cutting are cramped, you can repot your plants, preferably waiting until spring to do so.
When the root system of the cutting has reached a fairly substantial density, you can proceed to repot it. Here’s how to do it.
Materials required
A clean and sterilized jar
Quality soil
Some water
Steps
- Prepare your clean and sterilized pot by filling it with potting soil to about 3/4 of its height.
- Pour water into the pot to slightly moisten everything.
- Make a hole in the center using your finger.
- Take your Monstera cutting and remove the bottom leaves, leaving only the top two or three leaves. If it is large, you can also cut it in half or thirds to encourage root growth.
- Carefully insert the cutting into the hole in the center of the pot.
- Add potting soil around it to stabilize it.
- Water lightly to moisten.
- Place the pot in a sunny location but out of direct sunlight.
Please note: even if it is entirely possible to take cuttings from a Monstera Deliciosa stem during the fall and winter, it is preferable to wait until spring to repot it.
Click here to read how to repot a monstera [Link]
How To Propagate Monstera In Water Step By Step
Materials needed for propagating Monstera in water;
- Monstera stem with a node
- sterilized pruning or knife 🔪
- Glass vase
Step 1: locate a Monstera stem with a node. The node is where future roots can develop.
A node is simple To identify. This is where there are more or less large aerial roots on the plant.
Step 2: Cut a stem with at least two leaves below 2 cm of the node using clean and sterilized pruning shears.
Cut all leaves from the bottom of the stem, leaving at least one leaf at the top.
This will allow the stem to focus on growing new roots instead of feeding existing leaves.
Step 3: put the stem in a vase containing water. Make sure the water level is level with the base of the remaining leaves.
Change the water every five days or when the water gets dirty. To prevent it from becoming stagnant.
Step 4: Position the cutting in a bright place without direct sunlight.
Step 5: monitor the root development. Roots should appear within a few weeks.
Step 6: After some days or weeks, transplant the cutting when the root has developed about 1 inch.
Choose a pot with a pierced bottom, 15 to 20 centimeters in diameter.
After placing a layer of clay balls to ensure drainage, you can repot your cutting in potting soil for indoor plants.
Make sure the soil remains moist for the first few weeks so that the cutting acclimatizes well to its new environment.
How To Propagate Monstera Cutting In Sphagnum Moss
Propagating monstera Cutting in sphagnum moss involves cutting a stem of your monstera into several sections and planting them into sphagnum moss to develop roots before transplanting them into the soil.
Taking cuttings using sphagnum moss is the simplest method for me.
The advantage of using this method is for those who want to increase the number of cuttings for a chance of success.
It is also helpful to start a Monstera plant afresh if it is in poor condition and you want to trim enough parts.
Click here to learn how to prune a monstera plant.[Link]
Material Needed For Propagating Monstera Cutting In Sphagnum Moss
- A sphagnum moss
- A bow
- Clean water
- A sharp and sterilized Shear, scissors, or knife
How To Propagate Monstera Cutting In Sphagnum Moss Step-By-Step
Step 1: Inspect The Plant:
Get a mature and healthy monstera plant, identify where you want to cut, and ensure it has nodes.
Step 2: Take The Cutting ✂️
Use a sharp and sterilized knife to cut the stem of the monster. Cut about 3 cm below the node.
These stem sections can be completely bare without leaves. On the other hand, each cutting must necessarily include at least one node.
Cut your monster stem below a node. If your cutting does not have a node, it cannot shoot. It is from the node that the roots will develop.
Step 3: Prepare The Sphagnum Moss
Choose a container and fill its bottom with sphagnum moss: a food-grade plastic box works very well.
Use clean water to wet the sphagnum moss. It should be slightly wet. If you have overwater it, use your hand to squeeze out the water but make it damp.
Step 4: Start Planting
Place your cutting flat on the sphagnum moss. The node eye must come into contact with the sphagnum moss.
Close your container with a lid or cellophane. The objective is to create a greenhouse effect: once closed, your container will keep the sections in a warm and humid atmosphere thanks to condensation.
Step 5: Maintain Moisture
Check the sphagnum moss regularly to prevent it from getting dry, and it should remain consistently moist but not soggy.
It will be favorable to the development of roots and new leaves. However, remember to ventilate regularly to prevent the sections from rotting.
Step 6: wait for the root
The road should take about ten days to 2 weeks to develop. Be patient and care for your cutting.
Step 7: Transplant Your Cutting
Once the roots and shoots have sufficiently developed on your stem, you can put them in the ground.
Fill a pot with well-drainage potting soil, water it moderately, and make a hole using a pencil, chopstick, or spoon.
Now, plant the cutting inside the hole you created. Ensure the roots enter the soil and the node faces upward.
Use the soil to secure the cutting with the soil.
Step 8: Position The Baby Plant To Receive Sunlight
Position the baby plant where it will receive indirect sunlight or window light. If direct sunlight is coming into your window, use a cutting tool to filter it out.
Now you have propagated monstera plants using The sphagnum moss method.
I hope you like this method. Are you interested? Click here to learn how to fertilize a monstera. [Link]
How To Propagate Monstera Plant By Air Layering
If you don’t like propagating monstera plants by stem cutting or in water, then air layering would be the best option for you since it requires low risk.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on propagating Monstera through air layering:
Material needed for propagating Monstera by air layering;
- Sphagnum moss
- Sterilize blade
- Mature monstera plant
- Plastic bag or plastic
- Rubber band
1. Prepare Your Sphagnum Moss:
Get the amount of sphagnum moss you want; it could be 2 cups.
Pour it into a bowl and add a little water to make it moist. Allow it to soak for 11 to 15 minutes or more.
Soaking the sphagnum moss will help me monstera plant to springfort root.
2. Selecting A Healthy Stem:
I begin by choosing a healthy and mature Monstera stem that I want to propagate.
Look for a section with a node, which is a joint on the stem where leaves and aerial roots emerge.
I have already explained how to identify a mature mother monster and what a monster node looks like
3. Identifying The Air Layering Area And Remove A Ring Of Bark:
Use the sterilized blade to mark the spot on the stem where you will perform air layering.
Let it be a few inches below a leaf node. At this point, it will encourage roots to form.
Now carefully remove a ring of bark, about 1-2 inches wide, at the marked site.
The marking I told you is to expose the inner layer of the stem, which will encourage the development of roots.
4. Applying Rooting Hormone (Optional):
If you have a rooting hormone, I advise you to apply it to the exposed area. Our rooting hormone will enhance root development, although it’s optional.
5. Wrap The Sphagnum Moss To The Plant:
Let us take moistened sphagnum moss and wrap it around the cut area of the stem.
Note: if the sphagnum moss is too wet, squeeze it a little to remove excess water.
Then, cover it with plastic wrap or a plastic bag to create a humid environment.
To prevent the sphagnum moss from drying out too quickly, secure the edges of the plastic wrap with twine or rubber bands.
Make sure there is no opening in the edge of the plastic; this helps maintain the moisture around the exposed area.
6. Monitor the root development:
I wait patiently for the roots to develop. The process may take several weeks. I check periodically to ensure the moss stays moist.
If you notice dryness on the moss, make sure to water it by dropping water.
7. Cutting And Planting Propagated Monstera By Air Layering
Once you see sufficient roots, carefully cut below the rooted section and lift the plastic out of the stem with a trowel or spoon.
Ensuring you have a healthy portion with roots. You now have a Monstera propagation ready for planting.
8. Potting the New Monstera Plant;
Plant the new baby Monstera in a suitable pot with enough space and well-draining soil. Ensure the potting soil is wet but not soggy.
9. Caring For The New Monstera Plant
I would advise you to place the new plant in a location with indirect light.
Because direct sunlight can burn the tips of house plants like spider plants, snake plants, and others
Click here to read the cause and cure of monstera plant Brown tips.
By following these steps, you have successfully propagated your Monstera through air layering, reproducing a healthy new plant.
How To Grow Monstera From Seed
How To Germinate A Monstera Seed Monstera inflorescence is not too spectacular. In fact, Monstera Deliciosa produces fruit.
It is even edible if proper precautions are taken. While unripe Monstera Deliciosa fruits can cause serious mouth irritations, a ripe piece should taste deliciously tropical.
Read is Monstera toxic to cats [Link]
Now, flowers and fruits and all that means there should be some seed, too, right?
Technically, yes, although the chances of getting seeds from an indoor Monstera are quite slim. Click here to read how to get Monstera to flower [Link].
It is already relatively rare to find a flower. However, there are options.
If you want to try growing Monstera plants from seeds, you can still do so. Seeds can be purchased online and germinated at home. [Aff Pro]
Please note that many sellers are offering fake seeds that are advertised as Monstera:
A real Monstera seed will be the size and appearance of something similar to an ugly kernel of corn.
All these seeds need to germinate is a good soak, a small pot with sterilized soil each, and the moisture and warmth of a cover of plastic wrap.
The light should be indirect, without full sun, to avoid burning. You can also use an LED grow light. Once the seedlings have germinated, you can remove the plastic wrap.
Growing Monstera from seeds is a long process, and it will be months before you see the first divided leaf appear, even in ideal conditions.
However, how nice it is to be able to say that you have grown your indoor plants!
I have written a full process on how to grow Monstera from seed.
The article covered how to buy the seeds or harvest them and how to identify good seeds And good sellers.
I invite you to click here now to read how to grow Montessori from seed. You will like it.
FAQ
Do You Need A Node And Aerial Root To Propagate A Monstera?
Definitely, yes, you need a node to reproduce a monstera plant. A monstera plant grows from the node area.
Throughout this article, I mentioned the word “node” quite often, so it is important to clarify what exactly a node is and why it is necessary.
Basically, a node on a Monstera (or any other plant) is the area where the cells needed for new growth are concentrated.
A plant cannot create new growth (a flower, stem, root, or leaf) in a node-free area.
You can also call a node the eye of the plant. For example, the pawpaw tree has many eyes or nodes.
Can You Propagate A Monstera Without A Node?
Unfortunately no. A Monstera cutting that includes a leaf and its nodeless petiole cannot grow into another plant on its own.
It can develop roots if you put it in water, but the node is necessary for the cutting to branch out and grow something other than that single leaf.
A leaf-cutting without a node will never give rise to a new plant.
How Long Does It Take Monstera Plants To Grow After Propagation
The exact time it takes for propagated Monstera plants to grow can vary. Still, you can generally expect to see noticeable growth within two weeks to a couple of months.
Sometimes it doesn’t work that way. As I said, it varies. If you propagate your monstera plant using stem cuttings in water or soil, you might see new growth within two to four weeks.
However, moving to air layering may take longer time, around two to three months.
I would like you to know that there are general estimates and individual circumstances, such as;
Environmental conditions and care practices can influence the time it takes for Monstera to grow.
Is It Better To Propagate Monstera In Water Or Soil?
Deciding whether to propagate your Monstera in water or soil is like deciding between two good options.
It’s a bit like trying to choose your favorite ice cream flavor. Both methods can be successful, but they have their pros and cons.
Propagate Monstera in water
- Pros: It’s visible and entertainable to watch the roots short out before your eyes, and you can monitor the growth easily. It’s a popular choice for beginners, and children love it.
- Cons: Transferring the rooted cutting to soil later may cause stress to the plant if you do not do it with caution.
Propagate Monstera in Soil
- Pros: Once you have rooted the stem in the soil, the plant is already in its intended growing medium. There’s no need for a transfer, reducing potential stress.
- Cons: You can’t observe root development as easily, and there’s a bit more guesswork involved.
In summary, both methods can give good results, so you might want to try both and see which one suits your preferences and lifestyle.
Reproduction in water is like watching roots grow before your eyes. It’s a visual treat, and there’s a certain satisfaction in watching these little root tendrils take shape.
Some plant lovers like direct propagation in the ground.
The method of direct propagation sounds like you’re giving your Monstera a natural growing path. It’s more of a personal choice:
Whatever your path, the result is a happy and blooming Monstera, and that’s what really matters!
Do Monsteras Like Lots Of Water?
Monstera plants generally do well in moderate watering to avoid constant wetting of the soil.
Overwatering causes root rot, which is a common problem with monstera. But they don’t like staying in completely dry soil.
Here are some general guidelines for watering Monstera plants:
1. Allow the topsoil to dry before watering.
2. Water thoroughly, ensuring good drainage.
3. Adjust frequency based on pot size, environment, and season.
4. Monitor humidity; Monsteras like higher levels.
5. Beware of overwatering to prevent root rot.
6. Check soil moisture regularly.
7. Increase watering in the growing season and reduce it in winter.
8. Maintain a balance between moist soil and avoiding waterlogging.
Click here to read more about watering Monstera, [Link]
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you have chosen to propagate your Monstera in water or soil, the key to everything lies in understanding the plant’s nodes and providing the right conditions for growth.
Water propagation allows you to see when the root is developing, and it is a fast method of propagating Monstera, making it popular among beginners.
On the other hand, soil propagation offers a smoother transition for the plant. Whichever method you opt for multiplying your Monstera, remember to choose a healthy mother plant.
Both air layering, soil, and water propagation of Monstera have pros and cons.
