Not only is propagation an easy way to multiply your plants for free, but it’s also very rewarding.
One plant that plant lovers have a lot of success propagating is the Monstera deliciosa (aka the Swiss cheese plant). It’s easy to look after and can handle low light conditions, making it hardier than other plants.
How to propagate monstera
Here’s everything you need to propagate a Monstera plant.
How long does it take to propagate monstera?
Once you’ve settled on your propagation method, it can take anywhere between 6 and 8 weeks for your cutting to root. After that, your plant will indeed to repotted and given a little extra TLC.
In her book, The Plant Rescuer, Sarah Gerrard-Jones says: “Propagating is a lottery, and some attempts will work while others won’t – don’t let that put you off having another go or trying another method.”
How to cut and propagate monstera
While there are many methods for propagation, taking a stem cutting will give you the greatest chance of success with a monstera. You can propagate the stem cutting in water or soil – the decision is yours.
Some gardeners prefer to propagate in water so they can see the roots, but you have to make sure you’re changing the water regularly.
Others prefer soil because you don’t have to change the water or worry about roots.
Where to cut your monstera stem for propagation
- Cut your monstera stem below a node (a swelling where a leaf or flower joins the stem). This is where the most active cells are.
- To give your cutting the best chance at growing roots, you’ll need a rooting hormone that stimulates the roots and makes the process faster. It’s as simple as dipping the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone powder or gel.
- Place the stem in a jar of clean water (remember to change this at least once a week).
- Remove any leaves that will be submerged in water.
- Alternatively, place your stem in a pot of free-draining houseplant soil. A regular potting mix isn’t quite right for cuttings. Instead, you can buy something premade like this one. Or make your own using equal parts compost, coir peat, and perlite.
- Water well.
Now it’s time to wait and see what happens.
How to pot propagated monstera
For stems that root in water, it’s time to transfer roots once they are between 3 and 5 cm long.
Here’s how:
- Rinse the roots with clean water.
- Place the cutting in a pot and fill around the plant with potting mix.
- Water until the soil and roots are completely soaked.
- Water again when the soil is almost dry
Propagating a Monstera plant is an easy and rewarding way to multiply your plants for free. Monstera is a hardy plant that can handle low light conditions, making it a popular choice for propagation. The stem-cutting method is the most successful way to propagate a Monstera plant, which can be done in water or soil.
Propagation tools
You might also like the following:
How to propagate a fiddle leaf fig
How to split and propagate your plants
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
