The 5 Ways to Propagate Monstera Plants at Home
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Monstera plants are some of the most forgiving plants when it comes to propagation, making them an ideal choice for beginners and for experienced plant parents that want to give a rare variegated species (unique coloring patterns) as a gift. Propagation starts at the nodes (the little ring and bump structures on the stems) where either leaves, aerial roots, or side shoots can grow.
The nodes matter here because Monstera nodes contain meristematic tissue which allows it to grow new stems, roots, leaves, and heal wounds. By activating this tissue in the nodes, you can get the new plant to grow.
Fun fact: The nodes may have patterns and stripes similar to the variegated leaves, by propagating from that node you may have a better chance at getting the rare variegation to come through to the new plant.
There are five ways to propagate Monstera including:
Regardless of which strategy you use, Monstera loves water and humidity and this can lead to a few common plant problems and things to watch for. So make sure to check for these during the process.
Root and stem rot - This is when the roots and stems start rotting from moisture. It is most common in potting mix and sphagnum moss propagation where the moisture causes bacterial growth and rots the newly forming roots and stem. Trim any and all rotting materials quickly with sterilized shears.
Transportation stress - as you move to potting mix from the non-potting mix propagation techniques, the new plant may wilt, brown at the edges, and droop. To prevent this, acclimate the plants slowly into moist potting mix, set them in spaces with the correct humidity levels at 60% to 80% (a dome can help), and only place them in ambient, indirect sunlight.
Light needs - Always place your propagating Monstera plant in bright but indirect sunlight and never direct. It is going to be a bit more fragile at this stage, so make sure there is a gauze or sheer curtain to diffuse the light, or set it near but not in sunbeams.
Root length before potting - As a rule of thumb, once the roots reach 1 to 2 inches, that could be a good time to transplant them to a planter.
One important thing is that no matter which method you choose, the propagated Monstera plant will need a well draining and aerated potting mix. Our signature Dirt Bag is perfect for Monstera plants.
Now that you know what to look for, here are each of the ways you can begin growing a new Monstera plant.
Water and Potting Mix Propagation
Both of these techniques use the same exact process with the difference being you need to transfer the water strategy to potting mix once the roots have stabilized.
Water is the easiest form of Monstera propagation as you can see the entire process including when the roots begin to sprout. This is why a clear, glass vase or large cup is recommended. The see through material also lets you more easily spot root rot and mold.
Potting mix or soil propagation is the next easiest as it is more predictable and you can control almost all aspects of the new Monstera plant’s environment. One other advantage is that transplant shock is less of a concern because you can propagate the new Monstera plant directly in the planter. Here’s how to do both so you can pick which is right for you.
You will need:
A sharp pair of gardening shears
One glass vase or large cup for water propagation
One container at least a few inches deep for potting mix or soil propagation
Well draining and aerated potting mix
Planters and potting mix for however many Monsteras you are propagating
The Steps to Propagate Include:
Trim a healthy stem with at least one leaf below the node with your gardening shears.
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Place the cutting node side down into the water or container with the potting mix in it so the node is submerged under the water or the potting mix line.
The node is where the roots come out of, so it needs to be able to drink the water and soak up the nutrients.
For water propagation you’ll want to change the water at least once a week.
Set the vase or container in a space where it will get between 4 and 6 hours of bright but indirect sunlight each day.
Roots will start to form in the water propagation in 2 - 4 weeks and 3 - 6 weeks for soil or potting mix. Once the roots are a couple of inches long, plant them in a planter with a chunky and well draining potting mix.
Air Layering
For this type of propagation you’ll need a mature plant with strong stems, and it is the best option for propagating Monsteras with rare or unique variegations as you’re growing the new plant directly from a variegated vine. Air layering works by having the node assume it is now finding a water or nutrient source so it sprouts roots to begin accessing it.
You will need:
A mature Monstera plant
Sphagnum moss (enough to wrap around the stem)
Plastic wrap
Tape, twine, or something to secure the wrapped plastic with
A planter with a well draining and aerating potting mix
The Steps to Propagate Include:
Dip the sphagnum moss into water so it is wet, and gently wring it out so it is moist.
Select a node that is attached to a mature stem and wrap it in the moistened sphagnum moss.
Now wrap the sphagnum moss in plastic wrap to trap the moisture in.
Secure the two ends of the plastic wrap with twine, tape, or anything else that will hold it in place.
Unwrap and check the sphagnum moss once a week to make sure it is moist. If it is drying out, give it a couple sprays with a spray bottle to add moisture back.
Within the next 4 - 8 weeks you should start to see roots growing from the node, when they are between 1 and 2 inches long, cut the stem below the roots and plant it into the potting mix so it can begin growing on its own.
Check for musky and mildew like smells during the rewetting process as the wet sphagnum moss can grow bacteria and cause stem rot (similar to root rot).
Plant Division
This is the easiest and fastest way to propagate a Monstera plant, but also the one with the strictest requirements. Your Monstera needs to be mature and have multiple stems or growth points coming out from the potting mix otherwise it won’t work.
You will need:
A mature Monstera plant with multiple growth points
As many planters as you’ll be splitting plants filled with well draining and aerating potting mix
A sharp knife
The Steps to Propagate Include:
Remove your Monstera plant from its planter.
Rinse the potting mix off the roots with water or carefully dust it off with your fingers until you can see all of them.
Look for where the roots divide and separate and begin splitting them apart with your fingers.
Any roots that are tangled and not separating by hand can be carefully cut so the plants can be separated. Try to keep as many roots intact as possible.
Plant each separated plant in its own planter with well draining and aerating potting mix.
Sphagnum Moss
No vase, no large cup, no problem! With a plastic bag and some sphagnum moss you can propagate a Monstera plant.
You will need:
A mature Monstera plant
Plastic bags (1 for each plant you’re propagating)
Gardening shears
The Steps to Propagate Include:
Moisten some sphagnum moss and wring it out gently so it is moist and place it in a plastic bag.
Trim a healthy stem with at least one leaf below the node with your gardening shears.
Check the cutting in the moss at least once a week to make sure there is no mold, stem, or root rot forming, and that the sphagnum moss is still moist.
Roots should form in about 2 to 4 weeks and when they reach an inch or two in length, transport them to a planter with a well draining potting mix.
And that’s it! You’re ready to propagate your Monstera plant at home. Whether it is a classic Deliciosa with rich green leaves, a Thai Constellation with gorgeous speckled variegation, or the rare and coveted Albo, you have a method that will work for you.
