Easy Guide to Monstera Propagation Using Stem Cuttings
Do you want to propagate your Monstera plants? It's easier than you think!
Monstera is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant, falling under the same plant category as the Swiss Cheese plant. Both are native to the tropical rainforests of Central America. If you're lucky enough to have one in your collection, you may want to consider propagating it to create new plants for yourself or to share with friends.
In this article, I'll walk you through the process of propagating your Monstera plant. Follow this comprehensive guide for a beginner step-by-step to get started on the art of Monstera propagation.
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Monstera Propagation Using Stem Cuttings
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, make sure you have the necessary propagation supplies.
You'll need the following:
a healthy Monstera plant
a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears
a pot filled with moist (not wet) soil
a rooting hormone
A rooting hormone is a (chemical) that stimulates root growth. If you're opposed to using chemicals on your plants, you can opt for a natural rooting hormone in its place.
2. Cut a Stem
To prepare your monstera for propagation, start by examining the plant.
Look for signs of disease, leaves turning brown, or pests.
If the plant appears healthy and well cared for, begin cutting it. However, consider carefully where you will make your cuts - this could affect the long-term health of the cuttings you create.
Choose a healthy stem at least 6 inches (15cm) long with several leaves.
Cut the stem below a node (where a leaf is attached to the stem).
Cut it at a 45-degree angle to increase the surface area for rooting.
An increased surface area for rooting will give the cutting a better chance at success if planted immediately.
Apply rooting hormone - dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
3. Plant your Monstera Cuttings
After taking your Monstera cuttings, you'll need to pot and plant them before they can grow.
For stem cuttings:
Use moist, well-draining potting soil.
Use small pots - as cuttings are prone to drying out quickly.
Have plenty of drainage holes in the bottom of each pot.
Plant your monstera cuttings 2/3 of the way underground.
Make a hole deep enough with your fingers, or use a spoon.
Place the cutting in the hole.
Fill the hole with soil.
Firmly press down the soil around the cutting.
Water the cuttings until water runs out of the drainage holes.
Tip: Place the pot inside a plastic bag to create a humid environment for the cutting. The plastic bag will help retain moisture and prevent the cutting from drying.
4. Water, Fertilize, and Care for Your Propagated Monsteras
After planting your monstera cuttings, you will need to provide them with the correct amounts of water and fertilizer and care for them to grow well.
Water your monsteras according to the potting soil used:
Loose soils dry out quickly and require more frequent watering.
Dense soils require less watering.
Fertilizing can be done monthly using a balanced liquid fertilizer at ¼ strength.
Provide adequate humidity by misting your newly planted Monsteras daily and ensuring sufficient air circulation.
Propagate in a warm location with indirect light for best results.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.
5. Let It Grow
This step is one of the most important and challenging parts of the propagation process.
Roots can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks to grow on your Monstera cutting.
The success of your propagation will largely depend on the conditions you provide during this stage. Be patient and give your cutting time to develop roots.
As your cutting grows roots, you may notice new growth appearing at the base of the stem.
Gently tug on the stem to check for resistance.
If there's resistance - yay! It means roots have formed, and you've successfully propagated a plant! If the cutting still feels loose - give it some more time; it'll get there.
The Bottom Line
With patience and care, your Monstera cutting will grow into a beautiful, healthy specimen. Whether you're propagating your plant for yourself or to share with others, it's a rewarding experience that will bring a touch of the tropics into your home. Happy propagating!