The popular houseplant known as the cheese plant, or Monstera deliciosa, is frequently admired for its large, perforated foliage. Creating new plants from an existing specimen, a process called propagation, is a straightforward way to expand your collection or share it with others. This technique involves taking a section of the parent plant and encouraging it to develop its own root system. Understanding the specific steps for taking a proper cutting and managing the rooting environment ensures success.
Identifying and Taking the Proper Cutting
Successful propagation of Monstera deliciosa depends entirely on the correct selection and preparation of the stem segment. The single most important feature to locate is the node, which appears as a slightly swollen bump or ring along the main stem, typically found where a leaf petiole or an aerial root emerges. This specific point contains the undifferentiated cells necessary to produce new roots and new vegetative growth.
To prepare for the cut, use a sharp knife or sterilized pruning shears to prevent introducing pathogens to the freshly exposed plant tissue. The cut should be made about one to two inches below the identified node, in the smooth section of the stem called the internode. A cutting should ideally include at least one leaf to support photosynthesis and one node for root formation.
If a long, brown, rope-like aerial root is present near the node, you should include it in your cutting, as these structures are already primed to absorb moisture and develop into functional ground roots. After making the cut, removing any lower leaves that would otherwise be submerged in the rooting medium prevents them from decaying and causing rot. Dipping the freshly cut end and the node in a powdered rooting hormone can promote faster and denser root development.
Propagating in Water Versus Soil
Once the cutting is prepared, you must choose a medium to encourage root growth, with the two most common methods being water and a solid substrate like soil or sphagnum moss. Water propagation involves submerging the node and any existing aerial roots in a clear container of filtered or room-temperature tap water. Using a transparent vessel allows for easy, visible monitoring of root formation, which is a significant advantage of this method.
The water must be refreshed every few days, or whenever it appears cloudy, to maintain oxygen levels and prevent the growth of anaerobic bacteria or algae that can lead to stem rot. Water-rooted cuttings tend to develop roots quickly, often showing growth within one to two weeks. However, the specialized roots that form in water are structurally different and less robust than soil roots, which can sometimes make the transition to soil challenging later on.
Alternatively, you can root the cutting directly in a well-draining, coarse potting mix, or a medium like perlite or sphagnum moss. When using soil, ensure the pot has drainage holes and that at least one node is fully buried beneath the surface. This method often results in a stronger, more adaptable root system from the start, which minimizes the risk of transplant shock. While soil propagation does not allow you to visually monitor the rooting progress, you must carefully manage moisture to avoid waterlogging and subsequent rot.
Encouraging Root Growth and Potting Up
Regardless of the chosen medium, environmental conditions play a significant role in stimulating root formation. Placing the container in a location that receives bright, indirect light provides the energy needed for the cutting to heal and divert resources toward root production. Warmth is also beneficial, with temperatures consistently between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit often accelerating the rooting process.
In the case of water propagation, the cutting is ready to be transferred to a permanent pot once the newly formed roots are several inches long, ideally between three to five inches, and have begun to develop secondary root branches. Waiting for this length ensures the cutting has sufficient root surface area to support itself in a solid medium. If the cutting was rooted in water, it is important to act before the water roots become too specialized and fragile.
For the final transplant, select a pot with drainage and fill it with a chunky, well-aerated soil mixture, such as one containing perlite and orchid bark. Carefully transfer the cutting into the soil, ensuring the delicate new roots are not damaged, and gently backfill around the base. After potting, keeping the ambient humidity high and the soil consistently moist for the first few weeks can help the water-grown roots adapt to the new, drier environment, significantly reducing transplant shock.