Propagating a Monstera plant, often called an “Ableger,” is a rewarding way to multiply your collection. An “Ableger” is a cutting taken from a mother plant to grow a new, independent plant. Monstera plants, with their iconic fenestrated leaves, are popular, making propagation a common practice for enthusiasts looking to expand their green spaces or share.
Preparing and Taking Your Monstera Cutting
Successful propagation begins with selecting a healthy mother plant, identifying a stem with at least one node. This node is a swollen bump where leaves, aerial roots, and new growth originate. A cutting should ideally include one to two leaves and, if present, an aerial root, as these can accelerate rooting. Use sharp, sterilized scissors or pruning shears to make a clean cut approximately half an inch to two inches below a node. After taking the cutting, allow the cut end to air dry or “callus” for an hour or two, or even overnight, to help prevent rot, especially if propagating in water.
Choosing a Propagation Method
Once you have your cutting, choose from several methods to encourage root development: water, soil, or sphagnum moss. Water propagation is popular for its simplicity and visual monitoring of root growth. Soil propagation offers a direct approach, allowing the cutting to adapt to its permanent medium from the start. Sphagnum moss provides a balanced environment with moisture retention and aeration, beneficial for root formation. Each method has its own advantages.
Propagating Your Monstera Cutting
Water Propagation
For water propagation, select a clean glass jar or vase large enough to submerge the node and any aerial roots without the leaves sitting in the water. Fill the container with clean, room-temperature water. Change the water every 2-4 days to prevent bacterial growth and ensure oxygen availability for root health. New roots begin to appear within 2-3 weeks.
Soil Propagation
When propagating in soil, prepare a well-draining potting mix, such as equal parts peat moss, perlite, and organic compost. Plant the cutting about two inches deep, ensuring at least one node is buried. If the cutting has an aerial root, coil and cover it with soil. Water lightly after planting, allowing excess water to drain, then water again when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
Sphagnum Moss Propagation
For sphagnum moss propagation, soak moss in water until saturated, then squeeze out excess water until it’s moist but not dripping wet. Embed the Monstera cutting into the prepared moss, ensuring the node is in contact with the moist moss. Maintain consistent moisture by misting or re-wetting it as it begins to dry out.
Caring for Your New Monstera Cuttings
Position the cutting in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate cutting.
Monstera cuttings thrive in warm temperatures, ideally between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit (21-29 degrees Celsius), and moderate to high humidity, around 50-60%. You can increase humidity by placing the cutting near a humidifier or within a clear plastic bag, ensuring some airflow. Monitor the cutting regularly for root development, which appears as firm, white roots.
Potting Up Rooted Cuttings
Once your Monstera cutting has developed sufficient roots, typically one to three inches long, it is ready for transplanting into a permanent pot. Prepare a pot with a well-draining potting mix. Carefully remove the rooted cutting from its propagation medium, minimizing disturbance to the new roots. Plant the cutting in the new pot, ensuring the stem and node remain mostly above the soil line to prevent stem rot. After potting, water thoroughly and place the newly potted plant in a spot with bright, indirect light to help it acclimate.
Troubleshooting Common Propagation Issues
If your cutting is rotting, it often indicates insufficient oxygen or excessive moisture. Remove the cutting from its medium, trim away any brown or mushy parts with sterilized shears, and allow the cut end to callus for several hours before trying again in fresh medium. Ensure good air circulation and change water frequently if using water propagation.
If roots are not forming, the cutting might be too cold or lack sufficient light. Moving it to a warmer, brighter location can help.
Yellowing leaves can signal too much direct sun exposure, a lack of nutrients, or stress. Adjusting light conditions can mitigate this.