Propagating a Monstera, often referred to as taking an Ableger or cutting, is a rewarding method to multiply your plant collection without purchasing new specimens. This process harnesses the plant’s natural ability to regenerate from a severed piece of stem. By understanding how to properly select, root, and transition a cutting, home growers can successfully create a new, genetically identical plant.
Preparation: Selecting and Taking the Cutting
The success of any Monstera propagation begins with the correct selection of the cutting, which must include a specific structure called a node. This node appears as a slightly swollen bump on the stem where a leaf petiole attaches, and it is the only location from which new roots and new growth can emerge. A cutting without a node will remain a decorative leaf but will never develop into a full plant.
Ideally, the cutting should also have an aerial root, which looks like a hard, brown nub or spike extending from the node. Aerial roots are designed to anchor the plant and absorb moisture, giving your propagation a significant head start. Select a healthy section that includes one leaf, the petiole, the stem, and at least one node, with an aerial root if possible. Use a sharp, sterilized cutting tool, such as pruning shears wiped down with isopropyl alcohol, to prevent bacterial or fungal infection. Make a clean cut about an inch below the chosen node.
Rooting Methods: Water vs. Substrate
Once the cutting is taken, the node must produce functional roots, which can be accomplished effectively in either water or a specialized substrate. Water propagation is the most straightforward method, involving submerging the node and any aerial roots in a clear vessel of clean water. This allows for easy visual monitoring of root development, which typically begins within a few weeks. Change the water every few days to replenish oxygen and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and algae.
Rooting in a substrate like sphagnum moss, perlite, or a mixture of the two often promotes the development of more robust roots better suited for a soil environment. Sphagnum moss is highly favored because it retains moisture consistently while remaining airy. The moss should be thoroughly pre-moistened, then gently squeezed to remove excess water before the cutting is nestled into it, ensuring the node is fully covered. Regardless of the chosen medium, the cutting needs a warm environment (ideally 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit) and bright, indirect light to facilitate rooting.
Transitioning to Soil and Ongoing Care
The switch from a propagation medium to permanent potting soil is a crucial step, as the structure of roots grown in water or moss differs from those developed in soil. Roots are ready for transition when they are three to six inches long and have developed secondary branching roots, which are necessary for efficient water and nutrient uptake. Attempting to plant the cutting too early can lead to the new plant failing to thrive due to transplant shock.
The potting mix must be airy and well-draining to mimic the Monstera’s natural epiphytic environment and prevent root suffocation. A common mix combines potting soil with chunky amendments like orchid bark, perlite, and coconut coir to ensure excellent aeration. When planting, gently place the cutting so the roots are fully buried, but the main stem remains above the soil line to minimize rot risk. Water the soil thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, which helps settle the mix and ensures the roots are fully hydrated. For the first few weeks, keep the soil slightly more moist than for a mature plant to help the roots acclimate, and maintain higher ambient humidity.