The Monstera adansonii, commonly known as the Swiss Monstera or Swiss Cheese Plant, is a popular vining houseplant. Propagating this plant is a simple and rewarding process, allowing enthusiasts to multiply their collection or share the plant. This process is accessible because the plant easily forms new roots from specific points along its stem. By following a clear, step-by-step approach, any cutting can be successfully transformed into a new, thriving plant.
Selecting Cuttings and Gathering Supplies
Successful propagation begins with identifying a healthy, viable stem section. The most important element to locate is the node, the small, slightly swollen bump found where a leaf meets the main vine, often accompanied by a developing aerial root nub. This node contains the meristematic tissue necessary for new root production; without it, the cutting cannot develop a root system.
Before making any cuts, sterilize your cutting tool, such as pruning shears or a sharp knife, by wiping the blades with rubbing alcohol. This step prevents the transfer of bacteria or pathogens to the open wound, reducing the risk of rot. Once sterilized, make a clean cut on the stem about half an inch below a chosen node.
The ideal cutting should include at least one leaf and one node, though cuttings with two nodes often offer a better chance of success. A cutting length between four and six inches is manageable for rooting. Basic supplies include a jar or clear container, a propagation medium like water or sphagnum moss, and optionally, rooting hormone powder to accelerate root development.
Step-by-Step Rooting Techniques
Once the cutting is prepared, you can choose between two effective rooting methods: water or a solid medium like sphagnum moss or soil. Water propagation is favored because it allows for direct observation of root development. Submerge the node of the cutting in a glass of filtered or distilled water, ensuring no leaves are sitting below the waterline, as this leads to decay.
The water should be changed every two to three days to replenish oxygen and prevent stagnation and bacterial growth. Place the container in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight, as this energy source supports the cutting’s efforts to photosynthesize and form roots. Thin, white roots typically emerge from the node within two to four weeks, indicating successful rooting.
Alternatively, rooting in a solid medium provides a more seamless transition to soil later on, as the roots develop acclimated to a denser environment. For this method, a clear plastic container filled with lightly moist, long-fiber sphagnum moss is an excellent choice. The moss should be damp enough to hold its shape when gently squeezed, but without dripping excess water.
Bury the node gently into the moss, leaving the leaf exposed. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap to create a high-humidity environment, which mimics the plant’s natural tropical conditions. High humidity minimizes moisture loss through the leaves, allowing the cutting to focus its energy on root production. Roots that form in moss or a soil mixture are often thicker and more robust, ready for the next phase.
Moving Cuttings to Permanent Soil
The time to move a water-rooted cutting to permanent soil requires careful judgment to avoid transplant shock. The new roots should be approximately one to three inches long, or ideally, have developed small secondary root branches, sometimes called “root hairs.” Roots that are too short may struggle to anchor and absorb nutrients, while overly long, thin water roots are fragile and prone to breaking during the planting process.
The Monstera adansonii requires a chunky, well-aerated potting mix that closely resembles its epiphytic nature, allowing for rapid drainage and good air circulation around the roots. An optimal mix combines standard indoor potting soil with coarse materials like orchid bark, perlite, or pumice in roughly equal measure. This composition prevents the soil from becoming compacted and retains a balance of moisture and oxygen, which prevents root rot.
When planting, gently place the cutting in a small pot with drainage holes, ensuring the fragile new roots are not crushed. Backfill the pot with the aroid mix, lightly patting the surface to secure the cutting in place. Immediately water the soil thoroughly to settle the mix around the roots, using the same water temperature the cutting was accustomed to. For the first week, place the newly potted plant in a slightly shadier area and maintain high humidity, which helps the water-adapted roots adjust.