The Monstera deliciosa is a popular houseplant that is easily multiplied through propagation. Taking a piece from the parent plant and encouraging it to grow new roots allows you to create an entirely new specimen. This guide walks you through the steps required to successfully root a Monstera cutting.
Identifying and Taking the Optimal Cutting
Successful propagation begins with selecting the correct part of the parent plant, which depends on locating the stem node. The node is a slightly raised area on the main stem where a leaf emerges, and it is the only location from which new roots and growth can sprout. A cutting must contain at least one node to be viable, as a leaf alone will not produce a new plant.
Existing aerial roots, which also emerge from the node, are a strong sign of a healthy section and can greatly accelerate the rooting process. These roots will readily transition to water roots in a propagation medium. Use clean, sterilized shears or a sharp knife to prevent the introduction of pathogens. Make your cut approximately one-half inch to one inch below the identified node, ensuring the entire node is included.
The resulting cutting should ideally have one or two leaves attached to support photosynthesis while the roots are developing. If the cutting has multiple leaves, removing the lowest one will minimize water loss and reduce the chance of the leaf rotting when submerged in a medium. Allowing the cut end to callus (develop a dry, scab-like layer) for a few hours offers protection against rot once the cutting is placed in a rooting environment.
Preparing the Rooting Medium and Environment
Once the cutting is prepared, select a medium to encourage root development, with water, sphagnum moss, and perlite being the most common methods. Water propagation allows for easy visual monitoring of root growth, but the roots that form, often called “water roots,” are structurally different and can experience shock when moved to soil. If using water, submerge the node completely and change the water every few days to oxygenate it and prevent bacterial growth.
Long-fiber sphagnum moss is highly effective because it holds moisture while maintaining a porous structure that supplies necessary air to the developing roots. Propagating in moss generally produces more robust roots that transition more smoothly to a soil environment. Use pre-moistened moss that is damp but not soaking wet, and nestle the node into the moss, often within a clear plastic container.
Perlite, a lightweight, porous volcanic glass, can also be used, either alone or with leca clay pebbles, to provide excellent aeration and moisture retention. The optimal environmental conditions involve placing the cutting in a spot that receives bright, indirect light. A warm location, consistently between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, will encourage faster root formation, which typically begins within two to four weeks.
Transitioning the Rooted Cutting to Soil
The transition to a permanent home should happen when the new roots are sufficiently developed to support the plant in a drier environment. A cutting is ready to be potted when the primary roots are at least two to three inches long and have begun to branch out with secondary roots. Waiting for this development provides a larger network of roots to survive the shock of moving from a highly moist rooting medium.
The ideal potting mix for a Monstera is a chunky, well-draining aroid blend that prevents root rot. This mix typically consists of standard houseplant potting soil blended with aeration components like orchid bark, perlite, and coconut coir in significant proportions. Potting the cutting into a small container, like a four-inch pot, is preferable, as a large pot holds too much excess moisture that the small root system cannot absorb.
Carefully transfer the cutting from its medium into the soil, ensuring the delicate new roots are not damaged. Plant the cutting deep enough so that the node is covered by the soil. After potting, water the plant thoroughly until water flows out of the drainage holes, then place it back in its bright, warm location, paying close attention to the soil moisture for the first few weeks to help the plant acclimate.