Notching is a specific horticultural method applied to Monstera plants to encourage fuller, more robust growth and the development of new leaves. This precise technique, when performed accurately, can significantly enhance the plant’s overall appearance. It involves a small, intentional incision into the stem, aiming to redirect the plant’s natural growth patterns.
What is Monstera Notching?
Notching a Monstera involves making a shallow cut on the plant’s stem, typically near a node. This incision aims to disrupt the flow of auxin, a plant hormone that promotes apical dominance, where the plant grows primarily upwards from its main shoot. By interrupting this flow, the plant is “tricked” into activating dormant lateral buds. These dormant buds are located at the nodes and are suppressed by the dominant growing tip. The cut stimulates cell activity and hormone redistribution, prompting new side shoots or branches to emerge from these previously inactive points.
Why Notch Your Monstera?
Notching offers several benefits for Monstera plants. It encourages new growth points along the stem, leading to a bushier and more compact plant instead of a single, leggy vine. This technique can also increase fenestrations, the characteristic splits or holes in Monstera leaves, as new, vigorous growth often produces more mature foliage. Notching can also rejuvenate older, leggy plants by stimulating new growth lower down on the stem, helping to fill out sparse areas.
Optimal Timing for Notching
The best time to notch a Monstera is during its active growing season, in spring or early summer. During these months, the plant has ample energy to recover from the incision and push out new growth. Only notch a healthy, well-established Monstera that is actively producing new leaves. Notching a stressed, unhealthy, or dormant plant (e.g., during winter) can hinder recovery and may not yield desired results. A mature plant (typically 2.5 to 5 feet tall) is more resilient and responds better to notching.
Step-by-Step Notching Guide
Gather your tools: a sharp, sterile blade like a scalpel or razor blade, and rubbing alcohol to sterilize it. Sterilize your tool to prevent pathogens. Identify the appropriate notching spot above a node where new growth is desired. The node is the raised area on the stem where a leaf or aerial root originates.
Make a small, shallow incision into the stem, just above the chosen node. The cut should penetrate about one-third to halfway through the stem, but never completely through. If it’s too shallow, the plant might heal over without activating the bud. Ensure the cut is clean and precise to minimize plant stress.
After Notching: Care and What to Expect
Following notching, consistent plant care supports new growth. Water consistently, allowing topsoil to dry slightly between waterings, and ensure adequate bright, indirect light. High humidity also benefits recovery and new shoot development. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer after a few weeks for new growth nutrients.
Expect signs of activity, such as swelling at the notched node or the emergence of a tiny bud, within a few weeks to a couple of months. The timeframe varies depending on plant health, environmental conditions, and time of year. Patience is important, as not every notch will result in new growth, but a healthy plant should show some response.
Common Notching Mistakes and Solutions
A common mistake is notching an unhealthy or immature Monstera, as they lack the vigor to recover and produce new growth. Always ensure your plant is well-established, actively growing, and free from pests or diseases before notching. Another error is using dull or unsterilized tools, which can lead to jagged cuts and introduce infections, causing rot. Always use a sharp, clean blade sterilized with rubbing alcohol.
Notching too deeply or too shallowly hinders success; a cut too deep risks damaging the stem, while one too shallow may heal without triggering new growth. Aim for one-third to halfway through the stem. If a notch does not produce new growth after several weeks, the plant may have healed the wound without activating the bud, or the dormant bud might not be viable. In such cases, try notching a different spot on the stem, ensuring optimal conditions.