monstera deliciosa guide

How to Propagate Monstera Guide: The Three Ways to Succeed

Most Monstera plant varieties are natives of the tropical regions found within South and Central America. These exotic plants may cause some gardeners to assume their tropical nature equals fussy and troublesome care routines, but you may be surprised to learn that the opposite is actually true.

Monstera plants are truly wonderful plants to grow indoors and to share with your loved ones. This is because they are pretty, they are easy to care for, and they are so simple to propagate.  

If you would like to know more about how to grow one of these plants so that you can fill your window sill garden with them or give them out as housewarming gifts, then keep reading. In this article, we are going to discuss all the details about how any type of Monstera plant can be propagated.

How to Propagate Monstera

monstera

When it comes to propagating a Monstera plant, there are three basic ways to do so. All of these are quite simple and should not be frustrating to accomplish. So, let’s dive into each of these methods so you have the details and are adequately prepared when you begin.

Water Propagation Method

Before you begin working through this method, you should gather the following tools and materials:

  • A sterile cutting utensil
  • A clear glass jar filled with water

Now you can begin working through this quick and simple method to growing more Monstera plants.  The steps are:

  1. Cut a stem from a healthy Monstera plant (the stem should include a leaf and either a root node or an air root)
  2. Set the newly cut stem in the glass jar that is filled with water (the leaves of the stem should not be underwater)
  3. Set the glass jar in appropriate light and change out the water each week. Eventually, new roots will grow from the stem and it can be transferred into potting soil.

Notes:

  • Monstera plants can actually grow hydroponically so stem cuttings do not have to be transferred into potting soil if you prefer to keep them in water.
  • Monstera plants that are transferred from water to soil can go into shock for a time. This will cause them to droop and possibly lose a leaf or two. Time and care will keep the plant from succumbing to the shock and it should perk up after a few weeks’ time.

Soil Propagation Method

Before you begin working through this method, you should gather the following tools and materials:

  • Sterile cutting utensil
  • Well-draining potting soil
  • A well-draining plant container

Now you can begin working through this quick and simple method to growing more Monstera plants. The steps are:

  1. Fill the plant container with the potting soil
  2. Create a hole in the potting soil that will fit a Monstera stem
  3. Cut a stem from a healthy Monstera plant (the stem should include a leaf and either a root node or an air root)
  4. Place the newly cut Monstera stem into the hole created for it in the potting soil
  5. Pack the soil around the Monstera stem so that it is secure in the soil
  6. Water the soil lightly
  7. Set the new plant in adequate sunlight and care for as you would a mature Monstera plant

Note: Check that the new plant is growing roots by gently tugging on it. If it has a little resistance, it is growing roots. This step is not necessary unless you are curious.

Seed Propagation Method

Before you begin working through this method, you should gather the following tools and materials:

Now you can begin working through this quick and simple method to growing more Monstera plants.  The steps are:

seed starter tray

  1. Place the seeds in water for 24 to 48 hours
  2. Fill the seed starter tray with the seed starting soil mix
  3. Set the seeds on top of the soil mix
  4. Lightly cover the seeds with the soil mix
  5. Water the soil mix so that it is moist but not soggy
  6. Cover the seed tray either with the plastic wrap or the seed tray lid
  7. Set the newly planted seeds in adequate sunlight
  8. Water the soil mix regularly so that is kept moist but not soggy

Notes:

  • The appearance of sprouts in your seed starter tray is evidence that it is time to acclimatize the new plants to open air.  Begin by removing the tray cover for a few hours at a time until the cover can be completely removed.
  • Established plants that are acclimatized to open air, have grown some roots, and have evidence of growing leaves can be moved to permanent containers filled with potting soil.

And that’s it, three simple and easy methods for propagating any type of Monstera plant.  With this information, you will have Monstera plants aplenty.

FAQs

Question: Are Monstera Plants Toxic?

Answer: Unfortunately, most Monstera varieties are toxic to both humans and pets. For this reason, you should place your Monstera plants in hard-to-reach spots. If, however, a pet or a child has gotten into one of your Monster plants, you can call poison control or a health care professional for treatment options.
Animal Poison Control Contact Information
Ask a Poison Control Vet Website
Poison Control Center Contact Information

Question: Do Monstera Plants Require Extra Humidity?

Answer: As long as you are properly watering your Monstera plants, you should not have any issues with them. That being said, Monstera plants actually do prefer a humid environment.  You can easily provide this for them by setting them in a sunny bathroom, buying them a plant humidifier or a pebble tray, or giving them some companion plantings to share humidity with.

Question: How Many Varieties of Monstera Plants are There?

Answer: Currently, there are 45 Monstera varieties that have been recognized.  It is possible that more exist in the wild and have yet to be identified and documented.

Question: How Should Monstera Plants be Watered?

Answer: The best method to use when watering your Monstera plants is called the soak and dry method. This method prevents overwatering and limits contact between the plant’s leaves and water, which can cause great damage to leaves. Here are the basic steps for this watering method:
Check the plant’s soil first.  Make sure that the soil is not soggy and that the top half of the soil is dry.  Do not water a Monstera plant that has soggy soil or soil that is not dry throughout the top half.
Remove the plant container from any plate or water catcher so that its drainage hole is uncovered.
Fill a tub or tray with water.
Set the plant container in the water.  Do not allow the water to overflow the lip of the plant container.  Water should only reach the plant through the drainage hole in the bottom of the plant container.
Allow the plant to soak up water for 15 minutes.
Remove the plant from the water and allow any excess water to drain out of the drainage hole before setting it back on the plate or water catcher.
Note: This is a method that should be repeated only when necessary. For Monstera plants, it will average out to once every one or two weeks, depending on how hot and dry their environment is. An overwatered Monstera plant is actually more troublesome than an underwatered Monstera plant.

Question: Should Monstera Plants be Fertilized?

Answer: Yes, but only lightly and only during its growing season (spring and summer).  Use a gentle and diluted fertilizer once every 2 – 4 works during this time to help the plant’s growth without burning its roots.  

Question: What Are Some of the Most Common Pests and Diseases Faced by Monstera Plants and How Should Each be Treated?

Answer: Nearly every plant will face some type of infestation or infection since this is how nature works.  But, you can be prepared to treat your plants if and when these issues come your way.  If you learn what to look for and how to treat each issue, you may be able to prevent the problems from occurring in the first place.

Trouble with Leaves
• If you have leaves with tips that are turning brown, you may need to provide your plant with more water. This may require that you water it more frequently and/or provide it with humidity.
• If you have leaves that are turning yellow, you may also need to water your plant more frequently.  
• If you have leaves that are wilting, you may have a very serious issue called root rot.  This issue is evidenced by more than just a few wilted leaves, it will also include mushy and blackened leaves and stems. The best way to treat root rot is to prune away any damaged leaves and stem and transfer the entire plant into fresh, dry soil. Don’t water it right away since it needs time to dry out.

Trouble with Pests
• If you have tiny white bugs on your plant’s stems and leaves, you may have an infestation of whiteflies. These can be sprayed off with a hose or wiped off with a cloth dipped in neem oil. 
• If you have webbing spread across your plant’s stems and leaves, you may have an infestation of spider mites. These can be wiped off with a cloth dipped in neem oil.
• If you have tiny brown bumps on the back of your plant’s leaves, you may have an infestation of scale insects. These can be sprayed off with a hose or wiped off with a cloth dipped in neem oil.
• If you have a cotton-like substance attached to your plant’s stems and leaves, you may have a mealybug infestation.  These can be wiped off with a solution of alcohol and water on a cottonball.

Question: What Is the Best Type of Potting Soil for Monstera Plants?

Answer: Monstera plants should be set in potting soil that drains off excess water but holds a little moisture.  In order to meet both of these requirements, the potting soil you use for your Monstera will typically have bark, compost, peat moss, pumice, and/or worm castings.  This Premium Monstera Potting Soil Mix by Houseplant Resource Center Store is a great option.

Question: What Is the Best Type of Sunlight for Monstera Plants?

Answer: Monstera plants should not be set in direct sunlight since this will burn and dry out their leaves.  Instead, they should be set in a place that receives bright but indirect sunlight.

Question: Where Can Mature Monstera Plants be Purchased?

Answer: Purchase a mature Monstera plant at your local greenhouse, home improvement store, or shop online at Etsy, Wayfair, or Amazon.

Question: Where Can Monstera Seeds be Purchased?

Answer: This is a difficult question to answer because Monstera seeds are difficult to find.  Even if you do find them, there is no guarantee that they are the Monstera variety that you want for your garden.  The best way to ensure that you get the plant you want is to purchase a mature plant.  If you’re still sold on growing a Monstera plant from seed, then look for reputable sellers in your area or try Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds.

In Conclusion

There is no doubt that Monstera plants are wonderful houseplants that every gardener wants.  Whether you are just dipping your toe into the world of gardening or have been propagating plants for decades, it is certain that a Monstera plant will enliven your gardening spaces.  These are beautiful and easy to grow plants that are truly unfussy about their care regimen.

While you’re here learning about Monstera propagation methods, why not check out all our articles and guides on Monstera plants?  Our website has been designed to help gardeners of all skill levels learn new gardening techniques, find the right equipment for their gardening style, and perfect the care they give to each of their plants.  Potted Well is a one-stop website for all your plant care needs.  

Happy gardening and may all your Monstera plant dreams come true.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top