Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is a popular houseplant admired for its unique foliage and air-purifying qualities. If you’re looking to expand your plant collection or share the beauty of your Monstera with friends and family, propagating it is a rewarding and relatively straightforward process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through How to Propagate Monstera Deliciosa-Stem cutting method -step-by-step process. Let’s start….
Propagating Monstera deliciosa.
Materials You’ll Need:-
- Healthy Monstera deliciosa plant
- Pruning shears or scissors
- Clean, sharp knife
- Small pots or containers with drainage holes
- Potting mix (well-draining)
- Watering can
- Clear plastic bag or plastic wrap (optional)
Propagation Guide:-
Step -1 Select a Healthy Parent Plant
Choose a mature and healthy Monstera deliciosa as your parent plant for propagation. Look for a plant with several mature leaves and a strong, well-developed stem.
READ ALSO:-How to Propagate String of Hearts: 4 Methods  & Care
Step -2 Prepare Your Tools
Ensure your pruning shears or scissors and knife are clean and sharp. This helps prevent any potential disease transmission and ensures clean cuts.
Step -3 Select a Stem Cutting
Identify a stem with at least one node (a small bump or nub) and a couple of mature leaves. Nodes are crucial because they contain the potential for new root and leaf growth.
Step -4 Make the Cut
Using your clean knife, make a clean and precise cut just below a node. This will be the base of your cutting. Ensure the cutting is around 4-6 inches in length.
Step -5 Remove Excess Leaves
Trim any excess leaves or growth from the bottom of the cutting, leaving one or two leaves at the top intact. This helps redirect the plant’s energy towards root development.
Step -6 Allow the Cutting to Callus
Place the cutting in a dry, shaded area for about 24 hours. Allowing the cut end to callus helps prevent rot when the cutting is placed in soil.
Step -7 Prepare the Potting Mix
Fill small pots or containers with well-draining potting mix. A mix containing peat moss, perlite, and a bit of bark or coconut coir works well for Monstera deliciosa.
Step -8 Plant the Cutting
Insert the callused end of the cutting into the potting mix, ensuring that at least one node is buried below the soil. Gently press the soil around the cutting to provide stability.
Step -9 Watering
Water the soil lightly to settle it around the cutting. Be careful not to overwater, as overly damp conditions can lead to rot. Maintain slightly moist but not soggy soil.
Tip-If you’re propagating in a dry climate or during the winter months when indoor air tends to be drier, you can create a humid environment by placing a clear plastic bag or plastic wrap over the cutting and pot. This helps retain moisture.
Step -10 Provide Indirect Light
Place the potted cutting in a spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, as it can stress the cutting.
Step -11 Monitor and Wait
Over the next few weeks, the cutting will start to root and potentially develop new leaves. Keep an eye on the soil moisture and make sure the cutting isn’t rotting. You can gently tug on the cutting after a few weeks to check for resistance, indicating root growth.
Step -12 Transplanting
Once the cutting has developed a healthy root system and new growth, you can transplant it into a larger pot with regular Monstera care.
Propagating Monstera deliciosa can be a satisfying and enjoyable experience for plant enthusiasts. With a bit of care and patience, you can successfully grow new plants from your existing Monstera, expanding your plant family and sharing the beauty of this iconic houseplant with others. Happy Gardening…
