Cut a leaf with a node from the mother plant, ensuring the node is included, and place it in a container filled with water. Change the water regularly to provide oxygen and prevent microbial infection, and within 2-3 weeks, you should see root development.
Monstera is a tropical plant that doesn’t demand intricate maintenance. Fortunately, it also applies to propagation. You only need to cut the leaf with a node and then plant it into a new plant container or grow it in water.
However, Monstera cuttings often encounter growth issues when adapting to water. And for that reason, we will share tips on how to propagate Monstera in water and care for them.
Although they are not aquatic plants, Monstera plants can survive for some time in the growing media. However, you must pay attention to their needs so that they can last a long time.
How can you ensure they thrive? What are the cons when you grow roots in the water?
Find all the details below!
Key Takeaways
- Cut a stem with nodes and a few leaves, then place it in a container with water.
- Ensure the cutting tools and container are clean to prevent bacterial or fungal infections.
- Change the water every 2-3 days to provide oxygen and prevent microbial growth.
- Place the container in an area with bright indirect light and maintain proper humidity.
- Transfer the Monstera to soil once the roots are well-developed, typically after a few weeks.
Table of Contents
The Cons of Rooting Monsteras in Water
Propagating a Monstera plant is relatively easy. You only need to find the leaves with nodes. Nodes are the growth point where new roots will grow from.
To start propagating your Monstera, just cut the foliage above the node from the mother plant. Then, you can decide to plant it in the pot or plunge it into a bowl of water.
Since our topic now is Monstera water propagation, we would like to discuss it further.
Well, there are some debates about water propagation for Monstera plants. The pros mentioned that it is an easy method to root this green tropical since you don’t need to put your hands dirty on the soil.
You won’t be bothered by the watering schedule with water propagation. On the other hand, water cannot provide nutrients and beneficial soil microbes that support Monstera growth and health.
With that being said, we understand that you may be confused about deciding which Monstera propagation suits you best. If you want to grow them faster, water propagation is the answer!
You will see they develop roots within 2-3 weeks.
Meanwhile, those that grow in soil take about 6 weeks to root. But remember to always check on them. Change the water routinely to provide more oxygen and prevent microbial infection.
Now, let’s jump into the method of how to propagate a Monstera in the water properly.
Propagating Monstera Cuttings in Water
Compared to soil propagation, growing Monstera deliciosa or other Monstera cultivars in water is easier. It is also cost-effective as you don’t require much equipment.
For those with a tight schedule, such a method saves time.
After propagation, you will see the results in a few weeks (around two or three).
On the flip side, soil propagation will make you wait for more than a month! So, how to propagate Monstera in the water easily?
1. Prepare Clean Cut
In any propagation process, the most important thing is to keep the tools for cutting your plant parts clean.
It is crucial because a contaminated knife or shears can threaten your Monstera’s health. They can be susceptible to bacterial or fungal infections due to cross-contamination from your equipment.
To sanitize the knife or shears, you can rub it with sanitizer or alcohol using a cotton swab. Ensure the cutting tools are sharp, so they don’t hurt your plants.
2. Choose the Right Part
You cannot arbitrarily cut the Monstera stem for propagation. Instead, look for one that has nodes. It is crucial because nodes are growth points where aerial roots, stems, and leaves grow.
Generally, these growth points are characterized by thick and prominent parts on the branch.
Sometimes, some new leaves will also be seen growing on the nodes. Once you’ve found the nodes, you can cut off the Monstera about 1/4 or 1/2 inches above it.
Also include some leaves, like one or two, then put them in a plant container filled with water.
Apart from the nodes, you have to ensure the cuttings’ leaves and stems are healthy. No yellow, brown, or crisp leaves are allowed since they cannot guarantee good plant development.
3. Put it in Plant Container
As with cutting tools, you must provide a clean plant container before using it for water propagation. It is important since the stem cutting is delicate. Thus, it is susceptible to microbial infection, diseases, and pests that can interfere with root growth.
Furthermore, it is better to choose a clear container to see the roots’ development more clearly.
In addition, such a container makes it easier for you to spot issues. So you can give the best treatment to prevent other harmful conditions.
Also, buy or create ones with a wide pot mouth. They will improve air circulation to allow better oxygen exchange of the roots. In addition, the expansive space makes it easy for you to move the new plants to a pot when they are fully established.
Now, you can put the cutting into the water. Don’t use tap water as it poses a high risk of microbial infection. Instead, pour filtered water into the clear pot to make sure your plant thrives.
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How Long Can Cuttings Sit in Water?
The duration of water propagation for the Monstera plant is shorter than if you plant it in the ground. While soil propagation needs six weeks to ensure the new plant grows solid roots, the cuttings only sit for three weeks in the water.
You can also observe it by checking the root length. If the plant has reached approximately 1-2 inches or longer, you can move it to a pot. Or, just let it submerge in the water to grow bigger.
As for the water propagation, you will need to provide proper care, including changing the water. In this case, you should read the next sections for detailed info!
Should You Change the Water When Propagating?
Changing the water during monstera propagation is crucial. Why so? It’s simple like this. Like humans, your plants need to breathe. They also demand oxygen for photosynthesis which produces energy to function.
When you leave water in the plant container for too long, the roots will suffocate due to a lack of oxygen. This causes them to not be able to absorb water properly.
As a result, they will begin to wither and die.
Therefore, you should change the water once every 2-3 days. Or at least once a week if you don’t have much free time to check on them.
Why are Your Cuttings Rotting in Water?
Several factors cause your cutting rot. One of them is not changing the water. As we mentioned in the previous section, your roots will lack oxygen without water replacement.
The water then will be filled with carbon dioxide, which stimulates bacterial growth, causing the roots to rot.
In addition, do not let water sit on the leaves for too long, as they are prone to decay.
Make sure only stems and roots are submerged in the water.
Furthermore, the excessive sun also causes the roots to be fragile. Especially if you use a clear pot. This is because sunlight can increase the temperature of the water.
The roots that stay under warm water for too long will begin to wilt and root if you let them. And so, make sure you put the cutting pot in the area with bright indirect light.
How do You Speed Up Rooting in Water?
There is no special trick to speed up Monstera rooting in the water. You just need to make sure your cutting gets what they need. Like the mother plant, the cutting favors bright indirect light to thrive.
Do not let them sit under excessive sun exposure as it will burn the newly propagated plant.
Despite growing in the water, the cutting still needs proper humidity. As a tropical plant, it requires around 60-80% of moisture to grow properly.
In addition, change the water regularly so that the oxygen supply for rooting continues to be available.
As additional information, some plant owners use diluted aspirin to speed up rooting. However, no report says it works for the Monstera plant.
When Should You Move Your Monstera from Water to Soil?
Don’t be in a hurry to move your Monstera cutting to the soil. Wait until the big, white roots begin to grow hairy roots with an average length of 3 inches.
They will serve as feeders for your Monstera plants, absorbing nutrients and water to support their growth.
Usually, the smaller roots will occur about two months after propagation. It doesn’t take too long, does it?
Before transferring, make sure you choose a pot that is wider than the width of the roots. It is essential to allow easy planting and repotting when they grow too crowded.
Such pot size also provides space to grow roots and ensures better air circulation.
Moreover, you must clean and sanitize the pot before using it to avoid disease infection and pest invasion. Also, prepare a good potting mix that provides nutrients for your tropical plant.
Final Thoughts
Basically, propagating Monstera is easy. You only need to cut the stems with nodes and two leaves, then put it in water. Nonetheless, you must pay attention to several factors, like light intensity, humidity, and water quality so that you have a healthy new plant.
In addition, you can let it grow in the water. But, we recommend transferring it to the soil to reach its full potential.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can Monstera grow in the water forever?
After water propagation, you can leave the Monstera plant in the growing media for a long time.
However, they cannot flourish as they grow on the ground. Soil is rich with nutrients and natural microbes that work together to support its growth. Therefore, transferring your Monstera to a new pot is highly recommended after the roots are fully established.
Can Monstera grow in a fish tank?
You can safely grow your Monstera in a fish tank or aquarium. The plants serve as biological filtration that will help you easily eliminate fish waste. Thus, keeping your aquarium clean.
In addition, the unique leaves of Monstera offer a striking accent to your fish tank.
However, it may not develop properly as the plant generally has problems adapting to water life. It is understandable since they are not aquatic plants.
How long does a Monstera leaf last in water?
Monstera leaves can grow in water for about three weeks in the absence of nutrients and proper light. But mind you, it only applies if the temperature is set at 70°F.
Moreover, the nodes must also be present on the leaves. Without nodes, they will not survive. In addition, you have to change the water regularly every 2-3 days. Or, if you’re too busy, at least do it once a week.
Should you put Monstera aerial roots in water?
Unlike mangroves or water plants, whose roots usually submerge, the aerial roots of Monstera plants shouldn’t stay underwater. They can indeed help absorb moisture from the surrounding environment.
However, sitting them in the water will actually make the root rot.
In addition, submerging the roots in the water will make your Monstera plant dependent on the aerial root. It is undesirable because you expect them to have subterranean solid roots to transplant into the soil later.
Why are my cuttings not rooting in water?
Your cutting needs proper growing conditions during root growth to grow roots healthily. Without bright indirect light, controlled temperatures (about 18°C to 27°C), and humidity (60-80%), your Monstera cutting won’t grow roots.
Don’t forget to make sure that your Monstera cutting has nodes. Without them, you won’t see any single leaf, stem, or root grow in your new plant.
Is sugar good for plant cuttings?
While sugar can boost energy in humans, it will adversely affect your plants. The sugar you give to plants can potentially block the roots.
As a result, your roots are suffocated and have difficulty absorbing water and nutrients. And guess what happens next? They will start to grow wild and eventually rot.
