The Monstera plant has shaped leaves. It is popular for indoor gardening. One key part of Monstera care is propagating Monstera in water. It’s an easy and effective way to create new plants from an existing one. This is propagation. It is the process of making new plants. It is a type of asexual reproduction. It involves using parts of the parent plant, such as stems, roots, or leaves, to produce a new plant. The new plant is identical to its parent.
The Monstera plant is from the warm and humid Central America. It adapts well to indoor conditions. It thrives in environments that mimic its natural habitat. This adaptability and low-maintenance make it a preferred choice. People use it for both indoor and outdoor planting.
To grow a Monstera in water, start by picking and cutting a vine from the main plant. The following steps detail the propagation process:
1. Selecting the Monstera Cutting
When you buy a Monstera from your local plant store, you’ll notice that it has roots in soil. But, you can propagate Monstera cuttings in water. Find suitable cuttings with aerial roots or nodes. These brown rings encircle the stem and are the junctions where new leaves and roots will grow. Carefully cut this part for propagation.
2. Preparing the Cutting for Water Propagation
Take the cutting with leaves or nodes. Put the cut end in chlorine-free water at room temperature. Most tap water contains chlorine. So, use bottled or distilled water for your Monstera propagation. If tap water is your only option, let it sit overnight to dissipate the chlorine.
3. Ensuring the Stability of the Plant in Water
Place the stem cutting in a jar or a glass vase in a way that it remains upright. Choosing a tall, narrow jar can keep the cutting stable. It will stand upright and help it grow better.
4. Choosing the Right Location
Position the container in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. Monstera plants dislike harsh, direct sunlight. It can scorch the leaves. Scorching leads to the leaves turning yellow and dropping off. A bathroom windowsill is ideal. It provides light and the humid environment that Monstera plants need.
5. Regular Water Changes
Change the water in your glass container every 3-5 days, or sooner if it turns cloudy. The glass container is see-through. This makes it easy to check the water’s condition, level, and root growth. Always let the water reach room temperature before replacing it. Cold water can shock the plant, and hot water can damage it.
6. Fertilizing Your Water-Propagated Monstera
Feed your water-propagated Monstera with a balanced liquid fertilizer, approximately once a month. Follow the instructions on the label for the correct dosage.
7. Transitioning to Soil
Your Monstera can stay in water forever. But, once the roots grow longer, move it to a pot with soil. This move is necessary when roots start to entangle due to limited space. Transfer the Monstera to a pot after it has developed a healthy root system. After potting it, you can place the plant in an outdoor garden.
Essential Care Tips for Propagating Monstera in Water
1. Light: A Critical Element
When propagating Monstera in water, you cut risks associated with over or under-watering. Thus, lighting becomes crucial for the longevity of your Monstera. Place the container in a spot where it receives indirect sunlight. Ideal locations could be near a window with diffused light or under a skylight. But, avoid direct, harsh sunlight, especially during midday, to prevent leaf burn.
2. Regular Water Changes (Every 2-3 Days)
It’s best to change the water every 2-3 days, or at least once a week. Regular water changes ensure enough oxygen in the water for the plant to ‘breathe.’ Soil allows for constant oxygen circulation. But, water can lose oxygen over time.
Frequent water changes also prevent cloudiness caused by algae or dissolved substances. Remove any soft or slimy parts of the plant. They are signs of decay and can harm your Monstera’s roots (and may emit an unpleasant odor).
When changing water, inspect and rinse the roots. In a transparent container, you might notice algae growth on the roots or container. Although not harmful to the plant, algae can be . Use an opaque container. Or, put it in a less sunny spot. This will reduce algae growth.
3. Fertilizing Water-Grown Monstera
As mentioned earlier, a Monstera growing in water has limited access to nutrients compared to one in soil. Like most houseplants, Monsteras thrive best when supplemented with fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Opt for liquid fertilizers labeled for hydroponic use. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage, but start with a very small amount to observe the plant’s reaction and adjust accordingly. Sometimes, a high nutrient concentration can disrupt the water’s pH and damage the Monstera’s roots.
Note that fertilizers are not necessary if you plan to keep your Monstera in water for only a few weeks. Hydroponic fertilizers are recommended for Monsteras that will be permanently grown in water.
FAQs
As mentioned earlier, a Monstera growing in water has fewer nutrients than one in soil. Like most houseplants, Monsteras thrive best with fertilizers. These fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Opt for liquid fertilizers labeled for hydroponic use. Follow the dosage recommended by the manufacturer. But, start with a tiny amount to see how the plant reacts. Then, adjust as needed. High nutrients can disrupt the water’s pH. They can damage the Monstera’s roots.
Note that fertilizers are not necessary if you plan to keep your Monstera in water for only a few weeks. We recommend using hydroponic fertilizers. Use them for Monsteras that will be grown in water.
How Long Can Monstera Live in Water?
It’s challenging to determine exactly how long a Monstera can survive in water. Most owners try to fix the situation if they notice their plant is not thriving. So, there are few cases of a cutting staying in water until it dies. A Monstera might die in this environment. This is likely due to bad conditions, like not changing the water or lack of nutrients.
Anecdotally, many cuttings start to show stress after two or three years in water. There are instances where they can survive longer, but these are rare.
What Happens if a Monstera Cutting Lacks Nodes?
As discussed, nodes are the brown circular marks on the stems of Monstera plants. If a cutting is made without including a node, it will not have the potential for growth. In this case, it merely exists as a floral stem soaked in water.
Conclusion
Propagating Monstera in water is not a good way to make more of these plants. It’s also a joy for gardeners. The process is simple but requires attention to detail. This includes choosing the right cutting. You must change the water often. You also have to give the right light and nutrients. Follow these guidelines. They will let you enjoy the beauty and joy of growing a water-propagated Monstera. Remember, patience and care are key to propagating Monstera in water. This process is rewarding and can enhance any indoor garden.
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