Choose a stem with at least 1 leaf on it. The more leaves and nodes your stem has, the faster it is likely to grow. Avoid cutting a stem with any damaged, yellow, or wilting leaves.
While you don’t necessarily have to use a clear glass, it lets you watch as the roots grow and can help you monitor for any rotting on the stem or roots.
If you have a window in your bathroom, that can be a great place to set your monstera cuttings. These plants love humidity, so they’ll definitely appreciate the steamy environment. Change the water in the glass every 3 to 5 days, or when the water becomes cloudy. Monsteras are tropical plants and thrive in climates between 60 to 80° F (15-26° C). If you live in a cooler climate, just be sure to keep your plant away from drafty areas. [4] X Research source
Rotting roots look black and squishy. If you notice any root rot, simply trim off the rotting bit. You’ll know it’s time to pot your cutting when its roots have grown almost as long and thick as the stem.
Set your new plant in front of a sunny window that doesn’t get harsh, direct light. [7] X Research source Let your monstera dry out between waterings. You can tell that it’s time to water by sticking your finger about 1 to 2 inches (2-5 cm) deep into the soil. If it’s dry, water your plant. [8] X Research source It’s totally normal for your monstera to droop a little as it gets used to being in soil. [9] X Research source You can also choose to let your plant grow in water! Swiss cheese plants definitely prefer soil, but they can survive for several years in water too. Just make sure to regularly change the water once it’s cloudy and transfer it to a bigger vase when its roots start to overtake its current glass. [10] X Research source
To help your cutting root and grow faster, dip the bottom of the stem in a rooting hormone before you plant it.
It’s completely normal for your cutting to look dry or wilt during the first couple of weeks after being planted. Your cutting currently has no roots to absorb the water, but it’s busy developing them! Because monsteras love humid environments, you can place a plastic bag over your cutting and pot to lock in moisture. This can help its roots grow faster, but it’s not necessary. Just remove the bag when you water.
This process generally takes longer than water propagation, as it might be 2 months or longer before you see new growth. You can gently tug on your cutting after it’s been planted for about a month to see if it’s grown roots. If you feel slight resistance, that likely means it has roots. Be very careful when pulling at your cutting, as its baby roots are very delicate.
Depending on the size of your cutting and the pot you chose, your new swiss cheese plant might not need to be repotted quite yet. However, these plants typically grow quickly, so if its roots are growing out of the bottom of the container and it looks like it’s overgrowing its pot, it’s a good idea to transplant.
Propagating with moss is often recommended for more delicate monstera plants like variegated species. You can use perlite or Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA) instead of moss. Propagating with these materials is about the same as with moss, just add about 1 to 2 inches (2-5 cm) of water to your glass.
Re-moisten your moss when you see that it’s dry. Dried out moss will look lighter brown than moist moss. You can also stick your finger about 1 to 2 inches (2-5 cm) deep into the moss to see if it feels dry. To lock in moisture and give your monstera the humid environment it loves, place a plastic bag over your cutting and your glass. This isn’t necessary, but it might help your plant grow roots faster. Dip the bottom of your cutting in a rooting hormone before you plant it to help it grow faster.
During this time, monitor your developing roots for any root rot. If any roots look black and squishy, cut them off.
You can also remove the moss from your plant–it’s really up to you! Your monstera can grow well with or without the moss attached.
You want to keep the top of the moss and stem uncovered so you can moisten the moss when it dries out. When the moss turns a light brown or feels dry, give it a misting of water to moisten it. Alternatively, you can add your moist moss to a plastic bag. Just wrap the bag and moss around the node and secure it with twist ties. Keep the bag open so you can moisten the moss and give the stem and node some air-flow. [27] X Research source
Be sure to give your new swiss cheese plant a nice soaking of water!
