Monstera adansonii, also known as the “Swiss cheese plant” or “Swiss cheese vine” is an easy plant to propagate at home. With its relatively quick growth and interesting foliage, it is a rewarding houseplant to propagate from cuttings.
This plant also makes a great gift. So, if you have a mother plant at home, you can easily propagate it from plant cuttings and give them away.
There are many different methods for propagating Monstera adansonii plants. I’ll go over my preferred method, as well as some tips and tricks for successful propagation.
The best time to propagate Monstera adansonii
Taking cuttings for propagating is best done during the warmer months when the plant is actively growing. While you can technically propagate at any time, the best time is in the spring or summer.
Indoor plants are technically always growing (even during the winter months), but they will put out more new leaves and new growth during periods of increased sunlight and day length.
Where to cut Monstera adansonii for propagation
When choosing a cutting for propagation, you will want to cut below a node (where the stem and leaf meet). Choose a healthy stem and remove any lower leaves that may be submerged in water.
You can also successfully propagate this plant without leaves. But, I like to make a nice long cutting that will stay anchored in the water vessel or soil of choosing.
How to propagate Monstera adansonii in water
One of the easiest ways to propagate Monstera adansonii and make a new plants is by water propagation. Of all the propagation techniques, this method is easily my favorite.
- Step 1: Choose a healthy stem and trim your cuttings right below a node (where the leaf meets the stem). Each cutting should be a few inches long and trimmed off with a clean cut. This will help keep them upright so they do not fall into your glass of water.
- Step 2: Remove any lower leaves that may be submerged in the water.
- Step 3: Place the cuttings in a glass of water with indirect sunlight. I change the water on a weekly basis.
- Step 4: Within a few weeks, you will begin to see new growth from the bottom of the cuttings. When the roots are a couple inches long, you can then place them into a pot with well-draining soil to continue growing. Be sure to keep the soil consistently moist (but not sopping wet) so the roots can easily transition.
Tip: If you want, you can keep your Monstera adansonii in water (see below). It will need to be fertilized on a regular basis as there are no nutrients present like there would be with potting soil.
How to propagate Monstera adansonii in soil
Instead of using water to propagate your Monstera adansonii, you can also use the soil method. The procedure is the same as above, but you will use soil instead of water.
- Step 1: Using a sharp knife or scissors, take your cuttings from a healthy stem and make sure there are a few nodes on each cutting. The node is the part of the plant where the stem meets the leaves. This is where the new root growth will happen.
- Step 2: Place your cuttings in moistened soil or sphagnum moss. I like to use a small pot, as you will need to keep the soil nice and moist. If your environment is very dry, you may want to cover the cutting with a plastic baggie (with holes) to help keep the humidity levels up. Be sure the cuttings are placed in bright, indirect light.
- Step 3: Keep the soil nice and moist over the next few weeks. This will ensure that the new roots can develop from your stem cuttings.
- Step 4: The one downside of soil propagation is that you can’t really see what is going on in the soil. You can gently tug on the cuttings for resistance to determine if they have established after a few weeks. If you are using a clear container or pot, you may be able to see new root growth forming.
Tip: Always make sure you are using well-draining soil and that your container has drainage holes. This will prevent root rot and help lead to a successful propagation.
Monstera adansonii propagation tips
- Plastic wrap or a plastic baggie can help increase the humidity level around your cutting. Be sure there is ventilation and you are checking them regularly.
- Always make sure your cutting is in a pot with good drainage (for soil propagation)
- Typically, normal household temperatures are perfectly adequate for propagation. Make sure the plant is not near any drafty windows or doors.
- Using rooting hormone on the base of your cutting can help speed up the process. But, this step is not required.
- If propagating in water, be sure your vessel is full of clean water. I like to change it at least once a week, sometimes more frequently if I notice any grime or algae appearing.
- Always propagate from a healthy plant for the best success rate.
Growing Monstera adansonii in only water
As I mentioned above, you can also grow your Monstera adansonii in water alone. If you have a successful propagation in water, there is no real need to transition it to soil. This is all entirely up to your preference. The plant will grow water roots and will survive with proper care and fertilizer.
If you want to grow your Monstera adansonii plant in only water, there is some additional care required.
- Be sure to fertilize and change the water on a weekly basis. I use a couple drops of liquid fertilizer with every water change. Your plant will require nutrients from the water and it will rely entirely on what you are feeding it.
- Be sure your plant is getting enough light. It will need the same amount of light as if it were growing in soil. Although, growth may be a bit slower.
- Keep an eye out for algae growth. This is normal and will happen when nutrient-rich water is exposed to light. Changing the water on a regular basis and cleaning the vessel will help to minimize algae growth. You can also rinse the roots off and keep them as clean as possible.
Other propagation guides
- How to propagate Begonia maculata
- How to propagate string of hearts
- Happy bean plant (care and propagation guide)
The propagation process can take a little bit of time. But, with a little patience, you will be rewarded with a brand new Monstera adansonii plant. These plants love to climb moss poles and wrap their long vines around any surface they can hold onto.