Monstera deliciosa also known as Swiss cheese plant is one of the most popular houseplants which is loved for its beautiful leaves with holes and its unpretentiousness. Taking cuttings from this plant is satisfying as it enables one to multiply his or her plants or give them to others. Here is a step-by-step guide on propagating the Swiss cheese plant easily, and you don’t have to be an expert to get it right.
Propagation of Swiss cheese Plant
Propagation is the method of making new plants from a parent plant through vegetative or asexual reproduction. It has been identified that the best propagation techniques for the Swiss cheese plant are stem cuttings as well as air layering. The two approaches are rather transparent, yet they differ in certain aspects.
Materials Needed
- Healthy Swiss cheese plant
- Sharp, sterilized scissors or pruning shears
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Clean water
- Glass jar or vase
- Potting mix (well-draining)
- Small pots or containers
- Plastic bag or humidity dome (for air layering)
- Moss (for air layering)
- Twine or string (for air layering)
- Plastic wrap ( for air layering)
Method: 1
Propagating via Stem Cuttings
Select a Healthy Stem:
Select a healthy and fairly mature stem that has at least one node, a swollen area on the stem from where leaves and roots sprout. At least some leaves should remain on the stem for photosynthesis during rooting.
Make the Cut:
This can be done with sterilized scissors or pruning shears where one cuts the stem just below a node. The cutting should be 4-6 inches in length for propagation purposes. Thus, trimming off any leaves close to the cutting site is crucial to avoid them turning stale in both water and soil.
Apply Rooting Hormone (Optional):
Rooting hormones should also be used to promote root formation if the cut end of the stem is dipped into it. This step is not mandatory, however, it is recommended to implement because it maximizes the effectiveness in pursuing the goal.
Place in water:
Take a glass jar or a vase, half-fill it with water, and place the cutting inside the water with the node. It is recommended to set the jar in a warm, sunny area where direct sunlight is not directly hitting it. To reduce water change frequency or stagnation, replace the water in the tank every few days to avoid bacterial build-up.
Wait for Roots to Develop:
It normally takes 1-3 weeks for roots to start forming. With aloe, the cutting is ready for planting once it reaches between 1 to 2 inches in length.
Pot the Cutting:
Please make a small pot with an appropriate potting mix that allows water to drain through it. Create a small hollow and place the rooted cutting into the hole carefully. Strengthen the area surrounding the cutting to give it structure. Water sparingly and ensure the soil is moist and devoid of water logging.
Method 2:
Propagating via Air Layering
Choose a Healthy Stem:
Choose a healthy strong stem with at least second order, bearing several nodes and leaves.
Prepare the Stem:
Make a small incision or a little Flem on the stem at approximately one-third of the stem length, right below the node. This wound stimulates rooting.
Apply Moss:
Ready a mixture of water and suede, put it on the cut area, and cover the area with moss. Tie the moss down with twine or string to fix the moss into place.
Cover with Plastic Wrap:
Place the moss inside the plastic wrap to ensure the surrounding is moist. Tie the end of the plastic wrap tightly to eliminate any chance of the moisture evaporating. The plastic bag is an example of a humidity dome.
Monitor and Wait:
Ensure that the moss is also well moist so you have to check on it sometimes to see if it needs to be misted again. It can be expected to take some weeks to a couple of months for roots to start developing. When moss appears on the outside of the iceberg and the root system can be discerned as healthy, the stem may be pruned and planted.
Cut and Plant:
With sterilized scissors or a pair of pruning shears, trim off the stem just below this new root. Take out the plastic covering and the green moss gently. To plant the rooted cutting dip them in some water and put them in a pot mixing a well-draining potting medium then pat the soil to surround the roots. Water rarely and ensure that the soil is moist at all times.
Tips for Successful Propagation
Use Healthy Plant Material:
Selection of healthy and disease-free stems should always be taken when planting to enhance the right propagation.
Maintain Humidity:
It should also be noted that both propagations favor a humid environment – water and soil. If the environment is dry, it is advisable to put the cutting in a humidity dome or even a plastic bag.
Provide Indirect Light:
Cuttings should be put in a bright place but not under direct sunlight. This way exposure to direct sunlight can harm the new roots and fresh foliage that grow at the start of the season.
Be Patient:
Propagation takes time. Because roots can take several weeks to several months to establish, a certain degree of patience is required.
Avoid Overwatering:
The side of the soil must be moist but not waterlogged because this causes root rot. This implies correct drainage, especially in pots, and the prevention of water-saturated conditions.
Common Issues and Solutions
Yellowing Leaves:
This can be a sign of overwatering of the plant or lack of enough light. Reduce the amount of water given to the cutting and guarantee it gets the right amount of indirect light.
No root Growth:
If roots do not appear, investigate the levels of humidity and lighting. The use of rooting hormones and making certain that the node is wet either by water or soil might help in the process.
Mold or rot:
If mold or rot is present be careful to ensure that the tools used are sterilized and water is fresh. Take out the damaged components and ensure that there is adequate airflow.
Conclusion
The Swiss cheese plant can easily be propagated through different methods, making it a joy for plant enthusiasts to have more plants in their collection. This guide has outlined the best ways of propagating this famous house plant through stem cuttings or air layering. With the correct nurturing and much tolerance, you will soon be growing other Monstera deliciosa plants in your abode.
