Propagating monstera - Ask Extension
Hello, I cut parts of my monstera to grow roots before repotting my entire plant. It has been almost two weeks of changing out the water and putting t...
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Propagating monstera #873863
Asked June 19, 2024, 9:44 PM EDT
Hello, I cut parts of my monstera to grow roots before repotting my entire plant. It has been almost two weeks of changing out the water and putting the clippings in indirect sunlight and the roots do not seem to be growing and the tip of the clippings are turning brown. Have I done something incorrectly and is there a way to fix the issue?
Am I able to replant the propagated leaves with the new plants how they are now or do I need to continue waiting?
Thank you,
Aliza
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
Hello Aliza,
Although we don't have propagation tips specific to Monstera, we can say that new root development in water may be slow, and keeping the water fresh is a good approach. The cut end turning brown and mushy is a common occurrence, and suggests that it is beginning to decay since it is constantly wet. Propagating plant nodes in water can be an easier approach in some ways than using potting soil, allowing someone to more easily observe root growth, but it does come with a greater risk of infection of the stem cuts, and might make it harder for the new roots to transition to soil later (though this might depend on plant type and how extensive the root growth is at that point). When cuttings are put into soil to root instead of into water, for example, rooting hormone (sold in powder or gel form) is usually applied, both to stimulate faster root formation, and to discourage rot, since such products often include a fungicide component for that purpose.
It might be best to move the propagations into potting soil and containers at this point. Granted, they will be top-heavy with the leaf attached, so you might need to find a way to pin the stem pieces down onto/into the soil to anchor them until root growth is more advanced and can hold the plant upright on its own. It will also be easier for the roots to absorb fertilizer nutrients that way, since while you could add some liquid fertilizer to the water, it's hard to dose it correctly and the nutrients might just support algae growth instead. A modest amount of nutrients can boost the rate of growth, both of new roots and later foliage.
Miri
Although we don't have propagation tips specific to Monstera, we can say that new root development in water may be slow, and keeping the water fresh is a good approach. The cut end turning brown and mushy is a common occurrence, and suggests that it is beginning to decay since it is constantly wet. Propagating plant nodes in water can be an easier approach in some ways than using potting soil, allowing someone to more easily observe root growth, but it does come with a greater risk of infection of the stem cuts, and might make it harder for the new roots to transition to soil later (though this might depend on plant type and how extensive the root growth is at that point). When cuttings are put into soil to root instead of into water, for example, rooting hormone (sold in powder or gel form) is usually applied, both to stimulate faster root formation, and to discourage rot, since such products often include a fungicide component for that purpose.
It might be best to move the propagations into potting soil and containers at this point. Granted, they will be top-heavy with the leaf attached, so you might need to find a way to pin the stem pieces down onto/into the soil to anchor them until root growth is more advanced and can hold the plant upright on its own. It will also be easier for the roots to absorb fertilizer nutrients that way, since while you could add some liquid fertilizer to the water, it's hard to dose it correctly and the nutrients might just support algae growth instead. A modest amount of nutrients can boost the rate of growth, both of new roots and later foliage.
Miri
Hi Miri,
Thank you for your reply.
Do clarify, should I start by putting these cuttings on its own soil to root before replanting w the rest of the monstera I have in a pot?
Additionally, do you think the rooting hormone is essential, is there a possibility roots will grow in soil without it?
For future, how do I avoid the rotting of the roots? I find other plants of mine are thriving in just water.
Best,
Aliza
It might not matter if you pot each cutting up separately or in combination with an existing plant. We don't think there is a greater risk to the "mother" plant by doing so, but if you want to be cautious in case the stem rot progresses and kills the cutting, it might be best to plant them up individually for now. Once more roots establish and there are good signs of new top growth, then they can be planted together.
Rooting hormone is not essential for many houseplants, including aroids, which often seem to root well enough without it. Its one benefit, at least among the brands that include it, is the fungicide component to discourage stem rot until the wound calluses-over.
The roots themselves in your photo didn't appear to be rotting, just that stem end. If roots do rot in water, though, propagate in soil next time instead. We can't predict when roots will be fine in water versus be prone to rot; it might depend on a range of factors, including water temperature, plant stage of growth and inherent vigor, what naturally-occurring microbes are present in your home environment that are colonizing the water, and so on. Some growers have success rooting in water for long periods and others do not, with the same plants, so we don't have an all-encompassing explanation since there are too many factors influencing the outcome.
Miri
Rooting hormone is not essential for many houseplants, including aroids, which often seem to root well enough without it. Its one benefit, at least among the brands that include it, is the fungicide component to discourage stem rot until the wound calluses-over.
The roots themselves in your photo didn't appear to be rotting, just that stem end. If roots do rot in water, though, propagate in soil next time instead. We can't predict when roots will be fine in water versus be prone to rot; it might depend on a range of factors, including water temperature, plant stage of growth and inherent vigor, what naturally-occurring microbes are present in your home environment that are colonizing the water, and so on. Some growers have success rooting in water for long periods and others do not, with the same plants, so we don't have an all-encompassing explanation since there are too many factors influencing the outcome.
Miri
