How to Grow and Care for Monstera Roots in Water

The Monstera deliciosa is a popular houseplant, and rooting cuttings in water is an effective way to create new ones. This propagation method allows for a fascinating view of root development and is a straightforward way to multiply your collection or share with others.

Step-by-Step Water Propagation Guide

Successful propagation begins with a healthy stem cutting from a mature monstera. A cutting must include at least one node, which is the small, raised bump on the stem where leaves and aerial roots emerge. Using clean, sharp pruning shears, make a cut about a half-inch to two inches below a node, ensuring your cutting has at least one leaf to support photosynthesis.

After taking the cutting, you can let the cut end sit out for a few hours to form a callus over the wound. While not required, this step helps reduce the chance of the stem rotting once it is in water.

Place the cutting into a clear glass jar or vase so you can watch for root growth. Fill the container with enough water to submerge the node and any existing aerial root, but keep the leaves out of the water to prevent decay. Using dechlorinated tap water or collected rainwater is best, as chemicals in some tap water can hinder root development.

Place the vessel in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Change the water every three to seven days to prevent bacterial growth and replenish oxygen. Within two to four weeks, you should begin to see new, white roots emerging from the node.

Transferring Rooted Cuttings to Soil

Wait until the new water roots are at least two to four inches long before transplanting. These roots, which are more delicate than soil roots, need to be substantial enough to adapt to a new environment. Moving the cutting too soon can cause the young plant to experience shock and fail to thrive.

Prepare a pot with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix, as monsteras do not tolerate waterlogged soil. A mix containing peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark provides the chunky, airy substrate these plants prefer. Gently place the rooted cutting into the soil, carefully covering the new roots.

Water roots are not accustomed to absorbing moisture from soil, so the potting mix must be kept consistently moist for the first few weeks. This requires more frequent watering than an established plant, but avoid making the soil soggy, which can lead to root rot. After a few weeks, the plant will establish itself, and you can transition to a standard watering schedule.

Growing Monstera in Water Permanently

It is possible to grow a monstera in water long-term, creating a unique hydroponic display. This approach requires different care, and while growth may be slower than in soil, a monstera can live successfully in water with proper maintenance.

To support long-term growth, you must add a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer to the water. A fertilizer formulated for hydroponic use is a suitable choice and should be applied according to the product’s instructions, often in a diluted form with every water change or every other change.

The combination of light and nutrients in the water can encourage algae to grow on the container’s inner surfaces. To manage this, you will need to clean the vessel regularly when you change the water. Regularly check the roots for any signs of mushiness, which could indicate a lack of oxygen or the beginning of rot.