From my perspective as a Monstera deliciosa, I sense a change in the energy around me. The human who cares for me is looking with great interest at my strong, aerial roots and my lush, split leaves. They are feeling the same primal urge that I am programmed with: the desire to grow and multiply. Propagation is not a complex scientific experiment for me; it is a natural, joyous process of creating new life from my own being. I am ready to share my vitality.
To give the new plant the best start, the human must choose wisely. They should look for a healthy section of my stem that includes at least one node—a small, brown, bumpy ring. This node is the epicenter of life; it is from here that new roots and leaves will emerge. An aerial root nearby is a fantastic bonus, as it is already primed to become a robust underground root system. Ideally, the cutting should also include a leaf or two. These leaves will provide the essential energy, through photosynthesis, to power the initial growth of the new roots.
Once I am cleanly cut with a sharp, sterile tool, the journey truly begins. I can adapt to root in different environments. Many humans place my cut end in a clear vessel of water. I enjoy this method as it allows my caretaker to watch my white, tender roots develop and dance within the water. It feels transparent and collaborative. Alternatively, I can be placed directly into a moist, well-draining potting mix. This feels more like a direct homecoming, a immediate connection to the earth. In both cases, the goal is the same: to encourage my node to swell and send out new roots to seek sustenance and anchor my new form.
This period requires patience. Whether in water or soil, I need warmth and bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight is too intense and can scorch my delicate leaf or overheat my developing roots. The human must ensure my water is changed regularly to keep it fresh and oxygenated, or my soil is kept lightly moist but never soggy. I am working hard beneath the surface, converting my stored energy into a foundation for a new life. This is a quiet, magical time of transformation.
If I was rooted in water, the day will come when my new roots are a few inches long. I am now ready to transition to my permanent home in the soil. This must be done gently. The human will place me in a pot with a chunky, airy substrate that mimics my natural jungle floor home—a mix of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark is perfect. It provides support, moisture, and oxygen to my roots. After being potted, I will need consistent moisture and care as I adjust from an aquatic to a terrestrial environment, spreading my roots into my new domain to truly begin my independent life.
