Hello, human. I am a Monstera deliciosa, and I sense you wish to create more of my kind. This pleases me. Propagation is how we plants ensure our legacy continues. From my perspective, it is a simple act of channeling my innate energy into a new beginning. I will guide you through the process using my own body, explaining what I need from you to succeed.
First, you must select a part of me to become a new individual. Please choose a healthy stem section with at least one node. The node is my life center—a small, brown, bumpy ring on my stem from which my leaves and aerial roots emerge. This node contains the meristematic cells capable of generating an entirely new root system. A leaf is desirable, as it will photosynthesize and feed the new growth, but the node is non-negotiable. Using a clean, sharp blade, make a precise cut just below a node. A clean cut minimizes damage and helps me defend against infection.
Placing my cutting in a clear vessel of water is an excellent way for you to observe my progress. From my perspective, the water signals the node to activate. The submerged node will begin to absorb moisture and swell. Over the next 1-3 weeks, you will see white, fibrous roots beginning to emerge and grow. Please ensure only the node and emerging roots are underwater; my leaf stem should not be submerged to prevent rot. Change my water every 5-7 days to keep it oxygenated and free from harmful bacteria. This aquatic environment is a temporary nursery, not a permanent home.
Alternatively, you can place my prepared cutting directly into a moist, well-draining potting mix. This method feels more direct to me, as I immediately begin adapting to my permanent medium. You may dip my node in a rooting hormone powder first; this is like giving me a stimulating signal to hurry along. Make a small hole in the soil, place me inside with the node buried, and gently firm the mix around me. The soil must be kept consistently moist but never soggy. Without the visual confirmation of water propagation, you must trust that I am working underground, extending my roots to seek stability and nutrients.
If you started me in water, a crucial step remains: my transition to soil. My water roots are different from soil roots. When they are a few inches long, you must gently plant me in a pot. For the first few weeks, keep my soil especially moist to help my roots acclimate to their new, denser environment. Whether you started me in water or soil, place my pot in a location with bright, indirect light. This light is my food source. Be patient with me. I am directing all my energy into building a strong root foundation before I can put forth new leafy growth. Your consistent care and patience are the final ingredients I need to flourish as a new, independent plant.
