From a botanical standpoint, Monstera deliciosa is fundamentally a terrestrial plant, evolutionarily adapted to grow in soil. Its root system is designed to anchor it in a medium and absorb water and nutrients from the spaces between soil particles. However, like many aroids, it possesses a remarkable capacity for adaptation. When a cutting with a node is placed in water, the pre-formed root initials at the node are stimulated to develop into water roots, or aquatic roots. These are physiologically distinct from soil roots. They are often whiter, softer, and less fibrous, as they do not need to push through resistant soil or develop a thick protective outer layer (exodermis). The plant is essentially diverting energy to create a specialized organ system for a new environment, a testament to its resilience.
For the plant, growing in water offers several immediate advantages, primarily related to establishment and observation. The most significant benefit is the constant and unimpeded access to water. The plant never experiences the drought stress that can occur in soil between waterings, which can be particularly beneficial for a young cutting trying to establish a root system. This hydroponic environment eliminates the risk of certain soil-borne pests, such as fungus gnats, and reduces the threat of diseases like root rot caused by overly soggy soil—though it introduces a different set of challenges. Furthermore, the ability of the caretaker to constantly monitor root development is an indirect pro for the plant; issues like rot or stunted growth can be spotted and addressed early, potentially saving the plant's life.
Despite the initial ease, long-term growth in water presents considerable challenges from the plant's physiological perspective. The most critical issue is nutrient availability and uptake. In soil, a complex ecosystem of microbes breaks down organic matter into ions that the plant's roots can absorb. In pure water, there are no nutrients. While liquid fertilizers can be added, providing a balanced diet that mimics the slow release of soil is difficult. The plant may suffer from deficiencies or, conversely, fertilizer burn if concentrations are too high, as the roots are directly and constantly exposed.
Another major con is root fragility and oxygen availability. Water roots are not as robust as soil roots. They lack the lignin and suberin that make soil roots tough. If a plant is grown in water for a long period and then transplanted to soil, these delicate water roots often die off, causing significant transplant shock as the plant must expend energy to grow an entirely new set of soil-adapted roots. Moreover, roots need oxygen for respiration. Stagnant water quickly becomes deoxygenated, leading to root suffocation and rot. While soil has air pockets, water does not, requiring frequent changes to replenish oxygen, which is a stressor for the plant.
The limitations of a water-based environment directly impact the Monstera's growth patterns and maturity. It is highly unlikely that a Monstera grown solely in water will ever achieve its full potential size or form. The plant will typically remain smaller, with slower growth rates due to the suboptimal nutrient conditions. More notably, the development of the characteristic features that make Monstera deliciosa so prized—the large, fenestrated (split) leaves—is often hindered. Fenestration is a sign of a mature, healthy plant. A water-grown Monstera may persist in producing smaller, juvenile leaves without splits or holes, as it simply does not have the energy resources or stable root system to support the complex process of maturation and the production of large, fenestrated leaves. It will survive, but it will not truly thrive as it would in a well-aerated, nutrient-rich soil medium.
