To propagate your window leaf using offshoots, there are two options to choose from. The exotic plant gives you both head and trunk cuttings, which transform into a magnificent Monstera in no time. These instructions explain both methods in a practical and understandable way.
How do you propagate Monstera through cuttings?
To propagate Monstera through cuttings, cut either a head cutting with 1-2 leaves and aerial roots or a stem cutting with sleeping eyes. Allow the interfaces to dry and place the cuttings in potting soil. Keep the soil moist and provide a warm, humid microclimate to promote rooting.
Cut head cuttings and let them root – this is how it works
In order for a head cutting to actually take root, an important detail is important when cutting. The following step-by-step instructions explain what you should pay attention to when using this variant of vegetative propagation:
- The ideal cutting has at least 1 to 2 leaves and 1 to 2 aerial roots
- Cut off the offshoot in spring about 1 cm below the aerial root
- Let the cut dry for 1 hour
Place the cutting including the aerial root in a large cultivation pot (€10.00 on Amazon) that is filled with peat sand or coconut fiber substrate. Placed in a partially shaded, warm window seat, keep the potting soil constantly slightly moist with lime-free water. You give the rooting additional momentum by caring for the cutting under a transparent hood during this time. A plastic bag that is kept away from the leaves using wooden sticks as a spacer is well suited.
Cut stem cuttings and let them root – How to do it right
If a leafless shoot axis remains after cutting a head cutting, this part of the window leaf can also be used as a cutting. A vital stem cutting is not yet lignified and has several sleeping leaf buds, which can be seen as vegetation points on the shoot axis. This is how you handle the cuttings professionally:
- Cut a stem cutting straight at the top and diagonally at the bottom to mark the polarity
- Plant with the slanted interface facing down in a pot with lean, slightly acidic potting soil
- Watere regularly with soft water in a bright, not full sunny location
- Do not fertilize the plant during this phase
As with a head cutting, activate rooting and sprouting with a translucent cover. A warm, humid microclimate develops underneath, which appreciates your window leaf and makes an effort to grow it. To prevent mold from forming, the hood should be ventilated daily.
One stem cutting produces a flock of young Monstera
To get several young plants from a single stem cutting, you can cut it between the sleeping eyes. Place each stem segment horizontally on potting soil with the leaf bud facing upwards. Roots and leaves form from the growing point, with a warm, humid microclimate being advantageous. Then pot up the young window leaf and care for it like an adult plant.
Tip
Aerial roots don't have what it takes to be a cutting. They are responsible for the important task of supply management and detention. If the window leaf has a stable trellis with a rough surface, the exotic plant can climb to lofty heights up to the ceiling if desired.