Overview
Monstera adansonii, also known as Swiss Cheese Plant or Five Holes Plant, is a fast-growing vining houseplant native to Central America. It is well-loved by plant enthusiasts and casual gardeners alike due to its beautiful foliage with unique perforations that give it the nickname “Swiss cheese plant”. Propagating this popular species can be done easily at home using cuttings taken from an adult plant. In this blog post, we will discuss how to propagate Monstera adansonii.
Selecting Stems for Cuttings
Before you begin propagating Monstera adansonii, you should select stems for your cuttings that have several healthy leaves attached to them. Make sure the stem has no signs of disease or damage before taking your cutting from the parent plant. Once you have identified suitable stems, use sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts at nodes (the point where leaves attach) on either side of the stem that are close together – usually no more than 1” apart – without damaging other parts of the parent plant.
Rooting Cuttings in Water
Once you have taken your cuttings from the parent plant, carefully remove any leaves near the bottom node and place them in a jar filled with water so that only their base nodes are submerged below water level. Place this jar in an area with good lighting but away from direct sunlight; leave it there until new roots emerge from beneath each node after about one month’s time. As these roots grow longer and stronger over time, change out any cloudy water every couple weeks for fresh water if necessary until ready for potting up into soil mediums; when roots reach about 2-3 inches long they’re most likely ready for planting!
Potting Up Cuttings into Soil Mediums
When selecting soil mixes for potting up monsteras keep in mind they prefer growing conditions that are slightly acidic (between 5-7 pH). For best results use high quality peat based soils combined with sand/perlite mixtures which offer better drainage while providing essential nutrients needed by monsteras during their rooting process like nitrogen & potassium– two key elements found within organic compost mixes too! Additionally add slow release fertilizer pellets such as Osmocote Pro 10Mg/10N/5K granules around root zones prior to topdressing final layers ensuring little spikes don’t touch tender young root systems directly as too much nitrogen and potassium can lead towards leaf burn problems later down road if overdosed upon initially when setting plants up properly inside containers!
Final Tips & Tricks
• Place new potted plants in bright indirect light away from direct sun
• Keep moist but not soggy at all times avoiding overwatering
• Use tepid rainwater instead of tap whenever possible
• Check container weekly monitoring moisture levels
• Move outdoors during summer months preferably under dappled shade
• Fertilize lightly once every four weeks using diluted liquid solution • Prune regularly removing damaged foliage throughout season
Propagating Monstera adansonii is relatively easy if done correctly following guidance outlined above as long patience involved especially waiting period required while initial root nodules begin formulating before transplantation step takes place afterwards allowing novice gardeners opportunity learn basics horticulture skills being rewarded handsomely spectacular display large philodendron style foliage throughout year indoors outdoors respectively regardless location property resides?
