The Monstera is one of the plants that is so easy to propagate that even beginners can do it without any problems. We explain how it works here.
The window leaf - also called Monstera - is a very popular houseplant in Europe, which originally comes from the Caribbean and South American tropics. The evergreen plant is recognizable by its distinctive leaves, which have openings, so they are not continuous leaves. The window leaf is also a fast-growing climbing plant that needs space at the top and accordingly needs to be supported in its pot. The plant, which was imported at the beginning of the 19th century, is very popular in Europe for many other reasons - which is why many enthusiasts are trying to propagate the plant.
Why is the Monstera so popular?
As already mentioned, the Monstera is a climbing plant that grows quickly and is evergreen - this means that its magnificent foliage with its extraordinary appearance can be enjoyed all year round. What is not self-evident for many owners is that the tropical plant has hardly any demands when it comes to its care - for this reason it is also well thought of as a houseplant for beginners. So it's no wonder that many hobby gardeners and enthusiasts want to give the plant away and pass it on, or they want to reproduce it for themselves.
Generally, no pruning of the Monstera is necessary, and fertilization is only necessary very rarely - therefore it is very appealing even for people without a "green thumb" to buy the window leaf. But how does multiplication work? And what are the pros and cons?
Increase window leaf - advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
✔ easy to care for plant
✔ can be kept outside if the temperature is right
✔ hardly needs pruning or fertilizing
✔ grows eagerly in height✔ offers a very special leaf appearance
✔ is very assertive even without laborious care
✔ available in about 50 different subspecies
✔ ideal as aSuitable as a gift or as a small gift
Cons
✘ Plant is sensitive to waterlogging
✘ Young plant does not cope very well with direct sunlight
As you can see, there is a lot to be said for trying out the propagation of Monstera yourself - even if you haven't come into contact with such plant care and maintenance that often. Basically, you can't go wrong when propagating, because the window leaf forgives a lot, such as a radical pruning of the leaves. Only the aerial roots of the plant are more sensitive and should therefore not be pruned as much as possible. So you don't have to be afraid that the window leaf will die as a houseplant if you try to propagate it and make a mistake.
Multiply Monstera - How it works
In general, it is very important to know that the plant has aerial roots, which often even grow out of the pot and some plant lovers do not find quite as attractive. Similar to an orchid, these roots should be avoided when pruning, only dry or rotten roots may be carefully separated. You should also know that it is these roots that anchor themselves to a support to allow the plant to climb. So if you want to propagate the plant, you should not damage or even divide this base - only checking and keeping the roots he althy is "allowed".
❖ Step 1:
Individual shoots are selected and cut off. They need a good length, but don't need to be severed right at the starting point. They can either be selected individually or can be obtained by radically pruning the plant if it is to be shortened significantly due to its rapid growth. Basically, a new Monstera plant can grow from any severed shoot without much effort. Therefore, do not cut off too many shoots at the beginning, but try your luck with a few as needed.
❖ Step 2:
Now the individual shoots can be placed in a glass with water, then they need a location that is as bright as possible, but not directly sunny, to root. In addition, the chosen location should be as warm as possible to stimulate growth.
❖ Step 3:
Alternatively, the shoots can also be put in their own flower pot that has been filled with soil. With this method, too, a warm and bright location is very important, where there is no direct sunlight.First of all, no support is needed for the shoot if it is small. But if it then grows and gets new leaves, it usually becomes too heavy not to tip over - at the latest then a support will be necessary.
❖ Step 4:
As soon as the cutting puts out new leaves, you can assume that it has taken root (this is of course immediately apparent when growing in a glass of water). Now it's time to pot the cutting, or give the growing window leaf a larger home with proper wooden support. Fertilizing is not necessary, watering should only be done lightly when the soil has dried out.
Avoid sunlight
Young, newly grown monstera leaves are still somewhat sensitive, especially as young plants, which is why not only fertilizer should be avoided, but also direct sunlight . If the plant can hardly be stopped in its growth and is a bit older, it can go to a partially shaded place. The plant insists on temperatures around 20 degrees, this is where it feels most comfortable. In autumn and spring, shady but bright places in the home are also best for young plants. Also, young plants that do not yet have any openings in the leaves should not be placed outside, as they are too sensitive for this. As long as the leaves do not have any openings, they do not benefit from direct sunlight. However, once these have developed, the plant can also enjoy some sunlight from time to time in order to be stabilized and supported in its growth.
Other important information
Because of its tropical origin, the window leaf is a plant that loves moisture. You don't get waterlogging as a grown plant, but its leaves want a lot of moisture, which is not just drawn from the soil. For this reason, it is also important to dust young plants or cuttings from a small distance with a spray bottle and water so that their leaves can absorb the moisture and enjoy it. At the same time or alternatively, you can also brush the leaves individually with a slightly damp sponge, they are very happy with both variations.
As you can see, not only is it very easy to keep a window leaf as a houseplant, but any beginner can also propagate it. If you know about the needs of the plant, it is easy to help it to grow vigorously - even if the cutting has just been pulled from a shootwas.