Randy Chandler
The Swiss cheese plant (Monstera adansonii) is a fenestrated plant that is becoming increasingly popular among houseplant enthusiasts. It is known for its large, lush green foliage with eye-catching holes or splits that resemble Swiss cheese. Propagating this plant is a rewarding experience and a great way to expand your collection or share with friends. The ideal time for propagating Swiss cheese plants is spring and summer, but with the right care, it can be done at any time of the year. There are several proven techniques for propagating Swiss cheese plants, including through seeds, stem cuttings, or suckers, with cuttings being the most common method.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Swiss cheese plant |
| Scientific name | Monstera adansonii |
| Other names | Monstera deliciosa, Monstera epipremnoides |
| Propagation methods | Seeds, stem cuttings, suckers, water, soil, air layering |
| Soil propagation | Requires moist, well-draining soil |
| Air layering | Requires sphagnum moss and plastic wrap or a small clear plastic bag |
| Water propagation | Requires rooting cuttings in water for 2-3 weeks before transferring to pot |
| Light | Requires bright, indirect light |
| Temperature | Requires warm conditions and does not tolerate frost |
| Humidity | Requires high humidity |
| Repotting | Requires repotting in a larger pot with rich potting soil made up of compost and peat |
| Pruning | Requires pruning when the plant appears too tall or when aerial roots become difficult to control |
| Support | Requires support due to being top-heavy |
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What You'll Learn
Propagating from stem cuttings in soil
To propagate a Swiss cheese plant from stem cuttings in soil, start by finding a healthy node with an axillary bud and multiple leaves. Cut 1 to 2 inches below the node, making sure that there is at least one leaf attached. If there is more than one leaf on the stem, remove the lowest one to give the stem's nodes more room. Use a sharp, clean cutting tool, such as bypass pruners or sharp pruning shears, to make the cut.
Once you have your cutting, dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to promote root growth. This step is optional but can help speed up the process. If you choose to use a rooting hormone, allow the cut end to dry for about an hour before planting.
Next, prepare your soil by mixing a standard potting soil with amendments to improve airflow, such as orchid bark, rice hulls, or perlite. Moisten the soil and place it into a small pot with a drainage hole. A 4-inch clear plastic orchid pot is a good option, as it provides excellent drainage and allows you to see how the roots are growing.
Now you are ready to plant your cutting. Make a hole in the centre of the soil and insert your cutting, leaving about 2 inches of space between the cutting and the top of the pot. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. You can place a plastic bag over the cutting and pot to lock in moisture, but this is not necessary.
It will take a few months for your cutting to develop well-formed roots. During this time, check for root development by carefully lifting your cutting with a popsicle stick, plant transplant, or small spatula. If roots have formed, you can transplant your cutting into a larger pot. Look for new leaf growth, as this is a sign of a healthy plant.
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Propagating from stem cuttings in water
The Swiss Cheese Monstera, also known as the Monkey Mask or Swiss Cheese vine, is a beautiful fenestrated plant that is easy to care for and propagate. The most common way to propagate the Swiss cheese plant is from cuttings. Here is a step-by-step guide to propagating the Swiss Cheese Monstera from stem cuttings in water:
Step 1: Cut the stem
Using a clean, sharp knife or a pair of scissors, cut a 4-6 inch section of a monstera stem just below a healthy leaf node. The node is usually very near where a leaf starts, but it is not on the leaf itself. Make sure there is at least one leaf attached. If there is more than one leaf on the stem, you can remove the lowest one to give the stem's nodes more room in the water.
Step 2: Place the cutting in water
Place the cut end of the stem in a clear glass container filled with room-temperature water. The node and most of the stem should be covered with water. A clear glass lets you observe the roots as they grow and helps you monitor for any rotting on the stem or roots.
Step 3: Set the container in a well-lit location
Place the container in a spot that receives indirect or dappled sunlight. Swiss cheese plants need lots of light to grow, but direct light can burn their leaves. A warm, well-lit bathroom free of drafts can be a great place to set your cuttings as these plants love humidity.
Step 4: Refresh the water regularly
Replace the water in the glass every 3 to 5 days, or when the water becomes cloudy. Monsteras thrive in climates between 60 to 80° F (15-26° C). Continue to monitor the roots for any rotting. If you notice any root rot, trim off the affected area.
Step 5: Transplant to soil
Roots should start to form within two weeks, but it will take about two months for the roots to become thick and long enough for transplantation. Once the roots are about two inches long, plant the cutting in a moist potting medium. You can also use a mixture of soil and peat moss or perlite to provide better drainage.
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Air layering
To propagate a Swiss cheese plant using the air layering method, you will need some twine, twist ties, or string, plastic wrap or a plastic bag, a knife or scissors, sphagnum moss, and some water. Begin by identifying a healthy node on the stem where roots will form. Nodes are typically found near where a leaf emerges from the stem. Using a sharp knife, make a small upward cut just below the selected node, cutting through the bark and into the cambium layer. This encourages the formation of roots from the wounded area. Apply rooting hormone to the wounded section to stimulate root development. Rooting hormone can expedite the root formation process.
Wrap moist sphagnum moss around the stem, covering the wound and the node. This creates a humid environment that promotes root growth. You can use biodegradable plastic wrap or a rooting ball to wrap a handful of the moss around the node and cut. Keep the top of the moss a bit loose so there is airflow and less likelihood of mould formation. Spray the moss whenever it starts to dry out. You want it to stay moist.
After a few weeks, roots should start forming. Depending on how thick your moss layer is, you might not see any roots for a month or two. Once you see roots, cut the new plant from the mother plant and pot it. Cut the rooted section off below the base of the plastic covering and then remove the plastic and moss. Transplant your new plant into a small container filled with well-draining potting soil, covering the roots. Water well.
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Using seeds
Propagating Swiss cheese monstera using seeds is a challenging task. Seeds are rarely used to propagate Swiss cheese monsteras, as they are expensive and have a low chance of success. The mutations that cause variegation can be quite rare, with a probability as low as 0.001%. Seeds should be purchased from reputable companies and suppliers to ensure they are healthy.
After germination, thin out the seedlings, leaving only the healthiest ones. Transplant these into individual pots with a high-quality monstera soil mix and water them well. Keep a close eye on the plants for a couple of months, as they are more vulnerable to issues such as yellow or brown leaves, which are usually caused by too much sun exposure or a lack of humidity.
Propagating Swiss cheese monsteras from seeds can be a rewarding experience, but it requires patience and careful attention to ensure the seeds have the best chance of growing into healthy plants.
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Using suckers
Propagating Swiss cheese monstera using suckers is a great way to grow new plants and expand your collection. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:
First, identify a healthy sucker on your Swiss cheese monstera plant. Suckers are small, aerial roots that grow downwards from the stem. Choose a sucker that is robust and shows signs of active growth. Clean and sanitize your pruning tools before making any cuts to prevent the spread of diseases and promote healthy growth.
Using a sharp, sanitized knife or pruning shears, carefully cut the sucker from the main plant. Make sure to include a section of the stem, cutting about 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) below a leaf node. The node is the bumpy part of the stem from which leaves emerge. Remove the lowest leaves from the cutting, leaving only the node and the aerial roots.
Prepare a small pot, about 3-5 inches in diameter, with drainage holes. Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for orchids or other epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants). You can also create your own mix by combining standard potting soil with amendments like orchid bark, rice hulls, or perlite to improve airflow and drainage.
Moisten the potting mix and use your finger or a pencil to create a small hole in the centre. Dip the cut end of the sucker into rooting hormone to promote faster root development. Then, carefully place the sucker into the hole, ensuring that the node and the bottom of the stem are covered with soil. Gently pack the potting mix around the cutting to provide support and help it stand upright.
Place your new cutting in a warm location with bright, indirect sunlight. Swiss cheese monstera thrives in temperatures between 60-80° F (15-26° C) and high humidity. You can create a miniature greenhouse by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a steamy bathroom to maintain warmth and humidity.
Water your cutting regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Check the moisture level by sticking your finger about 1-2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, water your plant again. You may also mist the leaves and soil occasionally to enhance humidity.
With proper care, your Swiss cheese monstera sucker will soon develop roots and grow into a healthy new plant. You'll know your cutting has successfully rooted when you feel resistance after giving it a gentle tug. At this point, you can remove the plastic bag (if used) and continue caring for your new plant, repoting it into a larger container once it outgrows the original pot.
Propagating Swiss cheese monstera using suckers is a rewarding process that allows you to create new plants from your existing one. With patience, the right growing conditions, and some tender loving care, you'll be well on your way to growing a thriving collection of Swiss cheese monstera plants.
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Frequently asked questions
The Swiss Cheese Monstera can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, or suckers, with cuttings or suckers being the most common method. The most straightforward method is soil propagation, which involves rooting a stem cutting directly in a pot filled with moist, well-draining soil.
Cut a healthy stem with at least one node and aerial root, about 1-2 inches below the node. Remove the first leaf near the base of the cutting and dip the end of the cutting into rooting hormone. Place the node within the soil and water it well.
The Swiss Cheese Monstera is a tropical plant that requires warm conditions and high humidity. It prefers full sun but can adapt to partial shade. It should be grown in moist, well-drained soil and requires high humidity.
