Kamil Perry
The Swiss cheese plant, also known as Monstera Deliciosa, is a tropical ornamental plant with large, heart-shaped leaves that, as the plant ages, develop holes that resemble Swiss cheese. Swiss cheese plants can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, or suckers, with cuttings being the most common method. This guide will explore the different ways to root a Swiss cheese plant cutting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Swiss cheese plant |
| Scientific name | Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansonii |
| Propagation methods | Stem cuttings, air layering, division, seeds, suckers |
| Medium | Soil, water, air |
| Soil type | Rich potting soil, airy, slightly acidic, well-drained |
| Light | Indirect light |
| Watering | Regular |
| Temperature | 60 to 80° F (15-26° C) |
| Humidity | High |
| Support | Stake, moss pole |
| Rooting hormone | Optional |
| Rooting time | 2-3 weeks |
| Transplanting time | 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut a Swiss cheese plant
The Swiss cheese plant, or Monstera, is a tropical ornamental plant with large, heart-shaped leaves. The leaves develop holes as the plant ages, resembling Swiss cheese, hence the name. This plant is easy to propagate from cuttings, and there are several methods to do so.
To cut a Swiss cheese plant, start by finding a healthy stem with lots of growing leaves and a branching node. The node is the area where the stem divides and grows, and it is usually very near where a leaf starts. Avoid cutting a stem with any damaged, yellow, or wilting leaves. Using sharp pruning shears or a knife, cut the stem just below a healthy node, leaving about 1 to 2 inches (2-5 cm) of the stem below the node. Make sure there is at least one leaf attached to the cutting. If there is more than one leaf, remove the lowest one to give the stem's nodes more room.
Once you have your cutting, you can choose to propagate it in water or soil, or through air layering. For water propagation, fill a glass or vase with water and place your cutting inside. Change the water every 3 to 5 days or when it becomes cloudy. Swiss cheese plants can survive for several years in water, but it is best to transfer them to soil after about three months.
For soil propagation, fill a pot with well-draining soil and water it. Choose a pot that is about 5 inches (12 cm) deep and wide with drainage holes. Place your cutting in the soil and water it thoroughly. Keep the soil moist to prevent the cuttings from drying out.
Air layering is another method of propagating Swiss cheese plants without cutting them. To do this, identify a healthy node on the stem where roots will form. Using a sharp knife, make a small upward cut just below the node, cutting through the bark and into the cambium layer. Apply rooting hormone to stimulate root development, and surround the wound with moist sphagnum moss, ensuring it remains moist.
With any of these methods, your Swiss cheese plant cutting will start growing roots after about 1 to 2 weeks. However, it may take a few weeks or even months for the roots to become long and thick enough for the cutting to be potted. Be patient and continue to monitor the roots for any signs of rotting. Once the roots are well-developed, you can transplant your cutting into a pot with fresh soil and give it a thorough drink of water.
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Propagating from stem cuttings
Propagating a Swiss cheese plant from stem cuttings is a simple process that can be done at any time of the year, although spring and summer are the ideal times as the warm seasons offer optimal conditions for root development.
To start, you'll need to cut a healthy stem with at least one node and aerial root. The node is usually very near where a leaf starts, and you should cut just below it. Make sure there is at least one leaf attached, and if there are multiple leaves, the more, the better, as this will promote better rooting through photosynthesis. You can remove the lowest leaf to give the stem's nodes more room when placed in water.
Once you have your cutting, you can choose to root it in water or directly in soil. Rooting in water is the easiest method and requires fewer steps. Simply place your cutting in a glass or vase filled with water and set it in a location that receives indirect light. Swiss cheese plants need lots of light to grow, but direct light can burn their leaves. Change the water every 3 to 5 days or when it becomes cloudy. You'll start to see roots growing in about 1 to 2 weeks, but it will take a few weeks for them to become long and thick enough to be ready for potting.
If you choose to propagate your cutting directly in soil, dip the cut end into root hormone powder to help stimulate root formation. Then, fill a pot with well-draining soil and water it. Place your cutting inside and fill the rest of the pot with soil. Keep the soil moist to prevent the cuttings from drying out, but be careful not to overwater, as this can cause disease.
With either method, be sure to regularly monitor your cutting for any signs of rotting. If you notice any rot, simply trim off the affected area.
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Soil propagation
First, you need to cut a healthy stem with at least one node and aerial root using sharp pruning shears or a knife. The node is usually very near where a leaf starts, and you should ensure 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. Make sure to clean and sanitise your tools before use to maintain a sterile environment and prevent disease spread.
Once you have your cutting, you can place it directly into the soil. Choose a pot with drainage holes that is at least 5 inches (12 cm) deep and wide. Fill it about halfway with well-draining soil. Place the cutting inside and fill the rest of the pot with soil. Water the soil thoroughly to prevent the cuttings from drying out. Keep the soil moist, but not excessively wet, as this can cause disease.
It will take a few weeks for roots to develop, and their roots need to be thick and long before they are ready to be potted. Monitor the roots for any signs of rotting, which will appear as black and squishy roots. If you notice any rot, trim off the affected area. Once the roots are healthy and well-developed, you can transplant your cutting into a larger pot.
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Water propagation
To propagate a Swiss cheese plant in water, start by taking a stem cutting. Cut the stem just below a healthy leaf node, ensuring 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.
Next, fill a clear glass with water and place the cutting in the water. Ideally, you should root the cutting in water for about two to three weeks before transplanting it to a pot filled with rich potting soil. During this time, you can gently tug on your cutting to see if it has grown roots. If you feel slight resistance, it likely means that roots have started to form.
Once the roots are starting to look thick or are around two inches long, you can transplant the cutting into a pot with drainage holes. Fill the pot halfway with well-draining soil, place your plant in the pot, and fill the rest of the pot with soil. Finally, give your new plant a good soak!
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Air layering
Swiss cheese plants, also known as Monstera deliciosa, can be propagated through air layering. This method involves encouraging the plant to grow roots before making a cutting. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Identify a Healthy Stem and Node
Look for a stem with healthy leaves and a node, which is the point where a leaf develops on the stem. Make sure the node is one that you intend to cut off once roots have grown.
Step 2: Prepare the Moss and Plastic Bag
Take some damp sphagnum moss and wrap it around the node, securing it with twist ties or string. Then, enclose this section in a clear plastic bag, adding a few small air vents. Keep the bag open to allow moisture to reach the moss and provide airflow to the stem and node.
Step 3: Wait for Root Development
Within a few weeks, your Swiss cheese plant will likely start growing small roots. After about a month, you should see thick, white roots growing through the moss. You can carefully check for root development by lifting the cutting with a popsicle stick or small spatula.
Step 4: Cut the Stem and Remove the Moss and Plastic Bag
Once roots have developed, cut the stem about 2 inches (5 cm) below the roots. Then, carefully remove the plastic wrap and moss from the stem, node, and roots.
Step 5: Pot the Rooted Cutting
Fill a pot with drainage holes about halfway with well-draining soil. Place the rooted cutting inside and secure it in place. Finish filling the pot with soil and give your new Swiss cheese plant a thorough watering.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common and straightforward method is soil propagation, which involves rooting a stem cutting directly in a pot filled with moist, well-draining soil.
Other methods include water propagation and air layering. Water propagation involves growing the cutting in water before moving it to a pot. Air layering involves wrapping damp moss around the stem at a small aerial root and enclosing this section in a plastic bag.
Roots typically begin to develop within 1-2 weeks, but it may take a few weeks or months for them to become long and thick enough for the cutting to be potted.
Choose a healthy stem with at least one node and aerial root. Cut 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) below the node with sharp scissors or pruning shears. Keep the cuttings moist and place them in a location with indirect light and high humidity.
