Propagation of Monstera Deliciosa

Most people know the houseplant, Monstera deliciosa (Araceae), as the split leaf philodendron. This is an evergreen climber that is native to Central America and Mexico. The leaves can reach up to 3 feet in length. They are glossy green with perforations and deep cuts. The Monstera deliciosa vine can attain heights of 20 to 30 feet. This plant is so simple to propagate that you can grow enough plants to give away to every one you know.

Sharp knife

4- and 6-inch pots

Potting soil

Glass

Water

Rooting hormone

Pencil

Examine the Monstera deliciosa plant and locate the top end of the stem. Follow the stem down and find the aerial root growing out of the stem. The aerial root may bulge from the stem, or it may have grown out to look like an actual root.

Cut off the tip at the point just below an aerial root.

Fill a 4-inch pot with potting soil.

Fill a glass with water. Dip the end of the Monstera deliciosa into the water and shake off the excess water.

Dip the wet end into rooting hormone.

Make a hole in the potting soil with a pencil. Stick the end with the rooting hormone into the soil. Firm the soil around the cutting with your fingers.

Water the pot thoroughly.

Place the pot in a sunny location, out of direct sunlight. For best rooting, the temperature should be 65 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Keep the soil moist and mist the plant daily.

Transplant into a 6-inch pot when the cutting has formed roots. To see if the roots have formed, gently pull on the cutting. If you feel resistance, then the cutting has formed roots. Every two years in the spring, transplant the Monstera deliciosa into a larger pot.

All parts of the Monstera deliciosa are poisonous. Monstera deliciosa contains oxalic acid.