how to propagate swiss cheese plant in soil
The lovely Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)! Propagating it in soil is a great way to share plants with friends or multiply your favorite plant. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to propagate a Swiss Cheese Plant in soil:
Materials needed:
- A mature Swiss Cheese Plant with aerial roots (long, thin roots that grow from the stem)
- A pot with good drainage (at least 4-6 inches deep)
- Well-draining potting soil
- Water
- A sharp, clean knife or pruning tool
- Optional: rooting hormone powder or liquid
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Choose a healthy stem: Select a stem with plenty of aerial roots and at least two nodes (the joint where the leaf meets the stem). Avoid taking cuttings from weak or damaged stems.
- Cut the stem: Cut the stem about 2-3 inches below a node using a sharp, clean knife or pruning tool. Make the cut at a 45-degree angle, and remove any lower leaves that would be submerged in water or soil.
- Prepare the cutting: Trim the lower aerial roots to about 1-2 inches long. This will help the cutting focus its energy on developing new roots rather than maintaining existing ones.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional): If you’re using rooting hormone powder or liquid, dip the cut end of the stem into the hormone to stimulate root growth.
- Plant the cutting: Fill the pot with well-draining potting soil, leaving about an inch at the top for watering. Plant the cutting about 1-2 inches deep, firming the soil gently around the stem. Make sure the node (where the leaf meets the stem) is buried in the soil.
- Water thoroughly: Water the soil gently but thoroughly. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Provide humidity: Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or a cloche to create a humid microclimate. This will help the cutting develop roots.
- Place in bright, indirect light: Position the pot in a spot with bright, indirect light but not direct sunlight, which can cause the soil to dry out too quickly.
- Maintain temperature and humidity: Keep the soil consistently moist and the temperature between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (24°C). The humidity should be around 50-70%.
- Wait for roots to develop: Roots should start to develop within 2-6 weeks. You can check for roots by gently tugging on the stem; if it resists being pulled out of the soil, it has developed roots.
- Transplant: Once the new plant has developed a robust root system and is growing new leaves, you can transplant it into a larger pot with fresh potting soil.
Tips and Variations:
- To increase the chances of successful propagation, take multiple cuttings from the same plant and plant them in separate pots.
- You can also propagate Swiss Cheese Plants in water instead of soil. Simply place the cutting in a glass of water and change the water every 1-2 weeks until roots develop.
- If you’re having trouble getting the cutting to root, try using a propagation tray with a heating mat to maintain a consistent temperature.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully propagate your Swiss Cheese Plant in soil. Good luck!
