The Monstera plant, often called the Swiss Cheese Plant for its distinctive fenestrations, is a vigorous climber that thrives indoors. Its rapid vining nature means pruning is beneficial for maintaining its health and appearance. Pruning allows growers to manage the plant’s size and shape while also providing material for propagation.
Why Pruning is Necessary
Monstera’s long, stretching stems can quickly lead to an overgrown or “leggy” appearance indoors. Regular trimming helps the plant maintain a balanced form and encourages fuller, more compact growth. Allowing the plant to grow unchecked can also lead to it becoming top-heavy, causing the stems to lean or topple over.
Pruning also supports the plant’s health by removing foliage that is no longer contributing energy. Yellowing, damaged, or diseased leaves should be promptly removed, as decaying foliage can attract pests and divert the plant’s resources. Removing this older growth redirects the Monstera’s energy toward producing new, healthy foliage.
Making Clean Cuts
Before making any cut, prepare your tools to prevent the transmission of disease. Use sharp shears or a knife that has been sterilized, such as by wiping the blades with rubbing alcohol. Dull tools can crush the stem tissue, which delays healing on the mother plant.
To propagate a new plant, you must locate a node, which is the small, raised bump on the stem where a leaf petiole and an aerial root emerge. This node contains the necessary cells for new root growth. A cutting that lacks a node will not develop roots and will eventually rot.
For a propagation cut, the stem should be severed one to two inches below the chosen node, along the smooth section of the stem called the internode. This ensures the node is fully included in the cutting. If you are only performing a maintenance cut to remove an unwanted leaf, cut the leaf stem back to the main vine just above a node, as this is where the plant will produce a new shoot. It is advisable to wear gloves when making any cut, as the Monstera’s sap can be irritating to the skin.
Propagating the Severed Sections
Allow the cutting to air dry for 10 to 20 minutes to form a callus. This healing prevents the cutting from developing rot when placed in a moist environment. The cutting is now ready to be rooted using either a water or a soil medium.
For water propagation, place the cutting in a clear glass vessel, ensuring the node is completely submerged. The water should be changed every three to five days to keep it fresh and reduce the risk of bacterial or fungal growth. New roots should begin to form from the node within two to four weeks. The cutting is ready for soil once these new roots are firm and one to three inches long.
Alternatively, root the cutting directly in a well-draining soil mix that includes aerating materials like perlite or pumice. Plant the cutting so that at least one node is buried beneath the soil surface. This method is often preferred as the cutting develops robust soil roots from the start, avoiding the transition period required for water-grown roots. Regardless of the method, keep the cutting in a warm location with bright, indirect light and a consistent temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit for the fastest root development.
Caring for the Mother Plant After Cutting
Following the cut, the mother plant requires minimal intervention to recover. The plant will naturally seal the wound, though for very large cuts, some growers dust the area with cinnamon or a fungicide to further prevent infection. The plant will then use an existing node near the cut to activate a new growth point.
The new shoot emerging from the remaining node will often produce a leaf initially smaller than the previous foliage. It is best to prune the plant during its active growing season, typically spring and summer, as this allows the plant to recover and heal quickly with less stress. Continue to water the main plant using the standard soak-and-dry method, allowing the top two inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Providing bright, indirect light and maintaining moderate humidity encourages the new growth point to develop vigorously.