How to propagate a Swiss cheese plant

how to propagate a swiss cheese plant
How to grow your own Swiss cheese plantelenaleonova - Getty Images

Propagating your Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) is a brilliant way to grow houseplants for free. All you need is one healthy plant and a little know-how, and you can grow an endless supply to create your very own indoor jungle.

There are multiple ways to propagate a Swiss cheese plant, including stem cuttings, air layering, and placing them directly in soil.

'Propagating plants has seen a surge in popularity because it's such a simple and rewarding way to grow your plant collection, essentially giving you free houseplants,' says Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies.

'There's something great about watching new roots form, knowing you've created something from an existing plant. It's no wonder propagating plants is so popular; it’s easy on the wallet, great for the planet, and a fun way to learn about plant biology. Whether you're just starting out or a total plant pro, it's a hobby that keeps things exciting and green.'

Wondering how to propagate a Swiss cheese plant for free? Keep reading to find out two of the most popular methods:

How to propagate a Swiss cheese plant in water

green area of plants in the office
Elvira Kashapova - Getty Images

'This method involves growing cuttings from a Swiss cheese plant in water until they are large enough to root themselves in soil, and you do not need to use rooting hormone if you grow cuttings in water first,' says Graham Smith, a horticultural expert from LBS Horticulture.

1. Take a stem cutting. Take a clean, sharp pair of scissors and cut a part of the stem just below a leaf node (or where there is an aerial root). This is usually near where a leaf starts, but not actually on the leaf itself (see the image below).

'There should be at least one leaf attached to the cutting you are taking, and if the cutting has several you should remove the lower leaves so the nodes will have more room when placed in the water.'

monstera deliciosa plant aerial roots
BABAR - Getty Images

2. Place the cutting in water. Next, place the cut end of the stem into a glass container filled with water. Depending on your cutting size, you may need to opt for a tall glass.

3. Move it towards the light. 'Place the cutting in the glass container somewhere where it will receive indirect or dappled sunlight,' says Graham. Don't forget to replace the water every few days. 'You should notice roots starting to form within roughly two weeks.'

man holding plants with roots as part of swiss cheese plant propagation
irazharkova / 500px - Getty Images

4. Transplant the cutting. 'Once the cutting has roots that look decently thick or are about two inches long (which can take a month or two), plant the cutting into a moist potting medium,' explains Graham. 'You can place the cutting into its own pot, or it can also be placed at the back of the pot that the parent plant is growing in.'

5. Water often. Your new houseplant will need watering often for about a week while it gets used to its new soil environment. It won't be long before you've got a thriving houseplant with luscious green leaves.

leaves of monstera deliciosa plant swiss cheese plant propagation
Lamina Akulova - Getty Images

How to propagate a Swiss cheese plant in soil

A Swiss cheese plant can also be propagated by placing the cutting directly into a pot with soil.

'To propagate Swiss cheese plant cuttings in soil, combine a standard potting soil with other materials to help improve the airflow, such as orchid bark or perlite,' Graham explains. 'Moisten the potting mix and use it to fill a small pot, ensuring you use a pot with a drainage hole. Take a stem cutting from a Swiss cheese plant, cutting just below a leaf node. Place the end of the cutting into some rooting hormone, then place it into the prepared soil. Place the potted cutting somewhere with bright, indirect sunlight and keep the compost moist.'

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