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How to propagate a Swiss Cheese plant

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propagate swiss cheese plant
Swiss cheese plant (Photo by Studio Kealaula)

We love everything green growing out of the soil, but every plant lover has one or two favorite plant species that they don’t fail to get excited over. For us, that is Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the swiss cheese plant.

The big, green heart-shaped leaves with holes in them bring personality to any room and don’t fail to catch attention. We have to say we are suckers for any plant that doesn’t require much effort. But is the swiss cheese plant as easy to propagate as it is to take care of it? Yes!

How to propagate Swiss Cheese Plant from cuttings?

Whenever we start a new swiss cheese plant propagation project, we use stem cuttings for the project. And I’m not the only plant enthusiast who loves this propagation technique. It is so simple and has never failed me before!

What do you need to take your cutting? A healthy swiss cheese plant and a clean pair of shears or scissors. Don’t want to infect the plant with dirty tools.

  • Choose a healthy stem on the parent plant. It needs to have at least one node on it! And ideally, a leaf as well.
  • Cut the stem below the node.
  • That is it – you have your swiss cheese plant cutting!

Propagating Swiss Cheese Plant cuttings in water

Once you have your cutting, it’s time to choose whether you’re rooting it in soil or water. I prefer propagating any houseplant cuttings in water. And that is for some simple reasons. Keeping your cutting in a glass jar in water makes it easy to monitor root growth. And it also makes a perfect decor element!

  • Fill a glass jar or a container with water. If possible, use water free of chloride. That doesn’t mean you should run to the store to grab a bottle. Tap water works just fine – boil it and let it cool or if you have more time on your hands, let the water sit for a day or two before using it.
  • Place your cutting in the water. Make sure the node on the stem emerges in the water! Leave the cutting in a warm spot in your home – avoid harsh sunlight.
  • The cutting doesn’t require much care. But remember to change the water regularly – once a week is good.
  • Plant your new monstera in soil once the roots have grown around an inch long. That could take from a couple of weeks up to a month.

Propagating Swiss Cheese Plant cuttings in soil

Another way to root your cutting is to do so in soil. It’s as simple as using the water method but monitoring the root growth is a bit more challenging. However, using a clear container can help with that!

  • Fill your chosen container with a seed starting mix or light soil. Using a pot with drainage holes is crucial!
  • Plant your cutting. The node on your cutting should be under the surface of the potting mix.
  • Lightly pat the soil around the cutting to firm it up.
  • Place your container in a warm spot where it can receive sunlight. Don’t leave your cutting in harsh direct sunlight.
  • Water the cutting once a week. You want to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  • Allow your new swiss cheese plant a few weeks to develop roots before repotting it.

How to propagate a Swiss Cheese Plant from division?

Not every plant can be propagated by division, as this method requires the plant to have several stems with individual root systems. But monstera plants are easy to propagate using this method!

  • Take your monstera and gently pull it out of its pot.
  • Get rid of as much soil as possible – you want a clear view of the roots.
  • Pick a spot where you want to divide the roots. Gently tease the roots apart as much as you can and use a clean cutting tool to cut the sections apart.
  • Fill clean containers with fresh potting mix and transplant the sections of the plant into individual pots.
  • Maintain regular care.
How to propagate a swiss cheese plant?

How to propagate a Swiss Cheese Plant from air layering?

Monstera plants grow aerial roots on their stems, allowing the plant to be propagated without cutting it in parts. Air layering sounds a lot more intimidating than it is. The process is pretty straightforward.

  • Locate a healthy-looking stem with an aerial root and a node on it.
  • Use a sharp knife to make a small cut into the stem below the aerial root.
  • Wrap some damp sphagnum around the area you cut.
  • Wrap it together with some cling film or a plastic bag. Then tie the bottom and top parts of the moss ball.
  • Lightly water the moss now and then to keep it moist. So, don’t tie the plastic around the stem too tight!
  • Wait until the roots grow. Cut the stem from the parent plant and transplant it into fresh soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my swiss cheese plant turning yellow and brown?

There are several reasons behind your Swiss cheese plant turning yellow and brown – such as overwatering, underwatering and low humidity. If you notice the leaves on your plant yellowing, your best bet is to check the soil.

How to propagate swiss cheese plants in water?

Propagating houseplants in water is one of the easiest ways to go about it. Take a cutting from a healthy parent plant and put it in water. Change the water regularly and wait for the cutting to grow roots. Once the roots develop, you can plant the cutting in soil.

How to make swiss cheese plant bushy?

Swiss cheese plants can get leggy pretty fast. To accomplish a more bushy look, pruning the plant can help.

Can you grow a swiss cheese plant from cuttings?

You can grow a swiss cheese plant, also known as monstera, in several ways – such as from seeds, cuttings, or division. Propagating monstera from cuttings is the easiest way to go about it!

How often should I water my swiss cheese plant?

If you want your swiss cheese plant to thrive, avoid over-watering it. Wait until the top 2-3 inches of the soil are nearly dry before showering the plant. Generally, watering the plant once a week does wonders. And don’t forget to use a pot with drainage holes!