The Monstera genus consists of some of the most beautiful and expensive plants known to man. As such, plant owners would propagate Monstera to grow more. While soil propagation is an option, many prefer the ease and efficiency of water propagation. However, how long can Monstera live in water before you have to get them out? Read here to find out.
Can Monstera Live in Water?
Before wondering how long Monstera can live in water, it is essential to know whether they can live there. The answer is both yes and no. Monstera are tropical plants, and they thrive when they have their ideal conditions to grow. However, the Monstera are extremely adaptable plants. Therefore, they can tolerate a variety of conditions.
While Monstera lives in water, and you may have seen people do so, there is confusion regarding whether they will grow as well in water as a Monstera deliciosa plant grows in its natural environment.
The Swiss cheese plant is found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Therefore, they have to be able to survive in large amounts of water for long periods.
While many prefer growing Monstera in a place where it can grow to its monstrous size, many still prefer growing Monstera in water. If you are one of those people, you will need to know all the details about growing Monstera in water.
How Long Can Monstera Live in Water?
typically, Monstera plants can live in water indefinately, but they won’t grow as well as in soil.
All plants require nutrients to grow, without which they will slowly die. However, Monstera’s adaptability allows it to survive in water without nutrients or light for up to three weeks. However, you will have to ensure the proper temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can ensure that Monstera lives in water for longer if you provide the proper nutrients and sufficient indirect sunlight. Make sure that the leaves are not submerged in water.
One of the most popular ways of growing Monstera in water is in transparent glass bottles. This allows sufficient indirect light to get to the plant, and you can see the plant growing new roots. However, the question then becomes how long Monstera plants can grow in water.
How Long Will Monstera Grow in Water?
A Monstera stem cutting will continue to grow new roots in water for around five weeks. However, that is under ideal conditions. Some Monstera cuttings can only grow for a few weeks.
To ensure that Monstera continues to grow in water for the longest time, you will have to do what’s necessary. You will have to replace the water at least once a week to nourish the nutrients and oxygen.
Moreover, you will also have to rinse the root system now and then to prevent bacterial infection or root rot. Another good way of ensuring longer Monstera growth is using liquid hydroponic fertilizer to promote plant growth.
Over time, the tropical plants will grow, although not as much as the Monstera deliciosa in its natural environment. However, given their sensitivity, the growth will halt after around three to five weeks.
Can Monstera Flourish in Water?
Flourish means it grows to the best of its ability, more so than any typical Monstera plant would unless given ideal conditions. Unfortunately, that is not the case when growing Monstera in water.
For any plant to flourish, it must get a suitable growth medium. For the Monstera, the right medium is soil. While the plant will grow in water, it’s unlikely to thrive.
Can I Keep Monstera in Water Forever?
Working with soil can be messy, especially if you do not have a garden. Therefore, it’s much cleaner to grow your Monstera in water. You also get the benefits of the aesthetics of a beautiful Monstera encased in a glass bottle. However, can you keep Monstera in water forever?
The answer is yes. While it would be best to grow Monstera in the soil if you want it to reach its full potential, if placed in water for extended periods, it will not die.
The Monstera are a species of the most adaptable plants and can survive in most conditions. Therefore, while they won’t grow as well as a Monstera deliciosa would in its natural habitat, they won’t die either. Moreover, these tropical plants can adapt to their indoor container to grow in perfect shape.
A Guide to Growing Monstera in Water
If you decide that water is the medium you want to grow your Monstera in, then there are several factors you need to consider to ensure that it grows and remains healthy.
Sunlight
Do not place Monstera in bright direct sunlight. A Monstera plan requires bright indirect light to grow well, which is also true if it’s in water.
Temperature and Humidity
While you would generally have to keep a close eye on humidity, since Monstera loves high humidity levels, you will not have to worry much when it’s in water, primarily because it’s surrounded by water.
However, keeping the temperature at ideal levels would be best. While anywhere above 50 degrees Fahrenheit is acceptable (or average indoor temperatures), you must keep it around 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit for ideal growth.
pH Levels
pH refers to how acidic or alkaline the medium is in which you grow your Monstera. Monstera species prefer growing in slightly acidic medium with pH levels of 5-7.
Therefore, you must keep the pH levels in ideal conditions to allow your Monstera to grow in water.
Watering
You cannot keep the Monstera in the same water for more than a week. Ideally, you should replace the water once every couple of days. This prevents the accumulation of bacteria and helps replenish dissolved oxygen in the water that the plant will need to survive.
How to Fertilize a Monstera Plant in Water
A Monstera deliciosa requires fertilizer even when it is growing in commercially available potting mixes. In water, the Monstera does not have the potting soil and has lower nutrient availability and thus requires fertilizers to supplement essential macro and micronutrients, mainly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
A regular fertilizer will not be sufficient for a Monstera growing in water, as they are more suitable for soil. Therefore, it is better to use a fertilizer that is best for water, i.e., hydroponics fertilizers.
You can choose a liquid fertilizer for aroid plants to help your Monstera get the right amount of nutrients. However, you must follow the feeding instructions on the package to ensure you do not overfeed the Monstera.
Overfeeding could lead to blockage of soil roots which prevents them from absorbing. Moreover, it can also affect the pH and diffusion gradient of the water.
What Water is Best for the Tropical Plants?
What water you use is of the utmost importance when growing a Monstera plant in water for a long time. When growing a plant in a commercially available potting mix, you won’t have to worry about much since the mix covers the essential conditions. However, that is not the case for water.
For all plants, rainwater is the most ideal. Rainwater contains nutrients the plant needs, mainly nitrates that help them grow. Moreover, the water is slightly acidic, perfect for the Monstera plant.
However, not everyone has easy access to rainwater. In that case, you can also use spring water or water from a well. However, before using any water, test it for chemicals like heavy metals that could damage the plant’s growth.
Do Monsteras in Water Produce New Leaves?
You will be able to see Monstera grow roots. You might get worried when you only see the aerial roots grow in water. However, that is normal for the first few weeks. After about two to three weeks, the plant cuttings will sprout new Monstera leaves.
You will have to ensure that the plant gets enough bright light and rich nutrients to allow the Monstera to grow well. However, remember that the Monstera will not grow to its full size.
After some time, every time new leaf sprouts, an older and bigger Monstera leaf will fall off. Since it isn’t the Monstera’s natural habitat, it will adapt accordingly to not take up too much space and nutrients available.
Therefore, while the Monstera will continue producing new leaves, it will remain the same size.
Pros and Cons of Growing Monsteras in Water
If you are still unsure whether to grow your Monstera plant in the soil or the water, then read some potential benefits and risks of growing it to figure out whether it’s a good choice.
Advantages
Below are some of the benefits of growing your plant in water.
Reduced Risk of Pests and Diseases
Monstera is prone to infections, algae growth, and infestations when grown in soil. These infections can cause damaged or rotted roots. In the water, however, the chances are significantly reduced.
Since the most common pests to affect the Monstera are spider mites, aphids, and mealy bugs, they are unlikely to reach the water roots. Similarly, fungal infections such as fungus gnats and root rot are less likely in water as you regularly change it.
Moreover, you can monitor root health easily by checking your plant’s root system and stem more clearly if an infection or infestation occurs. You can remove the plant from the water and treat it with antimicrobial or pesticide soap. You can also add neem oil to the water to prevent infestations.
It’s Cleaner
Let’s be honest. Soil is messy and hard to clean. Moreover, water is the best choice for growing a Monstera if you have a pet who likes to dig inside potted plants. Moreover, you can see any insects or mold in the water, which would be hidden in the soil.
It’s Easier
You don’t have to worry about leaving the tropical plant while you go away for a few days. Moreover, you won’t need to worry about overwatering and checking the pot’s drainage holes every other day. Similarly, it’s easier to monitor the health of the plant.
You can also use different containers to place your Monstera plant in. This gives you a wider choice of aesthetics and makes it easier to move the plant around.
Disadvantages
Below are some disadvantages of growing a Monstera plant in water.
Limited Growth
The Monstera will not grow as much in the water as a Monstera deliciosa can in the soil. This leads to missing out on the most characteristic feature of the Monstera species.
Difficult to Monitor Nutrients and pH levels
In the soil, Monstera can absorb nutrients without them running out. Moreover, it is easier to know when to feed the Monstera without overfeeding it. In the water, the Monstera soon faces a nutrient deficiency and requires regular feeding.
Moreover, it is difficult to maintain the pH levels of the water to the ideal conditions, especially if you are using fertilizers.
Wrap Up
You can quickly grow a Monstera in water, and there are plenty of benefits and risks associated with the process. Moreover, you won’t have to worry about how long it can stay in the water since it can stay there indefinitely. However, they won’t be able to grow as well as they usually would.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Tap Water Good for Watering Monstera Plants?
Absolutely not! Tap water is perhaps the second first choice for growing your Monstera, the first being pure chlorine.
This is because domestically available water is treated with several chemicals, including chlorine. The chlorinated water contains chemicals and salts that can harm the Monstera.
While doing it once would not damage the tropical plant much, repeated watering from the tap can cause the Monstera to accumulate damage, especially in the root system. If you use tap water because you do not have a proper alternative, try keeping the water overnight5 to allow some chlorine to evaporate and other chemicals to settle before pouring it in.
2. How to Propagate Monstera from Plant Cuttings?
You can use monstera cuttings to grow a new plant. Monstera roots will grow within a few weeks, and the rooted monstera cutting will grow until you have jars filled with plants. Once the Monstera cuttings start growing leaf, you can sit back and watch it grow.
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
