Splitting a monstera plant is an effective way to propagate the popular houseplant or control its size. This process involves gently dividing the roots and stems of a mature plant to produce smaller, individual plants.
Before beginning the splitting process, it is crucial to ensure the monstera plant is healthy and properly cared for, with the right balance of water, light, and humidity. In the following paragraphs, we will guide you through the necessary steps to successfully split and propagate a monstera plant.
Signs Your Monstera Plant Needs Splitting
One sign that your Monstera plant needs splitting is when the plant becomes too large for its pot and starts to outgrow the space. The roots might also become overcrowded, visible near the pot’s surface, or even growing out of the drainage holes. Splitting allows you to manage the plant’s size and prevent it from becoming unmanageable.
Another indication that your Monstera needs splitting is when multiple stems emerge from the main root ball, forming distinct sections. This signifies that your plant is well-established and can handle being divided into multiple smaller plants. Also, if you notice that the growth rate of your Monstera is slowing down, it could be due to root overcrowding and splitting can help revive its growth.
Lastly, if your Monstera plant starts to lean or seems unstable, this can be a sign that the plant’s size and weight are no longer being adequately supported. Dividing the plant will help reduce its overall size and make it more stable, eliminating the need for additional support structures like grow poles.
How to Split the Monstera Plant
Step 1: Preparing the Workspace
Begin by setting up a clean and spacious workspace for splitting your Monstera plant. Gather necessary materials such as gloves, a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears or a knife, fresh potting soil, and new pots for the divided sections.
Step 2: Removing the Monstera from its Pot
Carefully remove the Monstera plant from its pot, ensuring that the root system remains as intact as possible. Gently shake off excess soil, giving you a clearer view of the roots and making it easier to split the plant.
Step 3: Identifying and Separating the Root Ball
Examine the root ball and identify the stems and aerial roots that can be separated. Using clean, sharp pruning shears, make precise cuts at the nodes (the small bumps on the stems) ensuring that each divided section has at least one node, an aerial root, and a couple of leaves.
Step 4: Replanting the Divided Sections
Place each divided section in a new pot filled with fresh potting soil. Gently pat the soil around the roots, ensuring that they are firmly situated in their new environment. Water the newly potted sections and provide proper care for healthy growth.
Taking Care of the Split Monstera Plants
After successfully splitting a Monstera plant, it is essential to provide the proper care for the new divisions. First, ensure the newly separated plants are placed in a well-draining potting mix, giving each plant adequate space to grow. Provide bright, indirect sunlight for the best growth potential.
It’s necessary to maintain the correct watering routine for the split Monsteras. Water them when the topmost inch of its soil feels dry to the touch and avoid overwatering, which could lead to root rot. Additionally, using a balanced liquid fertilizer only once a month during growing season will support healthy foliage and roots.
Monstera plants thrive in humidity, so it’s beneficial to create a high humidity environment around them. Placing a humidifier nearby, misting the leaves regularly, or setting the pot on a tray with water and pebbles can all help increase humidity levels. Moreover, don’t forget to clean the leaves occasionally by wiping them gently with a damp cloth.
To provide support and maintain the aesthetics of your split Monstera plants, consider attaching them to a moss pole or any other type of climbing support. This will encourage the plants to grow upwards and prevent them from sprawling outwards, which can become unruly and difficult to manage.
Common Splitting Problems and Solutions
One issue that may arise when splitting a Monstera plant is root damage during the separation process. To minimize this risk, gently remove the plant from its pot and brush away excess soil to reveal the root ball. Identify any natural separations in the root ball, such as distinct sections of roots or stems emerging from a central point, and carefully divide the plant along these lines.
Another common problem is uneven water distribution among the divided plants. To avoid this, ensure that each individual plant is placed in a pot with proper drainage, and monitor their water intake closely for the first few weeks. Adjust their watering schedule as needed to maintain consistent moisture levels.
Occasionally, young Monstera plants may not display the characteristic split leaves. If the plant is still 2-3 years old and has solid, heart-shaped leaves, it may simply be too young for splits to develop. In this case, provide proper care such as adequate light, water, and humidity, and remain patient while the plant matures.
Finally, some Monstera plants may experience temporary stress after being divided. To help them acclimate and recover, ensure that they receive appropriate water, light, and humidity levels. Gradually introduce them to their new environment when transplanting, and keep a close eye on their overall health.
Wrapping Up
After successfully splitting a Monstera plant, it’s crucial to give the newly separated plants proper care to ensure healthy growth. Monitor their water intake, light exposure, and humidity levels, as these are vital factors for their development. Remember, patience is key during the initial adjustment period, and soon enough, the Monstera plants will thrive in their new environment.
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.
