Taming Your Monstera

Do you have a Monstera deliciosa that’s living up to its name – monstrous? We recently got a listener question from Jodi, who wrote in saying her beloved Monstera is basically taking over her living room. We’ve all watched our houseplants grow from cute little babies to magnificent giants, but what do you do when “magnificent” starts feeling a bit like “menace”?

Prune Like a Pro: Taming Your Monstera

The key to keeping your Monstera happy and at a manageable size is strategic pruning. Think of it as giving your plant a stylish haircut, not a buzz cut!

The golden rule for pruning is to always cut just below a node. It’s that little bump on the stem where a leaf or an aerial root emerges. This is where new growth will sprout from, so cutting here ensures your plant can recover and branch out. Use sharp, clean shears to make a precise cut.

Pro Tip: Never cut more than one-third of your plant at a time. This helps prevent your Monstera from going into shock, which can stress it out and hinder new growth. It’s better to do a few smaller pruning sessions over time than one drastic chop.

And speaking of leaves in inconvenient spots – sometimes you have that one gorgeous leaf that’s just poking out in all the wrong directions. Go ahead and snip it off! While a single leaf without a node won’t sprout roots in water, it makes a stunning, long-lasting addition to a floral arrangement. Instant tropical vibes for your home, no commitment required!

The Wild & Wonderful World of Aerial Roots

Okay, let’s talk about those fascinating, often quirky, aerial roots that your Monstera sends out. They look a bit like long, brown tendrils. These aren’t just for show – they’re super important! Aerial roots help Monstera climb trees in the jungle, anchoring them and allowing them to seek out light. They also absorb moisture and nutrients from the air.

Can you cut them off? Generally, yes, it’s okay to snip off an aerial root if it’s really bothering you or growing in an awkward direction. Just make sure you use clean, sharp snips to avoid damaging the plant.

Your Monstera will be just fine without them.

Propagate Like a Boss: Make More Monsteras!

Now for the fun part: turning those pruned pieces into brand new plants!

Once you’ve made your cuts, you’ll have stem sections with at least one node and ideally a leaf or two. Before you pop them into water or soil, it’s crucial to let the cut end “callous over.” This just means allowing the cut to dry out and form a protective seal, which usually takes a few hours or even overnight. After your cutting has calloused, you can place it in a jar of water, making sure the node is submerged. Change the water every few days, and soon enough, you’ll see roots start to emerge from that node. Once the roots are a few inches long, your new Monstera baby is ready to be potted in soil.