Growing Monstera Deliciosa In Water – Your Ultimate Guide To Lush

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Do you adore the iconic, fenestrated leaves of the Monstera deliciosa but find yourself sighing at the thought of dealing with messy soil, fungus gnats, or the dreaded guesswork of watering schedules? It’s a common feeling among plant lovers—we want the jungle vibes without the jungle hassles.

I promise you there’s a stunningly simple, elegant, and almost magical way to cultivate this beloved plant. We’re going to unlock the secrets of growing monstera deliciosa in water, a method that is not only beautiful but incredibly rewarding and beginner-friendly.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know. From selecting the perfect cutting and choosing the right vessel to mastering the art of water care and troubleshooting any little hiccups along the way. Get ready to watch those gorgeous white roots unfurl in a crystal-clear home!

Why Grow a Monstera in Water? The Surprising Benefits

You might think of water propagation as just a temporary step before moving a plant to soil. But for a Monstera, a permanent hydroponic home is a fantastic option. The benefits of growing monstera deliciosa in water go far beyond just looking cool (though it certainly does!).

Here are just a few reasons why I’ve fallen in love with this method:

  • Goodbye, Pests! The most common houseplant pests, like fungus gnats and spider mites, live and breed in soil. By removing the soil, you eliminate their habitat entirely. It’s a clean, simple, and pest-free way to grow.
  • No More Watering Guesswork: Is the soil too wet? Too dry? It’s the number one source of stress for plant parents. In water, you can literally see the water level, making it impossible to over or under-water your plant.
  • Aesthetic Beauty: There is something truly captivating about watching a complex root system develop. A Monstera in a clear glass vase becomes a living piece of art, adding a modern and minimalist touch to any space.
  • Healthier Roots: Water-grown roots are constantly supplied with the moisture they need. This consistent environment can lead to robust, healthy root systems without the risk of soil compaction or rot from sitting in soggy potting mix.
  • It’s Incredibly Forgiving: Don’t worry—these plants are perfect for beginners! Monsteras are resilient, and growing them in water is one of the most straightforward ways to care for them. It’s a fantastic entry into the world of hydroponics.

Getting Started: Your Step-by-Step Growing Monstera Deliciosa in Water Guide

Ready to dive in? This is the fun part! Learning how to growing monstera deliciosa in water is a simple process that requires just a few basic tools and a little bit of patience. Let’s get your new hydro-plant set up for success.

Step 1: Selecting the Perfect Monstera Cutting

Your journey begins with the right cutting. You can’t just snip off a leaf and hope for the best! The key to success is getting a piece of the stem that includes a node.

A node is a small, brownish bump or ring on the stem where leaves and aerial roots grow from. This is where the magic happens—it’s the spot where new water roots will emerge. For the best chance of success, your cutting should have:

  • At least one healthy, vibrant leaf.
  • A few inches of stem.
  • At least one, preferably two, nodes.
  • Bonus: An existing aerial root. Cuttings with a small aerial root already started tend to adapt to water even faster!

Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to make your cut just below a node.

Step 2: Choosing Your Vessel

This is your chance to get creative! Almost any waterproof container will work, but some are better than others.

Glass vases, jars, or even repurposed bottles are perfect. A clear glass vessel is fantastic for beginners because it allows you to monitor root growth and water clarity easily. However, a darker, opaque vase can help prevent algae from growing, which we’ll talk about later. Choose a vessel with a neck narrow enough to support the plant and keep the leaves from falling in, but with a base wide enough to give the roots room to grow.

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Step 3: Preparing the Cutting and Water

Once you have your cutting, you can place it directly in water. Some gardeners (myself included) like to let the cut end sit out for an hour or two to “callous over” slightly, which can help prevent rot, but it’s not a mandatory step for a hardy plant like a Monstera.

The type of water you use matters. While Monsteras aren’t overly fussy, tap water often contains chlorine and other chemicals. For the best results, use filtered water, rainwater, or simply leave a container of tap water out on the counter for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate.

Step 4: Setting Up Your Hydro-Home

This is the easiest step of all! Simply place your Monstera cutting into the vessel and fill it with your prepared water. Make sure the node (or nodes) are fully submerged, but try to keep the leaves and the very top of the stem out of the water to prevent them from rotting. And that’s it! You’re officially on your way.

The Ultimate Growing Monstera Deliciosa in Water Care Guide

Once your Monstera is settled in its new aquatic home, the care is minimal, but consistency is key. Following these growing monstera deliciosa in water best practices will ensure your plant not only survives but truly thrives for years to come.

Finding the Perfect Light

Just like their soil-grown counterparts, water-based Monsteras crave bright, indirect light. An east-facing window that gets gentle morning sun is ideal. A spot a few feet back from a south or west-facing window also works perfectly.

Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, as it can scorch the beautiful leaves and, importantly, supercharge algae growth in the water.

The Water-Changing Ritual

This is the most important part of your care routine. Fresh water provides dissolved oxygen that the roots need to “breathe” and prevents the buildup of bacteria.

Aim to change the water every 7 to 14 days. When you do, it’s a good idea to take the plant out and gently rinse the roots under lukewarm water. Give the inside of your vase a quick scrub as well to remove any slippery biofilm that has started to form. Then, refill with fresh, room-temperature water.

Feeding Your Water-Grown Monstera

Here’s a pro tip that many people miss: water has no nutrients. For your Monstera to grow big, lush, and develop those gorgeous splits (fenestrations), it needs food. Soil naturally contains micronutrients, but in water, you have to provide them.

The solution is a good quality, balanced liquid fertilizer designed for hydroponics or semi-hydroponics. Look for one with a balanced N-P-K ratio (like 3-1-2). During the growing season (spring and summer), add a very diluted amount to the water once a month. I recommend using just a quarter of the strength suggested on the bottle. Remember, with fertilizer in water, less is always more to avoid burning the delicate roots.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with Growing Monstera Deliciosa in Water

Even with the best care, you might run into a few small issues. Don’t worry! These are usually easy to fix. Here are some of the most common problems with growing monstera deliciosa in water and how to solve them.

Help! My Roots Are Turning Slimy or Brown (Root Rot)

If you notice the roots becoming mushy, brown, and slimy, you’re likely dealing with the early stages of root rot. This is typically caused by a lack of oxygen from not changing the water often enough.

The Fix: Immediately take the plant out of the water. Using sterile scissors, carefully trim away any affected, mushy roots. Give the healthy roots and the vase a thorough cleaning, then repot in fresh, clean water. Moving forward, increase your water-changing frequency to once a week.

Why Are the Leaves Turning Yellow?

A yellowing leaf can signal a few different things. If it’s an older, smaller leaf at the base of the plant, it might just be the natural end of its life cycle. However, if newer leaves are turning yellow, it’s often a sign of either too much direct sunlight or a nutrient deficiency.

The Fix: First, assess the light. Is the sun hitting it directly for hours? If so, move it to a spot with softer, filtered light. If the light is fine, it’s likely hungry. Start incorporating a very diluted liquid fertilizer into your routine as described above.

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Dealing with Green Algae in the Vase

Notice a green film building up on the inside of your clear vase? That’s algae. It’s not directly harmful to your plant, but it competes for nutrients and, let’s be honest, doesn’t look great.

The Fix: Algae needs light to grow. The easiest fix is to switch to an opaque or dark-colored ceramic or glass vase that blocks light from reaching the water. If you love the clear look, simply make sure to scrub the vase thoroughly with a bottle brush every time you change the water.

An Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Way to Garden Indoors

Choosing a more sustainable growing monstera deliciosa in water method is a wonderful bonus of this technique. By going soil-free, you reduce the demand for peat moss, a common ingredient in potting soil whose harvesting can be environmentally destructive.

This eco-friendly growing monstera deliciosa in water approach also encourages us to be resourceful. Repurposing a beautiful glass bottle or a vintage jar gives an old item a new life and prevents waste. You’ll also find you use less water overall compared to the traditional method of thoroughly drenching a potted plant and letting the excess drain away.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Monstera Deliciosa in Water

Can a Monstera live in water forever?

Absolutely! As long as you provide it with the key elements it needs—light, fresh water, and occasional nutrients—a Monstera can live its entire life happily in water. It may grow slower than its soil-based counterparts, but it will be just as healthy and beautiful.

How long does it take for a Monstera cutting to root in water?

Patience is a gardener’s best friend! You can typically expect to see the first signs of new, white roots emerging from the nodes within 2 to 4 weeks. The exact timing can vary depending on the time of year, the health of the mother plant, and the amount of light it receives.

What is the best fertilizer for growing a Monstera deliciosa in water?

The best choice is a well-balanced liquid fertilizer specifically formulated for hydroponic or semi-hydroponic systems. These contain the full spectrum of micro and macronutrients that are absent in plain water. Always remember to dilute it to 1/4 strength to protect the roots.

Can I move my soil-grown Monstera to water?

Yes, you can, but it requires care. You’ll need to very gently remove the plant from its pot and wash all of the soil from its roots. This can be shocking for the plant, as soil roots are different from water roots. It may lose a few leaves as it adjusts, but with time and regular water changes, it can successfully transition.

Your Journey into Water Gardening Awaits!

There you have it—everything you need for the rewarding experience of growing monstera deliciosa in water. It’s a clean, simple, and visually stunning way to enjoy one of the world’s most popular houseplants.

You’ve learned the benefits, the step-by-step process, and how to care for your plant for the long haul. You’re ready to tackle any problem that comes your way and create a beautiful, sustainable piece of living art for your home.

So go ahead, find a pretty jar, take that cutting, and give it a try. You’ll be amazed at how simple and joyful it can be. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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