If you’re looking to try something new with your Monstera plant, growing it in water may be just the innovation you need. While these tropical plants are traditionally grown in soil, they can thrive in water with the right conditions and care.
In this article, we’ll explore the tips and tricks for successfully growing Monsteras in water, so you can add a unique touch to your indoor garden.
First, it’s important to understand the facts about Monstera Deliciosa. These plants are known for their large, tropical leaves and ability to adapt to a variety of conditions, making them a popular choice for houseplants. When grown in water, they rely on their roots to absorb nutrients and oxygen from the water, rather than from soil. While this method is not traditional, it can be a fun and unique way to grow your Monstera.
Keep reading for tips on how to do it successfully.
Key Takeaways
- Monsteras can survive in water, but they won’t reach their full potential in size or health unless they are eventually moved to soil.
- Monsteras grown in water will not get really big and leaves will not reach their maximum potential.
- Monsteras can survive in water as long as the cutting contains a node, but they become deficient in some of the nutrients it would have absorbed from potting soil over time.
- Tips for success in growing Monstera deliciosa in water include changing the water every 2-3 days, using rainwater or spring water, fertilizing with hydroponic fertilizer, and rooting cuttings using water propagation.
Can Monstera Live in Water?
So, can your Monstera deliciosa survive in water alone? Yes, it can. However, it won’t reach its full potential in size or health unless you eventually move it to soil.
Monsteras are not aquatic plants, and keeping them in water forces them to adapt to circumstances they wouldn’t find in the wild. While Monsteras can tolerate a variety of conditions, they won’t get as big or healthy as a Monstera deliciosa that is provided with a pot of well-draining potting soil mix and something to climb.
Benefits of soil growing include larger and healthier plants with bigger and more vibrant leaves. Comparing growth of Monstera in water vs soil, Monsteras grown in water will not get really big and leaves will not reach their maximum potential. Monsteras grown in water will continue to put out new leaves, but each time that new growth emerges, an older/larger leaf drops off.
Monsteras grown in soil, on the other hand, will have larger and more vibrant leaves with optimal growth potential. So, while it is possible to grow your Monstera deliciosa in water, it’s recommended that you eventually move it to soil to ensure its optimal growth and health.
Facts about Monstera Deliciosa
If you want to grow Monstera deliciosa to its full potential, you should eventually move it to soil as it won’t reach its maximum size or health in water alone. While it’s true that Monsteras can survive in water, they are not aquatic plants and growing them in water forces them to adapt to circumstances they wouldn’t find in the wild. As a result, Monsteras grown in water have limited growth potential and may become deficient in some of the nutrients they would have absorbed from potting soil over time, leading to stunted growth and smaller leaves.
To give you an idea of the differences between growing Monstera deliciosa in water versus soil, take a look at the table below. While growing in water may have some advantages, such as easier monitoring of root health and pest control, it’s important to consider the long-term health and growth potential of your plant. If you’re interested in water propagation, it’s best to use it as a means of rooting cuttings before eventually transferring them to soil for optimal growth.
| Monstera Deliciosa Growth in Water | Monstera Deliciosa Growth in Soil | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Limited growth potential | Can reach their full potential in size |
| Health | May become deficient in nutrients over time | Can absorb nutrients from potting soil mix |
| Root Health | Easy to monitor | May be more difficult to monitor |
| Pest Control | Easier to control pests | May be more prone to pests in soil |
| Growth Potential | Limited growth potential | Can reach their full potential in both size and health |
Pros and Cons of Water Growing
You may be wondering about the advantages and disadvantages of growing Monstera deliciosa in water. There are both pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to grow your Monstera in water.
One of the biggest advantages is that growing in water eliminates the need for soil, making it easier to care for and monitor the plant’s health. Water growing also allows for easy monitoring of root health and can help avoid overwatering.
However, there are also long term effects to consider. Monstera grown in water have limited growth potential and may become deficient in some of the nutrients it would have absorbed from potting soil over time. Additionally, the pH level of the water can affect the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients.
It’s important to change the water every 2-3 days and use rainwater or spring water for watering plants to avoid the chemicals and salts found in tap water. Fertilizer is also necessary for Monstera growing in water, and hydroponic fertilizer is recommended for permanent water growing.
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding how you want to grow your Monstera deliciosa.
Rooting Monstera Cuttings
To root your Monstera cuttings successfully, start by selecting a cutting with a node and 2-3 leaves. The node contains the cells necessary for root growth, and without it, the cutting can’t become a full-fledged plant.
Once you have your cutting, place it in a container of water and keep it in a bright, indirect light. Change the water every 2-3 days and rinse off the roots when you do so. This will ensure that the roots have access to fresh, oxygenated water.
To promote healthy growth, make sure to use rainwater or spring water instead of tap water, which can contain chemicals that may damage the plant. Additionally, fertilize your Monstera cutting with hydroponic fertilizer to ensure it gets the necessary nutrients.
Keep an eye on the leaves and roots for any signs of stress or disease, and adjust your plant care routine as needed. With proper care and maintenance, your Monstera cutting will thrive and add a beautiful touch to your indoor plant collection.
Water Characteristics for Growing
Understanding the characteristics of the water you use is crucial for growing Monstera deliciosa in a water-based system. The pH level of the water is one of the most important factors to consider. Monsteras grown in water may have trouble absorbing nutrients if the pH level is off.
A pH level between 6 and 7 is ideal for Monsteras. You can test the pH level of your water using a pH testing kit, which can be found at most gardening stores. If your water has a higher pH level, you can lower it by adding a small amount of white vinegar or lemon juice to the water.
Another important factor to consider is nutrient absorption. Monsteras grown in water become deficient in some of the nutrients it would have absorbed from the potting soil over time.
To ensure that your Monstera is getting all the nutrients it needs, you should add hydroponic fertilizer to the water every two to three weeks. Hydroponic fertilizer is specially designed for plants grown in water and contains all the necessary nutrients your Monstera needs to thrive.
By paying attention to the pH level and nutrient absorption of the water you use, you can ensure that your Monstera will grow healthy and strong in a water-based system.
Light Requirements
If you want your Monstera deliciosa to thrive, make sure it’s placed in an area with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Indoor lighting isn’t usually enough for this plant to grow to its full potential.
Sunlight exposure is crucial for the Monstera to develop strong and healthy leaves. To ensure that your Monstera gets enough sunlight, you can place it near a window that receives partial or filtered sunlight. If the plant is in direct sunlight, it may burn and suffer from sun damage.
Additionally, you can rotate the plant every few days to ensure that all sides receive adequate light. Remember, growing Monsteras in water limits their growth potential, so providing them with ideal lighting conditions is crucial for their overall health.
Water Change and Root Maintenance
Make sure you change the water in your Monstera deliciosa’s container every 2-3 days and check and rinse off the roots when you do so, to ensure their health and prevent nutrient deficiencies. The water quality is also important for your Monstera’s growth. Tap water contains chemicals and salts that can damage the plant, so it’s best to use rainwater or spring water. If you have to use tap water, let it sit overnight to allow the chlorine to evaporate.
Trimming the roots is also essential for the health of your Monstera deliciosa. Check the roots regularly and trim any that have become brown or mushy. This will prevent root rot and ensure that your Monstera can absorb the necessary nutrients. To help you keep track of when to change the water and trim the roots, refer to the table below:
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Change water | Every 2-3 days |
| Check roots | Every water change |
| Trim roots | As needed |
By following these tips and maintaining good water quality and root health, you can ensure that your Monstera deliciosa thrives in water.
Water Sources
To ensure the health of your Monstera deliciosa, it’s recommended to use rainwater or spring water for watering instead of tap water. Tap water contains chemicals and salts that can potentially damage your plant. If you have no other choice but to use tap water, it’s best to let it sit overnight to allow chlorine to evaporate.
Rainwater is an excellent choice for watering your Monstera plant. It’s free of chemicals and minerals that are found in tap water. Additionally, it’s slightly acidic, which is beneficial for plants as it helps them absorb nutrients more efficiently.
However, collecting rainwater can be challenging, especially if you live in an area with little rainfall. On the other hand, spring water is readily available in most grocery stores and can be a good alternative to tap water. But, it’s important to note that not all spring water brands are equal, and some may contain high levels of minerals that can be harmful to your plant.
Fertilizing in Water
When fertilizing your Monstera deliciosa grown in water, it’s important to use hydroponic fertilizer for optimal plant health. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
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Hydroponic fertilizers are specially formulated to provide nutrients to plants grown in water. They contain all the necessary nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as trace elements like iron, calcium, and magnesium.
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Nutrient deficiency is a common problem when growing Monsteras in water. If you notice that your plant’s leaves are turning yellow or brown, or if growth seems stunted, it may be a sign that the plant is not getting enough nutrients. Using a hydroponic fertilizer can help to prevent nutrient deficiencies and keep your Monstera healthy.
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When fertilizing your Monstera grown in water, follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully. Be sure to use the correct amount of fertilizer for the amount of water in your container.
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It’s important to change the water in your Monstera’s container regularly to prevent the buildup of salts and other minerals that can harm the plant. When you change the water, be sure to rinse off the roots and check for any signs of damage or disease.
Aerial Roots
If you notice aerial roots growing from your Monstera deliciosa, you can either leave them be or trim them back to promote bushier growth. Aerial roots are common in Monsteras and are used to help the plant climb and attach to surfaces in the wild.
If you want your Monstera to have a bushier appearance, you can trim the aerial roots back to the base of the stem. However, if you want your Monstera to climb and attach to a surface, you can leave the aerial roots to grow and develop.
Pruning aerial roots can also enhance root growth in your Monstera deliciosa. When you trim back the aerial roots, it redirects the plant’s energy to the development of new roots in the soil, leading to a stronger and healthier root system.
It’s important to note that you should only prune the aerial roots when they become too long or are causing damage to the plant or surrounding objects. By properly managing the growth of aerial roots, you can promote the overall health and appearance of your Monstera deliciosa.
Other Growing Conditions
For optimal growth, you should provide your Monstera deliciosa with well-draining potting soil mix and something to climb. While Monsteras can survive in water, they won’t reach their full potential in size or health unless they’re eventually moved to soil.
Monsteras are not aquatic plants and keeping them in water forces them to adapt to circumstances they wouldn’t find in the wild. Therefore, it’s best to plant them in a pot with a well-draining soil mix that is rich in nutrients.
Indoor vs outdoor growing conditions also play a role in the success of your Monstera. Indoor Monsteras require bright, indirect sunlight and a temperature range of 65-80°F. Outdoor Monsteras can tolerate direct sunlight but should be protected from harsh winds and frost.
Hydroponic growing methods are also an option for Monsteras, but it’s important to use hydroponic fertilizers and maintain the correct pH levels. Overall, providing your Monstera with the right growing conditions will ensure it thrives and reaches its full potential.
Limitations of Water Growing
Unfortunately, you may need to consider other growing methods as water growing has limitations when it comes to maximizing the potential size and health of your Monstera deliciosa plant. While it’s true that Monsteras can survive in water, they won’t reach their full potential without eventually being moved to soil.
Here are some benefits and drawbacks of water cultivation for Monstera plants, compared to soil-based growing:
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Limited growth potential: Monsteras grown in water have limited growth potential and may not reach their maximum size or health. This is because they lack the nutrients and support provided by soil.
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Nutrient deficiency: Monsteras grown in water may become deficient in some of the nutrients they would have absorbed from potting soil over time. This can lead to stunted growth and poor health.
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pH imbalance: Monsteras grown in water may have trouble absorbing nutrients if the pH level is off. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies and poor growth. In contrast, soil-based growing provides a more stable environment for the plant and allows for better nutrient absorption.
Hydroponic and Semi-Hydroponic Methods
Consider exploring hydroponic and semi-hydroponic methods for growing Monstera deliciosa if you want to maximize the potential size and health of your plant. These methods allow for the precise control of nutrient levels and pH, resulting in healthier and faster-growing plants.
Hydroponic setups involve growing plants in a nutrient-rich solution without soil, while semi-hydroponic setups use a combination of soil and water to provide optimal growing conditions. Hydroponic benefits include faster growth rates, higher yields, and greater control over plant nutrition. Semi-hydroponic setups provide the benefits of both soil and hydroponic growing, allowing for better drainage and easier monitoring of root health.
Both methods require specialized equipment, such as grow lights and nutrient solutions, but can result in larger and healthier Monstera deliciosa plants. With the right setup and care, hydroponic and semi-hydroponic methods can take your Monstera growing to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any risks to growing Monstera deliciosa in water, such as root rot or mold?
To prevent root rot when growing Monstera deliciosa in water, ensure the container has adequate drainage and change the water every 2-3 days. Manage mold by avoiding overwatering and keeping the container clean.
Is it possible to grow Monstera deliciosa solely in water for its entire lifespan?
It is possible to grow Monstera deliciosa solely in water, but it won’t reach its full potential in size or health. Benefits of hydroponics include easy monitoring of root health and avoiding overwatering, but soil growth provides better growth potential and nutrient absorption.
Can Monstera deliciosa thrive in low light conditions if grown in water?
Although Monstera deliciosa can survive in low light when grown in water, it won’t thrive. Water propagation techniques can be used, but without sufficient light, the plant’s growth and health will be limited.
Are there any specific pH levels that are optimal for growing Monstera deliciosa in water?
For optimal growth of Monstera deliciosa in water, maintain a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. Use nutrient solutions specifically designed for hydroponic growing. These solutions provide necessary nutrients that would otherwise be found in soil.
Can Monstera deliciosa be grown in water with other plants, or should it be grown alone?
Growing Monsteras with other plants in a hydroponic system is possible, but each plant should be monitored for nutrient and water requirements. Benefits include eliminating soil pests and using decorative pots without drainage holes.
