Monstera Seeds: Harvesting, Growing & Buying Guide

Though Monstera can be propagated via easy stem cutting, many people opt for the seeds germination approach for a rewarding adventure.

For successful germination, you must ensure the Monstera seeds are brand new and fresh.

But that is not all deciding factor for successful germination. Thus, read on to find out how to extract and grow Monstera seeds in conducive care conditions.

Monstera Seeds Overview

Many Monstera species bloom after reaching maturity in their natural tropical habitat.

Depending upon the species, it can take about 3 to 8 years to attain maturity and bloom.

After the successful pollination, the flower blossoms turn into berry-like fruit-producing Monstera seeds.

Here is a brief description of Monstera seeds.

Beware of scammers claiming to have seeds of variegated Monstera on the internet. 

Getting variegated Monstera seeds is very rare. It is like one in a million, and variegation can be confirmed only after the seed sprouts.

How to Get Monstera Seeds?

It is rare for Monstera kept indoors to produce flowers, but outdoor ones with natural habitat-like care are more likely to flower.

Once they produce typical aroid inflorescence, help them with pollination to get Monstera seeds.

After successful pollination, green fruit will develop and turns yellowish to orange at maturity.

Therefore, to ensure healthy fruit with viable seeds, you need to take extra care of your plant.

Furthermore, you may not need to relocate their position and let them stay where they initially bloomed.

Generally, fruits’ base hexagonal caps fall off, exposing a creamy flesh color when it ripens. It usually takes a year-long to become fully ripe.

You can break off the fruit from the plant when you see small openings around the base caps.

To extract seeds from the ripened Monstera fruit, buy the Pectinase enzyme that makes seed extraction easy.

Now let us begin the Monstera seeds extraction process, shall we?

Steps to Extract the Seeds from Monstera

Carefully break off the ripe Monstera fruit from the plant to avoid damage to the plant.

• Take out the individual berry-like hexagonal caps with honeycomb-like textures.
• Generously squeeze them to get the seeds out.
• The seed should look pale or white.
• It is normal for some seed pods to be seedless.
• Remove the pulp or debris and clean the seeds with water.
• Use the pectinase enzyme during this step to make seed extraction easier.
• Keep the seeds in a cool, dry container in a secluded room.
• Store the seeds in the refrigerator for the best results.

It is better to plant the seeds immediately after extraction, as they have higher chances of germination.

So, do not wait long to start the germination process.

Monstera Seeds for Sale

Do not worry if your Monstera didn’t bloom to produce the seeds. You can rely on many online vendors that provide different Monstera seeds.

Here I have listed some certified online stores with Monstera seeds for sale.

Can Monstera Grow from Seed?

Monstera germinates and grows fine from seeds. Instead, you might face difficulties finding fresh seeds for seed germination. 

So, double-check the seed’s information and reviews if you buy seeds from online vendors.

As I mentioned, these seeds do not have a long shelf life, so consider germinating immediately.

Here I have included a complete guide for Monstera propagation from seeds with the necessary care.

But before making your hands dirty, gather the materials like Seed Starter Mix, Germination Tray and 2-3 inches pot.

Steps to Propagate Monstera via Seeds

To ensure the most efficient seedling growth, you shall begin germination during early spring.

There are two different ways to start germination: Soaking and the Paper Towel Technique.

1. Soaking Technique

Germination via soaking technique includes pre-soaking the seeds for 12-24 hours in lukewarm water.

Pre-soaking seeds are said to be the signal to the seeds for germination.

• Pre-soak ordered seeds in lukewarm chemical-free water for about 24 hours.
• Do not soak them for more than 48 hours to avoid drowning.
• Stir the seed starter mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly and moisten them.
• Gently press seeds under the soil almost half inches deep, and ensure to cover them.
• Sparingly water to make the mix moist but not too wet.
• Place one seed per section for freshly self-extracted seeds and 2-3 seeds for ordered ones.
• Use clear plastic to cover the tray and keep it in indirect bright sunlight.
• Maintain temperature at 70 to 80°F with 60 % humidity.
• Use grow lights a few inches away for almost 10-12 hours.

If you live in colder regions, you can place the heating pads under the tray to keep them warm.

After germinating, maintain the humid condition by covering them with a Ziploc bag. 

After two or three weeks, seeds will germinate with a small Monstera sprout.

2. Paper Towel Technique

Many gardeners prefer this technique because they can observe every tiny observable growth of seeds.

Like its name, this technique uses a paper towel to germinate the seeds.

• Lay down a single layer of paper towel on the plate and place seeds on them.
• Put another paper towel on top of the laid-down ones to cover the seeds.
• Spritz the paper towel with the help of water spray until it gets moist.

• Place the paper towel in bright indirect sunlight.
• Ensure the paper towel is moist always and spritz as necessary.
• Look out for any observable growths from the seeds.

Generally, it takes two to four days for sprouts to develop on Monstera seeds.

However, do not leave the seeds on the paper towel for too long, as sprouts may attach to the paper towel.

You shall consider transplanting them to an individual pot for further seedling growth.

Steps to Transplant Seedling in a Pot

Regardless of the technique you followed up on, both require transplanting to an individual pot.

In contrast, you shall transplant the seed after the seeds sprouts if you opt for the paper towel method.

Here are a few things you need to take care of when transplanting from paper towels.

• Prepare a potting mix rich in nutrients by mixing 60% potting soil, 20% perlite, and 20% orchid bark.
• Ensure the soil facilitates well drainage and has a pH value of around 5.5-7.
• Fill the 2 to 3-inch container with the prepared mix and place the plant in the center.
• Regularly provide water to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• Place them in a sunny location while preventing direct sunlight exposure.
• Be careful when removing sprouted seeds from the paper towel, and gently place them in the pot at 1.5 centimeters depth.
• Do not move them outdoors as they are vulnerable to cold and direct sun exposure.

Care Tips for Monstera Seeds After Germination

Here is a brief care guide to help your new Monstera seedlings grow to adulthood.