Propagating Monstera albo is challenging with seeds as the resulting plant leaves may not show variegation. But stem cuttings with nodes can easily grow new roots and remain true to the mother plants.
Even if you buy Monstera albo seeds fail you, there are stem cuttings ready to take on new roots always. But the things that you need to be accountable for are their post-propagation care tips!
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Can You Propagate Monstera Albo Without Node?
Growing Monstera albo is unlike other houseplants because it is slow to grow and requires a lot of upkeep.
The seeds may not stay true to their parents, and the baby Monstera albo may fail to get the variegation on its leaves.
Moreover, nodeless stems, leaves, or roots will fail to propagate because it is unlikely to produce the roots required for vertical growth.
Although the stem, root, and leaf cuttings will look green for a while, they will fail to become a complete plant.
What is a Node?
Nodes are visible, brown, circular, bumpy parts along the length of the plant stem from which new branches, leaves, and roots originate and are a site of cellular activity.
Some cells grow and differentiate to produce roots, while others form the leaves and additional plant parts.
Between any two nodes, the length of the stem is known as an internode.
A new internode grows above a node, while leaves grow around the nodes enfolded by a papery sheath.
Likewise, Monstera roots (aerial and sub-terranean) grow in clusters along the node’s length.
How to Propagate Monstera Albo With a Node?
Stem with nodes from Monstera albo can easily root in water or soil.
But, a good way to start is to root the nodal cuttings in the water and then transplant them in the right potting mix.
You can see the growth of the roots this way and check for root rots.
Moreover, stem cuttings with nodes with some aerial roots show vigor growth. So, it’s better to keep them.
Now, let’s learn how to propagate Monstera albo with nodal cuttings.
Step 1: Choosing Stem Cuttings
Young Monstera albo don’t have nodes in their stem.
Therefore, wait until your plant is mature enough to grow multiple nodes on stems so you can borrow a few nodal parts.
Furthermore, you must wait for spring and summer or the next repotting session to take the cuttings when the plant’s growth is at its peak.
- First, select a 5-8 inches long stem with 1-2 nodes and 2-3 leaves. The fewer the leaves, the better, but at least keep 1 healthy leaf attached.
- A Monstera albo node with an axillary bud is best for propagation.
- Make a 45° cut using sterilized pruners 1 inch above and below the node right on the internode.
- Then, callous the cutting by wrapping it with tissue paper for 15-45 minutes.
- Ensure to take more cuttings from the plant for successful propagation.
Step 2: Rooting Stem Cuttings
It’s ideal for scabbing the cuttings safely before propagation so they won’t suffer from any shock.
Rooting the Cuttings in Water
- Take a single jar to root a single cutting. Avoid packing multiple cuttings in a single jar.
- Add rooting hormone to water and place the cuttings.
- Ensure the node plunges inside the water, but mind the leaves.
- Place the setup near an east-facing window for 8-10 hours daily.
- However, change the water every 3-5 days or when it turns murky.
- After 2-6 weeks, the cuttings shall grow new roots.
- When the roots are 1-2 inches long, transplant the cuttings into the soil.
Transplanting the Cuttings in Soil
- Add Monstera potting mix into a 4-6 inches wide and 5-inch deep terracotta pot. Use 1 pot per cutting.
- Use chopsticks to make 1-2 inches-deep holes and then transplant the cuttings.
- Cover the roots with soil and place a humidity dome or a wide plastic wrap above to secure warmth.
- Place the cuttings near an east-facing window daily for 8-10 hours.
- After 2-3 months, the cuttings will show new growth.
You can watch the following video to get an idea about the entire process of propagation using only the potting mix.
Tips to Care for Propagated Monstera Albo
Freshly potted Monstera albo cuttings are easy to take care of as the requirements are the same as that of a mature Monstera albo i.e. a conducive tropical environment.
- Place the cuttings near a dappled light source for 8-10 hours daily until they grow roots or leaves.
- Keep the cuttings away from the south or west-facing windows, as the direct light can quickly suck out all the soil water.
- Maintain a temperature around 70-85°F and humidity between 50-80%.
- Locate the cuttings away from radiators, heaters, or cooling vents that can drastically surge or lower the temperature.
- Feed the plant with 20-20-20 half-strength liquid fertilizer monthly after the cuttings develop strong roots and healthy leaves.
- Water the soil every 1-2 weeks and inspect the soil for dryness between the waterings.
- Prune the plant every spring to remove the dead or decaying leaves.
- Repot every 2-3 years when the roots protrude from the pot’s drain holes or when they cuddle on the topsoil.
- If the plant suffers from pests or diseases, employ neem oil normally every 1-2 weeks or every 3 days when the outbreak is noticeable.
Additionally, for expensive Monstera albo varieties like Monstera albo borsiginia, propagation via node is a best choice.
FAQs About Growing Monstera Albo Node
How Long Does it Take a Monstera Albo Node to Grow?
Monstera Albo node has a fast growth rate, widening every 1-2 years, and begets new leaves every few months.
How to Know if Monstera Albo Node is Spent?
A spent Monstera Albo node can grow roots but not any new leaves.
How to Encourage Monstera Albo Node Growth?
To encourage stem growth from the nodes, prune just above the node, not below.
From Editorial Team
Avoid Bruising The Node While Taking Cuttings
Nodes are the growth points crucial for forming roots in Monstera albo. Without nodes, the plant cannot grow new roots and will die. Although the cuttings may stay fresh in water, they still fail to grow into a new plant!
However, do not get confused with Monstera albo and Swiss Cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa). They can be differentiated from their stem pattern.
The Monstera deliciosa contains ruffles on either side of the stem, whereas Monstera albo does not.
