How To Grow Monstera In Water: Your Ultimate Guide!
Do you…
ever wonder if your monstera can survive in water but are too afraid to use one as a science experiment? Well, you’re in luck now you won’t have to sacrifice one of your stunning tropical plants! Here you can find a step-by-step guide on how to grow monstera in water and keep it thriving!
Growing a Monstera plant in water means it’s a hydroponic plant. A Monstera plant is a tropical rainforest plant, meaning you can also grow it in water! This is a great option for those who struggle with overwatering their plants. You can easily see root growth, they’re easy to care for in water, and they don’t require much space.
Benefits Of Monstera In Water Propagation
Water propagation can be a great way to grow an indoor jungle if you are short on money. You don’t need to buy soil, as your monstera will be growing in water. Water propagation can also benefit the result of propagating your plant in the future. This is because it helps balance over and underwatering your plant.
Benefits include:
- Easy Monitoring of Root Health
- Minimal Maintenance
- Decorative and Aesthetic Appeal
- Ideal for Small Spaces
- Encourages Root Development
- Cleaner and Less Messy
- Educational Opportunity
- Slower Growth for Controlled Size
“By trying your hand at water propagation, you might find a new hobby! It’s practical for smaller spaces while at the same time creating beauty and uniqueness in your home!“
If you want to grow a hydroponic Monstera but are worried it might outgrow your space as with soil-grown Monsteras then you’re in luck! Water propagation can slow the growth rate which will result in a smaller version of the plant. This is why people with small apartments opt for water-grown plants as they stay smaller than soil-grown ones. While it will still grow healthy the plant will not grow as big or as fast as it would if grown in soil.
How To Grow Monstera In Water: Step-By-Step Guide
Growing a tropical plant in water is an easy set up and a fun way to grow your Monstera! Follow the steps to growing your first hydroponic Monstera!
Step One
Select a Healthy Monstera Cutting
Make sure you get a healthy cutting to get this process started. You will want to get a cutting that has at least one node and a few leaves.
Step Two
Choose the Right Container for Growing Your Monstera in Water
You want to choose a glass jar or vase to grow your monstera in. This will allow you to see roots develop and will let enough indirect light on the roots.
Step Four
Place the Monstera Cutting in the Water
Fill your container with fresh room temp water so all your roots and the nodes are submerged. The leaves should stay above water levels.
Step Five
Position Your Container for Best Lighting
Put your new hydroponic monstera in a place that has indirect light for the majority of the day. A window with sheer curtains works well or a bathroom as it gets nice and steamy which will help with humidity levels.
Step Six
Change Your Water Regularly
Make sure you are changing out the water every few days to make sure your roots stay healthy without decay or rotting.
Step Seven
Root Growth
Keep an eye on the roots in case issues develop. If there are rotting roots or algae appearing, clean the jar and fill it with fresh water. Cut away any rotting roots.
Step Eight
Add Fertilizer
Make sure you give your monstera liquid hydroponic fertilizer. This will help keep your plant foliage healthy with good root development. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks in active growing season.
Best Practices For Keeping A Monstera In Water
Growing a Monstera plant in water is doable however if you don’t keep up with maintenance it will grow slower and lack nutrients. A key factor is changing out the water for fresh water every few days. Without clean water, your Monstera will not be able to absorb nutrients leading to health issues.
“One of the main concerns when water growing Monsteras is very slow growth. Monsteras naturally grow in nutrient-rich soil blends that give their roots access to vital nutrients for healthy growth.”
When you grow in water these nutrients are not easily or naturally found. This is why having a strict supplementation schedule is vital for a healthy grown water plant. Without access to these nutrients in the water, your Monstera will not grow and when it does it will have slow growth developing small solid leaves.
Water plants do not naturally have access to nutrients like magnesium, iron, and potassium. These are essential for root development. If you don’t supplement these in your water your Monstera will develop yellow leaves, stunted growth and weak or limp stems.
Some best practices for keeping a monstera plant in water are.
- Change the water regularly
- Use filtered or distilled water
- Clean the container periodically
- Keep the roots submerged, but not the leaves
- Provide bright, indirect light
- Monitor root health
- Add a diluted liquid fertilizer
- Keep the water level consistent
- Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
- Rotate the container for even growth
“Even though growing a Monstera in water can be more maintenance than growing in soil it can be a fun challenge! With the right time and attention, you can grow a healthy hydroponic Monstera filled with life!“
Common Issues: Growing A Monstera In Water
There are some common issues when growing monstera plants, even in water. When our water is not being switched often enough health issues like root rot can take place harming our plant. To ensure a successful hydronic Monstera you need to keep a strict water switching routine alongside a liquid supplementation of nutrients.
Root Rot For a Monstera In Water
Not changing your water frequently. Make sure you are changing it every few days to keep your roots in healthy growing conditions.
Yellow Leaves
This is the result of a few different things. Direct sunlight, low nutrients, poor water quality. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks to help bring in enough nutrients for your plant. Keep out of direct sunlight. Refilling with fresh water and adding fertilizer will help raise the quality of your water.
Algae Growth
You might notice green or slimy algae growth in your jar. This happens often with hydroponic plants. Try using a darker container for your hydroponic monstera as light can worsen algae growth. Keeping it out of direct sunlight will also help.
“Keeping your water and soil clean when growing Monsteras is a key factor in there health and growth. Additionally keep to a fertilization schedule to ensure your plant is getting all the essential nutrients it needs for optimal growth.“
Slow or Stunted Root Growth
Not enough nutrients. When you grow a hydroponic monstera they still need nutrients. Using a liquid fertilizer for hydroponic plants will help your monstera have access to the nutrients that it needs.
Brown or Crispy Leaves
Low humidity or sudden temperature fluctuations. Monsteras are rainforest plants which means they require high humidity levels even though they are growing in water. To help raise your humidity levels you can place a humidifier near your plants.
“Keep your plant away from doorways, and windows during winter months. Vents and air conditioner units as well as these can all create sudden temperature fluctuations due to drafts.”
Dirty Water For Monstera In Water
This is due to your roots decaying which ends up making the water all cloudy. You can replace it with fresh water, clean the jar, and cut away any rotten or decayed roots.
Drooping Leaves
This issue comes from a lack of indirect light or inconsistent water levels. Make sure you keep the water level the same each time you switch it and place it in a spot where it will get a good amount of indirect light. If you need more guidance check out our post on Monstera plant lighting requirements.
Bacterial Growth
This can happen when your water becomes dirty. This is from not switching the water out often enough. Replace your monstera with fresh water every few days and make sure to clean the jar.
Some signs to watch for when growing your monstera in water are
- Yellowing leaves
- Pale or faded leaves
- Slow or stunted growth
- Brown or blackened roots
- Browning or crispy leaf edges
- Drooping, wilting or curling leaves
- Cloudy water
These signs indicate you need to switch your water more frequently for healthy growth. Water health is a key factor in growing a healthy vibrant hydroponic Monstera.
Can A Monstera Grow in Water Permanently?
Yes, your monstera can grow permanently in water however growing in soil will give you a bigger monstera. Growing in water requires upkeep of water cleaning, trimming any rotten roots, and a consistent fertilizing routine. With a good monstera hydroponic schedule, you can grow a healthy thriving monstera.
“There are important factors in keeping a healthy hydroponic environment. Monsteras grow naturally in soil but can also survive in water with proper care.”
Here’s what you need to know to grow a healthy hydroponic Monstera.
Benefits of Growing a Monstera in Water
- Low Maintenance: Growing a hydroponic Monstera can eliminate concerns that would otherwise be with soil. No need to repot, create soil blends, or worry about pests like fungus gnats.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Displaying a plant in a glass jar of water can add a sophisticated vibe to your home or office.
- Visibility Roots: You can easily keep an eye on your roots and monitor for signs of root rot or growth issues.
Challenges of Growing in Water Permanently
- Nutrient Deficiency: It can be tough to maintain nutrients when growing in water. Water lacks nutrients that are naturally found in soil so you will need to keep a strict liquid supplement schedule.
- Root Rot Risk: Roots that sit in water can easily become stagnant. This leads to issues like bacterial or fungal growth which damages roots.
- Growth: Monsteras that grow only in water have issues of growth limitations. They tend to be smaller in growth and size than soil-grown monsteras. This is because water does not replicate the natural ecosystem for the roots as soil does.
Growing a healthy hydroponic Monstera is doable and adds a touch of a modern twist to this tropical plant. Keeping up with supplements and nutrients when growing in water will be a key factor in the success of a healthy water-grown Monstera.
FAQ: Growing A Monstera In Water
There are many questions that arise when growing a monstera in water!
Can My Monstera Grow In Only Water?
The beauty of monstera plants is that they are rainforest plants meaning they can also grow in only water! This is why they are well-loved by people interested in hydroponic gardening.
How Long Can You Grow A Monstera In Water?
You can grow a monstera in water for as long as you like. Keep in mind that this requires a fertilizing schedule to keep nutrients available for new growth.
Can My Monstera Grow Hydroponically?
If you struggle with overwatering your tropical monstera, plant turning it into a hydroponic plant might be the solution for you! They make great hydroponic plants.
Can I Use Tap Water For My Monstera?
Using distilled water for your monstera is best however you can also let some tap water sit out overnight and then use that.
Why Is My Monstera Rotting In It’s Water?
Unclean water is the most likely cause. Make sure you dump out the water and refill it with fresh water every few days.
Can I fertilize a hydroponic monstera?
Yes! Monsteras whether hydroponic or not still need nutrients and food. Using a 3-1-2 N-P-K ratio fertilizer is important for the healthy foliage of your tropical plant.
Comment below and share how your hydroponic monstera is doing! Want more info on growing a monstera in water? Here is another great source!
Check out our other posts for your monstera care!
