When To Move Monstera From Water To Soil

If you have been growing your Monstera plant in water then you should wait until its roots start to develop before transferring it to the soil. Once its roots are around 2-4 inches long the plant is ready for the transition to the soil. You should transfer the plant into a potting mixture containing soil as well as either perlite or pumice.

How To Correctly Move Monstera From Water To Soil

It can take some time before the roots begin to grow so it will pay to be patient with your Monstera plant. Keep an eye on the node for when the roots start to show. Monstera plants also grow what’s known as air roots which will appear on the above-ground sections of the plant. You don’t need to be overly concerned about the air roots, they can be chopped off without harming the plants but can also be left alone.

Once the roots from the node are at the desired length (2-4 inches), you can transition the plant into its pot. The potting mixture will need to remain moist for at least 1 – 2 months for your Monstera plant to thrive. Inspect the roots before transitioning for root rot, the roots will turn black and mushy if they’re suffering from rot. Ideally, your plant’s roots should have a crisp white appearance.

How To Care For Your Potted Monstera Plant

After transitioning your Monstera from water to soil you will need to keep a solid care routine for your plant. The first thing to note is that your Monstera plant will need to be watered quite frequently as the roots need to become accustomed from living in water to now living in the soil. Check the top of the soil to see how moist it is, if it is then you should wait a day or two for the soil to dry out a little before watering.

Overwatering your plant can be detrimental to its health as soil that is too wet for too long will lead to root rot. Your Monstera plant will need to be watched carefully for about the first eight weeks while it needs more frequent watering. After eight weeks you can relax into a more general schedule like you would with most indoor plants.

How Long Does It Take For Monstera To Root In Water?

Patience with your Monstera plant is key here as it can take some time before it roots and is ready to be planted in soil. When you add the plant to the water it should be in a well-lit area that’s out of view of direct sunlight. It is also a good idea to change the water frequently, every three to five days should do the trick. You should notice the roots start to develop after a couple of weeks. The roots should reach the desired length (2-4 inches) after a couple of months in the water.

How Long Can You Keep Monstera In Water?

Monstera plants can survive forever in water as long as they receive adequate care. It’s fascinating to watch the roots develop which is something that soil prevents. You will need to make sure you regularly replace the water and a little liquid fertilizer can help promote healthy growth.

For your Monstera plant to fully thrive and flourish it should be transitioned to soil at some point. A Monstera plant in soil will have access to more nutrients than it can get in just water. You don’t need to rush the transition as the plant will be alive and well if you leave it in the water with proper care. We’ve written more about this topic here.

How To Propagate Monstera In Soil Instead of Water

Instead of letting your plant grow its roots in water, you could choose to plant it directly into the soil. If you’re taking a clipping off a parent Monstera plant then you will need to use clean scissors and cut the stem at the node. You will then plant the stem into the soil where its node is as that’s where the roots will grow. You will need to choose aerated soil for your Monstera plant so look for or create a mixture that contains perlite or pumice. You will need to keep the soil moist at all times during this period.

The pot you choose will need a drainage hole to allow excess water to escape and avoid root rot on the new roots. Choose a pot that is proportional to the size of the cutting, a larger cutting needs a larger pot. You will also need to transition the plant into bigger pots as the roots grow to avoid crusting which can be harmful.

The pot should be situated in an area that is well lit but should be out of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to die and cause the water in the soil to evaporate faster. Monstera plants thrive with a bit of humidity so keep a spray bottle on hand and give it a misting regularly.

Summary

Monstera plants are great plants to have a home and for those curious propagating them in water is extremely satisfying. You can observe the roots as they grow in a way that’s just not possible with soil. You can keep your Monstera plant in water for as long as you see fit but it’s a good idea to move them to soil eventually.

A plant propagated in water will need its roots to grow 2-4 inches before it can be moved into the soil. The roots take a couple of weeks to start developing and then a couple of months will pass before they are at the right length. After they reach the right size you will need to transition them to a well-aerated soil that contains either perlite or pumice. Your Monstera will thrive more once it’s potted in its soil.