Get Pricey Houseplants For Free Part 2: Monstera Deliciosa

I love free stuff especially stuff that is normally expensive. 2 years ago, a friend of mine gave me a cutting from her Monstera Deliciosa. Mature Monstera’s typically sell for around $200 – $300. And while I think they are totally worth the price, not everyone can afford to drop a couple hundred bucks on a houseplant. So for me, growing it from a little baby cutting was worth a shot.

At first, I wasn’t sure if it was even going to grow into anything. The leaves looked a little droopy and nothing was really happening for weeks. However after a month or two, the root started to grow longer and longer. And while the leaves remained the same, there were definitely signs of life. I am far from a house plant expert, but here are some techniques that worked for me.

Soil and Sun

When I took the cutting out of the water and planted it into soil for the first time, I used Miracle Gro Moisture Control potting soil combined with regular Miracle Gro potting soil (around half and half). The soil covered about 1 – 2 inches above the new root.

Once the plant hit the soil, the growth accelerated like crazy. New leaves finally started to emerge from the cutting. My friend recommended a seaweed fertilizer which worked wonders. I also placed the plant near a Western window that received a good deal of afternoon sun. While Monstera’s don’t need a ton of light, a couple hours of filtered sunlight help the leaves to mature and develop the signature splits. Another friend of mine also received a cutting from the same plant but her Monstera failed to thrive because there was very little sunlight in her house.

Watering

I watered around once every 1 – 2 weeks depending on how the soil felt. I made sure to water generously without drowning the plant. One time I overwatered and droplets of water started appearing on the leaves. I was terrified that I had killed my plant, but apparently Monstera’s can sweat out extra moisture.

In 2018, some significant growth happened and the splits in the leaves were more prominent than ever. Still, the mature Monstera leaf with the massive splits remained to be seen.

Finally in January of 2019, my first big Monstera leaves appeared along with a mess of aerial roots. I wish I exercised more diligence in rotating the plant regularly so that it didn’t grow so aggressively to one side. Nevertheless, I am super proud that I grew this plant on my own and didn’t have to spend a ton of money. I only purchased the pot (which cost around $20 at Home Depot) and the soil I had leftover from my fiddle leaf repotting.

Hope you’re inspired to grow your own. Happy Planting!

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