Would you try keeping a monstera in water?

Hey plant fam! You saw my Monstera cutting absolutely thriving in its water home, and I've been getting so many questions about how I do it. So, let's dive into all the details about growing Monstera in water – it’s easier and more rewarding than you might think! First off, yes, you absolutely can grow many Monstera varieties, including the popular Monstera Deliciosa and even the delicate Monstera Adansonii (often called the Swiss Cheese Plant), perfectly well in water. It’s not just for propagation; some people, like me, enjoy keeping them long-term in water for their aesthetic appeal and the sheer joy of watching those roots develop. It’s like having a little living art piece! How I Set Up My Water-Grown Monstera: Choosing Your Cutting: I usually take a cutting with at least one node and a leaf or two. The node is super important because that’s where the roots will emerge. Make sure your cutting tool is clean and sharp to prevent damage. The Perfect Vessel: Glass is my go-to! It allows you to see the roots, which is half the fun. A vase, a jar, or even a simple glass bottle works. Just ensure it’s stable and big enough to hold the cutting without it toppling over. Water, Water, Everywhere: I use filtered water, but tap water that’s been left out for 24 hours to let the chlorine evaporate also works fine. Fill your vessel so the node is submerged, but try to keep the leaves out of the water to prevent rot. Location, Location, Location: Bright, indirect light is key. Too much sun can scorch the leaves and encourage algae growth in the water. I keep mine a few feet from a south-facing window, ensuring it gets plenty of ambient light without direct harsh rays. Water Changes Aren't Just for Fish! This is crucial for healthy root development. I change the water completely every 3-5 days. This replenishes oxygen and removes any funky stuff that might build up. If you notice the water getting cloudy, change it sooner! Keeping Those Roots Healthy: Spotting the Difference Between Healthy Roots and Root Rot This is probably the most common concern when growing plants in water, but once you know what to look for, it's easy to manage. Healthy Monstera Roots: They should look white or light tan, firm, and plump. They might have little fuzzy root hairs, which are totally normal and a sign of active growth. My Monstera’s roots exploded into a gorgeous, intricate white network, which is exactly what you want! Root Rot: If you see roots turning brown, black, or mushy, that’s a sign of root rot. They'll also feel soft and might smell a bit foul. If this happens, don't panic! Carefully remove the cutting from the water, trim away all the rotted parts with clean scissors (make sure there's no brown left), and then place it in fresh, clean water. Sometimes, adding a tiny bit of hydrogen peroxide (about a teaspoon per liter of water) for a day or two can help kill off remaining bacteria, but be gentle! Long-Term Care Tips for Your Water Monstera: While water is great for propagation, for long-term growth, your Monstera will eventually need some nutrients. I add a very diluted liquid fertilizer (about 1/4 strength of what you'd use for soil plants) every few weeks. You can also find specialized hydroponic nutrients. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too many nutrients can burn the roots. Growing Monstera in water has been such a delightful experience for me. It’s incredibly low maintenance once you get into a routine, and there’s nothing quite like watching those aerial roots transform into robust water roots. Give it a try – you might just fall in love with your own indoor water jungle!