Yes, Monstera plants have the ability to grow back after cutting. When a monstera plant is pruned, it stimulates the growth of dormant buds along the stem or at the base of the plant.
These buds can develop into new shoots, leaves, or branches. Providing optimal care, such as sunlight, well-draining soil, and regular watering, will support the regrowth process.
The monstera plant (Monstera deliciosa or Swiss cheese plant) is native to tropical regions in southern Mexico. Its unique leaf pattern makes it different from others.
This plant requires bright indirect sunlight, and regular watering with occasional misting makes them easy to care for plants.
Will Monstera Grow Back After Cutting?
Monstera plants with their unique leaves and tropical vibes are a favorite among many plant owners. But what happens if you have to trim or cut your monstera? Will it ever grow back? Then, yes, it can!
When you trim the stems, a new growing point will emerge from the nearest node where the cut was made. Within a few months, you’ll notice the part of the plant you trimmed grow back completely, possibly with 1 or even 2 new stems.
Sometimes a new leaf sprouts from the same point where you made the cut. This means that your Monstera can continue to develop lush foliage even after pruning.
If you’re aiming for a bushier appearance, you can remove a piece of the stem above the node. This encourages the plant to grow back and generate fresh stems, resulting in a fuller and more growth habit.
If you’re interested in expanding your Monstera collection, taking cuttings is an excellent way to propagate the plant. Simply cut a piece below at least 1 node and place it in water.
The remaining stem can be trimmed back to the lower node, ensuring that both the parent plant and the new cutting have the opportunity to thrive.
To grow a new Monstera plant from a cutting, place it in a jar or vase filled with water. Monstera cuttings have the ability to survive for months in water before they need to be transplanted into soil.
This gives you the opportunity to enjoy the rooting process and see the growth of new roots before putting them in a potting mix.
Also Read: How Long Can Monstera Live in Water?
What Causes Monstera Lose Leaves?
If you notice your Monstera losing leaves, it can be a cause for concern. Several factors can contribute to leaf loss in Monstera plants, and understanding these causes can help you easily handle the issue and promote healthy growth.
1. Insufficient sunlight
One of the reasons why your monstera plant may be losing leaves is due to insufficient sunlight.
Just like us, plants need sunlight to thrive and grow.
Monstera need bright indirect light to thrive well. When they don’t receive enough light, their leaves can become weak and start to drop.
If your Monstera is placed in a location where it doesn’t get enough light, it can struggle to produce energy through photosynthesis.
To address this issue, find a suitable spot for your Monstera that receives sufficient indirect light. This means placing it near a window or in a well-lit room. Observe how the plant responds to different light conditions and adjust its placement accordingly.
2. Old Leaves
As Monstera plants grow, the lower leaves, which are usually older and at the bottom of the plant, may turn yellow or develop brown spots. The plant redirects its energy towards new growth, which requires nutrients and resources. So, to make room for fresh leaves, the older ones fall off.
To differentiate between normal leaf shedding and potential issues, observe the overall health of your Monstera. If it continues to produce new leaves and maintains a healthy appearance, then the leaf loss is likely part of the natural process.
Moreover, if you notice excessive leaf drop, and signs of stress such as wilting, discolouration, or pest infestation, it’s worth investigating further to identify and address any underlying problems.
3. Improper watering
Overwatering, where the plant receives too much water, can drown the roots and lead to root rot. Insufficient care and unfavourable conditions can result in the leaves of the Monstera plant turning yellow or brown and eventually falling off.
On the other hand, underwatering, where the plant doesn’t receive enough water, can result in dryness and wilting of the leaves, leading to their eventual loss.
To water your Monstera correctly, find a perfect balance. Allow the top inch or so of the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Stick your finger into the soil to check its moisture level before watering. If it feels dry, it’s time to water, but if it still feels slightly moist, hold off watering for a little longer.
Ensure that your Monstera is potted in a well-draining soil mix and that the pot has drainage holes. Ensuring proper drainage at the bottom of the pot helps to prevent water accumulation, which can lead to root rot.
4. Pest infestation
Common pests like spider mites and mealybugs can infest Monstera plants, feeding on the leaves and weakening the plant. Inspect your plant regularly for signs of pests, such as webbing, tiny insects, or sticky residue on the leaves. Treat any infestations using appropriate insecticides or organic pest control methods.
5. Lack of support
If you’ve noticed your Monstera plant losing leaves, one possible reason could be a lack of support. Monstera plants have unique growth habits. Without proper support, the plant may struggle to maintain its foliage, resulting in leaf loss.
When a Monstera doesn’t have anything to cling onto, such as a moss pole or trellis, it may start to drop leaves. This happens because the plant’s natural instinct is to shed leaves that aren’t getting the necessary support to reach the light.
6. Temperature
Monstera plants generally prefer warm temperatures ranging from 65-85°F. Sudden drops in temperature, such as cold drafts or placing the plant near air conditioning vents, can shock the plant and result in leaf drop. Similarly, excessively high temperatures or placing the plant in direct sunlight can cause the leaves to become scorched and wither.
To provide the ideal temperature for your Monstera, aim for a stable and consistent environment. Avoid placing it in areas prone to drafts or temperature extremes. If you notice fluctuations in temperature, such as near windows or doors, consider moving the plant to a more suitable location.
7. Proper fertilizing
To keep your Monstera plant healthy and prevent leaf loss, it’s important to provide it with proper fertilization. Fertilizers supply essential nutrients that your plant needs to grow and thrive.
When it comes to fertilizing your Monstera, it’s best to use a balanced fertilizer or use seaweed fertilizer. These fertilizers contain a mix of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are necessary for healthy leaf development.
Overfertilizing can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can damage the roots and cause leaf burn. On the other hand, under-fertilizing can result in nutrient deficiencies and weak growth.
During the growing season, typically spring and summer, fertilize your Monstera every two to four weeks.
Also, to save the plant from cold drafts you should move this plant indoors relocate monstera outdoors in summer.
In the dormant season, which is usually fall and winter, reduce the frequency or stop fertilizing. This allows the plant to rest and conserve energy during its dormant period. You can use home available things like coffee grounds to enrich monstera plant.
Why You Should Prune Monstera Leaves?
Pruning is an important aspect of caring for your Monstera plant and can bring several benefits to its health and appearance.
Encourages new growth – Pruning Monstera leaves can boost the growth of new leaves and stems. By removing older, damaged, or yellowing leaves, you allow the plant to direct its energy towards producing fresh foliage. This promotes a healthier and more vibrant appearance.
Controls size and shape – Monstera plants can grow quite large and bushy. Pruning allows you to manage their size and shape, keeping them more compact and maintaining a desired form. Trimming back long and leggy stems helps the plant to look fuller and more attractive.
Prevents overcrowding – Over time, Monstera plants can become dense and overcrowded with foliage. Pruning helps to thin out the leaves, allowing better air circulation and light penetration. This reduces the risk of fungal diseases and encourages the growth of new leaves throughout the plant.
Removes diseased or damaged leaves – Pruning is a way to remove any leaves that show signs of disease, pest infestation, or damage. By promptly removing these affected leaves, you can prevent the spread of pests or diseases to healthy parts of the plant and maintain its overall vitality.
Enhance looks – Pruning Monstera leaves allows you to shape the plant to your liking and create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. You can choose to remove specific leaves or trim the stems to achieve the desired look, whether it’s a more compact and bushy form or an airy and open structure.
Do Monstera Leaves Grow Back After Cutting?
Yes, Monstera leaves can grow back after they have been cut. When you prune a Monstera plant by cutting off a leaf or stem, it has the ability to regenerate and produce new growth.
When you trim a Monstera stem, a fresh growth point will emerge from the nearest node where the cut was made. Over time, this growing point will develop into a new leaf or stem, replacing the one that was removed.
Within a few months, you can expect to see the part of the plant that was cut away completely grow back, often with at least one or even two new stems.
Pruning encourages new growth points from nodes, resulting in regrowth and the development of new stems. Whether you are looking to shape your Monstera, encourage bushier growth, or propagate the plant, cutting and pruning can play a vital role in its health.
Will Monstera Grow Back After Cutting all Leaves?
If you find yourself in a situation where you have to cut off all the leaves from your Monstera plant, you may wonder if it has the ability to regrow and recover. Well, Monstera plants have a remarkable ability to bounce back even from such extreme pruning.
After cutting off all the leaves, the Monstera will undergo a period of adjustment. During this time, it may redirect its energy towards root development and establishing a strong foundation.
With growing plant, you should repot as monstera don’t like to be root bound.
While it may seem disheartening to see a leafless plant, it is important to remain patient and allow the Monstera to grow.
Over time, with proper care including adequate light, water, and nutrients, new growth will appear.
Can You Propagate Monstera from Clipping?
Yes, you can successfully propagate a Monstera plant from clippings, making it a popular method for expanding your Monstera collection or sharing the plant with others.
To propagate a Monstera from clippings, you’ll need a healthy stem with at least one node present. Nodes are the small bumps on the stem from which leaves and roots emerge.
- Look for a stem that is healthy, preferably with a few leaves and at least one node. The stem should be long enough to provide sufficient cutting material.
- Using clean and sharp pruning shears or scissors, make a clean cut just below a node. This will serve as the base of your cutting.
- You have the option to either place the cutting in a jar or vase of water or directly into a suitable propagation medium, such as a well-draining soil mix or sphagnum moss. Ensure that at least one node is submerged or in contact with the water or medium.
- Place the cutting in a warm and well-lit location, but avoid direct sunlight as it may cause leaf burn. Change the water regularly if using the water method or lightly mist the propagation medium to maintain adequate moisture.
- Over time, you should start to see roots emerging from the node. This indicates that the cutting has successfully established roots and is ready for the next stage.
- Once the roots have developed to a sufficient length, typically around 1-2 inches, you can carefully transplant the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Make sure to provide proper watering and care to support the growth of the new plant.
Conclusion
Monstera plants have the ability to regrow and recover from various situations, including pruning, cutting, or even losing all their leaves.
With proper care, adequate sunlight, appropriate watering, support, and the right temperature, Monstera plants can thrive and display new growth.
Also, they can be propagated through various methods, including clippings, allowing for the expansion of your plant collection. With proper care, your propagated Monstera will thrive and bring you years of lush foliage and natural beauty.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting