Are you thinking of dividing your Monstera deliciosa but don’t know how? Below, I will go over how I divided my Monstera deliciosa into 2 smaller plants.
How to Divide Monstera deliciosa video
Below is a video of how I divided my Monstera deliciosa. Watch until the end to see how my new monsteras look 2 weeks post-division!
Why Divide Monstera deliciosa?
Before we get into how to divide Monstera deliciosa, let’s quickly go over why you’ll want to divide your Monstera deliciosa.
Monstera deliciosa is Overcrowded
One of the main reasons to divide Monstera deliciosa is that it is overcrowded. If your Monstera is looking full in its pot and you see roots coming out of the drainage holes, this is a sign that it is outgrowing its current pot. That means it’s time to repot. However, what if you don’t want to repot it in a larger pot because you either don’t have the space for a larger plant or you don’t want to end up with a large Monstera deliciosa. One solution is to divide your Monstera deliciosa into smaller plants.
Propagate Monstera deliciosa
Another reason to divide Monstera deliciosa is if you want to propagate your Monstera deliciosa. If you are too impatient to wait for Monstera stem cuttings to grow roots, then the fastest way to propagate your Monstera deliciosa is by division. You will end up with large plants right away instead of having to wait for roots to grow.
How to Divide Monstera deliciosa?
1. Water your Monstera deliciosa
Water your Monstera 1 week before you divide your Monstera. This will make sure it’s easier to divide and also the roots are hydrated.
2. Remove Monstera deliciosa from the pot.
Monstera deliciosa is a large plant so it can be tricky to remove it from its current pot especially if you have lots of roots coming out of its drainage holes. Don’t pull it out, you don’t want to break off stems and leaves. Tip it to the side. Try shaking it out. Otherwise, use a butter knife and run it along the edge to try to get the Monstera out of the pot. Just be careful with the roots.
3. Divide your Monstera deliciosa
This is the hardest part of the process. Lay your Monstera deliciosa on the floor. Take a look at your Monstera and see if there are natural division points. For example, when I divided my Monstera deliciosa, there are 2 main trunks so I divided both trunks.
Gently, pull apart the Monstera apart. You can use a sterilized scissor or knife to cut the roots apart. I sterilized my scissor by wiping it down with rubbing alcohol. Make sure each division has sufficient roots, stems and leaves. Dividing a large Monstera deliciosa is not an easy process. It may feel like you are tearing your Monstera apart, don’t be scared. As long as you give each division enough roots, stems and leaves, it will grow well after division.
Watch my video to see how I divided my Monstera deliciosa!
4. Plant Each Division
After dividing your Monstera delciosa, massage the soil to loosen the roots. Then plant each Monstera division in a new pot with drainage holes. Plant it in a pot that is 2-4 inches larger than the new root ball. You will probably end up planting the new Monstera in a pot smaller than the original pot.
5. Water the New Monstera deliciosa
Make sure to water the new Monstera deliciosa after planting. Then leave it in an area with bright indirect light. Don’t fertilize your new Monstera plants right away. Wait two months before you do.
Here is my monstera 2 weeks post division. It looks happy and healthy! There is even a new leaf!
Check out my Monstera Plant care guides
Beginner’s Guide: Repotting Monstera deliciosa (video)
How to Take Care of Your Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)- Infographics
Why is my Monstera Leaves Dripping Water?
Quick Start Guide: What to do with New Monstera Plant when you bring it home (video)