Updated: July 27, 2023

The boho plant, also known as the Monstera deliciosa, is a popular choice among plant enthusiasts for its large and unique leaves. With its tropical vibes and stunning foliage, it adds a touch of elegance to any space. If you’re looking to expand your boho plant collection or share this beauty with friends and family, propagation is the way to go. In this article, we will guide you on how to propagate a large boho plant the right way.

Understanding Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. It allows you to reproduce your favorite plants and grow your collection without spending money on buying new ones. When it comes to propagating the large boho plant, there are two methods you can choose from: stem cutting propagation and air layering.

Stem Cutting Propagation

Stem cutting propagation is one of the most popular methods used to propagate many different types of plants, including the boho plant. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Select a healthy stem: Look for a mature stem with at least one node, which is where new roots will develop. Nodes are usually located just below a leaf.

  2. Cut the stem: Using a sharp, sterilized knife or pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a node. Ensure that the cutting is around 6-8 inches long.

  3. Remove lower leaves: Strip off the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top.

  4. Prepare a rooting medium: Fill a small pot with a well-draining soil mix or use water for propagation.

  5. Plant the cutting: If using soil, make a hole in the potting mix and gently insert the cutting, ensuring that at least one node is buried in the soil. If using water, place the cutting in a glass or jar filled with water, making sure that the node is submerged.

  6. Provide proper care: Place the cutting in a warm and bright location, but away from direct sunlight. Keep the soil or water consistently moist, but not soggy. After a few weeks, you should start to see new roots forming.

  7. Transplant the rooted cutting: Once the roots are around 2-3 inches long, you can transplant the cutting into a larger pot with well-draining soil. Be gentle when transferring to avoid damaging the fragile roots.

Air Layering

Air layering is another effective method for propagating large boho plants. It involves creating roots on a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Select a healthy stem: Choose a mature stem with at least one node, similar to stem cutting propagation.

  2. Make an incision: About 12-18 inches from the tip of the stem, make a small incision through the outer layer of the stem using a sharp knife. The incision should be about halfway through the stem.

  3. Apply rooting hormone: Dust some rooting hormone powder on the exposed area of the incision to encourage root growth.

  4. Wrap with moist sphagnum moss: Take a handful of moist sphagnum moss and wrap it around the incised area. Secure it in place by wrapping plastic wrap or aluminum foil around the moss.

  5. Monitor and water: Check the moss regularly to ensure it stays moist. You may need to mist it with water periodically.

  6. Wait for roots to form: After a few weeks or months, you should start to see roots growing from the incised area.

  7. Cut and transplant: Once the roots are well-developed and strong enough, carefully cut below the rooted section of the stem and transplant it into a pot filled with well-draining soil.

Tips for Successful Propagation

Regardless of the propagation method you choose, here are some tips to help ensure successful propagation of your large boho plant:

  1. Use sharp and clean tools: Always use a sharp and sterilized knife or pruning shears to make clean cuts. This reduces the risk of introducing diseases or infections to the plant.

  2. Choose healthy parent plants: Propagate from healthy and disease-free parent plants to increase the chances of success.

  3. Provide proper lighting: While propagating, ensure that your cuttings or air-layered sections receive bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as it can cause damage.

  4. Maintain proper humidity: Maintain a humid environment around the cuttings or moss-wrapped stems by misting them with water or covering them with a transparent plastic bag.

  5. Be patient: Propagation takes time, so be patient and give your cuttings or air-layered sections the time they need to develop roots.

By following these steps and tips, you can successfully propagate your large boho plant and expand your collection. Whether you choose stem cutting propagation or air layering, it’s an exciting journey to watch new roots form and witness the growth of new plants. Happy propagating!