Propagating a Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant) by Air Layering

How to Successfully Take Cuttings from an Overgrown Monstera

A reader's "cheese plant" (Monstera deliciosa) is taking over the house. Previous cutting attempts failed—the cuttings yellowed and died. She wants to control its size and propagate successfully.

Why Air Layering Works Best

Darlene recommends air layering—a method where roots form on the stem before it's cut off. This dramatically increases success rates for Monstera, which often struggles to root from simple stem cuttings.

Helpful Resources

• GardenAdvice: Cheese Plant Propagation
• Texas A&M: Air Layering Guide
• Tropilab: Swiss Cheese Plant Info

For further questions, Darlene can be reached at plantlady6@yahoo.com.