How to Revive a Plant (the Drastic Way); Rescuing a Monstera
There is no universal answer to the question; “How to revive a plant?”
Every plant is different, with unique needs.
Even within the same species, plants may face different struggles.
The environment in which plants grow also determines the types of issues they may encounter.
Troubleshooting plant problems without examining the plant itself can be tricky. The same symptom can stem from two or more different problems. For instance, yellow leaves might result from over-watering, nutrients imbalances, inadequate or excessive lighting, improper humidity, diseases, or simply be a natural part of a leaf’s decaying phase…
Several factors could contribute to your plant’s poor health.
Because of this, I often go the drastic way when reviving my plants.
Before you continue reading, please be aware that this method is quite extreme and is aimed at preserving a plant’s integrity.
It takes courage to drastically intervene on your precious plants. I always get anxious too when venturing on substantial plant projects. However, as I work on my plants, I begin to relax. It’s a wonderful therapy!!
While the plant in its original form will cease to exist, its DNA and most beautiful stems will be preserved and continue growing into new plants.
I’ve successfully done this before, so you can trust me.
In fact, the majority of Monsteras that are available in stores come from the same process of pruning and rooting stems from other plants.
Moreover, if you are seeking a specific guide for caring, repotting, pruning and training Monsteras, this may not be the right source. You can click here, to find all the information you need on growing lush Monsteras and how to train them.
This is what I did to revive my deceivingly healthy looking Monstera Deliciosa.
This is my five years old Monstera. I’ve pruned and repotted it before, and I’ve propagated six new plants from it. I still have a couple of them, while the others I gifted to my friends.
1. observe your plant
If you are here, you’ve probably noticed an issue with your plant. Taking proactive steps is crucial; waiting until things worsen isn’t necessary.
Observing is the first step you need to take when learning how to revive a plant. Can you pin point the problem?
Are there pests on the leaves or in the soil?
Does the soil feel excessively damp? Does the pot have drainage holes?
Are the roots protruding from the pot?
Sometime, especially with larger plants, identifying the issue can be challenging.
I faced a similar situation with my Monstera.
As you can see, some of the leaves are droopy and turning yellow.
Determining whether the roots are water-logged or if lighting is a problem can be tricky.
I’ve ruled out under-watering and confirmed there are no pests on the leaves.
At times, rapid plant growth can strain its ability to supply energy to all its leaves.
This is why I chose to cut all the healthy stems and to propagate them, aiming to preserve the plant’s original beauty.
Beyond the apparent beauty of the plant’s front, numerous leaves show signs of distress; some are wilting, while others are crisping at the edges.
2. untie all stems from the centre pole
My Monstera comprises at least six long and heavy stems.
I used velcro ties to train them to climb a central coco coir pole, and it worked really well. I highly recommend using both when training your Monstera.
Now, I have to do the reverse process and untie all the velcro ties from both the “aerial roots braids” and stems.
As you untie the stems, gently lay them on the ground without forcing a specific direction. Allow the stems to guide you.
It’s going to look quite different and sad. You might get anxious seeing your plant all pulled apart.
Just take a deep breath. It is ok, you are on the right track to revive your plant.
Behind the scenes; my Monstera’s support and aerial roots.
3. prune the best ends you want to root
Once you have a clear view of all the stems, you can decide which one is worth preserving.
I suggest attempting to save all of them regardless, as new roots will form, and new leaves might flourish, potentially resulting in something stunning!
Cut the finest sections of the stems between the nodes, which are the protrusions along the stems where leaves sprout.
Use sharp shears for pruning to avoid damaging the stems.
Isn’t it a different way to look at a Monstera without a support pole?
4. remove decaying leaves and aerial roots
Now that you’ve selected the stems you want to root, ensure you have suitable containers to support their weight and maintain their straight position.
You’ll observe that to accommodate the stems inside the containers, some aerial roots and leaves might need trimming. Trim only the long aerial roots that may snap when placed inside the new container. Shorter aerial roots can remain since new roots will likely sprout from them.
Use sharp shears to cut both leaves and aerial roots to avoid damaging the plant.
Additionally, ensure you remove any decaying leaves.
These cuttings are ready to be placed in water to root.
5. place your best cuttings in water to root
Place your cuttings in water to root.
I prefer to add a soil enhancer to the water as it significantly improves the health of the cuttings. While it’s optional, I’ve observed that plants in water thrive better with these additional nutrients.
Position your cuttings in a an area with ample bright, indirect light. Replace the water with fresh water and soil enhancer every two weeks.
It will take approximately two to three weeks to see the first roots sprouting.
Keep in mind that various cuttings develop roots at different rates, influenced by their maturity and overall health.
Here are my four Monstera cuttings in water.
6. repot in soil when new roots have formed
As time passes, you’ll begin to notice new roots gradually growing day by day.
In general, when propagating stems in water, it’s advisable to wait until the new roots reach a length of at least two inches before transplanting them into soil.
Given that Monstera’s stems are considerably larger than those of other common houseplants like Pothos and Hoyas, I suggest waiting even longer.
Allow the roots to coil around the container they are in. This process might take up to three or four months, but it’s worth the wait.
It is crucial to note that Monsteras are epiphytes, typically found growing on trees and other plants in nature. They do not require a large amount of soil to thrive.
Avoid repotting them into a container that is too spacious for their roots.
Excessive soil can retain too much moisture, potentially harming the new plant’s roots.
I always recommend using a terracotta pot with drainage holes to ensure the roots don’t get water-logged.
The new roots have sprouted from my Monstera cutting. It’s been six weeks since I made the cut. I plan to let the roots develop a bit more before planting the cutting in soil.
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what to do with the remaining stems and roots?
Congratulations!
You’ve learned how to revive a plant!
Now, you are left with a heap of plant scraps and a pot with cut stems!
What do you plan to do with all the leftover stem pieces, and somewhat mutilated stems in the pot?
Well, you have two options.
- Discard them all. After all, you’ve already propagated a bunch of cuttings. OR
- You can try to root all those remaining stems, regardless of their appearance, and revive the mutilated stems in the pot that still have roots.
The choice is yours!
If you are anything like me, you probably won’t have the heart to toss those precious Monstera stems, even if they look miserable.
If that is the case, keep reading to discover what’s next.
1. cut down the remaining stems in the pot.
Imagine that all the leaves of your plant have wilted and turned yellow, and you’ve pruned off all the stems. All that remains are the stem bases and roots.
This is a guide on how to revive a plant when all you have left are roots attached to a few cuttings.
Depending how far you’ve trimmed, you may still have relatively tall stems poking out of the soil in your pot.
Trim them down, leaving at least four inches above the soil.
This is what was left after trimming off all the Monstera stems to propagate them. What a sad sight! ☹️
2. remove the root ball from the pot
Tip your pot to the side to remove the root ball from its container.
This step offers insight into your plant’s health.
Is the soil damp and do the roots feel mushy? If so, your plant may have been over-watered or the pot lacked proper drainage!
The rootball removed from the pot. The soil looks moist but not excessively damp. (You can see the layer of draining rocks on the bottom layer).
3. gently divide the roots
Gently, shake off as much soil from the rootball as possible, then begin untangling the roots to separate the stems.
Be gentle and be patient.
In cases where the rootball is excessively dry or the roots are tightly interwoven, you can use a sharp knife to divide them.
If you want to be really thorough, you can rinse those roots under running water to wash off potential pests and to remove contaminated, nutrient- depleted soil.
Eight stems of my original tall and large Monstera plant!
This is how your stems and roots should look like after dividing and cleaning them.
4. prune the roots
Take each individual stem and prune its roots.
You may have already noticed that Monsteras don’t have a big root system. This is because they are epiphytes and rely on minimal soil to grow.
Trim the long roots, leaving only the main roots intact. (Refer to the picture below for guidance).
The same stems with the roots pruned.
5. repot the stems in a smaller pot
Since the roots and stems are much smaller, you will need a smaller pot compared to your previous one.
As mentioned before, Monsteras don’t have big roots.
I recommend using a terracotta pot with drainage holes. Terracotta is porous and allows the soil to dry out faster.
I often place a coffee filter at the bottom of pots with larger drainage holes to prevent soil or draining rocks loss. This way, the soil or draining rocks will not leak out, but the water can still freely drain.
Add at least one inch layer of draining rocks at the bottom of your pot.
Proceed by filling your pot with enough soil to position your stems.
Then fill the rest of the pot with soil, gently pressing around the stems.
Water thoroughly.
Water the stems every one to two weeks, depending on the amount of light the pot receives and the humidity in your home.
6. now collect all remaining stems and cut them between the nodes
Even though this is step 6, you can consider this another guide on how to revive a plant when all you have left are a bunch of cut-out stems.
You can either toss them or cut them in small sections and attempt to root them. They all have the potential to become Monstera plants!!!
Make sure you cut the stems between the nodes, as the new roots will form from the nodes.
Not all of them might root, but many will. It’s worth a try with all of them.
I ended up with 15 small cuttings in addition to four big cuttings, with leaves, and the seven stems with roots that I potted in soil, making a grand total of 26 Monstera plants. It all started with one big and tall Monstera. Even if I only root half of these cuttings, I am going to feel accomplished!
7. place them in water to root
Collect your small cuttings and place them in water to root.
You can group them together, ensuring they stay upright with the nodes submerged in water.
Place them in an area with plenty of bright, indirect light. Replace the water every two weeks.
These cuttings may take longer to root compared to longer stems with leaves.
Once their roots start forming and reach close to an inch in length, consider separating the stems into individual containers to provide ample space for roots growth.
My 15 cuttings rooting into two different water containers.
8. plant them in soil when the roots have formed
Since these cuttings are much smaller than the stems with leaves you initially cut, they don’t need to grow their roots as long before being transplanted in soil.
Once the roots reach the length of at least two inches, you can transplant the cuttings into soil.
As mentioned earlier, ensure the pot is not too large for the roots. Opt for a terracotta pot with draining holes.
Water your new plant every one to two weeks, depending on the amount of light the pot receives and the humidity in your home.
A transplanted Monstera Deliciosa. This plant is the result of a cutting I rooted in water for four months.
By now, all your Monstera leftovers should be gone!
Congratulations!
This is how to revive a plant, particularly a Monstera Deliciosa.
It is a significant task, but you made it through!
Now seat back, relax, and watch those roots grow!
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