Growing a Monstera Plant from Seed in 5 Easy Steps

Monsteras are some real eye-catchers, with big leaves that look like they wandered right out of the jungle. Sure, you can buy ’em already grown, saving you time and elbow grease, but there’s something special about growing a Monstera plant from seed – you get to witness every stage of its growth, and you get to build a close-knit relationship with your very own houseplant. Plus, it ain’t as tough as you’d think; here’s our no-sweat five-step guide to help you kick things off!

How to grow Monstera from seed?

To grow a Monstera from seed might seem like climbing Mount Everest, but with the right moves and a good dose of patience, you’ll see your baby Monstera sprout into a gorgeous houseplant. Follow these five easy-peasy steps and you’ll be well on your way to growing your own little slice of paradise!

• Step 1: Snag some Monstera Seeds. You can find Monstera seeds on the internet or at your neighborhood nurseries. Make sure you get your hands on fresh and ready-to-sprout seeds for the best shot at germination.
• Step 2: Get your Growing Medium ready. The big cheese of growing a Monstera from seed is creating a place where the seed can feel at home. Use a ready-to-go seed starting mix, or whip up your own soil combo using equal parts of perlite and compost.
• Step 3: Plant the Seeds. Once you have your soil all set, it’s time to plant those seeds! Fill some small pots with the soil mix and then gently pop one Monstera seed in each pot. Dust the seed with a thin layer of soil and give it a light pat to make sure the soil and seed are on good terms.
• Step 4: Give ’em the Right Growing Conditions. Monstera seeds need a warm and damp spot to sprout, so make sure your seedlings get both. Park your pots somewhere they’ll catch indirect light and keep the soil moist by giving it a spritz with a spray bottle.
• Step 5: Keep an Eye on your Seedlings. Growing a Monstera from seed can take a while, so it’s key to keep track of your seedlings’ progress throughout their growth journey. Once the seedlings are tough enough, you can gently move them to bigger pots and keep looking after them like you would an adult Monstera plant.

How to make Monstera Seeds Germination?

To get your Monstera seeds sprouting, two methods really hit the bullseye – Soaking and the Paper Towel method.

The soaking method

The soaking method is a crowd favorite when it comes to making Monstera seeds sprout. You gotta soak the seeds in warm water (around 80°F/27°C) overnight before planting them in soil or whatever method you prefer. This method is like a green light for speedy sprouting and often results in healthy, robust plants.

Paper towel germination method

• First off, dampen a clean paper towel with warm water (about 80°F/27°C), then lay the Monstera seeds on top.
• Keep the paper towel damp through the process by giving it a spritz every few days.
• Pop the damp paper towel in a sealed container or plastic bag and set it in a cozy spot (ideally about 80°F/27°C).
• The seeds should start sprouting within a fortnight.
• Once the seedlings have sprouted at least one set of real leaves, they’re ready to be moved into a soil medium.

 

This method is a good fit for those who want to watch the sprouting process like a hawk.

Both the soaking and paper towel methods can deliver a win for Monstera seed sprouting, though bear in mind some seeds might need more time to sprout or have a lower success rate. So make sure to give your seeds a fair shot before you assess their progress. Once the seedlings get big enough, they can be moved into individual pots with soil for more growth.

Related: How To Propagate Mini Monstera (Rhapidophora Tetrasperma)?

Caring for Monstera Seedlings

Monstera seedlings are a joy to look after, but they need some TLC. Here are some pointers on how to care for your Monstera seedling:

1. Monstera Watering: When it comes to giving your Monstera seedling a drink, the golden rule is to never let it dry out entirely between waterings. Plus, water when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.
2. Monstera Light: Monstera seedlings do best in bright, indirect light. You can get this by placing your plant near a window that gets a lot of natural sunlight. Remember to spin your seedling around often so it gets light evenly on all sides.
3. Temperature: Monstera seedlings like temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but shouldn’t be in direct sunlight for too long as this can cause the leaves to scorch or burn. If you live somewhere with cooler temperatures, make sure to provide extra warmth and shield from chilly drafts.
4. Soil: Monstera seedlings need a soil that drains well, but still holds onto moisture. A loose, sandy mix with some organic stuff can create ideal conditions for your plant.
5. Fertilizer: As your plant gets bigger and sprouts more leaves, it might benefit from a balanced fertilizer every couple of months. Be sure to water down the fertilizer before using it to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm your seedling.

Related: Monstera light requirements: How much does they need

How long do Monstera seedlings take to grow?

Monstera seedlings can be slowpokes when it comes to growing into full plants, and they need specific surroundings to thrive. Here’s the lowdown on the Monstera seedlings’ growth cycle:

• Germination: Depending on the situation, Monstera seeds might take from a month to a whole year to germinate. For germination to happen, the soil needs to be cozy and damp, and the seeds should be freshly sown.
• Seedling growth: Monstera seedlings might need two to five years to hit maturity after germination. They need steady warmth, moisture, and humidity during this phase to grow right.
• Fenestration formation: When a Monstera plant gets to maturity, it usually starts making fenestrations, which are splits and holes in its leaves. It could be years before these show up, and some plants might never make them.

All in all, growing Monstera plants from seedlings takes time, thought, and patience. It’s key to give the right growing conditions, including continuous warmth, moisture, and humidity, to make sure your Monstera seedlings grow into strong and healthy plants.

Can variegated Monstera be grown from seed?

Yep, variegated Monstera can be grown from seed. But, it’s a bit trickier because the seeds are often tough to find. Variegated Monstera plants tend to produce more plants like them because of their genetic mutation, so getting true-to-type variegated kids is tricky with cross-pollination. To up your odds of success, look for specific variegated Monstera seeds from a trustworthy seller and give the same conditions as you would for any other Monstera seed.

Conclusion

Growing a Monstera plant from seed can be a challenging and time-consuming gig, but it can also be a fulfilling experience for those ready for the challenge. By following these five simple steps, you can boost your chances of successfully germinating and growing Monstera plants from seeds:

1. Gather the seeds: Pick ripe fruit from a mature Monstera plant and get the seeds out.
2. Clean the seeds: Strip the fleshy pulp off the seeds and give them a good rinse.
3. Soak the seeds: Dunk the seeds in water overnight to help with germination.
4. Plant the seeds: Put the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep it damp.

Give ’em the right care: Keep the seedlings in a warm, humid spot with bright, indirect light, and feed them regularly once they start growing.

While growing Monstera from seed can be a slow and challenging process, it can also be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these simple steps and providing the right care, you can watch your Monstera seeds grow into gorgeous mature plants with their iconic split leaves. Have you ever grown a Monstera plant from seed? How was your experience? Give us a shout in the comments with Famiplants below.