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Yes, Monstera adansonii can grow in water.
If you’ve ever looked at your vining Monstera adansonii and wondered whether you can grow it in water instead of soil, you’re not alone.
The short answer is that Monstera adansonii can absolutely grow in water, and many plant parents have gorgeous water-grown Monstera adansonii cuttings and even full plants.
Growing Monstera adansonii in water is simple, rewarding, and a great way to skip messy soil entirely.
In this post, we’ll explore why Monstera adansonii can grow in water, how to make the switch, and the care routine that keeps a Monstera adansonii thriving in water.
Let’s jump in.
Why Monstera Adansonii Can Grow in Water
1. Monstera Adansonii Produces Aerial Roots
One key reason Monstera adansonii can grow in water is that it produces aerial roots naturally.
These aerial roots are designed to absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and surrounding surfaces.
When you place them in water, they adapt quickly and start functioning like water roots.
That’s why Monstera adansonii can grow in water with so little fuss.
2. Water Provides Constant Hydration
In the wild, Monstera adansonii climbs trees and often has roots sitting in pooled water or wet moss.
So a water environment feels surprisingly natural to this plant.
When you grow Monstera adansonii in water, the roots have constant access to hydration, which means less risk of underwatering.
This steady moisture can actually encourage faster root growth.
3. It’s Easy to Monitor Root Health
Another reason growing Monstera adansonii in water is so popular is that you can see the roots clearly.
You’ll catch any signs of rot early, which is a huge advantage.
Watching new roots emerge from a Monstera adansonii growing in water is also incredibly satisfying.
It makes the whole process feel more connected and hands-on.
How to Grow Monstera Adansonii in Water
1. Start with a Healthy Cutting
The easiest way to grow Monstera adansonii in water is to take a cutting from a healthy parent plant.
Cut just below a node, because that’s where the roots will emerge.
Include at least one leaf and, ideally, an aerial root for the fastest transition.
This gives your Monstera adansonii the best shot at growing strong in water.
2. Use the Right Container and Water
A clear glass jar or vase works perfectly for growing Monstera adansonii in water.
It lets you watch the roots grow and makes it easy to spot any issues.
Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater if you can, because tap water with high chlorine can stress a Monstera adansonii in water.
If you must use tap water, let it sit out overnight before adding it to your jar.
3. Change the Water Regularly
To keep your Monstera adansonii growing in water healthy, change the water every five to seven days.
Fresh water replenishes oxygen levels that roots need.
Stale water can become a breeding ground for algae and bacteria.
When you change the water, give the roots a gentle rinse as well.
4. Provide Bright, Indirect Light
Place your water-growing Monstera adansonii in bright, indirect light.
Too much direct sun can heat up the water in the jar and cause root rot.
Too little light will make your Monstera adansonii grow slowly in water.
A spot near an east-facing window is ideal.
Should You Keep Monstera Adansonii in Water Long-Term?
1. Water Works, but Soil Is the Long-Term Home
Monstera adansonii can grow in water for a long time, but it won’t reach its full potential in water alone.
Water lacks the structural support and rich nutrient profile that soil provides.
If you want massive leaves and vigorous climbing growth, eventually transplant your water-grown Monstera adansonii into a well-draining pot.
That said, there’s no rush when your Monstera adansonii is happily growing in water.
2. Semi-Hydro Is a Great Compromise
If you love the idea of growing Monstera adansonii in water but want more stability, try semi-hydro.
Use a glass container filled with leca pebbles and water at the bottom.
This gives your Monstera adansonii something to hold onto while still enjoying water at the roots.
It’s a clever middle ground that many plant parents swear by.
Common Mistakes When Growing Monstera Adansonii in Water
1. Leaving the Leaves Submerged
If you’re growing Monstera adansonii in water, never let the leaves sit underwater for long.
Only the roots and lower stem should be submerged.
Submerged leaves can rot and contaminate the water.
So keep the foliage safely above the waterline.
2. Forgetting to Add Fertilizer
Water has very few nutrients, so a Monstera adansonii growing in water needs occasional feeding.
Add a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Just remember that a Monstera adansonii in water needs a weaker solution than one in soil.
Too much fertilizer can burn the water roots.
3. Ignoring Signs of Root Rot
Even though Monstera adansonii can grow in water, it can still develop root rot if conditions are wrong.
Brown, mushy roots are a bad sign and need to be trimmed immediately.
If the water smells bad, change it and rinse the jar thoroughly.
Catching problems early is key to successfully growing Monstera adansonii in water long-term.
So, Can Monstera Adansonii Grow in Water?
Yes, Monstera adansonii can grow in water, and it’s a fantastic option for both beginners and experienced plant lovers.
As long as you give the roots clean water, bright indirect light, and occasional nutrients, your Monstera adansonii can thrive in water for months or even years.
Just remember that eventually you might want to move it to soil if it outgrows your jar.
But if you’ve been asking, can Monstera adansonii grow in water, the answer is a clear yes.
Enjoy watching your water-grown Monstera adansonii put out new shoots.