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You can transfer monstera from soil to water successfully, and it’s a fun way to watch your plant thrive in a whole new environment.
If you’ve been wondering how to transfer monstera from soil to water, the process is simpler than you might think, as long as you do it gently and give the roots time to adjust.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the exact steps for how to transfer monstera from soil to water, what to expect during the transition, and how to keep your monstera happy in its new watery home.
Let’s dive right in and get those roots swimming.
Why You Can Transfer Monstera From Soil To Water
Monstera plants are incredibly adaptable, and they can absolutely live in water long-term when you transfer monstera from soil to water correctly.
The key reason this works is that monstera naturally grows in humid, tropical areas where roots often sit in moist, oxygen-rich water.
When you move your monstera from soil to water, you’re essentially recreating those jungle conditions right on your kitchen counter.
Here’s why so many plant lovers choose to transfer monstera from soil to water in the first place.
1. You Can Watch The Roots Grow
One of the coolest parts about learning how to transfer monstera from soil to water is that you get to see every little root development.
In soil, roots are hidden, but in a glass jar, you’ll spot new white roots sprouting within a few weeks.
This visual feedback helps you monitor the health of your monstera and catch any issues early.
It’s honestly like having a window into your plant’s secret underground life.
2. No More Overwatering Worries
If you tend to overwater your houseplants, then learning how to transfer monstera from soil to water might actually be a lifesaver for your plant.
In soil, too much water leads to root rot, but in water, your monstera has a constant, consistent supply.
You just top up the water level when it gets low, and you never have to guess if the soil is dry enough.
That simplicity makes the switch super appealing for busy plant parents.
3. It’s Easier To Propagate Later
Once you transfer monstera from soil to water, making future cuttings becomes a breeze.
You can simply snip a stem with a node and drop it back into the same water.
The roots will already be conditioned to water, so they’ll adapt much faster than soil-rooted cuttings.
That means more monstera plants for you or for sharing with friends.
Step-By-Step: How To Transfer Monstera From Soil To Water
Now let’s get into the actual process of how to transfer monstera from soil to water without shocking your plant.
Following these steps closely will give your monstera the best chance of a smooth transition.
1. Choose A Healthy Monstera
Before you transfer monstera from soil to water, pick a plant that’s already healthy and pest-free.
Look for vibrant green leaves, firm stems, and no signs of yellowing or drooping.
A stressed plant might not survive the shock of moving from soil to water.
It’s better to start with a thriving monstera so the transition is as easy as possible.
2. Gently Remove The Soil From The Roots
Carefully slide your monstera out of its pot and shake off as much loose soil as you can.
Then, rinse the roots under lukewarm running water to wash away the remaining dirt.
Be gentle here because monstera roots can be brittle, especially when they’re used to soil.
You want to get the roots completely clean so no soil particles rot in the water later.
3. Trim Away Any Damaged Or Rotten Roots
While you’re cleaning, check for any mushy, brown, or slimy roots and snip them off with sterilized scissors.
Healthy roots will be firm and white or light tan in color.
Removing the bad roots prevents rot from spreading to the healthy ones after you transfer monstera from soil to water.
Make clean cuts and avoid tearing the root tissue.
4. Choose The Right Container And Water
Pick a glass jar or vase that’s tall enough to support the monstera’s stem and heavy enough not to tip over.
Then, fill it with room-temperature, filtered water or let tap water sit out overnight to evaporate chlorine.
Place your monstera so that the roots are submerged but the leaves stay completely dry above the rim.
That setup prevents leaf rot and gives the roots plenty of room to breathe.
5. Change The Water Regularly
After you transfer monstera from soil to water, you’ll need to refresh the water every 5 to 7 days.
Stagnant water loses oxygen and allows harmful bacteria to multiply, so don’t skip this step.
When you change the water, give the jar a quick rinse too to keep things squeaky clean.
Fresh water keeps your monstera energized and helps the roots absorb nutrients better.
What To Expect After You Transfer Monstera From Soil To Water
The days right after you transfer monstera from soil to water are critical, and you might see a few changes.
Don’t panic if your monstera looks a little droopy or shocked at first, that’s totally normal.
Here’s what typically happens in the weeks following your switch.
1. Temporary Leaf Drooping
Your monstera might droop its leaves for a few days after you transfer monstera from soil to water.
This happens because the roots are adjusting from a dense soil medium to a lighter water medium.
Give it about two weeks, and the leaves should perk back up as the roots begin to adapt.
Keep the plant in bright, indirect light to help it recover faster.
2. Old Soil Roots May Shed
Some of the original soil roots can wither or turn mushy after you transfer monstera from soil to water.
That’s because soil roots are structured differently than water roots, and they often die off.
As long as you see new, thinner white roots emerging, the plant is doing great.
Just remove any dead roots during your weekly water changes to keep the jar clean.
3. Slower Growth At First
Don’t expect new leaves right away after you transfer monstera from soil to water.
The plant will spend its energy on root regeneration before pushing out new foliage.
This pause is completely healthy and just means your monstera is focusing on its foundation.
Once the water roots establish, you’ll start to see fresh growth again.
Tips For Long-Term Monstera Success In Water
Once you’ve successfully learned how to transfer monstera from soil to water, you’ll want to keep it thriving.
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your monstera stays lush in its new liquid home.
1. Add Liquid Fertilizer Sparingly
Water lacks the nutrients that soil naturally provides, so you’ll need to feed your monstera occasionally.
Use a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.
Avoid over-fertilizing because that can burn the delicate water roots.
A few drops at a time is all your monstera needs to stay green and healthy.
2. Keep The Water Level Consistent
Always maintain the water level so the roots stay fully submerged, but don’t fill it above the stem base.
If the water drops too low, the exposed roots dry out and stop absorbing nutrients.
Top off the jar with fresh water between full changes when you notice evaporation.
Consistency is the secret sauce for happy water-grown monstera.
3. Provide Bright, Indirect Light
Place your monstera in a spot with bright but indirect sunlight, like near an east-facing window.
Direct sun can heat up the water and promote algae growth, which isn’t great for your plant.
If you notice green algae forming, just clean the jar and swap out the water right away.
Good light keeps your monstera photosynthesisizing and looking its best.
So, How To Transfer Monstera From Soil To Water?
To transfer monstera from soil to water, you simply clean the roots, trim any rot, place the plant in a jar of fresh water, and change that water weekly.
Your monstera will thrive in water as long as you give it bright, indirect light, occasional fertilizer, and consistent water levels.
Remember to be patient during the adjustment period, and don’t stress over a little drooping or root shedding.
Now that you know exactly how to transfer monstera from soil to water, why not give it a try with your own monstera today?
Your plant might just surprise you with how much it loves the watery life.