A Comprehensive Guide
Greetings, plant enthusiasts! If you're as passionate about Monstera plants as I am, you're in for a treat. Monstera Borsigiana Albo Variegata and Monstera Thai Constellation Deliciosa have become beloved fixtures in our indoor gardens. For those looking to start their Monstera journey with cuttings, you're on the right track. Not only is it cost-effective, but it's also incredibly rewarding. However, there are key factors to consider when buying Monstera cuttings to ensure you get off to a great start. In this comprehensive guide tailored to the Australian plant scene, we'll leave no leaf unturned. You'll discover precisely what to look for when acquiring Monstera cuttings.
Size Matters:
Let's start with an important consideration – size. When you're in the market for Monstera cuttings, focus on the size of the cutting. Specifically, pay attention to the internode, the space between two leaf nodes. To set your cutting up for success, aim for cuttings with a generous internode, at least 2 inches long. A larger internode provides your cutting with added resilience if it encounters issues like rot.
Axillary Bud:
Here's another crucial feature to examine – the axillary bud. This tiny oval-shaped bud sits slightly raised above the internode, often nestled in the leaf axil where the leaf meets the stem. Why does it matter? A cutting with a visible axillary bud has the potential to grow into a full-fledged Monstera plant more quickly and robustly. It's like having a miniature growth powerhouse waiting to spring into action.
Callusing:
Before rooting your Monstera cutting, ensuring it has properly callused is pivotal to prevent stem rot. Callusing is the process where the cut end of the stem forms a protective "callus" layer, sealing itself off from potential pathogens. In my method, cuttings are left to callus for a minimum of 48 hours. The challenge when purchasing a cutting is, you might not know whether the seller allowed the cutting to callus properly. This is why it's paramount to buy from a reputable grower with a sound reputation—they wouldn't sell you a cutting prone to rot.
Avoiding Tip Cuttings:
Now, let's address a topic I've covered extensively – tip cuttings. Propagating tip cuttings can be challenging, so if you're determined to go this route, it's essential to get a few things right. Firstly, ensure the cutting has aerial roots. Tip cuttings represent the youngest parts of the plant and usually lack aerial roots, making them challenging to propagate.
Timing is crucial with tip cuttings. You can take them when a new leaf is just forming in the stem of the last leaf, when that leaf is bursting out of the stem, or once that leaf opens up. The catch? You might not have seen this stage since you're buying it from someone else. So, the question is, did the seller do the right thing, and did they know when to take it? These are critical considerations when dealing with tip cuttings.
Root Inspection:
Before finalising your Monstera cutting purchase, conduct a thorough root inspection. Remove any surrounding media to get a clear view. Healthy Monstera cuttings should boast creamy white or light-colored, firm roots. If you spot brown, mushy, or rot-afflicted roots, it's best to steer clear. Healthy roots are your cutting's ticket to a thriving life in your care.
Variegation Consideration:
Now, let's delve into variegation. Highly variegated Monstera cuttings are in high demand, thanks to their stunning foliage patterns. However, there's a catch. Highly variegated cuttings can come with limitations when it comes to growing new leaves. Variegation can result from genetic mutations, and while someone might claim a cutting is highly variegated, it's wise to ask to see the mother plant for a better idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that highly variegated leaves may grow slower or be more susceptible to damage.
Wet Sticks:
Here's a crucial point – avoid wet sticks, which are essentially cuttings without leaves and roots. These cuttings haven't developed the necessary structures for growth and can be quite challenging to propagate successfully. Based on my experience, wet sticks should be inexpensive as their success rate is notably lower; for every five wet sticks, you might get one or two that work, if you're lucky.
Some individuals may report better outcomes, but this is often dependent on the particular wet stick—they might have just got a really good one as not all sticks are equal.
Asking Questions:
Never hesitate to ask the seller questions about the cutting. Inquire about how long ago the cutting was taken from the parent plant. Fresher cuttings tend to root more easily. Also, ask about the care and conditions the cutting has experienced since being taken. This information can provide insights into its health and potential challenges you might face. Professor Monstera is easily accessible through Facebook groups
Temperature and Shipping Considerations:
Consider the temperature and shipping conditions when buying Monstera cuttings online. Ensure that the seller provides options for safe packaging and specifies shipping times to avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures.
In cold areas, some sellers may include heat packs in the packaging, but be cautious, as prolonged exposure or heat pack failure can damage the cutting. Discuss these details with the seller to ensure safe transit. This is why Professor Monstera plants are packed very carefully and I am very proud that I have never had a plant arrive with damage even after spending a long time in a box in transit.
Seller Trustworthiness:
Prior to making a purchase, research the seller's reviews and reputation. Look for feedback from previous customers to gauge the seller's reliability and the quality of their plant materials.
A trusted seller is more likely to provide healthy cuttings and good customer service. This is why Professor Monstera is proud to have reviews and testimonials. I even have a family of Professor Monstera plant owners who would be happy to give a review of Professor Monstera to anyone considering purchasing a Professor Monstera plant.
Payment Protection:
When making a purchase, use a secure payment service that offers buyer protection. This way, if the seller fails to deliver the promised product or if the cutting arrives damaged, you have a means of seeking a refund or resolution. This is why Professor Monstera uses PayPal and credit card. I am not one person selling a plant; I am a business with a reputation that's important, and your happiness is important to me.
Refund Policy:
Purchasing from a seller with a transparent refund policy gives you a security blanket. If your plant arrives with issues or encounters problems soon after arrival, a good refund policy can provide a resolution. This is why Professor Monstera has always had a root rot-free guarantee, meaning that my plants will arrive at your doorstep with a healthy set of roots and no root rot, unless it's an unrooted cutting. I have never had a plant arrive with root rot or any root diseases.
Take your time exploring and selecting
In conclusion, acquiring Monstera cuttings doesn't have to be a game of chance. With a little due diligence and knowledge, you're well on your way to nurturing healthy Monstera cuttings into magnificent indoor greenery. Seek advice from reputable sources and choose a trustworthy seller like Professor Monstera for your Monstera cuttings to find the perfect addition to your indoor jungle. Engage with knowledgeable and trusted sources to guide you through the process. Now you're equipped with the essential knowledge to confidently embark on your Monstera cutting purchasing journey in Australia.Feel free to explore more tips and tricks on the Professor Monstera website or engage with the Professor Monstera community on Facebook. Stay curious, and happy planting!
Big thanks to Christobel Balford who worked hard to put this together with The Prof!
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