Did you receive a Monstera cutting with no node and wish to know whether it can be propagated?
Monstera leaf without a node may grow roots and live for a long time. However, it will never produce new stems or leaves because all the cells needed for development are located in the node.
I’ll go through what you need to know about the Monstera node and whether or not it’s possible to propagate a Monstera node without leaves. Furthermore, you’ll also learn how to prepare a proper cutting for propagation.
Let’s get started!
Things You Should Know about Monstera Node
The function of Monstera nodes
The cells responsible for producing new growth are all located within the nodes. As a result, nodes are the crucial areas on Monstera stem where all new growth, including the leaves, stems, and aerial roots, originate.
To put it another way, I compare Monstera’s nodes to the wombs of animals or humans. They are the reproductive organs that help to produce offspring.
How do you identify a Monstera node?
Monstera nodes are bulging and have light green circular rings, making them easy to identify from the rest of the stem.
Also, the area where the stems divide into two petioles or where the aerial roots are visible will always have a node.
Propagating Monstera Without A Node
As the nodes are vital, there is a question as to whether or not you can propagate the Monstera plant without them.
Expect no new leaf growth.
While some plants such as Sansevieria (Snake plant) and cactus can grow into a full-size plant from a single leaf cutting, Monstera plants cannot.
Unfortunately, Monstera plants cultivated without any node will NOT be able to produce new leaf growth.
It does not have the required tissue to allow for cell division and new leaf growth.
Monstera without a node will grow roots.
Monstera cutting without node will start rooting in 2 to 3 weeks when kept in water.
However, you should not expect it to grow new leaves.
The leaf can survive without a node.
The leaf will continue to absorb water through osmosis to stay turgid and fresh.
It must, however, be placed in the ideal environment so that no overheating occurs and the leaf withers as a result of excessive transpiration.
In the past, I did keep Monstera leaf without node for months.
Also read: Monstera Watering: Best Practices You Need to Know
Propagating Monstera Node Without Leaf
When you buy variegated Monstera from an online vendor, the item might arrive as a node without a leaf, also known as a wet stick.
Possible to grow into a new plant
I was so shocked when my Monstera arrived with no leaves at all!
But rest assured, as long as there is a node present, the Monstera plant will be able to turn into a full-size plant.
Unfortunately, growth will be very slow since a leaf normally assists development by providing extra energy via photosynthesis. It might take at least a month for the new bud to extrude from the node.
Here’s a timelapse of Monstera node without leaves growing:
How to propagate monstera node without leaf
Basically, you will need to provide a high humidity environment for the wet stick to help roots and bud formation.
You can use a plastic container with lids or a ziplock bag to make a mini greenhouse for the cutting. Place an inch-thick layer of sphagnum moss in the container’s base, and half-bury your wet stick on it.
Make sure the sphagnum moss is moist but not soggy by watering it once a week. Also, make a few holes on the lid or leave some openings for ventilation. These will help to prevent the wet stick from rotting.
Also read: Best Soil Mix for Monstera – How to Make Your Own
How To Take a Proper Cutting for Propagation
Ideally, you should cut the stem at least an inch below a node. Make sure the cutting has at least one healthy leaf and aerial roots for the optimum propagation result.
When pruning, use a pair of sharp shears to make a clean cut that heals the mother plant faster.
Lastly, make sure to cut at a 45-degree angle to maximize the surface area, allowing for greater water uptake and faster root growth.
Also, check out my Monstera propagation guide for more detail.