The captivating beauty of Monstera Variegata, with its unique blend of green and white on its leaves, has made it a highly coveted plant among enthusiasts. As these plants can only be propagated through cuttings, understanding the difference between top cuttings and stem cuttings is essential for anyone looking to expand their collection or start their own variegated Monstera journey.

At Plantlovers.eu, we've been propagating Monstera Variegata through cuttings for over 50 years.

Our Propagation Process at Plantlovers.eu

Every few months, we carefully trim the top 5-6 leaves from our mother plants. It's crucial to always leave one leaf above the previous cut, ensuring the plant can regenerate from the nearby growth point.

• Top Cuttings: The top 3 leaves from each cutting are called "top cuttings" due to their position on the plant. We root these in pots sized 15 and larger, depending on their maturity. These cuttings will establish roots and continue to grow upwards.
• Stem Cuttings: The remaining portion of the cutting is divided into 2-3 stem cuttings, rooted in 12-sized pots. With stem cuttings, an entirely new baby plant emerges from the buried growth point, with part of the stem still visible above the soil. This process can take up to 9 months, as the cutting focuses on root development before producing new growth.
• Rare Occurrence: Occasionally, if we cut a mother plant too deeply and don't leave that extra leaf, the lowest stem cutting will have a small portion of the stem from the previous cut remaining above the soil. This is rare, as cutting too deeply can jeopardize the mother plant's health.

We prioritize the well-being of our mother plants, ensuring a sustainable supply of these beautiful variegated Monsteras for years to come.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Cutting Type

Top Cuttings

• Advantages:
• Faster growth
• More predictable variegation
• Often include aerial roots
• Disadvantages:
• Can be more expensive

Stem Cuttings

• Advantages:
• More affordable
• Disadvantages:
• Slower growth
• Less predictable variegation
• May not have aerial roots

Which one is right for you?

The best choice depends on your budget, patience, and desired variegation outcome:

• Top cuttings are ideal if you want faster growth and a more predictable variegation pattern.
• Stem cuttings are a good option if you're on a budget or enjoy the surprise element of potentially getting multiple new plants with varying variegation.

No matter which type you choose, propagating Monstera Variegata is a rewarding experience. With proper care and attention, you can create a thriving collection of these beautiful plants.

Additional tips for successful propagation:

• Use clean, sharp tools to make your cuttings.
• Provide adequate humidity and warmth during the rooting process.
• Be patient! It can take several weeks or even months for cuttings to root and produce new growth.

Happy propagating!