The 10 ft stem of the Monsera deliciosa in our green house has broken in approximately halves. The upper part that "broke off" is not totally separated from the lower stem. What is the best way to salvage the upper part? Air layering? Stem or tip cuttings or ??? I'd surely appreciate advice from someone familiar with this type of plant. Thanks. Epan of Drew Universiy's greenhouse
Broken in half 10 ft Monstera deliciosa
If you would like to keep the 10 foot section intact and if there is still some vascular tissue connected between the top and bottom half, then I would recommend an attempt at a very large air layer if you can somehow pull it off. Otherwise you should chop the 10 foot section into 3 to 4 foot pieces and you can even just treat those like cuttings. Monstera is pretty tough and roots easily, but the main question is whether you want to keep the 10 foot piece intact. The air layer should be large- probably you will need 1 cubic foot of spaghnum and a small trash bag around the base of the 10 foot top piece. I recommend attempting to keep the connective tissue in tact until you get a fair amount of roots developed because you will need some roots and the current connection to keep that large of a piece going. And even through that you may lose a fair amount of lower leaves once the final cut is made. Keep humidity high during this process- even frequent misting several times a day.
That would be my advice, but I am sure some of the Haiwaiin folks might chime in and share their experience, too. Good luck!
They stay mostly on the Tropical Zone Forum. Might try posting your question there as well. Some of them move around and some don't.
d-mail IslandShari
RjuddHarrison
Braveheartsmom
AlohaHoya has just had back surgery.
There is another who lives on the Big Island. Can't think of his name just now.
Sorry, I see now that it is a 5 foot piece you will be keeping intact. Same advice applies. Do you have a picture you can post? I am sure you have some sort of support structure for that size Monstera- are there any aerial roots anywhere along the stem?
fauna, I owe you an apology. You are an expert yourself. It was your last sentence about the people of Hawaii that triggered my list. sorry.
Christi
No worries, Christi. You know what they say about being an expert- the more I know the more I realize how little I know!