How to Propagate Monstera Plant – Ultimate Guide?

With its iconic split foliage, the monstera plant gives a tropical vibe to your indoor space.

Houseplants, including Monstera deliciosa, are known to purify air and remove toxins.

Though these claims lack strong scientific evidence, having greenery around you will enhance your mood.

If you’re a monstera plant lover and want to double it, propagating monstera through cutting is one of the easiest and quickest ways to expand your plant collection.

Propagation typically involves cutting a healthy stem from the parent plant and planting it in the soil to encourage rooting.

Once the root appears, you can transplant the young plant into a pot.

However, a small mistake can result in monstera leaves turning yellow, stunted growth, or, in rare cases, plant death.

In this write-up, I’ll explain the different propagation methods, provide step-by-step instructions, and offer tips for ensuring healthy root development.

When to Propagate Monstera?

It is essential to check the favorable climatic conditions to increase the success rate of propagation.

Spring and summer are active growing seasons for the Monstera plant; however, you can try to propagate Monstera in fall or winter, but the success rate may be low.

During these months, warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours, and higher humidity encourage faster root development and healthier growth.

Propagating during this period also helps the parent plant recover quickly after cutting.

Propagation in fall and winter is not ideal since Monstera enters a slower growth phase.

During these months, cuttings take longer to root and are more rot-resistant. If you must propagate in winter, using a heat mat, grow lights, and maintaining humidity can help improve success rates.

It can be an excellent opportunity to propagate if you are already pruning your Monstera or repotting due to overcrowding.

Instead of discarding trimmed vines, you can root them and grow new plants.

Must read: Do Monstera Deliciosa like to be Root Bound?

How to Cut Monstera Leaves for Propagation?

Choose a healthy stem and cut it with at least one node, as roots will only grow from this point.

Nodes are small bumps or rings on the stem, often found near aerial roots.

Cut just below the node using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, ensuring the stem is a few inches long.

Avoid cutting the leaf without a node, as it will not grow roots.

Once correctly cut, you can place it in water or soil for propagation.

How to Propagate Monstera Cuttings in Soil?

Propagating cuttings in the soil makes the plant stronger with more established roots.

And you don’t have to change the water to avoid root rotting repeatedly.

Gardeners who have very low backyards can try water propagation indoors with grow lights and then transplant to the soil.

So, it all depends on the resources you’ve.

Below is a step-by-step guide to propagating Monstera in soil and the materials you will need.

Things you’ll need:

• A healthy Monstera cutting (with at least one node and, ideally, an aerial root)
• Sharp, sterilized pruning shears or scissors
• A small pot with drainage holes
• Well-draining potting mix (a blend of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark works well)
• Rooting hormone (optional, but helps speed up root development)
• Watering can or spray bottle
• A warm, humid location with bright, indirect light

Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating Monstera in Soil

1. Take a Healthy Cutting

The first step in propagating Monstera is selecting a healthy stem cutting from the parent plant.

Make a clean cut just below a node using sharp, sterilized scissors or pruning shears.

The node is a small, raised bump on the stem where roots will develop. Without a node, the cutting cannot grow roots, making propagation unsuccessful.

Choose a cutting with an aerial root attached. While not essential, an aerial root can help the cutting establish itself more quickly by providing a starting point for root growth.

Ensure the cutting is a few inches long and has at least one healthy leaf.

2. Prepare the Cutting

Once you have your cutting, allowing it to dry for 30 minutes to an hour before planting is helpful. This helps seal the cut end and reduces the risk of rot when placed in soil.

For faster root development, you can dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder or gel.

While this step is not required, rooting hormones encourage root formation and help prevent fungal infections. If you decide to use it, coat the cut portion of the stem lightly before planting.

3. Choose the Right Pot and Soil

Selecting the correct pot and soil is crucial for the success of your Monstera propagation.

Choose a small pot with drainage holes to prevent excess water from collecting at the bottom, which can cause root rot.

A plastic or terracotta pot works well, but ensure that water drains freely after watering.

A good potting soil mix includes peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark.

Peat moss retains moisture without becoming soggy, perlite improves aeration, and orchid bark enhances drainage.

4. Plant the Cutting

After preparing the soil, make a small hole in the center of the pot.

Insert the cutting into the hole, ensuring that at least one node is buried beneath the soil, as this is where roots will develop.

The leaves should remain above the surface to allow proper growth and photosynthesis.

Once the cutting is placed, gently press the soil around the base to keep it stable.

Avoid compacting the soil too much, restricting airflow, and slowing down root development.

5. Water and Maintain humidity

After planting, lightly water the soil to moisten it evenly but not soggy.

Overwatering at this stage can cause the cutting to rot before roots develop. A spray bottle can be helpful for lightly misting the soil instead of drenching it.

Since Monstera thrives in a humid environment, you can create a mini greenhouse effect by placing a plastic bag or humidity dome over the cutting. This helps retain moisture and encourages faster root growth.

However, remove the cover for a few minutes daily to allow airflow and prevent mold growth.

Place the pot in a warm, bright spot with indirect sunlight.

Direct sunlight can scorch the cutting, while too little light can slow the rooting process. An ideal location is near a window with filtered light.

6. Monitor and Care for the Cutting

Propagation requires patience, so monitor the cutting regularly to ensure it is healthy.

Check the soil moisture every few days and mist the leaves if they look dry.

 Avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can cause rot and prevent roots from forming.

Within four to six weeks, you should see signs of new growth, indicating that the cutting has successfully developed roots.

If you gently tug on the cutting and feel resistance, the roots anchor into the soil.

Once the cutting has established a strong root system, you can start caring for it like a mature Monstera by following a regular watering schedule and providing bright, indirect light.

How to Propagate Monstera in Water?

Propagating Monstera in water is one of the easiest and most effective methods to grow a new plant.

It allows you to monitor root development while creating an attractive display of greenery in a glass jar.

1. Take a Healthy Cutting

Cut a healthy stem with at least one node.

Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid infestation.

As mentioned earlier, the node is essential for root growth, so ensure it is included.

Choose a cutting with an aerial root if possible, as this can speed up the process. Allow the cutting to dry for 30 minutes to prevent rot before placing it in water.

2. Place the Cutting in the Water

Use a clean glass jar or vase filled with room-temperature, non-chlorinated water.

Submerge the node while keeping the leaves above the water surface to prevent rot. Place the jar in a warm spot with bright, indirect light.

3. Maintain Water Quality

Change the water every 3 to 5 days to prevent bacterial growth and keep the roots healthy.

Ensure the water level remains high enough to cover the node consistently.

4. Monitor Root Growth

You should start seeing roots emerge within two to four weeks. Wait until the roots are at least two to three inches long before transferring the cutting to the soil for continued growth.

With proper care, your Monstera cutting will develop into a vigorous, thriving plant ready to be potted and grown into a beautiful houseplant.

How to Propagate Monstera by Air Layering ?

Air layering is a propagation method that allows a Monstera cutting to develop roots while still attached to the parent plant.

This technique reduces stress on the plant and increases the success rate, making it an excellent option for those who want a well-established cutting before separating it.

1. Choose a Healthy Node

Select a mature Monstera stem with a node and an aerial root. Nodes are small bumps on the stem from which roots will grow.

2. Make a Small Incision

Carefully make a shallow cut on the stem just below the node using a sharp, sterilized knife. Do not cut too deeply—only through the outer layer of the stem.

3. Apply Rooting Hormone (Optional)

Apply a small amount of rooting hormone to the cut area to stimulate root growth and faster root growth.

4. Wrap with Moist Sphagnum Moss

Dampen a handful of sphagnum moss and wrap it around the incision. The moss should be moist but not soaking wet.

5. Cover with Plastic Wrap

Secure the moss with plastic wrap, ensuring it stays in place while retaining moisture. Seal both ends with twist ties or string.

6. Monitor and Maintain Moisture

Check the moss regularly to ensure it stays damp. Mist it if it starts to dry out.

7. Cut and Pot the Rooted Section

After 4 to 6 weeks, roots should develop within the moss. Once they are well-formed, cut the stem below the rooted section and plant it in the soil.

This method ensures the cutting has a strong root system before separation, leading to a healthier new Monstera plant.

Check this: 6 Things to Do to Make Monstera Bushier

Monstera Plant Care after Transplanting

• Place the newly potted Monstera in a warm location with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun to prevent stress on the young roots.
• Water the plant lightly, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy. Overwatering can cause root rot, so allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
• Maintain high humidity by misting the plant, using a humidity tray, or placing a humidifier nearby. This helps the plant adjust to its new environment.
• Avoid fertilizing immediately after transplanting. Wait at least four to six weeks before introducing a diluted liquid fertilizer to prevent overwhelming the new roots.
• Keep the plant stable, away from drafts, temperature fluctuations, and air conditioning vents.
• Monitor the plant for signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves or drooping, and adjust care accordingly.
• Be patient; Monstera may take a few weeks to establish its new pot and fully resume active growth.

Conclusion

Propagating Monstera from cuttings is a simple and rewarding process in soil or water.

You can successfully grow a new Monstera plant by selecting a healthy stem with a node, providing the right environment, and maintaining proper care.

Water propagation allows you to monitor root growth, while soil propagation helps the plant adjust to its growing medium.

With patience and consistent care, your cutting will develop strong roots and grow into a thriving plant, adding to your indoor greenery.