How to Propagate Monstera: Water and Soil Methods

If you’ve ever looked at your thriving Monstera and thought, “I wish I had more of you,” you’re in luck. Propagation makes that possible—and it’s simpler than it sounds.

Whether you’re expanding your indoor jungle, gifting a leafy baby to a friend, or just love experimenting with plant care, learning how to propagate Monstera is a great step forward.

In this hands-on guide, I’ll walk you through everything—from choosing a healthy cutting to rooting it in water or soil—so you can grow with confidence, no guesswork needed.

Understanding Monstera Propagation

Propagation is the process of growing a new plant from a piece of the original. And Monsteras? They’re wonderfully cooperative when it comes to this. Thanks to their visible nodes and aerial roots, they make propagation feel less like science and more like a weekend DIY project.

Your best window to propagate a Monstera plant is during spring or early summer, when your plant is naturally focused on new growth. Look for mature stems with at least one node (that little knuckle-like bump) and, ideally, an aerial root poking out. That’s your cue—it’s propagation time.

What You’ll Need to Propagate Monstera Cutting:

Before you start, gather these essentials:

• Clean pruning shears – for a smooth, healthy cut
• A clear glass or jar – if you want to grow Monstera in water
• Fresh water – filtered or dechlorinated is best
• Pot with drainage and aerated potting mix – if you plan to propagate Monstera in soil
• Optional rooting hormone – not mandatory, but it boosts success

Getting everything prepped ahead saves you from scrambling mid-task and gives your cutting a better chance to root smoothly.

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Easy Steps to Propagate a Monstera Plant:

Step 1: Choose and Cut

Find a healthy vine with a node and an aerial root. Using sterilized shears, cut ½ to 1 inch below the node. Avoid leaves-only cuttings—they won’t root without that vital node.

Step 2: Prep Your Cutting

Remove any leaves near the cut end so nothing rots in water or soil. If you’re using rooting hormone, dip the fresh cut into it gently.

Step 3: Pick Your Method

Now decide—will you propagate Monstera in soil or water? Water lets you observe root growth, while soil helps the plant adjust faster to its permanent home. Go with what feels right for your space and style.

Method 1: Propagate Monstera in Water

Place the cutting in a clean jar, submerging the node fully but keeping the leaves dry. Put the jar somewhere bright but out of direct sunlight. Refresh the water every 3–5 days to prevent slime or bacteria buildup.

Roots usually appear in 2–3 weeks. Once they’re a couple of inches long and look strong, you can transplant into soil—or keep your Monstera water-grown if you like that minimalist look.

Method 2: Propagate Monstera in Soil

If you’re going soil-first, fill a small pot with moist, well-draining mix. Make a hole, tuck the node in, and gently press the soil around it. Keep the pot in bright, indirect light and the soil evenly moist—but never soggy.

Watch for new leaves or root resistance after 4–6 weeks. That’s your sign that things are going well underground.

Also Read: Balloon Flower Growing & Care Guide

Can You Propagate Monstera Leaf Without a Node?

This is a common question, and here’s the truth: no node, no new plant. You can enjoy a Monstera leaf in a vase as a pretty display, but if there’s no node, roots won’t grow, no matter how long you wait.

If you’re serious about propagation, always check for that knobby bump before cutting.

Mistakes to Avoid When Propagating

• Skipping the node – without it, your plant won’t root
• Using dirty tools – infections spread fast
• Too much direct sun – it burns fresh cuttings
• Changing your setup too often – give your cutting time to settle
• Overwatering in soil – soggy roots rot quickly

Patience and a steady hand are your best tools here.

Must Read: How to Grow Dragon Fruit From Cuttings

Care After Successful Propagation

Once your Monstera cutting roots and moves into a pot, treat it gently. Keep it somewhere bright (no harsh sun), water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and don’t fertilize for the first month.

Once it adjusts, you can treat it like any established Monstera. Regular feeding during the growing season and a humid environment will keep it thriving.

FAQs

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Conclusion

If you’ve followed along this far, you’re more than ready to propagate your Monstera with confidence. You’ve learned how to spot a healthy node, make the right cut, and root it successfully in either water or soil. Now it’s time to try it for yourself.

Take it slow, be patient, and don’t stress if things don’t go perfectly the first time. Even experienced plant lovers lose a cutting now and then—it’s all part of the process. The joy comes from watching those roots appear, those fresh leaves unfurl, and knowing you made it happen.

And if you ever have a question or want to share how your propagation went, we’re just a message away.

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