✂️ How to Propagate Monstera (And Get Free Plants!)
Learning how to propagate monstera is one of the greatest joys of owning this iconic plant. It might sound like a complicated scientific term, but it’s really just a simple way to multiply your collection or share a piece of your beloved plant with friends. This guide will walk you through the entire process, turning you into a propagation pro.
Before we begin, remember that a healthy plant is the best candidate. If yours is struggling, focus on getting it back to full health first by following a solid Monstera Deliciosa care routine. A happy plant will give you happy cuttings!
✅ When is the Best Time for Monstera Propagation?
You can technically try this any time of year, but you will have the fastest and most successful results during the growing season (spring and summer). The plant is full of energy during this time, which means your cuttings will be primed to sprout new roots much more quickly.
💡 Understanding the Magic: What is a Monstera Node?
This is the most important part of learning how to propagate monstera successfully. You cannot create a new plant from just a leaf; you must have a piece of the main stem that contains a node. A node is a small, slightly raised brown bump on the stem where new roots and leaves emerge from. It’s the life-force of your cutting. You can easily find one at the junction where a leaf’s stalk meets the main vine.
Step 1: What You’ll Need for Monstera Propagation
- A healthy Monstera plant: Look for a vine with at least a few healthy leaves.
- Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears: A clean cut prevents disease.
- A glass jar or vase: For water propagation.
- (Optional) Rooting hormone: A powder that can help encourage faster root development, as explained by horticultural resources like the Penn State Extension.
Step 2: How to Take a Monstera Cutting
First, identify a healthy section of your Monstera’s vine that has one to three leaves. Follow the stem down from the lowest leaf until you locate its node. With your clean shears, make your cut about half an inch to an inch (1-2 cm) below that node. You’ve now officially taken a viable Monstera cutting, ready for the next step.
Step 3: Choose Your Propagation Method
Now you have two great options. The choice for how to propagate monstera often comes down to personal preference.
Method A: Water Propagation (The Easiest & Most Visual Way)
This method is perfect for beginners because you can watch the roots grow! Place the cutting into a glass jar and fill it with enough room-temperature water to submerge the node. It’s crucial to change the water every 3-5 days to keep it fresh. In a few weeks, you will see new roots sprouting from the node!
Method B: Soil Propagation (The Direct Approach)
You can also plant your cutting directly into soil. To give your cutting a boost, dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting deep enough so the node is buried about an inch under some fresh, well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist as the roots develop.
Step 4: Potting Your New Plant
If you used water propagation, it’s time to move to soil once the new roots are about 2-3 inches long. Gently plant your rooted cutting in a small pot with fresh soil and give it a good watering. For the first couple of weeks, keep the soil a bit more moist than usual to help the “water roots” acclimate to their new environment.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Your Cutting
- Stem is turning black and mushy! This is likely stem rot. Immediately cut off the mushy part, let the new end dry for an hour, and place it in a clean jar with fresh water.
- It’s been weeks and nothing is happening! Be patient! As long as the cutting is still firm and green, everything is fine. Ensure it’s getting enough warmth and bright, indirect light.
⭐ Pro Tip:
Want a fuller-looking plant faster? Propagate three or four cuttings at the same time and plant them all together in the same pot once they’ve rooted. This will give you a lush, bushy Monstera right from the start!
And that’s it! You now know exactly how to propagate monstera. Be patient as your new plant establishes itself—it will focus on root growth first before pushing out new leaves. Congratulations on successfully growing your indoor jungle!