How to Propagate Monstera: A Complete Guide for Plant Lovers in 2024

The (Monstera deliciosa), also known as the split-leaf philodendron or Swiss cheese plant, is one of the most sought-after houseplants, rising in popularity because of their lush, interesting leaves and dark green color. Native to the Central American rainforests, monstera is easy to propagate into new plants via cuttings in soil or water or by air layering). Keep reading to how to propagate monstera through several techniques, so you can add more of this pretty houseplant to your collection.

Hey plant friends! I’ve been propagating Monstera deliciosa (aka Swiss cheese plant) for years now, and I’m super excited to share everything I know about multiplying these gorgeous tropical beauties. Whether you’re a newbie or seasoned plant parent, this guide will walk you through the whole process step by step.

Why Should You Propagate Your Monstera?

There are two main reasons why you might want to propagate your Monstera

Your plant is getting too big and needs trimming
You want to create new plants (either for yourself or to share with friends!)

What You’ll Need

Before we dive in, let’s gather our supplies:

Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears
Rooting medium (water, soil, perlite, or sphagnum moss)
Clean containers
Optional: Rooting hormone or honey
Optional: Clear plastic bag for humidity
Optional: Support stake

Understanding Monstera Anatomy

Okay before we start chopping, it’s super important to understand the parts of your Monstera

The Node: Your Golden Ticket

The node is basically the plant’s growth powerhouse – it’s that bumpy part on the stem where leaves emerge You MUST have a node on your cutting for successful propagation. No node = no new plant!

Types of Roots

Your Monstera has three types of roots:

Subterranean roots (underground)
Aerial roots (those brown dangly bits in the air)
Aerial-subterranean roots (aerial roots that reach the soil)

Three Ways to Propagate Monstera

1. Water Propagation

This is my favorite method because I love watching the roots develop!

Steps:

Make a clean cut below a node
Place cutting in water, making sure the node is submerged
Change water every 3-4 days
Wait for roots (usually 2-4 weeks)
Transfer to soil when roots are 3-4 inches long

2. Soil Propagation

Steps:

Prepare well-draining potting mix
Cut below a node
Optional: Dip in rooting hormone
Plant cutting so node is covered
Keep soil consistently moist
Wait 4-6 weeks for rooting

3. Air Layering

This is a cool method where you can see roots form before separating from the mother plant!

Steps:

Identify a healthy node
Make a small cut (1/3 through) below node
Wrap damp sphagnum moss around cut
Cover with plastic wrap
Wait 4-8 weeks for roots
Cut below new roots
Plant in soil

Pro Tips for Success

Best time to propagate: Spring or summer
Keep cuttings in bright, indirect light
Maintain warm temperatures (70-80°F)
Mist regularly for humidity
Be patient! New leaves can take 2-3 months

Common Problems & Solutions

Help! My cutting is turning yellow

Possible overwatering
Move to brighter spot
Check for root rot

No roots after 6 weeks?

Check temperature
Ensure node is present
Try adding rooting hormone
Be patient!

When to Transplant

You’ll know it’s time to transplant your water-propagated cutting when:

Roots are 3-4 inches long
Roots have small branching roots
New leaf growth appears

Aftercare

Once your baby Monstera is in soil:

Water when top 1-2 inches feel dry
Provide support for climbing
Feed with diluted fertilizer after 2-3 months
Increase pot size as plant grows

Final Thoughts

I gotta say, propagating Monstera is one of the most rewarding experiences in plant parenthood! While it might seem intimidating at first, it’s actually pretty straightforward once you understand the basics. Just remember – patience is key, and every failed attempt is a learning opportunity.

Got questions about propagating your Monstera? Drop them in the comments below! I’d love to help you grow your plant family.

Happy propagating!

Note: Always make sure your Monstera cuttings have at least one node – this is non-negotiable for successful propagation. While leaf-only cuttings might survive in water for a while, they won’t develop into new plants.

monstera plant how to propagate

How to Propagate Monstera in Soil

A popular way to propagate monstera is by rooting stem cuttings in a coarse, well-draining growing medium. You can root cuttings in perlite alone, amend standard potting mix with a few handfuls of perlite or orchid bark for drainage, or make your own propagation mix. To make your own, combine equal parts peat moss, perlite, and organic compost.

Prepare the Pot

Fill the plant pot half full with growing medium so theres one inch of space between the soil level and the top of the pot. Lightly moisten the growing medium. Credit: The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Take a Cutting With a Node

Choose a healthy-looking stem with a node (the bumpy area on the stem that can produce new growth), at least one aerial root, and at least two leaves. Make a clean cut directly below the node or below an aerial root. Credit: The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Dip the Cutting in Rooting Hormone

Dip the tip of the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder to promote faster, more vigorous root growth. Tap the cutting to remove excess powder, a light coating is sufficient. Credit: The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Plant the Cutting

Poke a hole in the center of the growing medium. Plant the cutting so the node is one inch below the soil surface. Coil any aerial roots around the top of the pot and cover with another layer of soil. You can cut back aerial roots instead if they’re too large to fit in the pot. Credit: The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Monitor the Cutting

Put monstera stem cuttings in a warm place with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. After a week or two, allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings to avoid root rot. Credit: The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

When to Propagate Monstera

The best time to propagate a mature monstera plant is during the spring and summer. This is also the best time to prune back leggy or overgrown plants. If your cutting includes a node, you can use the pieces you prune off to propagate new plants. It’s still possible to propagate this plant in fall or winter, but the process might take longer.

Monstera deliciosa cuttings can only be propagated if the cutting has a node. A propagated node can grow new roots in about a month, but new leaves might not appear for two or three months.

monstera plant how to propagate

Why Should You Propagate Your Monstera?

What You’ll Need