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Cutting a monstera clipping is a simple process that gives you a brand new plant from your existing one.
If you’ve been wondering how to cut a monstera clipping the right way, the good news is that it only takes a few minutes and some basic tools.
You can cut a monstera clipping from any healthy stem, as long as you include a node and an aerial root.
In this post, we’ll walk through why you should propagate, how to cut a monstera clipping correctly, and what to do after you’ve made the cut.
Let’s dive in so you can start growing your monstera family with confidence.
Why You Can Cut a Monstera Clipping for Propagation
Monstera plants are incredibly forgiving, which makes them perfect for beginners and seasoned plant parents alike.
When you cut a monstera clipping, you’re basically taking a small part of the stem that contains a node, and that node holds the potential to grow roots.
Here’s why cutting a monstera clipping works so well:
1. The Node Is the Magic Spot
Every time you cut a monstera clipping, you need to locate the node first.
The node is that little brown bump or knuckle on the stem where the leaf attaches.
Aerial roots usually emerge from this spot, and these roots are what will grow into a full root system once placed in water or soil.
If you cut a monstera clipping without a node, your cutting won’t root, and it will eventually rot.
So always check for that node before you make your move.
2. Aerial Roots Give Your Cutting a Head Start
When you cut a monstera clipping, try to include a small aerial root if there is one.
Aerial roots are those wiry, brown tendrils that grow from the stem and cling to walls or moss poles.
These roots don’t need soil to survive, and they will quickly adapt to water or potting mix after you cut a monstera clipping.
Having an aerial root makes the propagation process faster and more reliable.
3. Multiple Leaves Are Better Than One
The best time to cut a monstera clipping is when you have a stem with at least two or three healthy leaves.
More leaves mean more energy for the cutting to produce roots.
However, if you only have a single leaf and a node, you can still cut a monstera clipping and have success.
Just be patient because a smaller cutting will take a little longer to establish.
How to Cut a Monstera Clipping Correctly
Now that you know why it works, let’s get into the actual steps on how to cut a monstera clipping.
The process is quick, but you need to be precise and use the right technique.
1. Gather Your Tools Before You Cut a Monstera Clipping
You’ll need a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears or a sterile knife.
Dull blades can crush the stem, which makes it harder for the cutting to take up water.
Before you cut a monstera clipping, wipe your tool with rubbing alcohol to prevent introducing bacteria or fungi.
Clean tools are essential for a healthy propagation.
2. Identify the Perfect Spot to Cut a Monstera Clipping
Look at your monstera stem and find a node that’s about halfway down the vine.
You want to cut a monstera clipping about one to two inches below that node.
This gives you enough stem length to place into water or soil without burying the leaves.
Make sure the cutting you remove has at least one leaf and one node.
3. Make the Cut at a 45-Degree Angle
When you cut a monstera clipping, angle your shears at about 45 degrees.
A diagonal cut increases the surface area for water absorption and looks cleaner.
Slice through the stem in one smooth motion to avoid fraying the tissue.
Once you cut a monstera clipping, you can place it immediately into a jar of fresh, room-temperature water.
What to Do After You Cut a Monstera Clipping
Your work doesn’t end the moment you cut a monstera clipping.
Proper aftercare determines whether your cutting thrives or struggles.
1. Put Your Cutting in Water or Soil
The most popular way to root a monstera cutting is in water because you can watch the roots grow.
Place the cut end of your monstera clipping into a clear glass jar and make sure the node is submerged.
Alternatively, you can skip water entirely and plant the cutting directly into moist, well-draining potting soil.
Both methods work, but water is easier to monitor.
2. Change the Water Regularly
If you chose water propagation, swap out the water every five to seven days.
Fresh water keeps oxygen levels up and prevents bacteria from building up on the stem.
When you cut a monstera clipping and keep the water clean, you’ll notice tiny white roots forming within two to four weeks.
Once those roots reach about three inches long, you can transfer the plant to soil.
3. Give Your Cutting Bright, Indirect Light
A freshly cut monstera clipping doesn’t want harsh direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
Instead, place your cutting near a north or east-facing window, or behind a sheer curtain.
Bright, indirect light encourages photosynthesis and speeds up root development.
Rotate the jar every couple of days so all sides of the cutting get even light.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Cut a Monstera Clipping
Even experienced plant parents sometimes make errors when they cut a monstera clipping.
Fortunately, these mistakes are easy to avoid if you know what to look for.
1. Cutting Without a Node
The biggest mistake is to cut a monstera clipping that has only a leaf and a long stem with no node.
Without a node, your cutting will simply sit in water until it rots.
Always double-check your cutting for that little brown bump before celebrating.
2. Using Dirty Tools
If you cut a monstera clipping with a dirty knife, you risk introducing disease to the parent plant and the cutting.
Always sterilize your cutting tool, and you’ll prevent most problems before they start.
3. Letting the Leaves Sit in Water
When you cut a monstera clipping and then set it in a jar, keep the leaves above the waterline.
Submerged leaves will develop rot and can turn the whole cutting mushy.
Only the node and the stem should be under water.
So, How Do You Cut a Monstera Clipping?
You cut a monstera clipping by selecting a healthy stem with a node, sterilizing your shears, and slicing at a 45-degree angle just below the node.
You can cut a monstera clipping from almost any part of a healthy plant, and with a little patience, it will grow roots and become a new monstera.
After you cut a monstera clipping, place it in clean water or moist soil, give it bright indirect light, and change the water weekly.
Avoid common mistakes like skipping the node or using unsterile tools, and you’ll be rewarded with a thriving new plant.
Now you know exactly how to cut a monstera clipping, so grab your shears and grow your monstera collection today.