How To Cut A Monstera Node

You can cut a monstera node right where a leaf and its aerial root meet the main stem, and that one clean cut can turn a single plant into many.
 
Learning how to cut a monstera node is one of the easiest ways to propagate your Monstera deliciosa at home.
 
You don’t need fancy tools or a green thumb, just a sharp blade and a little patience.
 
In this post, we’ll cover how to cut a monstera node step by step, plus how to care for your new cutting after you make the cut.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Cut a Monstera Node: Finding the Exact Spot

Before you cut a monstera node, you need to know exactly what you’re looking for.
 
A monstera node is the small bump on the stem where a leaf attaches, and you’ll usually see an aerial root right there too.
 
When you cut a monstera node, include that aerial root because it’s where your new roots will sprout.
 

1. Look for the Leaf Junction

The easiest way to find a node is to check where a leaf meets the stem.
 
That junction is the node, and it often looks slightly thicker than the rest of the stem.
 
That’s your green light to cut a monstera node right there.
 

2. Check for an Aerial Root

Aerial roots are the long, woody tendrils that grow out from the stem.
 
They almost always appear right at the node, so they’re a fantastic visual clue.
 
If you see an aerial root, you’ve definitely found a node.
 
Cutting a monstera node with an aerial root attached gives your cutting a much better chance of rooting.
 

3. Count the Nodes on Your Stem

One long monstera stem can have several nodes along its length.
 
Each node is a potential new plant.
 
When you cut a monstera node, you can make multiple cuttings from a single stem.
 
Just make sure every cutting has at least one node and one healthy leaf.
 

Step-by-Step: How to Cut a Monstera Node Cleanly

Now that you’ve found the node, it’s time to make your move.
 
Here’s the simple step-by-step method for cutting a monstera node safely.
 

1. Sterilize Your Cutting Tool

Use clean, sharp pruning shears or a sterile knife for cutting a monstera node.
 
Wipe the blade with rubbing alcohol before you begin.
 
This keeps bacteria away from the fresh cut and protects your plant.
 

2. Make the Cut Below the Node

The most important part of learning how to cut a monstera node is placement.
 
Position your blade about half an inch to an inch below the node.
 
Then make one clean, angled cut through the stem.
 
Don’t crush or squeeze the stem with a dull blade.
 

3. Have Your Propagation Setup Ready

Once you cut a monstera node, place it in water or soil right away.
 
If the cut end sits out too long, it can dry out and struggle to root.
 
So prep a jar of water or a small pot with moist soil beforehand.
 
That way, your cutting goes from blade to home in seconds.
 

What to Do After You Cut a Monstera Node

The cutting is done, but the journey has just begun.
 
How you care for your cutting after you cut a monstera node will decide how well it roots.
 

1. Try Water Propagation First

Place your monstera node cutting in a jar of clean, room-temperature water.
 
Submerge the node and the aerial root, but keep the leaf above the water line.
 
Swap out the water every few days to keep it fresh.
 
You should see new roots forming at the node within a few weeks.
 

2. Go Straight to Soil If You Prefer

You don’t have to root in water first when you cut a monstera node.
 
You can plant the cutting directly into a pot with well-draining potting mix.
 
Bury the node and the aerial root, leaving the leaf above the soil.
 
Keep the soil moist but not soggy for the first few weeks.
 
New growth at the top signals that roots have formed below.
 

3. Give It the Right Light and Warmth

Bright, indirect light is perfect after you cut a monstera node.
 
Set the cutting near a window with filtered sunlight, away from harsh direct rays.
 
Warmth also speeds up rooting, so keep it in a cozy spot.
 
With the right conditions, your monstera node cutting will thrive.
 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Cut a Monstera Node

Even experienced plant lovers slip up when they cut a monstera node.
 
Here are the most common mistakes and how to dodge them.
 

1. Cutting a Stem With No Node

The biggest mistake is cutting a monstera stem between the nodes.
 
A bare stem section without a node won’t grow roots.
 
So double-check that your cutting includes at least one clear node before you celebrate.
 
No node means no new plant, plain and simple.
 

2. Using a Dull or Dirty Blade

When you cut a monstera node with a dull blade, you risk crushing the stem.
 
Crushed tissue invites rot and disease.
 
A dirty blade can introduce bacteria to the fresh cut.
 
Always go with a sharp, sterilized tool.
 

3. Leaving Too Much Stem Below the Node

Leaving a long stem tail below the node can cause problems.
 
That extra length can rot in water or soil before roots even form.
 
When you cut a monstera node, keep the stem below it short, about half an inch to an inch.
 
Shorter stem means less rot risk and faster root growth.
 

So, How Do You Cut a Monstera Node?

You cut a monstera node by finding the bump where a leaf meets the stem, cutting about half an inch below it, and then placing the cutting in water or soil.
 
That’s really all there is to it.
 
Use a clean, sharp blade and always include the aerial root when you cut a monstera node.
 
With a little patience, your cutting will grow roots and become a beautiful new monstera plant.
 
Happy propagating.