This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Starting a monstera plant from a cutting is a simple and rewarding process that anyone can do at home.
You can start a monstera plant from a cutting by snipping a healthy stem below a node, placing it in water or soil, and giving it bright, indirect light.
If you’ve been wondering how to start a monstera plant from a cutting, the good news is that monsteras are incredibly forgiving and root easily.
Once you learn the basics of how to start a monstera plant from a cutting, you’ll be able to multiply your collection or share this gorgeous tropical plant with friends.
In this post, we’ll walk through the exact steps for starting a monstera from a cutting, including where to cut, which method works best, and how to care for your new baby plant.
Let’s dig into the fun world of monstera propagation.
Why Starting a Monstera Plant From a Cutting Works So Well
Starting a monstera plant from a cutting works because monsteras have specialized cells at their nodes that are ready to sprout roots.
When you take a cutting, the plant isn’t stressed out—it’s simply given a new mission to grow roots and become an independent plant.
This is why so many plant parents successfully start a monstera plant from a cutting without any fancy equipment.
1. Nodes Are the Secret to Root Growth
The most important part of starting a monstera plant from a cutting is finding the node.
A node looks like a little brown bump or ring on the stem, usually right where a leaf or aerial root attaches.
When you start a monstera from a cutting, that node is where new roots will emerge.
If you cut without a node, your monstera cutting won’t root—it will just sit there and eventually rot.
So always double-check that your cutting has at least one healthy node before you begin.
2. Monsteras Are Naturally Built for Propagation
Monsteras come from tropical rainforests where they climb trees and often drop stems that root in the wild.
Because of this natural habit, starting a monstera plant from a cutting is basically recreating what happens in nature.
The plant already has the genetic blueprint to survive this process.
That’s why even beginners can successfully start a monstera plant from a cutting on their very first try.
3. You Get a Perfect Clone of the Parent Plant
When you start a monstera plant from a cutting, you’re not growing a seed that might look different.
Instead, you’re cloning the exact plant you love.
This means the leaf fenestrations (those beautiful splits and holes), the variegation, and the growth pattern will all match the parent.
So if you have a stunning monstera with gorgeous holes, starting a monstera from a cutting is the only way to get an identical twin.
Step-by-Step: How to Start a Monstera Plant From a Cutting in Water
Water propagation is the most popular method for starting a monstera plant from a cutting because it lets you watch the roots grow.
Here’s exactly how to do it.
1. Choose the Right Stem and Cut It Properly
Look for a healthy stem with at least one leaf and one or two nodes.
Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to make a cut about an inch below the node.
Make your cut at a 45-degree angle to increase surface area for water uptake.
This clean cut is the foundation for successfully starting a monstera plant from a cutting.
2. Place the Cutting in a Jar of Clean Water
Fill a glass jar or vase with room-temperature water.
Submerge the node completely, but keep the leaf and stem above water.
If any leaves sit in the water, they can rot and ruin your cutting.
Put the jar in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight—like a windowsill that gets morning sun.
Change the water every 3 to 5 days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
Within 2 to 4 weeks, you’ll see white roots emerging from the node.
That’s your sign that starting a monstera plant from a cutting is working like a charm.
3. Transfer to Soil When Roots Are Ready
Once the roots are at least 2 to 4 inches long, it’s time to move your monstera from water to soil.
Gently plant the rooted cutting in a pot with well-draining potting mix.
Water it thoroughly and keep the soil lightly moist for the first couple of weeks.
This transition is the final step in how to start a monstera plant from a cutting successfully.
How to Start a Monstera Plant From a Cutting Directly in Soil
You can also skip the water and start a monstera plant from a cutting straight in soil.
This method cuts out the transplant step, which some people find easier.
1. Prep the Cutting and Pot
Take the same type of cutting—one with a node—and let the cut end dry for a few hours.
This callousing helps prevent rot when you start a monstera plant from a cutting in soil.
Fill a small pot with a light, airy mix of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark.
This gives the roots oxygen while holding just enough moisture.
2. Insert and Maintain Humidity
Bury the node about an inch deep in the soil and gently pat it down.
Water lightly so the soil is damp but not soggy.
To boost humidity, you can cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or a dome.
This traps moisture and encourages the cutting to root faster.
Starting a monstera plant from a cutting this way takes a bit longer to see results, but it often leads to sturdier roots.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Monstera Plant From a Cutting
Even though it’s easy, a few mistakes can derail your efforts to start a monstera plant from a cutting.
Here’s what to watch out for.
1. Cutting Without a Node
The biggest mistake is cutting a stem with no node.
Without that node, your monstera cutting simply won’t grow roots.
Always inspect the stem carefully before cutting.
When you start a monstera plant from a cutting, the node is your golden ticket.
2. Too Much Direct Sunlight
Monsteras love light, but direct harsh sun can scorch the leaves and stress the cutting.
Keep your cutting in bright, indirect light only.
Too much direct sun can also heat the water in a jar and cook the roots.
So when you start a monstera plant from a cutting, place it a few feet away from a bright window.
3. Letting the Water Go Stale
If you’re propagating in water and don’t change it regularly, bacteria can build up.
This leads to mushy, black stems and failed rooting.
Set a reminder to swap out the water every few days.
That simple habit will ensure you successfully start a monstera plant from a cutting every single time.
So, How Do You Start a Monstera Plant From a Cutting?
You start a monstera plant from a cutting by making a clean cut below a node and placing it in water or damp soil.
Give it bright, indirect light and consistent moisture, and roots will appear within a few weeks.
Starting a monstera plant from a cutting is genuinely one of the easiest and most satisfying plant projects you can try.
Whether you propagate in water for the fun of watching roots grow, or go straight to soil for a head start, the process is forgiving and foolproof.
Now that you know how to start a monstera plant from a cutting, grab your scissors, find that perfect node, and get growing.
Your future monstera babies are waiting.