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Starting monstera cuttings is one of the most rewarding ways to expand your plant family.
You can start monstera cuttings in water or soil, and both methods have their passionate fans.
The process is simpler than many people think, but there are a few essential steps to getting it right.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to start monstera cuttings, the best tools to use, and the care routine that will help your new plant thrive.
Let’s dig into the world of monstera propagation.
Why Starting Monstera Cuttings Is So Easy
Starting monstera cuttings is easy because these plants are naturally built to reproduce.
Monsteras grow aerial roots along their stems, and those roots are ready to become full root systems when given the right conditions.
When you start monstera cuttings with a node and an aerial root, you’re essentially giving the plant everything it needs to begin a new life.
The hardest part is waiting for those roots to appear.
1. You Only Need One Node to Start Monstera Cuttings
The node is the small bump or joint on the stem where leaves and roots emerge.
To start monstera cuttings successfully, you must cut below a node, because that’s where all the magic happens.
Without a node, your cutting will never root, no matter how perfect the leaf looks.
A single node with an aerial root attached is the golden ticket for starting monstera cuttings.
2. Aerial Roots Give You a Head Start
Many monstera stems already have long, brown aerial roots growing from the nodes.
Leave those aerial roots intact when you make your cutting.
These roots will quickly adapt to water or soil, which speeds up the rooting process considerably.
This is why starting monstera cuttings with aerial roots is so popular among plant lovers.
It’s like having a head start in a race.
3. You Can Start Monstera Cuttings Even If There’s No Leaf
A bare node with no leaf can still produce a new plant.
This is called a wet stick cutting, and it’s a fantastic way to use leftover stem pieces.
You can start monstera cuttings this way, but be prepared to wait a little longer for the first leaf to appear.
The roots and new growth will come from the node, not from the missing leaf.
How to Start Monstera Cuttings Step by Step
Let’s go through the exact process of taking and rooting your cuttings.
Before you begin, gather a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears, a glass jar, and some fresh water if you’re going the water route.
1. Choose a Healthy Stem
Look for a stem that has at least one node and one healthy leaf, preferably with no yellowing or brown spots.
The more mature the stem, the better your chances of success when you start monstera cuttings.
Take a cutting that is 4 to 6 inches long, but don’t stress too much about exact length.
The most important part is that the node is included.
2. Make a Clean Cut Below the Node
Using your shears, cut the stem about a quarter-inch below the node.
A clean, straight cut is better than a jagged one because it reduces the risk of rot.
You can also cut off any lower leaves that would sit below the waterline, as submerged leaves will rot quickly.
This keeps your water clear and your cutting healthy.
3. Place the Cutting in Water
Fill a jar with room-temperature water and place your cutting so the node is submerged.
The leaf should stay above the water’s surface.
Put the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light, but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
You don’t need any rooting hormone to start monstera cuttings in water, but it can speed things up if you want to use it.
4. Change the Water Regularly
This is the most common mistake people make when they start monstera cuttings.
Stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that can rot the stem.
Change the water every three to four days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
Use tap water that has sat out for a day to allow chlorine to evaporate, or use filtered water.
5. Wait for Roots to Reach a Few Inches
Roots usually start appearing within two to four weeks, but this can vary depending on light and temperature.
When the roots are at least two to three inches long, your cutting is ready for soil.
However, you can also leave it in water indefinitely if you prefer a hydroponic setup.
Just know that the longer you keep it in water, the more it will adapt to that environment.
How to Start Monstera Cuttings Directly in Soil
You can skip the water step entirely and start monstera cuttings right in potting mix.
This method is less hands-on and can lead to a smoother transition since the plant never switches mediums.
1. Use a Well-Draining Potting Mix
Monsteras hate sitting in soggy soil, so pick a mix that drains quickly.
A blend of regular potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark works wonders.
This mix provides the airy conditions roots love while holding just enough moisture.
2. Stick the Cutting Into the Soil
Make a small hole in the soil with your finger or a pencil, and insert the cutting so the node is buried.
Gently press the soil around the stem to keep it upright.
Water the soil thoroughly after planting, but don’t let it become a swamp.
3. Keep Humidity High
To help your cutting root faster in soil, cover it with a clear plastic bag or a propagation dome.
This traps humidity and reduces the stress of the cutting trying to support its leaves without roots.
Open the bag for a few minutes every day to allow fresh air in and prevent mold.
You’ll know rooting has happened when the cutting resists a gentle tug after a few weeks.
Common Mistakes When Starting Monstera Cuttings
Even seasoned plant parents mess up sometimes, but you can avoid these pitfalls.
1. Cutting Without a Node
This is the number one reason monstera cuttings fail.
If you only cut a leaf stem, it will never root.
Double-check that you’re cutting below the node before you make the snip.
2. Too Much Direct Sunlight
Monstera cuttings need bright light to photosynthesize, but direct sun can scorch the leaves.
A spot near an east-facing window is ideal for starting monstera cuttings.
3. Moving to Soil Too Early
If you transplant roots that are too short, they often struggle to absorb water in soil.
Wait until those roots are at least two inches long before you transition your cutting.
Patience pays off big time here.
So, How Do You Start Monstera Cuttings?
Starting monstera cuttings is a straightforward process that anyone can master.
You need a stem with a node, a clean cut, and either a jar of water or a pot of airy soil.
You can start monstera cuttings in water for easy monitoring, or go straight to soil for a more natural approach.
The key is to be patient, keep the node submerged or buried, and give your cutting bright, indirect light.
With a little time, you’ll see fresh roots and eventually a beautiful new monstera leaf unfurling.
Happy propagating, and enjoy watching your plant family grow.