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Taking a cutting from a monstera plant is one of the most rewarding ways to expand your indoor jungle.
You can take a cutting from a monstera plant with just a few simple tools, a little bit of patience, and a keen eye for the right spot on the stem.
If you’ve ever wondered how to take a cutting from a monstera plant successfully, you’re in the right place because this guide covers everything from choosing the perfect node to potting up your new baby plant.
In this post, we’ll explore why taking a monstera cutting is so effective, the step-by-step method for how to take a cutting from a monstera plant, and the best aftercare to help your cutting thrive.
Let’s dive right in and get your hands a little dirty.
Why Taking a Cutting From a Monstera Plant Works So Well
Taking a cutting from a monstera plant works because monsteras are incredibly forgiving and naturally designed for propagation.
Their stems have distinct nodes, which are the little brown bumps or aerial roots that hold all the potential for new growth.
When you learn how to take a cutting from a monstera plant, you’re essentially cloning the parent plant, meaning your new monstera will have the same beautiful fenestrations and leaf patterns.
Monstera cuttings are also one of the easiest plant projects for beginners because they root readily in water or soil.
So, if you’ve been hesitant about taking a cutting from a monstera plant, rest assured that the process is straightforward and highly successful when done correctly.
1. The Node Is Your Best Friend
The single most important thing to know when taking a cutting from a monstera plant is locating the node.
A node is a small bump, ring, or aerial root that sits along the stem, usually right below where a leaf attaches.
Without a node, your cutting will never grow roots, no matter how healthy the leaf looks.
So always scan the stem carefully and pick a section that has at least one node, ideally with a tiny aerial root already starting to emerge.
That aerial root will speed up rooting dramatically.
2. Choose the Right Stem Section
Not all parts of the monstera are equal when you’re taking a cutting from a monstera plant.
You want a stem piece that’s at least four to six inches long, with one or two healthy leaves and at least one node.
Avoid taking a cutting from the very top of the plant if it’s young, as this can stunt the mother plant’s growth.
Instead, look for a mature, established stem that has a bit of length to it.
This gives your cutting plenty of energy stored up to push out new roots.
3. Timing Matters for Monstera Cuttings
Taking a cutting from a monstera plant during the active growing season, typically spring or summer, gives you the best odds of success.
During these months, the plant is full of energy and hormones that encourage rapid root development.
That said, you can absolutely take a monstera cutting in fall or winter, it just might take a bit longer to root.
So don’t stress if you’re propagating in the off-season, just be patient and keep conditions warm.
Step-by-Step: How to Take a Cutting From a Monstera Plant
Now that you understand the why, let’s get into the exact steps for taking a cutting from a monstera plant.
Grab your clean scissors or pruning shears, a jar of water, and let’s get to work.
1. Sterilize Your Cutting Tool
Before you make any cut, wipe your scissors or shears with rubbing alcohol.
This prevents bacteria or fungi from entering the fresh wound on your monstera.
Clean tools are non-negotiable when taking a cutting from a monstera plant because a dirty blade can cause rot.
You really don’t want to lose a healthy cutting to something that’s entirely preventable.
2. Make a Clean Cut Below the Node
Identify your chosen node, then cut about one to two inches below it using a sharp, single, decisive snip.
A clean cut heals faster and reduces the chance of crushing the stem tissue.
If you use dull scissors, you might crush the stem, which can lead to rot when you take a cutting from a monstera plant.
So keep that blade sharp and make one smooth cut at a slight angle.
3. Remove the Bottom Leaf
If your cutting has a leaf that sits right near the node, go ahead and remove it.
This leaf will likely end up submerged in water, which can cause it to rot and invite bacteria.
When taking a cutting from a monstera plant, you want only the stem and node submerged, not the leaf.
Removing that lower leaf also frees up energy for root production.
4. Place the Cutting in Water
Drop your monstera cutting into a clean glass jar or vase filled with room-temperature water.
The node and the aerial root should be fully underwater, while any remaining leaves stay above the waterline.
Place the jar in a bright spot with indirect sunlight, direct sun can cook the cutting or encourage algae growth.
This is a classic method for how to take a cutting from a monstera plant because you can watch the roots grow in real time.
5. Change the Water Weekly
Don’t let that water go stagnant.
Swap it out for fresh, room-temperature water every five to seven days.
Fresh water keeps oxygen levels high and prevents harmful bacteria from building up.
You’ll start to see tiny white roots emerge from the node within two to four weeks.
That’s the signal that your monstera cutting is doing wonderfully.
Monstera Cutting Aftercare and Potting
Successfully taking a cutting from a monstera plant is only half the battle, the real work begins with the aftercare.
Once your roots reach about two to three inches long, it’s time to think about moving your cutting into soil.
But even before that, proper care ensures your cutting stays strong.
1. Wait for Strong Roots Before Potting
When you take a cutting from a monstera plant and root it in water, resist the urge to pot it up too early.
If the roots are shorter than two inches, they’re too fragile to handle the transition to soil.
Wait until you have a nice root system with multiple branching roots.
This usually takes about a month, sometimes longer in winter.
Patience is key here, a well-rooted monstera cutting will establish much faster in its new home.
2. Pot in a Well-Draining Mix
When you’re ready, pot your monstera cutting in a chunky aroid mix that includes perlite, orchid bark, and regular potting soil.
This ensures excellent drainage and airflow around the roots, preventing overwatering issues.
Make a small hole in the soil, gently place the roots in, and backfill around the stem.
Water thoroughly after potting, and let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again.
This simple aftercare will help the cutting acclimate from water to soil without shock.
3. Provide High Humidity and Bright Light
Monsteras love humidity, and your new cutting is no exception.
Keep it in a spot with bright, indirect light and consider misting it or placing it near a humidifier.
If your home is dry, you can even create a mini greenhouse effect by loosely covering the cutting with a clear plastic bag for the first week.
That little boost of humidity can make a massive difference when you’ve just taken a cutting from a monstera plant.
So, Can You Take a Cutting From a Monstera Plant?
Yes, you can absolutely take a cutting from a monstera plant, and it’s one of the most satisfying plant projects you’ll ever do.
Taking a cutting from a monstera plant is simple as long as you locate the node, use clean tools, and provide the right conditions for rooting.
You’ll be rewarded with a brand-new monstera that carries all the beauty of the mother plant.
Hope this guide has made you feel confident about taking a cutting from a monstera plant and caring for it as it grows.
Go ahead and give it a try, your future monstera will thank you.