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Taking clippings from monstera is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to multiply your plant collection.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, taking clippings from monstera lets you create new plants from your existing one with very little effort.
If you’ve ever wondered how to take clippings from monstera the right way, you’re in the perfect spot.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly why taking monstera clippings works so well, the step-by-step process for making successful cuts, and the best methods for rooting your new cuttings so they thrive.
Let’s dig into the wonderful world of monstera propagation.
Why Taking Clippings from Monstera Is a Smart Move
Taking clippings from monstera is not just a fun experiment, it’s actually a fantastic way to keep your plant healthy and full.
When you take monstera clippings, you’re encouraging the parent plant to branch out and grow bushier.
The trimmed stems often push out new growth points right below where you made the cut.
Plus, turning one plant into several means you can fill your home with more greenery without spending a dime.
And let’s be honest, sharing a rooted monstera clipping with a friend is one of the best plant gifts you can give.
So whether you want more plants for yourself or to share with others, learning how to take clippings from monstera is a skill you’ll use again and again.
1. Monstera Clippings Root Quickly and Reliably
If you take clippings from monstera the right way, roots usually appear within two to four weeks.
That’s remarkably fast compared to many other houseplants.
Because monstera stems have pre-formed root nodes (those little brown bumps along the stem), they’re primed to sprout roots as soon as they hit water or moist soil.
This reliability is exactly why taking monstera clippings is a favorite propagation method among plant lovers.
You don’t need any special hormones or fancy equipment.
A clean pair of scissors and a jar of water are often all you need to get started.
2. You Can Multiply Your Monstera Without Risk
Taking clippings from monstera is a low-stress operation for your plant when done correctly.
The key is to only remove healthy stems with at least one node and one leaf.
Since monstera is a vigorous grower, removing a few clippings won’t harm the parent plant at all.
In fact, it often helps by reducing overcrowding and allowing better airflow through the foliage.
That means your original plant stays just as lush while you gain brand new plants from the cuttings.
How to Take Clippings from Monstera: Step-by-Step
Now let’s get into the actual process of how to take clippings from monstera.
This is surprisingly simple once you understand the anatomy of the stem.
You’ll see why following a few basic rules makes all the difference between a successful cutting and one that never roots.
Here’s your simple guide to taking monstera clippings like a pro.
1. Gather Your Tools and Choose the Right Stem
Before you take clippings from monstera, grab a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears or a sterilized knife.
Dull blades can crush the stem and invite rot, so sharpness matters.
Next, look for a healthy stem that has at least one aerial root node and a mature leaf.
The node is the small bump or nub on the stem, usually right below where a leaf attaches.
Without a node, your monstera clipping won’t be able to grow roots.
So always double-check that your cutting includes at least one node.
2. Make a Clean Cut Below the Node
When you take clippings from monstera, position your cut about half an inch to an inch below the node.
Cut at a slight angle to increase the surface area for water absorption.
Make one smooth, quick snip rather than sawing back and forth.
A clean cut heals faster and reduces the chance of infection.
If your cutting has multiple leaves and multiple nodes, you can even split it into several smaller cuttings, as long as each piece has at least one node and one leaf.
3. Remove Lower Leaves to Expose the Node
After you take clippings from monstera, strip off any leaves that would sit below the water line.
Submerged leaves will rot and can foul the water, harming your new roots.
You want the node completely bare so it can push out roots easily.
Keep just one or two leaves on the top of the cutting to provide energy through photosynthesis.
That balance is all you need for a happy monstera clipping.
Best Methods for Rooting Your Monstera Clippings
Once you’ve taken your cuttings, the next question is how to get them rooted.
You have a couple of easy options, and both work great for taking clippings from monstera to the next stage of growth.
Choose the one that fits your style best.
1. Water Propagation Is the Easiest Method
Water rooting is the most popular way to root monstera clippings, and for good reason.
Just place your cutting in a glass jar or vase with enough room temperature water to cover the node.
Make sure the leaf stays dry above the water surface.
Set the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light and change the water every three to five days.
Within a few weeks, you’ll see white roots emerging from the node.
Once those roots are a few inches long, you can transfer the cutting to soil.
Water rooting also lets you watch the progress, which is honestly pretty satisfying.
2. Direct Soil Propagation Also Works Well
If you prefer to skip the water step entirely, you can take clippings from monstera and place them straight into moist potting mix.
This is a great option if you want to avoid transplant shock later.
Just poke a hole in the soil with a pencil, insert the node about an inch deep, and gently firm the soil around the stem.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy for the first few weeks.
You’ll know the rooting worked when you see a new leaf unfurling from the stem.
3. Maintain Humidity for Faster Rooting
Regardless of whether you root in water or soil, adding a bit of humidity can speed things up.
You can place a clear plastic bag loosely over your potted cutting to create a mini greenhouse effect.
Or simply mist the leaves daily if you’re rooting in water.
Higher humidity encourages the cutting to focus energy on root production rather than moisture loss.
Your monstera clipping will thank you with stronger, faster root growth.
So, How Do You Take Clippings from Monstera the Right Way?
Taking clippings from monstera is a straightforward process that anyone can master.
You take clippings from monstera by cutting a healthy stem just below a node, removing lower leaves, and then rooting the cutting in water or moist soil.
With bright, indirect light and regular moisture, your monstera clippings will develop roots in just a few weeks.
It’s a simple, satisfying method that turns one plant into many.
So grab your scissors, pick a healthy stem, and start taking clippings from monstera today.
Before you know it, you’ll have a whole jungle of beautiful monstera plants to enjoy or share.