If you’ve ever looked at your Monstera and thought, “I wish I had more of you,” then good news—propagation makes that possible.
And the best part?
It’s not just for plant pros.
You don’t need fancy tools or years of experience to pull it off.
In fact, Monstera propagation is one of the easiest and most rewarding plant projects out there.
You can take a single cutting and turn it into a whole new plant.
It’s like magic—but real.
Whether you want to grow more plants for yourself or share them with friends and family, propagation is the way to go.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make Monstera propagation super simple, stress-free, and kind of fun.
What Propagation Actually Means
Let’s clear up what “propagation” really is.
It sounds like a big science word, but it just means creating new plants from the one you already have.
In the case of Monstera, we do this by taking a cutting—a piece of the plant—and helping it grow roots.
Once it grows roots, it becomes its own plant.
You’re not cloning a robot here.
You’re just encouraging nature to do its thing.
Monsteras are especially great for this because they have nodes—little bumps on the stem where roots can grow.
As long as your cutting has a node, it has the potential to become a brand-new Monstera.
Think of it like giving your plant a chance to expand its family tree.
It’s exciting, it’s simple, and it’s something anyone can learn to do.
Get to Know the Parts of Your Monstera First
Before you take any cuttings, it helps to understand your Monstera’s parts.
That way, you’ll know exactly where to cut and what you’re looking for.
Let’s break it down.
The stem is the main “backbone” of your plant—the part that supports the leaves.
The leaves grow from the stem, and at the base of each leaf is a node.
That little bump or joint is where magic happens.
Aerial roots are those long, brown, stringy things that sometimes dangle from your Monstera’s stem.
They look strange, but they’re totally normal.
And they actually help with propagation.
If you take a cutting with a node and an aerial root, it has a head start on growing into a new plant.
So when you’re getting ready to make your cut, always look for a spot on the stem that has at least one node—and if it has an aerial root, even better.
Choose the Right Cutting for the Job
Not all cuttings are created equal.
To give your Monstera propagation the best chance of success, choose a healthy section of the plant.
Look for a stem that has at least one leaf, a visible node, and—if possible—an aerial root.
Avoid any parts that look yellow, mushy, or diseased.
You want a strong, green stem with a fresh, healthy leaf.
When you’re ready, grab a clean, sharp pair of scissors or garden shears.
Cut just below the node, leaving about half an inch of stem below it.
Make sure your tool is clean—rubbing alcohol works great for this—so you don’t transfer any bacteria to the plant.
The cutting should be about 4–6 inches long, though longer ones work too if you’re working with a large Monstera.
Now you’re ready to help this little piece of plant turn into something amazing.
Water Propagation: The Beginner’s Favorite
Water propagation is the easiest way to start.
It’s simple, fast, and gives you a front-row seat to watch the roots grow.
Here’s how to do it.
Fill a glass jar or vase with room-temperature water.
Place your Monstera cutting in the jar, making sure the node is submerged.
The leaf should stay above the water.
If the cutting has an aerial root, make sure that’s in the water too.
Place the jar in a bright spot with indirect light.
A windowsill that gets morning sun or a shelf near a sunny window works great.
Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and clean.
In a week or two, you’ll see little roots start to appear.
Once the roots are at least 2–3 inches long, you can move the cutting to soil.
Water propagation gives you a clear view of the whole process—and it’s pretty exciting to see your plant baby take shape.
Soil Propagation: Skip the Water, Go Straight to Dirt
If you’d rather not mess with water jars and transplanting, you can go straight to soil propagation.
This method is just as effective and slightly less messy.
Start with a small pot filled with moist, well-draining soil.
A mix of potting soil and perlite or orchid bark works great.
Make a small hole in the soil with your finger or a pencil.
Insert the cutting, making sure the node is buried and the leaf stays above the surface.
Gently press the soil around the stem to hold it in place.
Water the soil lightly so it’s moist but not soggy.
Then place the pot in a warm spot with bright, indirect light.
To help hold in moisture, you can place a plastic bag over the top to create a mini greenhouse—but leave it slightly open so the plant can breathe.
Check the soil every few days to keep it evenly moist.
In a few weeks, your cutting will start to grow roots beneath the surface.
It’s a bit of a mystery since you can’t see the roots like in water, but once you see new leaves forming, you’ll know it worked.
Moss Pole or Sphagnum Moss Method: For the Slightly More Advanced
Want to try something a little different?
Propagation in sphagnum moss is a great middle-ground between water and soil.
This method helps keep things moist and breathable—ideal conditions for root growth.
Start by soaking the moss in water until it’s fully damp, then squeeze out the excess.
Wrap the moss around the node of your cutting.
Place the wrapped cutting in a container like a plastic cup or a small plastic box with a lid.
Make sure it has some holes for airflow.
Keep the moss moist but not soaking wet.
Mist it every few days and keep it in a bright spot.
Roots usually develop within a couple of weeks.
Once they’re a few inches long, you can plant the cutting in soil.
This method works especially well if your Monstera is already climbing and you want to root a section before cutting it off.
It takes a little more setup, but it’s still beginner-friendly with great results.
How to Know When It’s Time to Pot Up
Once your Monstera cutting has a solid root system—whether from water, soil, or moss—it’s ready for its forever home.
But how do you know when that moment has come?
In water, look for roots that are at least 2–3 inches long.
They should be white and healthy, not slimy or brown.
In soil, it’s a little trickier since you can’t see them.
But if your cutting starts growing a new leaf, that’s your sign that roots are doing their job.
When you’re ready to pot it up, choose a container with drainage holes and fill it with a chunky, well-draining soil mix.
Gently place the cutting in the soil, burying the roots and node.
Press the soil down gently around the base and water it lightly.
It might take a few days for the plant to adjust to the change, but soon it’ll settle in and start growing just like your original Monstera.
Be Patient—Growth Takes Time
Here’s something important to remember: propagation is not instant.
Even if you do everything right, it takes time.
Some cuttings root quickly in a week.
Others take a month or more.
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away.
Keep the environment warm, humid, and bright.
Don’t move the cutting around too much—it needs time to focus on growing roots.
And don’t overwater or let it dry out.
If the leaf stays green and firm, you’re on the right track.
And when that first new leaf finally appears?
It’s one of the most exciting moments for any plant lover.
Troubleshooting Common Propagation Problems
Not every cutting makes it—and that’s okay.
If your cutting starts turning yellow or mushy, it might be rotting.
This usually means the water is dirty, the soil is too wet, or the cutting didn’t have a healthy node.
Try again with a fresh cutting, and be sure to clean everything you use.
If roots stop growing in water, check the temperature.
Cold rooms can slow things down.
If your soil cutting wilts, make sure it’s getting enough light and the soil isn’t too dry.
And if mold appears on moss or soil, increase airflow and reduce moisture.
Propagation has a learning curve, but each mistake teaches you something new.
Stick with it—it gets easier.
Why Propagation Is Worth the Effort
Sure, you could go out and buy another Monstera—but where’s the fun in that?
Propagation gives you a deeper connection to your plants.
You get to watch them grow from just a cutting into a full-blown houseplant.
It’s like gardening, but indoors and with a lot more personality.
Plus, propagated Monsteras make amazing gifts.
Sharing a plant you grew yourself feels special.
And you can experiment, trade with friends, or fill your whole home with greenery—for free.
It’s budget-friendly, sustainable, and just plain satisfying.
Once you’ve done it once, you’ll want to do it again and again.
Final Thoughts
Propagating your Monstera is one of the most rewarding parts of plant parenthood.
It’s easy enough for beginners, fun for experienced growers, and exciting no matter how many times you do it.
You’re not just growing a plant—you’re creating new life.
All you need is a healthy cutting, a little patience, and the right care.
Water, soil, moss—there’s a method for everyone.
Whichever one you choose, the key is consistency, light, and love.
Soon you’ll go from having one Monstera to a full collection.
And every time you see those roots start to grow, you’ll know—you did that.
So go ahead.
Snip a cutting, give it a home, and let the magic begin.