Monstera Deliciosa Cutting: Your Step-By-Step Guide To A Thriving

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever gazed at your magnificent Monstera Deliciosa, with its iconic split leaves, and wished you could just… make more of it? Maybe you want to fill another corner of your home with its tropical vibe, or perhaps you dream of gifting a piece of your plant pride to a friend.

Well, I’m here with some fantastic news: you absolutely can! Taking a monstera deliciosa cutting is one of the most rewarding and surprisingly simple ways to multiply your leafy friend. It feels a bit like magic, watching a single stem transform into a whole new plant.

Don’t worry—this is a perfect project for beginners! I promise this guide will give you the confidence and know-how to succeed.

In this complete monstera deliciosa cutting guide, we’ll walk you through every single step. We’ll cover how to choose the perfect spot to cut, the secrets to successful rooting in water or soil, and how to troubleshoot any little hiccups along the way. Let’s get growing!

Why Propagate? The Amazing Benefits of Monstera Deliciosa Cutting

Before we grab our shears, let’s talk about why this is such a brilliant idea. Propagating your Monstera isn’t just about getting more plants (though that’s a huge perk!). It’s a wonderful part of the gardening journey.

Here are some of the incredible benefits of monstera deliciosa cutting:

  • More Plants for Free! This is the most obvious benefit. You can expand your indoor jungle without spending a dime. One healthy parent plant can give you an endless supply of new babies over time.
  • Perfect, Personal Gifts. A homegrown Monstera cutting is a thoughtful and sustainable gift. It’s a living piece of your own garden that a friend can nurture and grow. This is one of the best forms of eco-friendly monstera deliciosa cutting practices.
  • A Healthier Parent Plant. Regular pruning encourages your main Monstera to become fuller and more robust. Trimming off leggy vines redirects the plant’s energy into producing new, lush growth.
  • A Rescue Mission. Sometimes a plant suffers from root rot or a broken stem. Taking cuttings can be a way to save a piece of a beloved plant that might not otherwise make it.

Gearing Up: The Simple Tools You’ll Need for Success

You don’t need a fancy laboratory to propagate a Monstera. In fact, you probably have everything you need right at home. The most important thing is cleanliness to prevent any nasty bacteria from harming your new cutting.

Here’s your simple toolkit:

  1. Sharp, Clean Pruners or Scissors. A clean cut is a healthy cut. I recommend wiping the blades with rubbing alcohol before and after each use to prevent the spread of disease.
  2. A Glass Jar or Vase. If you’re rooting in water, any clean glass container will do. A clear one is extra fun because you can watch the roots grow day by day!
  3. Fresh Water. Room-temperature tap water that has been left out for 24 hours (to let chlorine evaporate) or filtered water is perfect.
  4. A Small Pot with Drainage. If you plan to root directly in soil, you’ll need a small pot with a drainage hole at the bottom.
  5. Well-Draining Potting Mix. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark is a fantastic blend for Monsteras. It allows for great airflow and prevents waterlogging.
  6. Rooting Hormone (Optional). This is a powdered hormone that can encourage faster root development. It’s not necessary—Monsteras root very easily without it—but it can speed things up and increase your success rate.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Monstera Deliciosa Cutting

Alright, this is the most important part! Understanding how to monstera deliciosa cutting starts with knowing where to cut. Taking a cutting from the wrong spot is the number one reason propagation fails, but don’t you worry—it’s super easy to identify the right place.

Finding the Sweet Spot: Identifying a Node

The secret to a successful cutting is the node. Think of the node as the plant’s life-force center. It’s where new leaves, stems, and—most importantly for us—roots will grow.

A node is a slightly swollen bump or ring on the main stem where a leaf meets it. You’ll often see a small, brown, nub-like aerial root already starting to form at or near the node. That’s your target!

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If you take a cutting with just a leaf and a piece of stem (petiole) but no node, it might stay green in a vase for months, but it will never grow roots.

Making the Cut: A Simple, Stress-Free Process

Once you’ve located a healthy stem with at least one leaf and a visible node, it’s time to make the cut. Take a deep breath; you’re not hurting the plant!

Using your clean, sharp pruners, make a cut about half an inch to an inch below the node. This gives the cutting a little bit of a buffer and a sturdy base. Try to make the cut as clean as possible.

How Many Leaves Should I Keep?

A good rule of thumb is to have a cutting with one to three leaves. The leaves are the solar panels that provide energy, but they also lose moisture. Too many leaves can overwhelm a cutting that doesn’t have roots to absorb water yet, causing it to wilt and fail.

If you have a long vine, you can actually take multiple cuttings from it, as long as each section has at least one node.

Let’s Get Rooting! Your Step-by-Step Propagation Guide

Now for the exciting part—watching those roots appear! There are two main methods for rooting your monstera deliciosa cutting. Both work wonderfully, so feel free to choose the one that sounds best to you.

Method 1: The Classic Water Propagation

This is my favorite method for beginners because it’s so visually rewarding. You get a front-row seat to the root-growing show!

  1. Place in Water. Take your fresh cutting and place it in your jar of room-temperature water. Make sure the node is fully submerged, but try to keep the leaves out of the water.
  2. Find the Right Spot. Position your jar in a spot that receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near an east-facing window is perfect. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
  3. Change the Water. This is key! To prevent bacterial growth and keep the water oxygenated, change it every 3-5 days. A quick rinse of the jar is a good idea, too.
  4. Be Patient. You should start to see small, white roots emerge from the node within 2-4 weeks. It’s a magical moment!

Method 2: Straight to Soil Propagation

This method skips the water-to-soil transition, which can sometimes shock the plant. It requires a bit more faith since you can’t see the roots, but it’s very effective.

  1. (Optional) Dip in Rooting Hormone. If you’re using it, dip the cut end of your stem (including the node) into the rooting hormone powder, tapping off any excess.
  2. Plant Your Cutting. Fill your small pot with a well-draining potting mix. Poke a hole in the center with your finger or a pencil and gently insert the cutting, ensuring the node is buried about an inch deep.
  3. Water Thoroughly. Give the soil a good watering until it drains from the bottom. This helps the soil settle around the stem.
  4. Maintain Moisture. Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. You can even place a clear plastic bag over the top for the first couple of weeks to create a mini-greenhouse effect and boost humidity.

The Waiting Game: Your Monstera Deliciosa Cutting Care Guide

You’ve made the cut and set up your new plant baby for success. Now what? This phase is all about providing the right environment and being patient. This is the heart of the monstera deliciosa cutting care guide.

Light, Water, and Patience

Whether in water or soil, your cutting needs the same thing: bright, indirect light. Too little light will slow down rooting, and too much will cause stress. Think of a spot where the plant can “see” the sky but isn’t hit by direct sunbeams.

For soil propagations, check the soil every few days. Stick your finger an inch deep; if it feels dry, it’s time for a little water.

When Is It Ready to Pot?

For water-propagated cuttings, the big question is when to move it to soil. You’re ready for the transition when the main roots are at least 2-3 inches long and have started to grow smaller, secondary roots off them. This usually takes 1-2 months.

When potting, use a small pot and that well-draining soil mix. Water it well and keep the soil slightly more moist than you would for a mature plant for the first few weeks as the “water roots” acclimate to their new soil environment.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with Monstera Deliciosa Cutting (and How to Fix Them!)

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Don’t panic! Here are some common problems with monstera deliciosa cutting and how to solve them like a pro.

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Help! My Cutting is Turning Yellow or Mushy.

This is often a sign of rot. If it’s in water, make sure you’re changing the water frequently. If the end is mushy, take it out, cut off the rotted part with a clean tool, and start over in fresh water. If it’s in soil, you may be overwatering. Let the soil dry out more between waterings.

Why Isn’t My Cutting Rooting?

Patience is paramount, but if it’s been over a month with no action, check a few things. Did you definitely include a node? Is it getting enough bright, indirect light? Is the room too cold? Cuttings root best in warmer temperatures (70-80°F / 21-27°C).

My Cutting Looks Limp and Sad.

A little wilting can be normal, especially after transferring from water to soil. This is just transplant shock. However, if it’s severe, it could be a sign of underwatering (in soil) or that the cutting is trying to support too many leaves. If you have a cutting with 3+ leaves, you might consider snipping one off to conserve energy.

Beyond the Basics: Sustainable Monstera Deliciosa Cutting Best Practices

Gardening can be a beautifully sustainable hobby. Embracing sustainable monstera deliciosa cutting techniques makes the process even more rewarding.

  • Reuse and Repurpose. You don’t need to buy new containers. Old pasta sauce jars, yogurt cups (with holes poked in the bottom), or thrifted glassware make perfect propagation stations.
  • Share the Green. The most eco-friendly plant is one you don’t have to buy. Trading cuttings with friends and neighbors reduces waste, saves money, and builds a wonderful plant-loving community.
  • Choose Peat-Free. When potting your new cutting, opt for a peat-free potting mix. Peat moss harvesting can be environmentally destructive, and great alternatives like coco coir are readily available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monstera Deliciosa Cuttings

How long does it take for a Monstera cutting to root?

In water, you can expect to see the first signs of roots in 2-4 weeks. It will typically be ready to transfer to soil in about 1-2 months. In soil, it can take a bit longer, around 4-6 weeks, before a strong root system is established.

Can I propagate a Monstera from just a leaf?

This is a very common question! Unfortunately, no. A single leaf with its stem (the petiole) might stay alive in water for a while, but it lacks a node, which is where new roots and growth originate. You must have a piece of the main stem with a node for successful propagation.

What’s the best time of year to take a cutting?

The best time is during the growing season, which is typically spring and summer. The plant is in a state of active growth, with more energy to spare for rooting and producing new leaves. You can still propagate in fall and winter, but it will likely take much longer.

Do I really need rooting hormone for my Monstera cutting?

Nope! Monstera Deliciosa is a vigorous plant that roots quite readily on its own. Rooting hormone is a helpful boost that can speed up the process and may prevent rot, but it is entirely optional. Don’t let a lack of it stop you from trying!

Go Forth and Propagate!

You are now equipped with all the monstera deliciosa cutting tips you need to turn one plant into a whole family. It’s a simple, meditative process that connects you more deeply to your plants and the incredible ways they grow.

Remember the key takeaways: find a node, make a clean cut, provide water or soil, give it bright indirect light, and practice a little patience. The reward is a brand-new, thriving plant that you grew yourself.

So go ahead, grab those pruners with confidence. Your indoor jungle is waiting to expand. Happy propagating!

Rimon Chowdhury
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