How to Propagate Monstera in Water and Soil (Step-by-Step)

That is a wonderful next step! Propagating your Monstera is fun and very rewarding. You can use the popular water method or root directly into soil.

The key to both methods is selecting the right piece of stem: a node.

🌿 The Most Important Step: Finding the Node

A node is the slightly swollen or bumpy part of the stem where a leaf attaches, or where an aerial root (the brown, coarse roots growing out of the stem) emerges.

• A cutting must contain at least one node. This is where the plant's growth hormones are concentrated, and it is the only place new roots and new leaves can sprout from.

• A single leaf without a node will not grow roots or a new plant; it will eventually die.

Where to Cut: Use clean, sharp shears or a knife to make a cut about 1 to 2 inches below a node.

💧 Method 1: Water Propagation (The Visible Approach)

This is the most popular method because you can watch the roots grow!

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare the Cutting

   • Take the Cutting: Cut a stem section (internode) that includes at least one node and one or two healthy leaves.

   • Trim Excess: Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline to prevent them from rotting and fouling the water.

   • Callus (Optional but Recommended): Let the cutting sit out for 10-20 minutes so the cut end can dry and form a slight callous. This helps prevent rot when submerged.

2. Submerge and Wait

   • Place in Water: Put the cutting into a clear glass jar or vase filled with room-temperature water. Ensure the node is completely submerged.

   • Find the Right Spot: Place the container in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct, harsh sun which can cook the cutting.

   • Maintain the Water: Change the water every 3–5 days, or anytime it looks cloudy. Fresh water replenishes oxygen, which is vital for root growth.

3. Transition to Soil

   • Wait for Roots: Roots should begin to appear within 2–4 weeks.

   • When to Pot: Wait until the new white roots are about 2–3 inches long. Water roots are fragile and transition best when they are young but established. Waiting too long can make the transition to soil harder.

   • Pot Up: Plant the cutting into a small pot (4–6 inches wide) with the same well-draining Aroid soil mix recommended in the repotting guide.

   • Care: Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) for the first few weeks to help the water roots adjust to the denser environment.

     
     

🪴 Method 2: Soil Propagation (The Direct Approach)

This method avoids the root transition shock from water to soil, but you can't see the root progress.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare the Medium

   • Choose the Pot: Select a small pot (4–6 inches) with good drainage.

   • Use Aroid Mix: Fill the pot with a well-draining soil mix (potting soil mixed with perlite and/or orchid bark).

   • Moisten: Lightly moisten the soil so it is damp, not wet.

2. Plant the Cutting

   • Take the Cutting: Use the same cutting preparation steps as the water method (cut below a node, remove lower leaves).

   • Rooting Hormone (Optional): Dip the cut end of the node in rooting hormone powder to encourage faster and stronger root growth.

   • Plant: Bury the node about 1 inch deep into the soil. Gently firm the soil around the cutting to hold it upright.

3. Care and Monitoring

   • Find the Right Spot: Place the pot in a warm area with bright, indirect light.

   • Keep Moist: Keep the soil lightly and consistently moist. Do not let it dry out completely, but also do not let it become waterlogged.

   • Signs of Rooting: You will know the cutting has successfully rooted when you see new leaf growth. This usually takes 4–8 weeks. Once a new leaf appears, you can reduce watering to allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.