Propagating Monstera: A Step-by-Step Guide to Water, Soil, and Air Layering

Want more Monstera plants for free? Propagating your Monstera deliciosa is not only incredibly rewarding but also surprisingly easy! Whether you want to share your plant, create new ones, or simply keep your existing plant bushy, understanding propagation is key.

This guide will walk you through the three most common and successful methods: water propagation, soil propagation, and air layering.

✂️ 1. Getting the Perfect Monstera Cutting

The success of any propagation method starts with the right cutting.

What You Need for a Good Cutting:

• Sharp, Clean Shears/Knife: Sterilize your tool with rubbing alcohol to prevent introducing disease.

• A "Node" (Crucial!): This is the most important part! A node is a small bump or ring on the stem where a leaf or aerial root has emerged, or where new growth will emerge. Your cutting MUST include at least one node.

• At Least One Leaf: Ideally, aim for a cutting with 1-2 healthy leaves. These leaves will help with photosynthesis while the cutting develops roots.

• Optional: Aerial Root: If your cutting includes an aerial root, even a small one, it significantly increases your chances of success.

Where to Cut:

Locate a node on the stem. Make your cut about 1/2 to 1 inch below the node.

💧 2. Method 1: Water Propagation (Beginner-Friendly)

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

Step-by-Step:

1. Prepare the Cutting: Once you have your cutting with at least one node and a leaf, remove any leaves that would be submerged in water.

2. Place in Water: Put the cutting in a clear glass or jar filled with clean, room-temperature water. Ensure the node is fully submerged.

3. Find a Spot: Place the jar in a location that receives bright, indirect light (similar to where your mother plant thrives).

4. Change Water Regularly: Replace the water every 3-5 days to prevent bacterial growth and replenish oxygen.

5. Patience for Roots: You should see roots starting to form from the node within 2-6 weeks.

6. When to Pot: Once the roots are at least 2-4 inches long, you can transfer your new plant to a well-draining soil mix (like the chunky aroid mix we discussed).

Pro Tip: Adding a small piece of activated charcoal to the water can help keep it fresh for longer.

🌱 3. Method 2: Soil Propagation (More Advanced, Less Visual)

This method involves planting the cutting directly into soil. It can sometimes lead to faster acclimatization once rooted but doesn't allow you to see root development.

Step-by-Step:

1. Prepare the Cutting: Take your node-containing cutting, removing any bottom leaves that would be buried.

2. Optional: Rooting Hormone: Dip the cut end (especially the node) into rooting hormone powder. This can accelerate root development.

3. Prepare the Pot: Fill a small pot (4-6 inches) with a light, airy, well-draining propagation mix (e.g., coco coir and perlite, or your chunky Monstera mix).

4. Plant the Cutting: Make a small hole in the soil and insert the cutting, ensuring the node is buried about 1-2 inches deep. Gently firm the soil around it.

5. Water & Humidity: Water thoroughly. To create a humid environment, you can cover the pot loosely with a clear plastic bag or dome.

6. Find a Spot: Place in bright, indirect light and maintain consistent warmth.

7. Patience for Growth: Rooting can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. You'll know it's rooted when you see new leaf growth. Gently tugging on the cutting will reveal resistance.

Photo by Tiia Pakk: https://www.pexels.com/photo/unrecognizable-gardener-with-bright-plant-seedling-near-wall-4680580/

🌬️ 4. Method 3: Air Layering (For Large, Leggy Plants)

Air layering is fantastic for large, leggy Monstera plants where you want to root a section while it's still attached to the mother plant. This ensures a higher success rate.

Step-by-Step:

1. Identify a Spot: Choose a section of the stem where you want new roots to form. It should have a healthy node and ideally an existing aerial root nearby.

2. Prepare the Stem: Make a small cut (about 1/3 of the way through the stem) directly below the node. You can also gently scrape away a small ring of outer bark around the node.

3. Apply Rooting Hormone (Optional): Apply rooting hormone to the cut/scraped area.

4. Wrap with Moss: Take a handful of damp sphagnum moss and wrap it completely around the prepared stem section, ensuring the node is fully encased.

5. Secure with Plastic: Wrap the moss tightly with clear plastic wrap, securing both ends with tape or string to create a sealed "pouch." This keeps the moss moist.

6. Wait for Roots: Place the mother plant back in its bright, indirect light. Over 6-12 weeks, you should see roots developing inside the moss ball.

7. Cut and Pot: Once a healthy root system has formed (visible through the clear plastic), cut the stem below the air layer. Pot the newly rooted section into your chunky Monstera mix!