Propagating a Monstera is a cheeky way to grow new plants. All you need is a single cutting and you can grow a completely new large, monstrous plant. It’s magic!
And for those who think ‘propagation’ sounds complicated and unconsciously assume the process itself will be… you are wrong.
Surprisingly, the process is very simple. It’s a great ‘hack’ for those who are eager to add to their collection, or feel generous and want to gift to family or friends.
If you are curious to learn this exciting process, keep reading and find out how to propagate, common mistakes to avoid and simple tips to achieve healthy growth of your Monstera.
Let’s dive in.
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Why should you propagate?
Regardless of whether you are a beginner or a massive plant hoarder, there are several reasons you should consider propagating a Monstera.
This includes:
Cheap way to add to your collection
Plants are like money… the more you have, the more you want.
But should you really buy more?
Monstera is in demand justifying its very expensive price tag. Hence, if you have a Monstera, cut it and grow a whole new plant for FREE. Easy eh.
Great way to grow in other places of the house
If you want to grow Monstera in different parts of the house, why not propagate? Learn how to propagate and then it is in your hands to either grow a Monstera in one room, several rooms or in every room.
Check this out!- If you love indoor plants, why not check out the Beautiful Korean Succulents, or check out some amazing easy or home comforting succulents you can grow.
Give as a gift to family or friends
We all know someone who falls in love with a plant we grow. Honestly, I have lost count of how many people have asked me to gift a plant. This used to be put me in an awkward position, especially because I can’t say ‘no’.
If you can relate, propagation is a simple solution.
An effective way to prune your plant
Monstera can grow quickly. The leaves grow wild and, if not pruned, can look like a total mess.
Propagating your Monstera is a great way to prune your plant and give it the good trim it needs. Those cuttings you have trimmed are then gifted to family or friends, or used to expand your Monstera collection.
Save a plant from dying
Dead or dying leaves can affect the whole plant. If a disease or rot affects most of the plant, take a cutting. From this, you can grow a new plant free of any problems.
Propagating Method 1- The Cutting Method
We can break this method down into two parts:
- The first is when you take a cutting and place it in a clear jar until the roots come out.
- The second is to remove the cutting from the jar and pot it in soil.
Part 1
Step 1- Look for an aerial root. It is preferable to find a large node that has over two leaves growing on it.
Step 2- Cut about an inch below because this is where your stem will grow from. Use a sharp, clean knife or sheers to give a clean cut.
Step 3- Add water to a clear jar and add your cutting to it. Submerge the aerial root in water.
Step 4- Place in a well-lit area in the house where the cutting can get approx. 4-6 hours of good sunlight.
Step 5- Water will evaporate. Hence, top up to keep the aerial root underwater at all times.
Step 6- Roots will grow slowly within 4-6 weeks. This can cause little roots to surround the node and make the water discoloured. Wash the aerial roots under running water to wash away anything clinging to them. Also, replace the water in the jar if you need to.
Step 7- Wait until the roots are 2-4 inches before potting in soil.
Part 2
Step 1- You may get aerial roots growing out of aerial roots. But eventually, roots will grow out. This can take approx. 4-6 weeks for good root length (2-4 inches)
Step 2- Get the correct pot size before potting. Use a pot size that is large enough for the roots to grow out, but not too large. This is because Monstera likes to be cramped up when growing. Also, make sure the pot has holes to allow drainage.
Step 3- Use a soil mixture that has good drainage. A potting mix with 20% cactus soil is perfect for your Monstera. Add some perlite or pumice to the mix to increase drainage.
Step 4- Add a third of your soil mix to the bottom of the pot. This will help cushion the roots.
Step 5- Add the cutting. Then, add the rest of the soil in small stages to about an inch from the top of the pot.
Step 6- Monstera likes to be kept slightly moist. Hence, water the cutting once after potting.
Propagating Method 2- Air Layering Method
Air layering is a reverse of the cutting process. With the cutting method, you cut the stem first and then the roots grow out underwater. Whereas with air layering, we grow the aerial roots first and then we cut the stem.
Hence, you do not wait weeks for the roots to grow out before potting them in soil. A drawback of this process is you require plastic coverings over a node, and this can make your plant look unattractive.
Good Tip!
Try to find a node that is behind other leaves. Therefore, if you add a plastic wrap as described below, it will be behind other leaves.
Below are the steps to propagate via air layering:
Step 1- Ok, the air layer process requires more material than the cutting method. Hence, make sure you have the following before you start:
- Sphagnum moss
- Plastic wrap or bag
- String, twist ties, ribbons, rope
If you can’t get sphagnum moss, perlite is another option.
Step 2- Put sphagnum in the plastic
Step 3- Identify a node. If you can get two nodes on the same stem close together- Great!
Step 4- Wrap the plastic around the node (or nodes) and make sure the moss is in contact with the node. Wrap it tight enough to restrict airflow but not too tight as this will create moisture.
Step 5- Use string/ twin ties/ rope, or whatever to keep the plastic tight on the node.
Step 6- If the moss feels too moist, then makes holes to allow excess moisture to leave. This will prevent roots from becoming mouldy or rotten.
If the moss feels dry, you can water it with a spray gun.
Step 7- After a week, roots will grow out. Normally after 10 days, the roots become visible. Once the roots are a good size. Remove the plastic bag. Clear away the moss and take a cutting an inch under the node.
Step 8- Wash the roots underwater to clear away any moss.
Step 9- Now you are at the same stage as part 2 of the cutting method. The roots can now be pot, as explained above, and fingers crossed- a new Monstera plant will grow.
Do not worry! Propagating a Monstera is not difficult!
For a beginner, the processes might seem difficult. If you are a worrier and feel fearful for your plants.. don’t be.
There is no risk or harm to your plant. Your plant will survive 100% regardless if your cutting grows.
Hence, my message for those who are interested in propagating a Monstera but are sceptical is simple- just go for it!
What you cannot Propagate
Propagating a Monstera is a simple process to expand your plant collection. However, attention to detail is important here.
Not following certain detail should ring alarm bells in your ears. And this is good- because it will make sure you do not make some of the common propagating mistakes planters make:
Leaf only with no stem AND node attached
So some people cut off the leaf and believe it will grow. For some plants, this method may work but for the monstera- no chance.
Cut a Monstera under the stem. This is vital for all beginners to note.
Aerial roots with no stem attached
Cutting from the aerial root may sound more logical than cutting the leaf. Yes, the aerial root is where other roots do sprout from. But, just like above, without the stem, there is little growth.
If you want to waste your time, then try this. But for those who want to propagate a Monstera successfully, have a stem attached.
Stem with no nodes or leaves
This mistake is less common. A stem on its own without an aerial root or leaves will not grow. Simple.
How to get the cutting to grow quicker
Propagating a Monstera is a slow process that takes over six weeks. If you feel like your roots are taking too long to grow out, there are certain ways to quicken their sprouts.
For example:
Use a stem with a node with two or more leaves
Roots will grow quicker and fuller when the stem has leaves attached. You can propagate a stem with a node, but its potential to grow healthy and fast is a lot stronger with two or more leaves.
Aerial roots soaked in water
Water is so important for any plant to grow. A key stage in the cutting method is to soak the aerial root underwater. This allows the roots to take up water got healthy root growth. A dry aerial root will suffer and starved of vital nutrients. Hence, make sure your aerial root stays submerged underwater. Detail like this is crucial when propagating a Monstera.
Propagating in summer
The time of year you propagate is a big, big factor. Yes, you can propagate in winter, but there won’t be much growth. Or, there is growth, but it will be very slow and will require you to invest in extra resources, such as artificial lights and heat, to allow propagation.
Good Tip!
Propagate in summer. Monstera loves bright light. Your cutting with fresh roots is no different. Once the roots are potted in a new container, they will want bright light for at least six hours a day.
Give warmth
Similar to what I mentioned above, warmth and light are crucial. Both are naturally available to their fullest in summer. Hence, propagate in summer. If you are reading this in winter and are eager to give propagating a try, then invest in artificial lights and heat to make your Monstera feel more at home.
Soil
Keep them moist but not wet. Check once in a while to make sure the soil is not dry.
Monstera likes to be kept moist but not very moist. Water once the soil becomes dry.
When you air layer, plastic wrapping around the node can cause moisture to build up. This is bad and your plant will suffocate. The roots will rot, affecting the plant if the issue is just left. If you feel like there is excess moisture, create small holes in the plastic to allow moisture to leave.
General Plant Tips you should follow
I have discussed this in more detail in my previous post: The Ultimate Guide: Monstera for Beginners but below are a few general tips you should follow for healthy growth:
Light
Monstera prefers bright but indirect sunlight. Avoid leaving outdoors under the sun. The leaves will become scorched and burn.
Soil
Use a soil mix with good drainage. Add compost, perlite or rocks as a top dressing to improve this.
On a side note, rocks not only help with drainage but are also used by landscapers to add attraction and beauty as a top dressing. For example, I add rocks as a top dressing for my indoor succulents. And I love it, it really does help to add that professional, finishing touch.
Water
Monstera does not like too much moisture, hence water accordingly
Fertilisers
Use this once a month, especially during the growing season. Limit its use in dormant periods in winter.
Temperature
Monstera originates from tropical regions, hence aim to keep the temperature at around 25 degrees.
Insecticide
Monstera has big glossy leaves that attract insects. Hence spray insecticide to prevent decaying and rotting of leaves.
Final words
It feels like you are a cheat to grow something as big and beautiful as a Monstera for free. I can still remember how difficult it was to find my first Monstera because of its demand. Funny enough, now, I can add to my collection whenever I want.
And you can do the same. So… if you want to expand your collection or you feel generous and want to gift to family or friends- then definitely give this a go.
Propagating a Monstera is a simple, no-risk process with zero harm to the original plant. Follow the steps above and you will be a successful planter who can now propagate.
Good luck!
