How to propagate Monstera: With these simple methods, even beginners can grow new plants

We’re hardly surprised that you’re the lucky owner of a monstera plant (Monstera deliciosa) and want to propagate it, since it’s a beauty that’s extremely trendy and popular at the moment. But it’s not just the looks that make it so popular. The fact that the plant is so easy to care for also gives it a few plus points. And Monstera propagation is no exception. Even beginners can try this experiment and try their luck. We shall explain how to propagate Monstera and what is necessary so that you can successfully multiply your plants.

What methods of propagation are there?

It is good to know that there are several methods to propagate Monstera, including of course the natural option – with seeds -and the so-called mossing, but these take a longer time or are a little more complicated. For this reason, Monstera cuttings are the best method and we would like to focus on that in this article. In the following lines we will explain how to get offshoots and how to proceed with them correctly.

How to propagate Monstera with the help of head cuttings?

If you’ve had your plant for a while, you’ve probably noticed the odd aerial roots. Yes, exactly, aerial roots, as you know them from orchids. These form the best conditions for obtaining cuttings from which a new plant can grow. So if you want to propagate Monstera by aerial roots, find a potential cutting (in this case a head cutting) on the plant that has at least one of them and one or two leaves.

Furthermore, the ideal head cutting should be above a so-called leaf node. You can recognize these by the slight thickening from which the leaves emerge (if you left a leaf on your cutting, you will automatically get the leaf node). In summary, the cutting needs:

• at least one aerial root
• at least one leaf (a new leaf will develop later)
• and the associated leaf node

Now cut off this stem about one centimeter below the root. Under no circumstances should you cut or damage the Monstera aerial roots. Now let the cutting rest for an hour. This step is necessary to allow the surface to dry. After that, the future new seedling is placed in a vase with water to root in it. It is important that the Monstera aerial roots are in water and that you change the water every week to avoid diseases. With every water change (or in between) you can check whether new roots have formed.

This is the right moment to plant the plant in a pot. It is best to use potting soil and set the stem as straight as possible. Well, it is important to always keep the soil moist, otherwise the fresh roots cannot develop well.

Also read: Why Are My Monstera Leaves Turning Yellow? Reasons + Remedies

Use a stem cutting

You get the stem cuttings from the lower part from which you separated the head cuttings. But to be successful, the stalk must have a so-called sleeping eye. This is a spot from which a new shoot can develop – a method by which the plant tries to survive since you have severed the leaf node at the top and therefore no new leaf can develop on that part of the plant.

This method of propagation costs the plant more energy and time than the head cutting, which is why the latter is the more popular.

Plant cuttings directly in soil

Yes, rooting can also be done directly in soil, so you can skip the water step if you want to propagate Monstera. However, there is a risk that cuttings may rot if you keep the substrate too wet. If you decide to use this method, make sure that the soil is only moist. This works best with a spray bottle.

The cutting should also have a leaf node so that a new leaf can grow from it. The substrate should also be warm and have a temperature of around 25 degrees, but the pot should not be in direct sunlight. You can keep the soil from drying out by covering the pot with cling film. Alternatively, a translucent hood made of plastic or a mason jar is also suitable. If you choose to cover the pot, be sure to remove the cover daily to air out.

How to propagate Monstera without aerial roots

Would you like to get started right away and propagate your Monstera, but your plant has not yet formed a single aerial root in the right place? Try it anyway! The fact is that an existing aerial root makes your project easier, but it is not absolutely necessary. However, the leaf and leaf bud should still be present. After you have cut off the cutting, simply place it in water, as described above, where new roots are to form.

Also read: How to Make a Moss Pole: Easy Instructions for a Compact Climbing Aid for Monstera and Other Plants