Plants › Monstera › Propagation

How to propagate monstera

Stem cuttings taken at a node with an aerial root · easy · 3–6 weeks to roots

The part most guides skip: Cut below a node that already has an aerial root — the thick brown stub protruding from the stem. That aerial root is a head start, and monstera cuttings with one root far faster and more reliably than those without.

Step by step

Identify a node with an aerial root and at least one healthy leaf above it.
Cut about an inch below the node with a clean, sharp blade.
Let the cut surface dry for an hour or two — monstera stems are thick and juicy, and a callused cut is less likely to rot.
Place in water with the node and aerial root submerged, or plant directly into damp chunky aroid mix.
Bright indirect light. Roots in roughly three to six weeks.

Water or soil?

Monstera is one of the better candidates for going straight into soil, because the aerial root is already adapted to air and bark rather than standing water. If you do use water, move it on early.

Why cuttings fail

Cutting has no node

A single leaf on a stalk will live in water for months and never root. It needs a node.

Rot at the cut end

Let thick stems callus for an hour or two before they go in, and use clean tools.

Expecting split leaves immediately

New growth from a cutting comes in small and unfenestrated. Splits arrive as the plant matures and gets enough light — not a defect.

What actually helps

A cutting with two or three nodes roots more reliably than a single-node one, and gives you a fuller plant sooner.

Difficulty	easy
Time to roots	3–6 weeks to roots
Method	Stem cuttings taken at a node with an aerial root
Best season	Spring and early summer, while days are lengthening

Ready to pot your cutting up?

Once roots reach one to two inches, it needs the right mix — not the same as the parent plant's, because a rooted cutting has almost no root mass to draw water down.

Work out the mix and pot size →

Questions

How long does it take to propagate monstera?

3–6 weeks to roots. Bright indirect light and warmth both speed it up.

Water or soil — which is better for monstera?

Monstera is one of the better candidates for going straight into soil, because the aerial root is already adapted to air and bark rather than standing water. If you do use water, move it on early.

Why is my monstera cutting not rooting?

Cutting has no node: A single leaf on a stalk will live in water for months and never root. It needs a node. Rot at the cut end: Let thick stems callus for an hour or two before they go in, and use clean tools. Expecting split leaves immediately: New growth from a cutting comes in small and unfenestrated. Splits arrive as the plant matures and gets enough light — not a defect.

When is the best time to propagate?

Spring and early summer, while the plant is actively growing. What matters is day length rather than the date — below roughly 11 hours of daylight most houseplants idle, and cuttings taken then root slowly if at all.

Do I need rooting hormone?

Not for monstera. Rooting hormone helps with woody, difficult cuttings; the common houseplants root readily without it. Clean tools and the right cutting matter far more.

Propagating other plants

Pothos · Snake plant · Spider plant · Heartleaf philodendron · Tradescantia · Jade plant · ZZ plant · Aloe vera · String of pearls · Peace lily · Hoya

Full monstera care guide →

General horticultural guidance. Propagation success varies with warmth, light and the health of the parent plant.