Why Propagating Monsteras Is Rewarding for Beginners
Propagating your monstera is an exciting way to grow new plants for free, share them with friends, or expand your indoor jungle. It’s a beginner-friendly process that lets you create new monsteras from an existing plant, saving money and deepening your connection with your greenery. Whether you’re working with a Monstera deliciosa or adansonii, this guide will walk you through taking and rooting cuttings step by step. With a little patience, you’ll have thriving new plants in no time. At Monstera Haven, we’re here to help you master propagation with ease.
Tools and Materials Needed for Propagation
Before you start, gather the right tools and materials to ensure success. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and reduces stress for you and your plant.
Sharp, Clean Scissors or Pruners: Use sterilized scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts. Wipe the blades with rubbing alcohol to prevent spreading bacteria.
Container for Rooting: For water propagation, use a clear glass or jar to monitor root growth. For soil propagation, choose a small pot with drainage holes.
Rooting Medium: You’ll need either filtered or distilled water (for water propagation) or a well-draining potting mix (for soil propagation). A mix of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark works well.
Rooting Hormone (Optional): This powder or gel can speed up root growth, especially for soil propagation. Look for a product labeled for houseplants.
Plastic Bag or Humidity Dome: For soil propagation, covering the cutting with a plastic bag or dome helps maintain humidity.
Healthy Monstera Plant: Choose a mature, healthy monstera with strong stems and leaves for the best results.
Having these items ready sets you up for a successful propagation. For more plant care essentials, check out Monstera Haven.
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking and Rooting Cuttings
Propagating monstera cuttings is straightforward if you follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Choose a Healthy Stem: Look for a stem with at least one node (the small bump where leaves or aerial roots grow) and one or two leaves. Nodes are essential for root growth. Avoid stems with yellowing or damaged leaves.
Step 2: Make the Cut: Using sterilized scissors, cut just below a node at a 45-degree angle. The cutting should be 4–6 inches long with at least one node and a leaf for best results.
Step 3: Prepare the Cutting: Remove any lower leaves near the node to prevent rot. If using rooting hormone, dip the cut end into the powder or gel before rooting.
Step 4: Root in Water or Soil: For water propagation, place the cutting in a jar of filtered water, ensuring the node is submerged but leaves stay dry. Change the water every 3–5 days. For soil propagation, plant the cutting in a small pot with moist, well-draining soil, burying the node about 1 inch deep.
Step 5: Provide Proper Conditions: Place the cutting in bright, indirect light (near a north- or east-facing window). Maintain humidity by misting or using a plastic bag for soil cuttings. Keep the temperature between 65–80°F.
Step 6: Monitor Root Growth: Roots should appear in 2–6 weeks. In water, wait until roots are 2–4 inches long before potting. In soil, gently tug the cutting after 4–6 weeks to check for resistance, indicating roots.
Step 7: Pot the Cutting: Once rooted, transfer water-propagated cuttings to a pot with well-draining soil. Water thoroughly and care for it like a mature monstera.
Common Propagation Mistakes to Avoid
Even beginners can succeed at propagation, but watch out for these common pitfalls.
Using a Cutting Without a Node: Without a node, the cutting won’t root. Always include at least one node in your cutting.
Overwatering or Underwatering: In water propagation, change the water regularly to keep it fresh. In soil, keep the soil moist but not soggy to avoid rot.
Too Little Light: Insufficient light slows root growth. Ensure your cutting gets bright, indirect light, but avoid direct sun, which can stress it.
Low Humidity: Monsteras love humidity, especially during propagation. Use a humidity dome or mist regularly to keep levels above 50%.
Impatience: Rooting takes time, so don’t rush to pot the cutting too soon. Wait for strong roots to ensure a healthy new plant.
Caring for New Monstera Propagations
Once your cutting has rooted and is potted, it needs proper care to thrive as a new plant.
Watering: Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry, typically every 7–10 days. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Light: Keep the young plant in bright, indirect light. A grow light can help if natural light is limited, especially in winter.
Fertilizing: Wait 2–3 months before fertilizing to let the roots establish. Then, use a diluted, balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4 weeks during spring and summer.
Support: If your new monstera is a vining type like adansonii, provide a small trellis or moss pole as it grows. For upright varieties like deliciosa, a stake can help.
Repotting: Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant outgrows its pot. Use a well-draining mix to keep roots healthy.
For more tips on nurturing your monstera, visit Monstera Haven.
Final Thoughts on Growing New Monsteras
Propagating monstera cuttings is a fun and rewarding way to grow your plant collection. With the right tools, a clear step-by-step process, and attention to common mistakes, you’ll be able to create healthy new plants with ease. By caring for your propagations properly, you’ll enjoy lush, thriving monsteras in no time. Explore more propagation techniques at Monstera Haven to keep your indoor jungle growing.