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When propagating your monstera deliciosa, you should cut it at a node. But, there’s a little more detail to it in order to get it just right. See these easy step-by-step monstera propagation instructions and my video demonstration with my own plant!
Monstera deliciosa nodes
To successfully propagate monstera deliciosa, you need to cut below a node. What does “below” mean? Locate a node on the stem, point the stem up towards the ceiling (if it’s not growing that way already), and cut just underneath a node.
This means when you remove the cutting from the plant, the node will be on the cutting. I demonstrate this in my video, so check it out for more help.
Nodes are the growth points along the stem of a plant. New stems, leaves, soil roots, and aerial roots grow out of nodes. This is why you need to have a node on your cutting—because you want it to grow roots and eventually grow into a whole new plant!
Note: I’ve included some propagation supplies at the bottom of this post, so be sure to check that out when you’re ready to propagate!
Is it better to propagate monstera in water or soil?
I’ve found both methods of propagating monstera deliciosa work equally well for growing roots, so it’s up to you. Some people—including me—prefer to propagate monsteras in water in order to be able to watch the roots develop.
Soil propagation brings with it the benefit of your cutting already being “planted” once it grows new roots. You wouldn’t have to transfer it anywhere like you would with water propagation.
But in terms of the cutting being successfully propagated, growing new roots, and eventually becoming a whole new plant, you can’t go wrong whether you choose water propagation or soil propagation.
How long does monstera take to propagate?
While there is no exact timeline for when your monstera cutting will grow roots, you can generally see roots growing within the first few weeks. How long it takes to propagate monstera depends on a variety of factors:
- Time of year – Plants will grow fast during the growing season (spring and summer), Meanwhile, in the dead of winter, plants are resting and will take a lot longer to grow.
- Light – Plants with more light will grow faster.
- Humidity – Humidity is helpful for growth.
- General health of the plant.
How do you propagate monstera deliciosa fast?
If you want to propagate your monstera deliciosa fast, you need to provide it with optimal growing conditions for root development. This includes bright, indirect light, humidity, and keeping the soil lightly moist at all times. Moisture is helpful for root development.
And of course, if you’re propagating your monstera in water, you want to make sure to top off the water level when it starts to evaporate.
With that said, keep in mind there is only so much we can do—at the end of the day the plant will grow when it wants to.
Can you grow a monstera deliciosa from a cutting?
Yes, as long as the cutting includes a node. Remember, nodes are growth points—where new roots will sprout from. No node = no growth.
Can I propagate a monstera from a leaf?
You cannot propagate monsteras using only a leaf. The cutting must have a node so that new roots will grow and eventually create a whole new plant.
If there is no node on the stem, but only a leaf, there is no growth point, and the cutting will just eventually die.
Can monstera deliciosa live in water?
Yes, you can propagate your plant in water and let it live there! It won’t grow as fast or large as it would in soil, but it will still survive and grow. The plant will adapt by eventually growing water roots—yes, different from soil roots!
Learn how to care for your monstera deliciosa to make it thrive and not just survive!
Monstera deliciosa propagation supplies
If you aren’t already caring for a monstera, you’ll need to get yourself a plant!
Then, you’ll need pruning shears. But keep in mind for a large plant with thick stems, regular shears won’t cut it (pun intended ?). You’ll need something more heavy-duty, like these stronger shears.
Also, because monsteras have sap that can cause some skin irritation, consider gardening gloves, especially if you have a large plant where the sap will be harder to avoid.
Finally, you’ll need potting mix if you want to use the soil propagation method. Sphagnum moss is another popular propagation medium.
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