How to Propagate a Monstera Deliciosa in 6 Simple Steps

Learning how to propagate a plant is an easy way to add more life and dreamy greenery to your home without spending money on expensive new plants. If you're looking to learn how to propagate monstera plants—aka get multiple new plants for free!—you've come to the right place.

Propagating plants doesn't require a green thumb. It's an easy process anyone can master, even without prior gardening experience. Aside from it adding new plants to your own collection, propagated plants also make great gifts for plant-loving friends.

Ready to get started? Here's your step-by-step guide on how to propagate monstera plants.

How to Propagate Monstera Plants: 6 Simple Steps

1. Find the Node

It's likely your monstera plant is big and leafy—which means it's the perfect candidate for propagation. To begin, look for a node on the plant. It may look like a brown, circular ring on one of the stems, or it could simply look like a thicker part of the stem.

While you can try to propagate just a leaf or two, it's best to take more of the stem to include the node or aerial roots. This is how roots will grow after you successfully propagate the plant—no more yellowing leaves!

2. Cut the Stem

For this step, be sure to use clean sheers or a kitchen knife to cut below the node. It's important to clean your sheers before cutting to be sure you're not spreading bacteria to the plant. Cleaning with soap and warm water works best. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle—this increases water intake.

3. Remove Excess Leaves

While you can propagate as many stems as you want, it's best to use a stem that has one or two leaves. If the stem you cut is large and contains more leaves, you might be able to break it up. And if there are multiple nodes, you can propagate more than one stem.

4. Choose Your Growing Medium

Next, you can choose between propagating your monstera in either soil or water. However, using water allows you to easily check on the new roots and track the growth progress.

Propagating in Water: If you choose to propagate in water, all you need to do is fill a container with tap or filtered water. This could be a Mason jar or a glass of water—just be sure the mouth of the container is large enough for when you're ready to remove the new roots that grow. Make sure the water is about an inch above the node.

Propagating in Soil: Use a small pot filled with potting soil and create a small hole with your finger in the center. Insert the monstera cutting into the hole and be sure at least one node is under the soil's surface.

5. Sit Back and Watch

After you've successfully started the propagation process, all you have to do is sit back and wait. Be sure to change the water regularly if you chose to propagate in water. If you chose soil, keep it moist, but beware of overwatering. Track the growth of your stems and let nature do its job. It should take about 3 to 5 weeks for your monstera cutting to begin sprouting roots.

6. Repot

Once your monstera cutting has sprouted healthy roots—this can take a few months—it's time to repot. The size of your pot will depend on the size of your root system. Be sure to pick a large enough pot to house the new root system, and make sure it has good drainage.

How to Care for Your Propagated Monstera Plant

Water your newly propagated monstera plant every 1 to 2 weeks, or as the soil dries out. You can also repot it every 2 to 3 years as the plant grows larger and larger.

Also, be sure your monstera is getting bright to medium-bright indirect light. Bright, direct sunlight can burn its leaves, and too little sunlight will make it exhibit leggy growth.