Hardly any houseplant is as popular as the Monstera Deliciosa – with its distinctive leaves, the Swiss cheese plant has long since become a green classic in many homes. But this tropical beauty isn't just visually appealing: it's low-maintenance, robust, and easy to propagate. Whether you want to share your Monstera, give it away, or simply let it grow – here's how to do it step by step.
Step 1: Select a suitable plant and cutting
If you want to propagate your Monstera, the best way to do so is through cuttings . There are a few things to keep in mind: It's especially important that your mother plant is healthy and strong—this is the only way the cutting will develop well. Before you begin, you should also know what type of cutting you want to take. Depending on the cutting location, there are different types:
-
Head cutting : Consists of the shoot tip with at least one leaf (usually the newest) and an aerial root.
-
Stem cutting : A section of the main stem with at least one node and a dormant eye from which a new shoot can develop - a leaf is not necessarily required.
-
Leaf cuttings : Only one leaf without a shoot is less promising with the Monstera.
Step 2: The right cut for your Monstera
Once you've decided on a cutting type, you can begin taking the cutting. Make sure the section you're planning to take has at least one aerial root , as this will greatly facilitate rooting. Prepare a sharp, clean, and ideally disinfected knife to prevent infection on your Monstera. Make the cut about one centimeter below the leaf node and aerial root. Then, let the cut dry in a well-ventilated area for about an hour. This reduces the risk of rot at the cut surface.
Step 3: Rooting the Monstera cutting
The simplest and most successful method for propagating your Monstera is to root the cutting in water. Choose a sufficiently large glass or vase and fill it with room-temperature water—ideally rainwater or low-lime tap water. Place the cut cutting in the container so that both the aerial roots and the cut site are completely covered by water. Place the container in a bright, warm location away from direct sunlight to create optimal conditions for root formation. Then be patient. Root formation can take several weeks, depending on the conditions. Change the water every 3 to 5 days to prevent rot and provide sufficient oxygen for the developing roots.
Step 4: Planting and caring
After about four to six weeks, your Monstera cutting should have developed its own roots and be ready to move into a pot with soil. Use a pot with a drainage hole and choose a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil, such as a mix of potting soil , perlite, and some coconut fiber or pine bark. This will prevent waterlogging and allow the roots to breathe well. Carefully plant the rooted cutting, taking care not to damage the fresh roots. A bamboo trellis or a coco cane can give your young Monstera additional support and help it orient itself upwards—this will encourage stable, upright growth right from the start.
Place the freshly potted Monstera in a bright and warm, but not overly sunny location. For the first few weeks, keep the soil evenly moist, but not wet. After a few weeks, you can begin fertilizing sparingly, for example, with a liquid green plant fertilizer—this will optimally support your Monstera's continued growth.
Important tips for Monstera propagation
To ensure your Monstera propagation goes smoothly, it's worth keeping a few basic things in mind. From the ideal timing and the role of aerial roots to proper preparation—with these tips, nothing will stand in the way of your green success.
The right time
The ideal time to propagate your Monstera is spring or early summer, when the plant is in its active growth phase. This is when it will sprout reliably and form roots more quickly.
Use aerial roots
Make sure your cutting has at least one aerial root—this significantly increases the chance of successful rooting. Even if none are present, it may still work in some cases—it will just take considerably longer.
The right utensils
To propagate your Monstera, you'll need a sharp, clean knife, a container of water for rooting, and a pot with permeable soil to plant it in. And don't forget: a little patience, because rooting takes time.
Propagating Monstera: These species are suitable
With this step-by-step guide, you can propagate not only your Monstera Deliciosa but also other species such as Monstera Variegata, Monstera Adansonii, or Monstera Peru in a similar way via cuttings. It's worth paying attention to the specific characteristics of each species: The Monstera Variegata, for example, is more sensitive and grows more slowly, which is why healthy aerial roots are especially important. For the Monstera Adansonii, which tends to grow in a climbing fashion, a trellis can be useful early on. This allows you to optimally adapt propagation to the needs of your plant.
