How to Propagate Monstera for an Endless Supply of Greenery, According to Horticulturists

Monstera, also known as Swiss-cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron, is one of the most popular houseplants around. And for good reason—this plant boasts beautiful, glossy green leaves that fill spaces with beauty year-round.

In addition to being exceptionally attractive, monstera is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to propagate (meaning you can enjoy its beauty in abundance or share it with friends). Monstera can be propagated three ways—from stem cuttings rooted in water or soil and by air layering. Ahead, horticulturists explain how to propagate monstera the right way.

When to Propagate Monstera

Spring and summer are the best times to propagate monstera because this is when the plant is actively growing, says Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University. There is less daylight during winter, so growth naturally slows.

That said, if you're able to give your monstera adequate heat, a lot of light, and above-average humidity levels, you can propagate this plant any time of year, says Justin Hancock, horticulturist for Costa Farms.

How to Propagate Monstera in Soil

One way to propagate monstera is by potting stem cuttings in a well-draining growing medium. You can use traditional potting mix for this or fill the container with moist sand or perlite, says Hancock.

1. Select a 4- to 6-inch long stem free of disease or insects. Using a clean, sharp knife or scissors, cut right below the stem's leaf node.
2. Remove the bottom set of leaves.
3. Let the cut callus over for a few hours to help reduce the risk of rotting.
4. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone.
5. Fill a container with well-draining potting soil. Choose a container that's big enough to hold the cutting and has a drainage hole on the bottom.
6. Place the cutting in the soil, making sure the node(s) is covered.
7. Place the cutting in a bright, humid area. After several weeks, your cutting should start to produce roots.

How to Propagate Monstera in Water

You can also propagate monstera cuttings in water if you don't have potting soil handy. Hancock notes that he hasn't had much success with this method because the plant is more likely to develop root rot or mushy stems. To avoid potential problems, Langelo says to refresh the water every couple of days.

1. Select a 4—to 6-inch-long stem that is free of disease or insects. Using a clean, sharp knife or scissors, cut right below the stem's leaf node.
2. Remove the bottom set of leaves.
3. Fill a glass large enough to support the cutting with distilled or filtered water.
4. Submerge the cutting in the water, making sure no leaves are touching the water.
5. Place the cutting in a bright, humid area. After several weeks, your cutting should start to produce roots.
   

How to Propagate Monstera by Air Layering

If you want to try an advanced propagation technique, Hancock says to propagate your Monstera by air layering. Air layering is a propagation method used to encourage roots to form on a plant stem that is still attached to the parent plant. It is useful for plants without flexible stems and can improve the appearance of leggy houseplants.

1. Select a healthy monstera stem with a node that's starting to develop aerial roots.
2. Using a sharp knife, make a little notch—less than a 1/4-inch deep—into the stem just below the node.
3. Remove the leaf right above where you made your notch.
4. Moisten sphagnum moss, making sure it is damp but not soaked. Place the moss around the stem where you made the notch, making sure the node is covered.
5. Wrap plastic wrap tightly around the sphagnum moss and seal it with twine or string. Place another layer of plastic wrap around the first to ensure it's sealed.
6. Place the plant in a bright, humid area. After several weeks, the stem should start to produce roots.
7. When there are well-developed roots, remove the stem from the plant and transplant it into a container with well-drained potting soil.

How to Care for Cuttings After Propagation

While they're getting established, monstera cuttings benefit from extra care. Keep the cuttings in bright, indirect sunlight and ensure the soil stays evenly moist but not soggy. "Do not overwater. Check the top inch of soil before watering again," says Langelo. "Keep the humidity high and that helps your cuttings from dehydration." Hancock adds that the more established the roots are, the more drought-tolerant they will become.

When to Transplant Cuttings

Transplant the cuttings once the roots have fully developed, which takes at least four to six weeks, says Langelo. If you potted the cuttings in soil, you don't need to worry about transplanting them. But if you propagate in water or by air layering, wait until the roots are at least 3 to 4 inches long. "Then pot them up and keep them moist. Keep in mind that the transition from growing in water to growing in potting mix can be tough, so be sure not to let them dry out," says Hancock.