Plant care guide
Monstera Deliciosa Propagation: Aerial Root Cuttings in Water
Updated
How do you propagate a Monstera deliciosa?
Monstera deliciosa propagates from stem cuttings that include a node, ideally with an aerial root attached. Cut just below an aerial root, stand the node in water or bury it in mix, and pot it up while the new roots are still short.
What to do first
Cut below a node that carries an aerial root, keeping one or two leaves. Put the node and aerial root in room-temperature water in bright, indirect light, change the water weekly, and pot it into airy mix once roots are 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) long.
A Monstera cutting succeeds or fails on one detail: whether it includes a node. On Monstera deliciosa, that node is easy to spot. Penn State Extension’s Monstera article notes the aerial roots form at the base of the leaves, so a thick brown root marks the place to cut below.
NC State Extension’s Monstera profile lists stem cuttings and layering as recommended methods. UConn’s Monstera factsheet adds cane cuttings.
Where to cut
- Below a node with an aerial root. UW–Madison Extension’s Monstera article says to cut the stem tip just below an aerial root. UConn says an ideal cutting is taken 7.5–12.5 cm (3–5 in) below a node, with as many aerial roots as possible.
- Keep one or two leaves. Montana State University Extension’s stem cutting guide says to remove lower leaves that would rot in water or mix. Iowa State University Extension suggests trimming large leaves to cut water loss.
- Leave the aerial roots on. They are the head start UConn describes. Do not trim them off to make the cutting tidier.
A leaf on its stalk with no stem piece has no node. Montana State explains that most roots develop from nodes, where actively dividing cells can form new tissue.
Wear gloves. Penn State recommends them because of possible contact dermatitis, and NC State notes the sap can irritate skin.
Rooting in water
Water rooting lets you watch the roots form. Montana State gives these steps:
- Use room-temperature tap water. Make sure at least one node is under water. Put the aerial root in too.
- Give bright, indirect light. An opaque jar keeps the roots dark while the leaf feeds the cutting.
- Change the water weekly. Iowa State’s stem cutting guide suggests once or twice a week and never letting the level drop below the new roots.
- Skip fertilizer. Montana State says the cutting’s stored carbohydrates are enough to grow roots.
- Pot up early. Montana State suggests moving cuttings to moist mix once roots reach 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in), to reduce transplant shock.
Do not leave a cutting in water for months. Iowa State explains that roots formed in water are coarser and not well adapted to potting mix. Once potted, the plant may wilt, drop a leaf, or brown at the tips. Steady care helps it recover.
Rooting straight in mix
Rooting in mix skips the switch from water roots. Iowa State’s guide recommends:
- Perlite, or peat mixed with perlite or sand, moistened before use.
- A clear bag or dome over the pot, held off the leaves and not sealed.
- 4 to 6 hours of bright, indirect light, and air at 18–24 °C (65–75 °F).
Iowa State says most houseplant stem cuttings root in 3 to 6 weeks. For long, bare stems, UW–Madison describes cutting the vine into 30 cm (1 ft) sections and pressing them halfway into rooting medium.
Potting the rooted cutting
- Depth. UConn says vines with established aerial roots can be buried within 5–7.5 cm (2–3 in) of the first leaf node with little risk of rot. Do not bury the growing tip.
- Mix. Penn State recommends a well-draining soilless mix rich in organic matter, with bark, charcoal or perlite added.
- Pot size. UConn notes Monstera tolerates being pot-bound far better than being over-potted. Start small.
- Warmth and light. Penn State gives 16–29 °C (60–85 °F), with bright light but no direct sun.
If a newly potted cutting droops, check the mix before watering again. Our Monstera transplant shock guide explains what is normal. Soft, dark roots point to root rot.
Related guides
Pruning a leggy Monstera gives you top cuttings to root. The smaller vine has its own guide: Monstera adansonii propagation. For general methods, see our propagation guide, and for light, support and water, the Monstera care guide.
The ASPCA lists Monstera deliciosa as toxic to dogs and cats. Keep jars of cuttings out of their reach.
References
- UConn Home & Garden Education Center: Monstera deliciosa
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension: Monstera
- Penn State Extension: Monstera as a Houseplant
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Monstera deliciosa
- Montana State University Extension: Cloning at Home
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: How to Propagate Houseplants by Stem Tip Cuttings
- ASPCA: Cutleaf Philodendron (Monstera deliciosa)
How this guide was put together: UConn Home & Garden Education Center, UW–Madison Extension, Penn State Extension, NC State Extension, Montana State University Extension, Iowa State University Extension and ASPCA guidance.