If you’re looking to expand your indoor jungle by propagating your Monstera Deliciosa, you’ve got options! You can grow a brand-new plant using either a tip cutting or a stem cutting. Here is my go-to guide for getting it right every time.
Taking Tip Cuttings
Tip cuttings (the very top growth of the vine) need to establish a solid root system before they can truly thrive as an adult plant. To make sure your tip cutting propagation is a success, just follow these simple steps:
- Pick a healthy section that has at least one or two leaves and one or two aerial roots.
- In the spring, use a clean blade to cut about half an inch below the aerial root.
- Let the cut end air-dry for about 60 minutes to “callus” over.
- Fill a starter pot with a mix of coconut coir or a peat-sand blend.
- Gently tuck your cutting into the substrate.
- Place the pot in a warm spot with bright, indirect light (avoid harsh, direct sun!).
- Keep the soil consistently moist, and try to use filtered or rainwater (they aren’t big fans of lime-heavy tap water).
- Create a little “greenhouse” effect by covering the cutting with a clear plastic bag supported by wooden stakes.
Using Stem Cuttings
Sometimes after taking a tip cutting, you’re left with a leafless section of the main stem. Don’t toss it! You can use this as a stem cutting, provided it isn’t too woody or old. Look for “nodes” or leaf buds—those little bumps on the stem where new growth happens. Here’s how to handle these:
- Cut the bottom of the stem at an angle and the top straight across (this helps you remember which end is “up”).
- Insert the angled end into a pot filled with slightly acidic seed-starting mix.
- Water your new plant with soft water and find a bright spot away from direct sunlight.
- Just like with the tip cutting, cover it with a transparent lid or bag to boost humidity and encourage rooting.
That plastic cover creates a cozy, humid microclimate that Monsteras absolutely love. Just be sure to lift the cover every day or two to let in some fresh air so you don’t run into any mold issues.
Pro tip: You can actually get several baby plants from a single long stem! Just slice the stem into segments between the buds and lay each piece horizontally on top of the soil with the buds facing up. Before you know it, those growth points will start pushing out brand-new leaves and roots.
