You might be considering multiplying your stunning monstera to gift it to someone special, or perhaps you're eager to enhance your cherished plant collection. No matter the reason, propagating a monstera is definitely a rewarding endeavor, particularly if you want to infuse some personality into your living space. So, can this exquisite plant be propagated in water? The answer is affirmative, and there’s an easy method to achieve it.

Known as one of the best plants to propagate in water, this architectural bloom can easily flourish and double up, with the right monstera plant care in mind, of course.

Curious about how to propagate monstera in water? We reached out to a horticulturist for their best advice.

How to Propagate Monstera Using Water

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With the many different types of monstera available to add to your collection, why not double up or triple the ones you love most? In conversation with Justin Hancock, a horticulturist from Costa Farms, he tells us that although he does not recommend the water propagation of monstera due to a "lower success rate than other methods," it is still possible to do so, with a few simple steps.

Step 1: Choose a cutting — "Select a cutting that has about 3 to 5 leaves," says Justin. "I’ve found that tip cuttings (where you cut off the newest growth) tend to be better for water propagation."

Step 2: Place leaves in a Vase — After you’ve removed the cutting from the main plant, Justin says you should remove the bottom leaf or two and place the cutting in a vase of water. "Make sure there are no leaves underwater; that’s why you want to remove the bottom leaf or two," he adds.

Step 3: Keep in a humid space — Justin says it's best to "Keep the cutting in a warm, bright, preferably humid spot. It’s optimal to change the water every few days to prevent algae, bacteria, etc. from building up."

Step 4: Place roots in soil after a few weeks — Lastly, "After several weeks, your cutting will start to put out roots if it doesn’t rot. Once it’s well rooted, you can pot it up in soil," explains Justin. "It can sometimes be difficult for a plant to transition from being in water to being in potting mix — so keep a close eye on your plant for the first couple of weeks after transplanting to make sure it doesn’t dry out."

Where to Cut Monstera for Propagation?

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Justin notes that identifying the best rooting method can be challenging due to the numerous varieties available. However, he explains that "many people discover that tip cuttings, which feature a new, active growth point, often root more effectively and quickly. Nevertheless, most monstera varieties can also root from any node, which are generally found at the intersection of a leaf and the plant stem."

Justin elaborates: "Under optimal conditions and with a robust, healthy plant, you could theoretically take a segment of the stem, making cuts between each leaf, and successfully root every node. In horticulture, we refer to these individual-node cuttings as 'leaf-and-eye cuttings', which is a method we use to propagate several of our sought-after varieties, including Monstera Peru."

According to the expert, a key principle to keep in mind is, "You should steer clear of using areas without nodes for propagation, since a cutting cannot generate new growth without having a node."

Known as one of the best Feng Shui living room plants, the monstera certainly knows how to make a statement without having to do too much. So why not add this beauty to your home and elevate your space?

Select a Chic Vase for Your Monstera Clippings

FAQs

Is it possible to cultivate a thriving monstera in water?

"You can certainly do it, but I believe it's a more complicated method for cultivating a healthy plant," Justin shares. "The downsides of growing a monstera in water include stability. Since most monstera plants tend to grow quite large, it's essential to have a robust container that can adequately support it—one that won't easily topple and create a significant mess in your living space."

Justin points out that maintenance presents its own challenges, stating, "It's essential to regularly empty the water and clean the container to avoid the buildup of algae and bacteria. Additionally, to keep your plant vibrant and thriving, following a fertilizer schedule is crucial, as water lacks the nutrients that potting soil provides."

What is the time required for a Monstera cutting to develop roots in water?

Justin mentioned that it varies based on circumstances, but typically, "you can anticipate it to take roughly a month."

According to the expert, humid environments "can accelerate the process. Conversely, cooler, drier, or less illuminated conditions might hinder the rooting process," explains Justin.