This is not necessarily a typical post, but rather a visual accompaniment to my two posts about Monsteras and propagating them. I’ve been bombarded with questions from readers about where and how to cut a stem, Monstera wetstick propagation, plus some no-so-common questions I wanted to publicly answer.

First though, I partnered with Annie Zyg Illustration to create the gorgeous print – a visual illustration of the Monstera Deliciosa. If you’re interested in a print Instagram or Facebook message me until we get our shop up and running. 8″ x 10″ prints are only $16 (shipped) and are ready to slip into your favorite frame.

How to Propagate a Monstera in Water:

Need a refresher on how to propagate in water? No problem, enjoy this annotated version of my propagation blog post – a basic review of where to cut step by step (consult above diagram if necessary):

  1. Find a stem, making sure it includes at least two petioles with leaves.
  2. The segment must have an aerial root and node, the node allows the plant to be much more stable once planted, and will eventually grow into a root.
  3. Once cut, the stem from the mother plant will harden over. This nub will pump out some more leaves, don’t worry.
  4. Place in water (for additional help, see this set by step guide), and about 1-2 months, he’ll be ready to plant!
How to Propagate a Monstera

How to Propagate a Wetstick

A wetsick is a small, leafless cutting (typically for variegated Monsteras like Monstera albo and Thai constellation). Basically, it’s a chunk of stem that only includes a node and maybe a root, nothing else. It’s an easy way to get more plants of out a mother plant, which is why it’s so common for variegated Monsteras which are grow slowing and very popular right now. You’ll find wetsticks cheaper than more established variegated Monstera cuttings (like, with leaves), but it will take a looong while for a leaf to form.

Monstera wetstick, once you receive one, can be propagated directly into soil or using sphagnum moss. You can try to do the water propagation method but it’s very difficult to keep the wetstick moist without submerging the whole thing. I’ll be doing a full tutorial soon!

Monstera Q&A

And now, some of my most frequently asked questions about soil, anatomy, and how to contain these monsters:

Is Monstera Propagation without Nodes Possible?

Q: Hello! I live in Kauai and there are beautiful monsteras all over the island. There were too stems sort of loose so I grabbed those to take home in hopes they could grow some roots. But, if they are just the stems (no nub or aerial root) will that even be possible? -Emily

Anastasia: Hi Emily – you are too lucky to live in a place with wild monsteras! As far as getting them to root, the stems won’t be enough – they’ll need a node which turns into the roots. You may need to get another cutting. Those stems will look great in a vase though!

Soil or No Soil? Stakes or Steaks?

Q: Hi! Thank you for this guide! I have two questions: 1. Is it possible to plant a stem and node directly into soil, or is it better to start in water? 2. What type of stake do you recommend? Is a piece of wood good enough, or should it be a moss totem? -Catherine

A: Hi Catherine! To answer your questions:
1. I’d definitely suggest starting in water to get the initial root going. Not sure if you would have as much luck just putting them in soil.
2. I use these garden stakes since they’re strong and durable. Monty is about 5′ tall and I’m currently using 4-5 stakes to keep him upright. Plus I use them for all of my other large plants too. A moss totem would work, too, but you’ll have to keep it moist. Thanks for reading!

When to Plant a Monstera Cutting?

Q: Hi there! I have a Monstera cutting from months ago that I had kept in water. It has many many roots now! When is a good time for this leaf with roots to be planted into soil? Thanks!

A: Hi! If it has many roots that’s a sure sign! You can plant it any day at this point. Pick a nice planter that’s a tad bit bigger than the circumference of the root ball and use good quality indoor plant soil. It also helps if it’s summer and not fall or winter which is dormant season for plants – he’ll adjust to his new home better. 

Monsteras are Monsters: When to Stake

Q: I have an indoor monstera that looks like Monty. I’ve been reading that I should stake it but I would prefer to just keep it bushy rather than grow taller. Do I need to stake it or can I just prune to keep it under control? -Anna

A: Hi Anna, I’ve done both. Monty is very much growing horizontally and staking actually does encourage vertical growth, but pruning the awkward stems did help shape him a bit better last year. Typically I cut off any growth that won’t get sunlight, and turn those into new plants. I have about 4-5 stakes to keep Monty somewhat vertical and usually prune the unwieldy stems every spring. If you do decide to prune, wait until it’s warm, 70+ degrees or so, since he’ll be able to recover better. Hope that helps!

Have a question? Ask away! Want a print? Order away!