How to Grow a Monstera in Water: Step-by-Step

Growing a monstera in water is a low-maintenance way to enjoy this popular houseplant without soil. It’s perfect for water-propagated cuttings, small plants, or even a full-grown monstera if you’re willing to commit to regular water changes. This method lets you watch the roots develop, avoids soil-borne pests, and can be a stylish display in a glass vase or jar. Before you start, pick a healthy cutting or a small plant with at least one node (the brownish bump where roots and leaves emerge). You’ll also need a clean glass container and fresh, room-temperature water.

What You’ll Need

• A monstera cutting or small plant with at least one node (preferably two or three for better stability)
• A clean glass container (jar, vase, or bottle) that’s large enough to hold the plant without crowding
• Room-temperature water (tap water is fine if left out for a day to let chlorine evaporate, or use filtered water)
• Optional: liquid fertilizer (diluted to half strength) for feeding after roots are established
• Optional: a pair of clean scissors or pruning shears to trim any damaged roots

Step-by-Step

1. Take a cutting (if you don’t have one already). Using clean scissors, cut just below a node on a healthy stem. The cutting should have at least one leaf and one node. Ideally, include two or three nodes to give the plant more chances to root.
2. Remove lower leaves. Strip any leaves that would be submerged in water. Leaves left underwater will rot and can harm the plant. Keep only the top leaves above the waterline.
3. Let the cutting callus (optional but recommended). Place the cutting on a dry surface for a few hours or overnight. This allows the cut end to dry and form a callus, which helps prevent rot when placed in water.
4. Place in the container. Fill your glass container with room-temperature water. Gently place the cutting so that the node(s) are submerged, but the leaves are above the water. Use a narrow-necked vase or a piece of cloth or tape to support the plant if it tends to slip.
5. Position in bright, indirect light. Place the container in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. A north or east-facing window is ideal. Avoid direct sun, which can overheat the water and burn the leaves.
6. Change the water regularly. Replace the water every few days (about once a week is fine, but more often if it looks cloudy). Use fresh, room-temperature water each time. Rinse the roots gently when you change the water to remove any slime or debris.
7. Wait for roots to grow. Roots should start to appear within a few weeks. Once they’re several inches long (usually after a month or two), you can either keep the plant in water permanently or transplant it to soil.
8. Feed occasionally (if keeping in water long-term). If you plan to keep your monstera in water indefinitely, add a few drops of liquid fertilizer (diluted to half strength) every few weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Do not over-fertilize, as this can burn the roots.

Common Mistakes

• Submerging leaves: Leaves left underwater will rot and can spread bacteria to the roots. Always keep leaves above the waterline.
• Using cold water: Cold water can shock the plant. Always use room-temperature water.
• Forgetting to change water: Stagnant water leads to algae and bacteria, which can cause root rot. Change the water regularly.
• Placing in direct sun: Direct sunlight can heat the water, causing root damage and encouraging algae growth. Bright, indirect light is best.
• Choosing a cutting with no node: A leaf without a node will not grow roots. Always ensure your cutting has at least one node.

Tips

• Use a clear glass container so you can easily monitor root growth and water clarity.
• If your tap water is heavily chlorinated, let it sit out for a day before using it, or use filtered water.
• You can add a small piece of charcoal to the water to keep it fresh longer (optional).
• When changing water, gently rinse the roots to remove any slime. This keeps the plant healthy.
• If you notice algae forming on the glass, clean the container with a soft brush and mild soap, then rinse thoroughly.

Troubleshooting

• Roots aren’t growing: If you’ve waited several weeks and see no roots, check that your cutting has a node. Also, ensure the node is actually submerged in water. Move to a brighter spot (but not direct sun).
• Leaves turning yellow: Yellow leaves often indicate overwatering (in soil) or, in water, could be a sign of too much direct light or a nutrient deficiency. Move to indirect light and change the water more frequently.
• Roots turning brown or mushy: This is root rot, usually caused by infrequent water changes or bacteria. Trim off the affected roots with clean scissors, change the water, and clean the container thoroughly. Reduce the water level so only the healthy roots are submerged.
• Algae growing in the water: Algae thrives in light and nutrient-rich water. Move the container to a shadier spot and change the water more often. Rinse the roots and container thoroughly.
• Plant is leaning or falling over: Use a taller vase or add some decorative stones or marbles to the bottom to support the plant. Just make sure the stones don’t cover the node.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can any monstera grow in water? Yes, most monstera varieties can grow in water, especially as cuttings. However, mature plants with large leaves may need a very large container and extra support.
• How long can a monstera live in water? Indefinitely, as long as you provide nutrients and change the water regularly. Many people keep monstera in water for years.
• Do I need to use fertilizer? If you keep the plant in water long-term, yes. Without soil, the plant relies on nutrients you add. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every few weeks during the growing season.
• Why are my monstera leaves drooping in water? Drooping can be a sign of root rot or insufficient light. Check the roots for mushiness and ensure the plant gets bright, indirect light.
• Can I transplant my water-grown monstera to soil later? Yes, you can. Wait until roots are at least a few inches long, then plant in well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist for the first few weeks to help the transition.
• Is tap water safe for monstera? Most tap water is fine, but if yours is high in chlorine or fluoride, let it sit out for a day or use filtered water. Some plants are sensitive to fluoride, which can cause leaf tip burn.