Propagation guide

How to propagate Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana (Monstera deliciosa var. borsigiana) — step by step

Also called Borsigiana monstera, Climbing monstera.

The best way to propagate monstera deliciosa borsigiana

The reliable, beginner-friendly way to propagate monstera deliciosa borsigiana is nodal stem cuttings in water or soil. It suits this species because of how it grows: vigorous evergreen climbing vine; the borsigiana form has shorter internodes and smaller leaves than the species but still develops splits and fenestrations, climbing strongly on a moss pole with thick aerial roots.. Propagate from stem cuttings with at least one node and an aerial root; root in water, sphagnum or moist soil. Rooting is quick and reliable, usually 2-4 weeks.

For the wider picture of which technique suits which plant, our guide to plant propagation methods compares water, soil, leaf, division and offset propagation side by side. Because monstera deliciosa borsigiana is an aroid, the same nodal-cutting technique shown in our step-by-step pothos propagation walkthrough transfers almost directly.

Step-by-step: propagating monstera deliciosa borsigiana

Find a node. Locate a node on a healthy monstera deliciosa borsigiana vine — the small bump where a leaf or aerial root meets the stem. New roots only emerge from nodes, so every cutting must contain one.
Take the cutting. With clean, sharp scissors cut about 1 cm below the node at a slight angle. Aim for a 10–15 cm cutting with 2–3 nodes and one or two leaves at the top.
Strip lower leaves. Remove leaves from the bottom node(s) so the bare nodes can sit in water or soil. A submerged leaf rots and fouls the water.
Root it. Stand the cutting in a glass of room-temperature water with the node(s) covered, or push it into moist potting mix. Place in bright indirect light. Change the water every 4–5 days.
Pot up. When the new roots are 3–5 cm long (usually 2–4 weeks), pot the cutting into a small container of chunky, well-draining aroid mix and keep it slightly moister than normal for the first fortnight.

The alternative method

If the main route does not suit your plant or setup, soil propagation (skip the water glass) is the next best option for monstera deliciosa borsigiana. Push the nodal cutting straight into moist potting mix instead of water — the roots that form are soil-adapted from day one, so there is no transition shock, though you cannot watch progress through the glass.

Timeline to roots

Realistically: roots in 2–4 weeks; pot up at 4–6 weeks. These numbers assume spring or summer warmth and bright indirect light. In a cold, dark room — or in winter dormancy — the same monstera deliciosa borsigiana propagation can take twice as long or stall completely, so do not panic if progress looks slow out of season. Patience beats poking: disturbing a forming root system to “check” on it is a common way to set it back.

Common failure points

Taking a cutting with no node — leaves alone never root, no matter how long they sit in water.
Letting the water go stagnant; refresh it every 4–5 days or the cut end slimes and rots.
Potting up water-rooted cuttings too late — long, brittle water roots struggle to adapt to soil. Move them at 3–5 cm.
Propagating off a stressed, pest-ridden or recently-repotted monstera deliciosa borsigiana — always take material from a healthy, established parent.

When to do it

The best window is spring and summer (active growth). Propagation is energetically expensive for a plant, and it only has the spare resources to build new roots when it is already growing actively, warm and well-lit. Out-of-season attempts are not pointless, but expect lower success and a longer wait.

Aftercare

For the first two to three weeks after potting, keep the new monstera deliciosa borsigiana slightly moister than you would a mature plant and out of direct sun while the young roots adapt from water (or cutting medium) to soil. Hold off all fertiliser until you see a flush of new top growth — feeding a rootless cutting only burns it. Match the parent's needs as the new monstera deliciosa borsigiana settles: Bright, indirect light produces the largest leaves and most dramatic fenestration. It tolerates medium light but grows slower with fewer splits. Avoid prolonged direct sun, which scorches and yellows the foliage.

Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana propagation — frequently asked questions

What is the best way to propagate monstera deliciosa borsigiana?

Nodal stem cuttings in water or soil is the most reliable method for monstera deliciosa borsigiana. The best way to propagate monstera deliciosa borsigiana is a stem cutting taken just below a node. A cutting must include at least one node — the leaves alone will not root. Place the node in water or moist soil in bright indirect light. Roots appear in 2–4 weeks; pot up at 4–6 weeks.

Do you need a node to propagate monstera deliciosa borsigiana?

Yes — absolutely. Roots only emerge from a node, so every monstera deliciosa borsigiana cutting must include at least one. A length of stem or a leaf with no node will sit in water indefinitely and never root.

How long does it take monstera deliciosa borsigiana to root?

Roots in 2–4 weeks; pot up at 4–6 weeks. Timing varies with warmth and light — propagations move fastest in spring and summer when the plant is in active growth, and can stall almost completely in a cold, dark winter.

What is the best time of year to propagate monstera deliciosa borsigiana?

Spring and summer (active growth). Root and shoot development is metabolically demanding, so propagating during the active growing season gives noticeably higher success rates and faster results than attempting it in dormancy.

Can you propagate monstera deliciosa borsigiana in water?

Yes — monstera deliciosa borsigiana roots readily in a glass of water as long as a node is submerged. Water propagation is the most beginner-friendly route; just move the cutting to soil before the water roots get long and brittle (around 3–5 cm).