I’ve always loved the look of a big leafy monstera plant. Those bold, split leaves are eye-catching and feel tropical in the best way. But what I didn’t love? The price tag. If you’ve ever tried to buy one, you know what I mean. Even the small ones aren’t exactly cheap. And when you’re living on a budget, buying fancy houseplants doesn’t usually make the cut.

That’s where the fun starts, though. There are budget-friendly ways to bring a monstera into your home without spending a fortune. And once you’ve got one, the savings keep adding up. These plants can grow like crazy. You can use one to decorate a whole room, or even share cuttings with friends. No waste, no guilt, just lots of green.

In this post, I’m walking through simple ways to get a monstera plant without overspending. I’ll cover tips for shopping, how to make them last, and how to grow more without buying more. We’ll even talk about fun ways to use them in your space without buying extra décor.

It’s not just about having a plant. It’s about getting creative with what you already have. If you’re into saving money, getting crafty, and making your space feel fresh, this is for you. Whether you’re new to plants or already have a few, I’ve got ideas you can actually use. No overcomplicated instructions. No expensive tools.

Just practical, frugal ways to bring that lush green vibe into your home. Let’s make the most of every leaf, every pot, and every dollar.

Keep reading for all the simple, budget-friendly ways to enjoy your monstera plant without overspending or overcomplicating a thing.

START WITH A MONSTERA CUTTING, NOT A FULL PLANT

A full-grown monstera plant looks beautiful, but it can get pricey fast. You can skip the price tag by starting with a cutting instead.

Plenty of people with large monsteras are happy to give away clippings. You just have to ask. Try these places:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Local gardening groups
• Plant swap events
• Neighborhood Buy Nothing groups

If you’re shy about asking, just make a quick post like, “Looking for a monstera cutting—willing to trade baked goods!” You’d be surprised how generous people can be.

Once you’ve got your cutting, don’t just stick it in dirt right away. Let it root in water. That way, you can keep an eye on it and know when it’s ready to move into soil.

Here’s how I’d do it:

• Trim the cutting just below a node (that little bump where roots grow).
• Pop it in a jar of water.
• Change the water once a week.
• Wait until you see thick, white roots—usually a few weeks.
• Then plant it in soil and water lightly.

And just like that, you’ve got a new monstera plant without buying a pricey one from the store. Once it grows a bit, you can start propagating it too. That means more plants for free.

It’s also fun to gift rooted cuttings to friends. Add a tag, wrap the roots in a damp towel, and you’ve got a sweet little present that cost almost nothing. Frugal and thoughtful. Win-win.

USE BUDGET-FRIENDLY SOIL AND POTS

You don’t need fancy soil mixes or ceramic planters to grow a healthy monstera plant. Let’s keep it cheap and easy.

Monsteras like loose, well-draining soil. You can make your own mix at home without buying anything labeled “premium.”

Try mixing:

• 2 parts regular potting soil
• 1 part perlite or sand (for drainage)
• 1 part peat moss or shredded coconut husk

If you’ve got bark mulch or compost, toss that in too. Just keep the mix light. Heavy, soggy soil won’t work.

As for pots, skip the decorative stuff at garden centers. Go for:

• Clean nursery pots from past plants
• Old food containers with holes punched in
• Baskets lined with plastic
• Thrift store finds (check for drainage)

No one’s judging your planter if your monstera looks happy and healthy.

You can also dress up cheap pots with:

• Jute rope hot glued around the outside
• Leftover fabric or burlap
• Painted designs using craft paint

It doesn’t need to be perfect. Just functional and fun. If your monstera has room to grow and drains well, you’re good to go.

Don’t forget—monsteras don’t like sitting in soggy soil. Let them dry out between waterings. That also means you’re using less water and saving more over time.

Frugal gardening is just smart. It’s about using what you already have and still getting great results.

PROPAGATE YOUR MONSTERA PLANT FOR FREE

One of the best parts of owning a monstera plant is how easy it is to grow more. No need to spend money. You just need patience and a sharp pair of scissors.

Here’s how to make new plants from one:

• Look for stems with aerial roots and healthy leaves.
• Cut just below the node.
• Place in a jar of water near a window.
• Wait for roots to grow.

That’s it. No special gear, no expensive rooting powders.

Once it’s rooted, plant it in soil. Give it some time, and you’ll have a full new plant. You can fill your home, give them as gifts, or even sell a few on the side.

Quick tips for happy cuttings:

• Use filtered or rainwater if your tap water is harsh.
• Don’t let the leaves sit in water—just the stem.
• Change the water if it gets cloudy.
• Rotate jars if one side leans too far.

Monsteras grow slowly, but they’re pretty forgiving. If you mess up, try again. That’s the beauty of it. It doesn’t cost much to experiment.

Here’s how you can use new plants:

• Decorate bookshelves or desks
• Fill in bare corners of a room
• Use them as party favors
• Trade for other plants

And if you keep this up, you may never have to buy another houseplant again.

Making more from what you already own? That’s the heart of frugal living.

STYLE YOUR SPACE USING MONSTERA LEAVES

You don’t need to buy new decor when you have a thriving monstera plant. Those big, beautiful leaves can pull double duty.

Let’s talk about how to use them in your home without spending a dime.

Here are a few ideas:

• Clip one large leaf and place it in a simple vase
• Use a cutting as a centerpiece for the dining table
• Frame a leaf between glass panes and hang it up
• Lay a few leaves across a shelf or mantle for a fresh touch

This makes your space feel updated without buying anything new. And the best part? The leaves last a long time, especially if you change the water and keep them out of harsh sunlight.

You can also try:

• Wrapping a single leaf in kraft paper as a gift topper
• Pressing a leaf to use in DIY art
• Creating a table runner with trimmed leaves for a party

There’s no need for store-bought flowers when you have these natural showstoppers.

Plus, when you grow your own monstera plant, you don’t feel guilty cutting a leaf now and then. You know more will grow back.

This is one of my favorite ways to get a fresh, tropical look on a budget. It’s simple, beautiful, and best of all, free.

Plants aren’t just for corners—they can be the main event in your space.

And with a little creativity, you don’t need to buy seasonal decor. You’ve got it growing right there in your living room.

SHOP SMART IF YOU HAVE TO BUY ONE

If you’re starting from scratch and can’t get a cutting, don’t worry. There are still ways to get a monstera plant without draining your wallet.

Start by looking outside the usual spots. Skip the fancy garden centers and try:

• Local plant sales or farmer’s markets
• Grocery stores with a plant section
• Discount stores or clearance aisles
• Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp

Always check the plant carefully before buying. Look for:

• Bright, green leaves
• No spots or pests
• Healthy roots that aren’t mushy

Smaller plants cost less and grow fast. Don’t feel pressured to buy the biggest one.

Some places even mark down plants with minor damage. If the roots are good, you can bring it back to life.

You can also:

• Use rewards points from stores to reduce cost
• Buy with a friend and split the plant
• Ask for gift cards for birthdays or holidays

If you’re willing to wait, stores often do big markdowns at the end of a season. That’s the best time to grab a plant at a steep discount.

Bringing home a monstera plant doesn’t have to be a splurge. You just need to know where and when to look.

A little patience pays off, and your space still gets that lush, leafy feel—without the sticker shock.

That’s smart shopping for plant lovers on a budget.

TURN YOUR MONSTERA PLANT INTO A SIDE HUSTLE

If your monstera plant is thriving, it can actually help you make a little extra money. It’s not a get-rich-quick thing, but it’s a smart way to stretch what you already have.

People love monstera plants but don’t always want to pay full price. That’s where you come in. You can grow cuttings, root them in water, and sell them for a few dollars each. Even small rooted cuttings can sell well if they’re healthy.

Here are some simple ways to get started:

• Sell rooted cuttings on Facebook Marketplace
• Offer trades with local plant lovers
• Join a community plant swap and bring extras
• Start a little table at a local yard sale

Make sure the cuttings look fresh and healthy. Use clean jars or plastic cups to display them. Add a small label or care tip, even handwritten, to help your buyer take care of the plant. It adds a nice touch.

You can also:

• Reuse small plastic pots for rooted cuttings
• Make simple plant tags using paper and toothpicks
• Wrap the roots in a damp paper towel and plastic wrap for transport

As your monstera plant grows, take new cuttings every few months. That keeps it full and gives you more to sell or trade.

This little side hustle doesn’t need much time or money to start. It’s just another way to save or earn with what you already have. That’s the heart of frugal living—using what’s in front of you to get more out of life.

And if it helps cover groceries or a fun treat now and then? Even better. Let your monstera plant work for you while you enjoy watching it grow.

FINAL THOUGHTS

There are so many fun, budget-friendly ways to bring a monstera plant into your home. You don’t have to pay full price or buy from a fancy shop. You just need a little creativity and a plan that saves money.

Here’s what I covered in this post:

• How to get a free or cheap monstera cutting
• Tips to grow it with low-cost soil and repurposed pots
• Easy ways to make more plants for free
• Fun styling tricks using fresh monstera leaves
• Where to find full plants without overspending

Each step helps stretch your dollars while still adding beauty to your home. And when you grow and use what you already have, you’re making smart choices that keep your wallet happy.

Some quick reminders:

• Ask around for cuttings
• Repot with items you already have
• Use leaves as decor
• Shop secondhand or wait for deals

You don’t need to be a plant expert or a big spender. Just someone who enjoys the process, enjoys the savings, and enjoys bringing life into their home.

If you love frugal living, this is one simple way to blend style, savings, and sustainability. Plus, sharing your monstera journey on Pinterest can inspire others, too. Post your progress, your budget wins, and your leaf-filled decor ideas. Someone out there will be glad you did.

In the end, growing a monstera plant is about more than greenery. It’s about finding ways to enjoy the little things while staying true to your budget.

And that’s something worth rooting for.