Monstera plants don’t prefer to be root-bound, thus no. The plant won’t be able to develop and support itself if there isn’t room for the roots to expand and reach additional nutrients and water in the soil.
Since new plants develop relatively quickly for the first four years or so, they should be repotted once a year. Every two to three years, older plants can be checked or given a new pot.
Even in otherwise ideal growing conditions, root-bound plants are stressed plants and will not fare as well as they otherwise could. They must use their meager energy reserves to concentrate on staying alive rather than producing new growth.
In fact, this may be the reason if you’ve noticed that your Monstera hasn’t sprouted any new leaves or, if this is still happening, that the existing leaves aren’t splitting. Because of this, Monstera plants should periodically be examined and replanted as necessary.
What does it mean for a plant to be root bound?
When someone refers to a plant as being “root bound” or “pot bound,” they are essentially saying that it has outgrown its container and has no room for its roots. A plant’s roots will begin to grow in circles along the pot’s outer border if it is kept in a container that is too small for it.
The name refers to how the pot’s available space limits how much room the plant’s roots can spread out. In certain situations, the plant’s roots will eventually encircle themselves, obstructing the soil’s ability to absorb nutrients, water, or air.
The concept is pretty similar to foot binding if you’ve ever heard of it, with the feet being deformed as they are kept in a small area. When plant roots become pot-bound or root-bound, the same thing takes place.
When grown outside and to some extent indoors, certain Monstera species can reach heights of up to twelve feet, therefore its root system is much more crucial than that of other small houseplants.
Sadly, many Monstera plants cultivated inside or outside in pots never achieve their full beauty and size simply because their root systems are confined in containers that are much too tiny for them.
Do Monstera plants enjoy being replanted?
The tropical philodendron is a traditional indoor plant. This gorgeous plant, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, has huge leaves that are simple to cultivate and distinctive splits in the leaves. It needs to be replanted every few years to provide enough soil nourishment and room for the plant’s rapid growth. For a long-living, robust specimen that adorns your home or workplace, learn how to repot a Swiss cheese plant, including the proper soil, space, and staking.
In most home interiors, tropical Monstera plants (Monstera deliciosa) flourish. The plants are thick-stemmed vines that support themselves on nearby plants in the environment and send out long roots to help with additional support. Monstera houseplants still generate robust roots from the trunk even if they may need staking. Repotting cheese plants might be difficult as a result.
When should your Monstera be repotted?
If you notice your plant’s leaves drooping or changing color, it may be time to repot it since your plant needs fresh soil. Although you can repot your Monstera at any time of the year, it is best to wait until spring. Your plant will be able to regenerate and develop better leaves in a larger area. Repotting young Monstera plants annually is a smart choice. On the other hand, older plants can still thrive even if their pots are changed every two years.
Do Monsteras enjoy being finicky?
Although monsteras can get cramped in their pots, larger pots will eventually work and help them grow better.
If you’d like, you can increase the pot size by one, for example, from a 6 to an 8. My plant was expanding so quickly—it thrives in Tucson’s warm climate—and the bottom of the pot was cracked, so I made the decision to give it plenty of room. My grow pot increased from a 6 to a 10.
Does Monstera enjoy crowds?
Monsteras are tolerant plants that don’t mind a little bit of confined space. However, it’s important to be aware of when to upgrade into a larger pot because they tend to grow quite quickly and have a deep root system that appreciates room to spread out.
Although my own Monstera was largely root-bound, it appeared to be alright because it was still growing new leaves and was standing upright and content. However, if the roots are expanding, the plant must be doing the same. I had two options: either I could limit it or I could let it develop as it desired.
It needed to be transplanted, so I transferred it to a bigger container. I received a ton of fresh growth nearly right away as a reward. It wasn’t suffering in its small container, but it was definitely not growing as fast as it would have liked.
The choice of how long to keep your Monstera in the same container is ultimately yours. I chose to relocate my plant into a bigger container after listening to it, although I could have left it in its current location as it was still content.
However, waiting until your Monstera exhibits pot-bound symptoms is typically not the best course of action because it stresses your plant needlessly. For optimal results, keep an eye on your Monstera, keep track of the health of its root system, and switch to a new pot every two years.
After purchasing, should I repot my Monstera?
Repotting is not frequently required for mature Monsteras. But there are several telltale signs that your Monstera needs to be repotted, such its size, water absorption, and how long it’s been since the last time.
Repotting mature Monsteras is typically advised every two years, while there are many variables to consider. Remember that every plant is unique when determining whether your Monstera has to be transferred to a new pot.
Younger plants can require more frequent repottings to keep up with their growth and ensure that they receive regular access to new soil. To ensure that your houseplant has adequate nutrients to keep growing, repotting the soil is recommended.
What causes my Monstera to topple over?
Due mostly to its spectacular leaves, the Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) is a common houseplant. Although they are simple to care for, these fellas do have one drawback: if they feel neglected, they have a tendency to pout, which may cause your Monstera leaves to droop. Don’t panic too much. They can quickly be persuaded to recover with a little loving attention.
The most frequent cause of drooping monstera leaves is dehydration. They prefer their soil to always be just moist enough. Other contributing factors include overwatering, poor lighting, issues with fertilizer, pests, or transplant stress. The most crucial step in restoring your plant to health is figuring out what the issue is.
Can I remove my Monstera’s aerial roots?
Your Monstera naturally has aerial roots. No need to chop them off, please. As long as you use a clean, sharp blade and cut them back if they are blocking the path, it is acceptable.
The main plant of your Monstera won’t suffer if the aerial roots are cut off. These roots are designed to ascend, not to absorb nourishment.
For additional information on what to do with the aerial roots of your Monstera, keep reading!
How do you get a Monstera to start climbing?
One of the benefits of growing Monstera deliciosa inside for fans is its capacity to develop into a substantial cornerstone for a jungle-themed home. However, that expansion also creates some issues because a Monstera can quickly outgrow its allotted space. Large Monsteras typically grow outward, unlike other common houseplants with an upward, tree-like growth pattern (such the fiddle-leaf fig or rubber plant). Because of this, many people prefer their Monstera deliciosa to climb rather than trail.
How can I encourage Monstera deliciosa to climb? You can encourage your Monstera deliciosa to grow upright by providing a support system, such as a moss pole, coco coir pole, or trellis. This teaches the plant to follow its innate tendency to climb, which may result in a healthier plant with more leaves.
The good news is that Monsteras are designed for ascent. You can get this plant off the ground and out of the way if the correct circumstances and some encouragement are there. I’ll go through some specifics regarding how and why Monsteras are frequently observed climbing on moss poles throughout this article and provide you with advice on teaching this plant to climb.
Why are the aerial roots on my Monstera growing?
The presence of aerial roots on your monstera plant is natural and not a sign that anything is wrong. The monstera plant is a climbing plant in its natural environment.
The plant’s climbing behavior is only partially manifested in the form of aerial roots. They are there to aid in its expansion. They may be an aesthetic nightmare, but they’re not dangerous.
Should you remove your monstera plant’s aerial roots? or just let them be? I’ll address all of your concerns about what to do with the aerial roots of the monstera plant below.
How can you tell whether your Monstera is content?
How can you prevent your Monstera from drowning? We’ve discussed a little bit about how to avoid overwatering it. Once you get to know your Monstera and understand all of its behaviors, you’ll notice lots of indicators that it needs water. Some of them may not come as a surprise because the indications that a Monstera needs watering are also quite similar to those that other plants exhibit.
Your Monstera’s Soil Is Dry
The primary indication that a Monstera needs watering is dry soil. A Monstera deliciosa shouldn’t thrive in arid conditions, despite the fact that it’s vital to allow the soil dry up a little bit between waterings. Although too-dry soil won’t immediately kill a plant, it will hinder its capacity to grow effectively.
Since every plant and indoor environment is unique and can necessitate a different amount of time between waterings, routinely testing the soil will enable you to determine when your Monstera needs to be watered. Using your finger is the simplest method for doing this!
If the soil is dry after sticking your finger in it for about an inch, water the plant. Don’t water your Monstera just yet if it’s moist or still wet.
Your Monstera is Leaning Over
Although it is an unusual indicator, I have observed a leaning Monstera in my collection. An underwatered Monstera will begin to sag in a manner that causes the leaves to droop, which is similar to wilting. On a little Monstera, this is much simpler to see, although it can be seen on bigger plants as well.
Always examine the soil before watering because leaning plants might occasionally be an indication of a different problem, such as overwatering. Never add more water when the earth is damp; dry soil indicates that it is time to water.
Your Monstera should bounce back within a few days after receiving a thorough watering if the cause of drooping is too little water. As much stress as possible should be avoided allowing the Monstera to become this dry as it will stunt the plant’s growth.
Your Monstera’s Leaves are Curling
Leaf curling is just another sign that a Monstera needs watering. The leaves of a Monstera that needs water will start to curl inward, making them appear smaller and less wide.
This is a temporary problem that almost always goes away with some time and some good watering! If the soil is dry, check it and give it a nice, thorough watering. Within a few days, the leaves ought to resume their regular state.
If they don’t, there might be another problem going on. Before watering once more, take some time to run a diagnostic.
Your Monstera’s Leaves are Brown, Yellow, or Dead
An alarming sign may be the yellowing of your Monstera’s leaves. Dark green, waxy leaves are present on a healthy, happy Monstera (though younger plants or new leaves may be lighter green).
Some discoloration is expected because older Monstera leaves gradually turn yellow and drop off as they become older. However, you have an issue if you notice many sections of the plant with yellow, brown, or dead leaves or new leaves.
In addition to underwatering, additional issues that might cause leaf discoloration include overwatering, excessive or insufficient sunshine, or parasites. Don’t water the plant right away; instead, take the time to inspect it for any signs of these issues.
Although older growth will occasionally die off, you should take immediate action if any leaf loss is accompanied by other symptoms like drooping or discolouration. The soil’s moisture content should always be checked as the initial step. Water the soil deeply if it is dry. Look for indications that your plant may have been overwatered if the soil is wet.
Your Monstera Isn’t Putting Out Fenestrated Leaves
With adult Monsteras that haven’t started fenestrating or that produce leaves with holes in them, a lack of fenestration can become a problem. Fenestrations are nearly always a sign that the plant is not receiving enough light.
This can occasionally be brought on by inadequate sunlight. Examine the surroundings of the plant to rule that out. Monsteras require six to twelve hours a day of bright indirect sunlight. Try transplanting the plant to a brighter location if it isn’t receiving this much light.
Set a smart alarm to remind you to inspect the soil if lighting isn’t the issue and you think your Monstera needs extra water. This will assist you in forming the practice of routine plant maintenance. You can establish the ideal watering balance by making sure the soil is moist enough many times per week. Be careful not to overwater, though!
Do Monsteras like terracotta pots?
You should have an idea of the type of pot you want to buy for your Monstera before you visit a store (in person or online) to look at them. The finest material and design for your Monstera’s new home will depend on a few factors that you must take into account.
You should consider:
- Drainage
- Watering custom
- Climate and temperature
- Whether your monstera is an indoor or outdoor pet
Drainage is a Must
The pot for your monstera must have drainage. Because they are prone to root rot, monsteras dislike it when their soil is damp for an extended period of time.
A cachepot, or pot without drainage, will retain more water at the bottom and make it more likely that the roots will begin to rot.
If you insist on using a cachepot for your Monstera, you have two options:
- Make a hole in the ground or
- Place your Monstera within the attractive cachepot in a plastic nursery pot.
Unless you are certain you know exactly how much water your Monstera needs, it is not advised to pot it directly into a cachepot without drainage.
Pots for Overwaterers
Overwatering is a common habit for plant mothers. When this is the case, a container with a free-draining bottom is ideal for your Monstera so that there is no standing water. When their soil is overly damp for an extended period of time, monsteras are highly sensitive to root rot.
If you have a tendency to overwater your Monstera, terracotta is a suitable material to use for the pot because it is porous and will wick away extra moisture.
Pots for Underwaterers
Do you frequently forget about your plants? Do you forget to water them and allow them go wilted? That’s alright!
Longer-lasting than unglazed terracotta, materials like plastic and glazed terracotta will retain moisture in the soil.
Never place your Monstera in a pot without any drainage, not even if you submerge it.