The next most crucial step in ensuring proper drainage for your Monstera deliciosa after selecting the suitable soil is to place it in the appropriate container. Although it might not seem significant, the Monstera plant’s health can be significantly impacted by the pot you choose for it.
SIZE: For this plant, a smaller pot is usually preferable to a larger one. It’s critical that the ratio of roots to soil in the pot is correct because Monsteras dislike damp soil. If there is a lot of soil present, the plant won’t dry out as rapidly, which may result in root rot. You will need to water plants too frequently if there is insufficient soil, since the roots will occupy the majority of the pot.
Although being kept in a small pot will limit the plant’s growth, it shouldn’t actually do any harm. Strong monstera roots have the ability to shatter plastic containers when they outgrow them. When the roots grow too big, it’s also usual to see them coming out of the drainage holes.
It is typically better to simply go one size larger when repotting your Monstera (from a 6 pot to an 8 pot, for example). Your plant will adapt more easily to a new pot that isn’t much bigger than the old one.
The plastic nursery pots that monsteras are typically sold in are normally acceptable for a while. As the plant grows bigger, plastic containers provide a challenge because they are rather lightweight and a giant Monstera deliciosa is heavy. Your plant can topple over if it is too top-heavy (or be knocked over). Additionally, a lot of people choose beautiful pots to plastic ones since they look better.
Another choice is terracotta pots, however these have the reverse issue. The terra cotta pot will be rather heavy when filled with soil and your plant as your Monstera grows and you need to size up the pot. Terracotta gives your plant a more sturdy foundation, but it might be challenging to relocate when necessary.
Remember that because terracotta absorbs moisture from the soil, it might be helpful in preventing overwatering. Plastic pots tend to keep all the moisture inside since they “breathe” differently than terra cotta does.
For indoor Monsteras, glazed ceramic pots (with drainage holes) are a great alternative. These come in many different designs, but larger ones can be very pricey.
DRAINAGE: It’s critical to have drainage holes in the bottom of your pot, regardless of its size or composition, to allow extra water to drain out. There are a few solutions if you truly want to utilize a container without drainage holes.
Using specialized drill bits, you might create holes in the bottom of the pot (masonry bits work for unglazed ceramic, while glass and tile bits are best for glazed ceramic). Use protective gear and adhere to instructions because it’s possible that the pot will break.
The alternative would be to use pebbles or some other substance at the bottom of the pot to catch any extra water and prevent it from soaking into the soil. This approach works for some people, but I don’t suggest it. There is too much potential for unintentionally filling the pot with water.
A plastic pot within a beautiful cachepot is my preferred container for Monstera deliciosa. With this arrangement, I may have the best of both worlds: the ceramic cache pot gives solidity to prevent the plant from toppling over, while the plastic pot is quite light and simple to repot. I can quickly change the cache pot without repotting my plant if I wish to change my decor.
What size pot should I use for Monstera?
The size of the pot you purchase for your Monstera will depend on its size.
If your Monstera is still a young plant, it will require a pot with a diameter no greater than 8 inches (20 cm). A mature Monstera plant can grow up to a two-foot pot (60 cm).
Every one to three years, depending on how quickly your Monstera develops, it will need to be re-potted.
Problems with Oversized Pot
Too much moisture will be retained in a pot that is too large for your Monstera. Root rot may develop in soil regions where there are no roots because of excessive moisture retention.
It’s crucial to avoid planting monsteras in a too large container because they dislike having their feet wet.
Does Monstera prefer large pots?
Unquestionably, one of the most well-known indoor plants in history is the monstera deliciosa. The characteristic leaves are frequently seen in movies, video games, and printed on at least three pillows at your neighborhood home goods store. In addition to being a true fashion classic, it is also a very resilient and adaptable plant. We delve into the requirements for caring for this plant in this article.
Other names for Monstera deliciosa include “fruit salad plant,” “elephant ear plant,” and “swiss cheese plant.”
When should I water my Monstera deliciosa?
During the warmer months of the year, wait until the soil has dried to at least 50% of its depth. Allow the soil to totally dry up before watering in the winter.
How much light does a Monstera need?
Although they can withstand medium to low light, monstera prefer bright light. A decent test is a room with enough light to read a book by. They will develop more quickly and larger the more light they receive.
When should I fertilize my Monstera?
Mid-Spring to mid-Autumn, apply a liquid fertilizer every other time you water. You can fertilize your plants every time you water them if they are growing quickly in the summer. Fertilize not during the winter.
Should I re-pot my Monstera?
The majority of indoor plants are content to grow in small containers and will even profit from being somewhat root-bound. There is never a rush to increase the size of your pot until all the soil has had roots grow through it, just an inch or two.
Light
It is preferable to place your Monstera in the brightest area possible when it is cultivated indoors. A excellent place to start is with enough natural light to comfortably read a book. Make sure your plant doesn’t receive too much afternoon sun in the summer to avoid burning it. Even while a location may be ideal throughout the year, on a day with a temperature of +40°C, the heat and light may be too much for the plant to take.
Monstera may thrive in low-light conditions, however the smaller the leaves are, the less fenestration there will be to grow.
Fenestration refers to the distinctive holes that make a monstera leaf so simple to recognize. Faster growth, bigger leaves, and more fenestration will occur as a result of increased light levels.
Watering
The majority of indoor plants are vulnerable to overwatering. During warm weather, we advise you to water this plant just after the top half of the soil has dried out. Try to let the soil dry up almost completely over the winter.
Depending on the time of year, the location of the plant, and the flow of air, this will take two to four weeks. Please be aware that this is the shortest length of time you can wait; especially in the winter, you can wait much longer!
In severe circumstances, overwatering this plant can cause root rot, darkened leaf tips, and even plant death. However, if you skip watering for a week or two, the plant may not even notice or may simply wilt, giving you a very clear indication that it’s time to water.
Fertiliser
As a plant with a potential for rapid growth, monstera will undoubtedly profit from routine applications of liquid fertilizer. Every second cycle of watering throughout the warmer months of the year—spring and summer—can include some fertilizer. If your plant continues to develop during the winter, you could consider reducing the intensity of your fertilizer and using it less frequently.
Although products made from seaweed, like Seasol, are low in the essential elements for development (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), they are excellent soil conditioners and helpful for avoiding hydrophobia and pot shock.
Repotting
Monstera enjoy being crammed within their containers. Regardless of the size of the pot, they will grow enormous. Your monstera won’t grow any bigger or faster if you put it in a big pot; most likely, all the extra damp soil will cause root rot, or your monstera will focus more energy on growing roots than leaves. It is preferable to concentrate more on a pot that complements your aesthetic while repotting and to use that pot for a few years.
It’s better to repot during the warmer months of the year if you do decide to do so. Be cautious to plant it in a container with sufficient drainage (at least one big drainage hole). The soil may dry up a little bit quicker if you choose to use a porous terracotta pot, which can be quite beneficial in preventing over-watering. A premium potting mix is an excellent place to start, but a cacti/succulent mix or even chunky orchid mix works great to help with drainage. Monstera flourish in a well-draining potting mix.
Propagation
After a year or two, Monstera deliciosa’s size as a vine can become painfully obvious. This plant will spread across the ground and climb trees in the wild. You might need to stake the plant as it gets bigger in order to sustain this sprawling epiphyte and keep it standing erect. You can take a clip from the lead portion of the stem if you think the plant is getting too long. This will stop the stem’s growth and promote new shoots to emerge from the lowest parts of the plant.
The cutting can either be submerged in water or planted in wet ground. A node should be present on the stem of your stem cutting for about one inch. If the cutting already has an aerial root, it will grow considerably more quickly. Don’t worry if your cutting loses its leaves; they are not at all necessary because the stems can photosynthesise.
Common Problems
Overwatering is the most frequent problem that you may encounter. This will result in wilting, root rot, blackened leaf tips, and frequently white mold on the soil. Check to see if your pot is emptying and if you are watering excessively. Once it is dried, stop watering it again! In extreme circumstances, you might replace the moist soil with dry soil or move the plant outside into a covered area to hasten the drying process. Simply wait. Although this plant is unbreakable, it will take some time. A lot of good airflow will be quite beneficial.
If your plant isn’t getting enough light, it will grow long, lanky, and floppy to help it reach a potential light source. The internodes will be longer and the leaves will be more sparse. Stake the plant and/or relocate it to a more sunny area. It must be a permanent shift; periodically moving the plant into a light area would not work.
The most frequent pests are mealybugs, scale, and gnat flies, but I have never found M. deliciosa to be particularly vulnerable to insect invasion. The best course of action is to manually remove them to halt the spread right away, and then obtain a solution like neem oil, which will eradicate a variety of unpleasant creatures while being extremely safe and non-toxic.
Outdoors Care
When Monstera is outdoors, it is ideal to keep it in a semi-sheltered area. Try to locate a location where they are protected from the wind, frost, and hot afternoon sun. It should be mentioned that Monstera deliciosado does not need warm temperatures or high humidity. Although they will develop more quickly in the warmth, they can stay outside throughout winter in Melbourne. They will benefit much from the morning sun, which is completely OK.
This is the ideal place to start if you’re looking for a plant for your balcony or courtyard. This plant will grow quickly thanks to the additional bright light and the great airflow. Increased airflow around the plant will help to lower the risk of overwatering and the likelihood that viruses may infect the plants. I’ve discovered that in this posture, the leaves will also grow bigger and have more fenestration. You’re welcome to plant one right away in a garden bed!
I need to size up my Monstera pot soon.
Low upkeep is required when caring for monstera plants. The interior of the plant must be at least 65 °F (18 °C) heated, preferably higher. Swiss cheese plants also require a lot of humidity and somewhat moist soil. A wooden or moss-covered pole placed in the center of the pot will offer the additional support that the aerial roots require.
Every year when the plant is young, repotting cheese plants is done to promote development and aerate the soil. Increase the size of your containers until you reach the biggest pot you intend to use. After then, the plant need a fresh top-dress of rich soil every year but can survive being root-bound for a number of years at a time.
Repotting Monstera is best done in the early spring before the plant develops new leaves.
Will Monstera enlarge in a larger container?
Because monstera roots are constantly expanding, they must occasionally be replanted, especially if you want to create a giant plant. Making ensuring your Monstera is not root-bound is crucial. It’s time to locate your Monstera a new home if you see the roots beginning to circle around the bottom of the pot or poke out the drainage holes.
Choose a pot with drainage holes that is one to two sizes larger than the existing one. Giving the roots room to move around in a larger-than-before pot can help your Monstera grow stronger and bigger.
Do monstera plants require deep pots?
Monsteras make excellent indoor plants. Their ability to grow nicely under diverse situations is one of the main factors contributing to their appeal. They can be a little finicky, though, about not being overwatered. Planting your plant in the proper container with the proper soil is the simplest approach to prevent unintentionally giving it too much water.
Monsteras must be kept in soil that doesn’t retain a lot of moisture because they are sensitive to overwatering. You can either make your own free-draining potting mix or purchase one online or from a retailer. Monsteras require a pot that isn’t too big and has drainage holes so that any extra water can be drained.
Trying to find the best potting soil can be daunting, and thinking about blending your own can be much more perplexing. For advice on what to think about when choosing pots and soil to maintain your Monstera looking its best, continue reading.