The tropical vine Monstera deliciosa is renowned for its aggressive, quick growth. While they won’t grow as tall when kept inside, Monsteras can produce a lot of growth quickly. In the wild, they can easily reach heights of up to 60 feet. It’s time to look into your Monstera if you’ve discovered that it isn’t growing at all. There might be a problem.
There are various reasons why a Monstera will cease developing. The most frequent causes are poor lighting, an excess or shortage of water, pests, roots that are attached to pots, and a lack of nutrients. Fortunately, most of these issues are simple to resolve, and a Monstera that has experienced any of these problems typically recovers fast.
A pause in growth, regardless of the reason, can make a houseplant owner feel a little anxious. But don’t worry, you can solve the majority of problems in a few easy steps. In this article, I’ll discuss some of the major problems that can impede a Monstera from growing and what you can do to fix them.
Why is the growth of my Monstera so sluggish?
A popular plant that blends well with contemporary decor is Monstera Deliciosa, sometimes known as the Swiss Cheese Plant. Budget-conscious growers can buy a little Monstera Deliciosa and be sure that it will grow into a giant plant in a short amount of time because these plants also grow swiftly. Unfortunately, when conditions are less favorable, Monstera Deliciosa will grow more slowly. This might be annoying. Thankfully, there are frequently a number of things you can do to encourage your plant to begin growing once more.
The most frequent cause of Monstera Deliciosa’s slower growth is exposure to inadequate light. Think about using full-spectrum grow lights as a supplement to natural light to help your Monstera to start growing more quickly. Water your plant as well as the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry.
The remainder of this post will go into greater detail regarding the causes of Monstera Deliciosa’s growth slowdown and how to encourage your plant to produce more stunning leaves.
How can a Monstera be encouraged to grow?
If you use each of these care suggestions separately, your Monstera will grow more quickly; however, if you use them all at once, it will grow so quickly that you will be living in a jungle in a matter of weeks.
You can make Monstera grow faster by giving them more light
For your monstera to produce energy and grow, it needs light. More light is beneficial in that regard.
But as you are surely aware, the sun burns you because it is a really hot substance. Since I reside in the UK and my Monstera leaves were in an east-facing window, I’ve never had a burning issue.
The optimum window for growth is one that faces south or west and has either textured glass or a sheer curtain.
I prefer east-facing rooms and the odd afternoon sunbath outside, although such are not for the timid because they can attract bugs.
The white parts of a variegated Monstera are more vulnerable to burning, thus mine is located in a west-facing room but a few feet away from the window. I often get anxious about it, yet I still adore it.
Grow lights can significantly accelerate development and reduce the risk of burning your variegated Monstera.
This MarsHydro light is amazing.
It significantly accelerates plant growth, however since it’s a professional grow light, hanging it from the ceiling can be a hassle if you don’t want to install a hook. My current setup is as follows:
Naturally, my Monsteras are not underneath it as I keep them in a fish tank (not submerged). like you do.
Grow lights don’t just provide light; they also generate some warmth, which can hasten growth and enable year-round growth.
How much time does Monstera need to grow a new leaf?
Typically, a new leaf should appear every 4-6 weeks at the very least. The plant can produce even more leaves per month as it gets older and bigger since it will have more growth points.
The amount of humidity in the surroundings and the plant’s exposure to sunlight both affect growth pace.
It’s vital to take attention of how this enormous plant develops. This plant spreads out widely, grows vertically to reach the sky for more light, and has enormous leaves.
This plant’s roots also expand to gigantic sizes in addition to its leaves.
Do not be alarmed if you see these pretty enormous, brownish-colored, leafless objects coming from your plant.
These are the Monstera deliciosa’s aerial roots. These are entirely natural and are present in the majority of tropical plants.
They are roots that are intended to sustain the plant as it rises vertically to attain more sunlight, as their name might imply.
Monstera deliciosa is native to tropical forests, where there is fierce battle for sunlight.
How can I tell whether my 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 enjoy the sun’s rays?
Although they cannot survive direct sunshine, monsteras require intense light. Although they can survive in low light, they won’t develop as well. You must give your Monstera plant adequate light for it to develop a spectacular Monstera plant with the lacy leaves and the hue you admire.
How is Monstera kept in good health?
- Balance the sun’s and the shade’s intensity. The leaves of Monstera become yellow when exposed to excessive sunlight. The plant will display a condition known as negative phototropism, in which new leaves develop toward the darkness rather than the light, if kept in the dark. (It’s a really cunning trick: in the jungle, nighttime indicates the presence of a taller tree that Monstera can scale to reach the sun.) Indirect sunlight is preferable because this isn’t attainable in a living room.
- Water Monstera once a week, evenly and moderately. Prior to adding more water, allow the soil to become somewhat dry. Keep in a relatively humid setting.
- Avoid repotting too frequently and trim regularly by pinching off new growth to control excessive growth.
Scientists have proposed the following theories as to why Monstera leaves have holes: The ability to capture sunlight on the rainforest floor is increased, according to one idea, by this puncture. According to the other theory, it allows tropical downpours to pass through the leaves, preventing harm to the plant. This explains Hurricane Plant, another name for Monstera.
Note that some of our favorite indoor plants are native to the tropics. Check out Tropical Plants 101: A Guide to Planting, Care & Design for more information. More ideas for indoor plants can be found at:
What’s the rate of Monstera deliciosa growth?
- Either insufficient lighting or salt buildup in the water could cause this. This plant’s white leaf undersides cannot assist in photosynthesis since they lack chlorophyll. As a result, a Variegated Monstera needs more light than a Non-Variegated Monstera. This particular cultivar is also susceptible to salt accumulation, so it’s advisable to wait 24 hours before watering the plant with tap water. Many of the minerals and compounds will evaporate, preventing the development of brown tips.
- Many different causes could be the reason why your leaves are turning yellow. Try to start by making sure your Monstera is getting the right amount of water and light. The first indication of overwatering is frequently yellowing. If these are ruled out, there’s a chance that your Monstera is rootbound and needs to be potted in a bigger container. If the non-aerial roots are exposed above the topsoil and appear to be circling the pot in search of a new home, the plant is rootbound. Every two years or so, the majority of Monsteras need to be repotted up a size.
My Monstera has these strange, brown, leafless growths growing off of it. Is that normal?
- Yes! These roots are aerial, and they are entirely typical. These aid in supporting the plant in nature and enable it to rise and attain higher levels of light. The roots won’t harm surfaces or walls, and if they start to get out of control, you can always cut them.
- Your plant’s ability to grow depends on how much light and water it receives. Monsteras can grow 1-2 feet each year under the correct circumstances, which include strong indirect light and regular watering. Remember that the Monstera grows more widely than tallly in its native state. If you want to promote vertical growth, try staking your plant.
- re-prune it These boys can take a nice trim and are quite tough. Stakes and ties can also be used to direct the growth of your Monstera in whatever direction you like.
- Tropical plants known as variegated Monsteras prefer a moist habitat. They lose their leaves if the weather is too dry. Although Monsteras will flourish in an air-conditioned apartment, never place them in the direct path of an AC or heating device. It is recommended to move to a different location if their leaves are wagging in the air.
- Fertilizing indoor plants from spring through fall generally results in their thriving. Use an organic houseplant fertilizer once a month, dilution and application instructions on the container. In order to ensure that your plant doesn’t require fertilizer within the first six months of receiving it, Greenery NYC employs an organic potting mix with a slow release fertilizer in the soil.
- We advise repotting bigger floor plants every 18 to 24 months. In order to allow for growth, you need often use a potting vessel with a diameter that is 2- 4 bigger. Selecting a pot that is significantly larger than the previous one could drown the plant’s roots. Repot your plant into the same container, add additional soil, and remove some roots and foliage if you’d like to keep it at its current size. Repotting should be done in the spring or summer when the plant is at its healthiest.