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Monstera Deliciosa is one of the most popular house plants out there, and for lots of good reasons. Chances are you are reading this now because you have some questions about your own plant baby. One of the main questions I get asked is how and when to repot a Monstera. I’m here to answer all of your questions about how and when to repot a Monstera!
The Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant or Split Leaf Philodendron, is a beautiful houseplant that can be grown indoors year-round. Minimal care is always ideal for busy plant owners. One of my favorite things about these beauties is how big they can grow – they can easily become a gorgeous centerpiece in your living room and when they get this big it’s time to repot them!
All plants need to be repotted from time to time, and it’s important to know when this should happen. Please keep reading for our complete guide on how and when to repot your Monstera!
I’m here to answer all of your questions about how and when to repot a Monstera! It’s not as hard as it sounds, but there are some things you need to know before you get started. Let’s start with the basics!
When and How to Repot a Monstera Deliciosa
Why It Is Important to Repot Your Monstera
Repotting your Monstera is easy to do and allows it to keep growing larger. There are a few different reasons why we want to continue repotting a Monstera over the years. However, the main reason is to allow the plant to grow larger and replace the potting soil with fresh, nutrient-rich soil.
Most plants’ root systems will grow to whatever size container they are in. Once the roots meet the edge of the pot, they will start to wrap around each other and become rootbound. This will prevent the plant from continuing its journey upwards. Once your plant reaches its desired size, you can simply leave it be, and enjoy the plant in its forever home.
Repotting your plant is also an excellent way to add fresh potting soil full of nutrients to keep your plant healthy and happy. Even if you don’t want to upgrade the size of your Monstera pot, replacing the soil once a year can be a good move.
3 Signs It’s Time to Repot Your Monstera
Monsteras can live a long life and grow into big, beautiful eye-catchers in your home. Typically, I’d recommend repotting every year, going up in container size until the plant has grown to the desired size.
1) The first sign to repot a Monstera is when it’s outgrown its pot.
When the houseplant becomes root bound, which means that roots are growing along the edges of the drainage holes in your pot, and they can be seen poking up through them, it’s time for repotting. For smaller or younger Monsteras, you will know for certain it’s time to upgrade the container if you can see the roots through the bottom. You’ll want to move containers right away to keep the roots growing in a healthy manner. Just like humans need more space as they grow up, so does your Monstera!
2) The second sign to repot a Monstera is when the soil has been depleted.
You can tell this because it starts looking dry and dusty on top or if you press firmly in one spot with your finger, water will be released from below. This means the plant’s roots are seeking moisture, and they’re running out of it.
Once the swiss cheese plant has reached its forever pot, it’s still a good rule of thumb to replace the soil every year or so for a boost of fresh nutrients. However, these plants are pretty hardy and adaptable and will still be content for a few years in the same soil. Even if you are replacing the soil every year, it’s good to add fertilizer throughout the year. Making your own fertilizer is an easy and cost-effective method to add nutrients to your container.
3) The third sign to repot a Monstera is when the leaves turn brown or yellow and fall off.
This means its roots have died from a lack of water, nutrients, or both. This can happen because your plant has been exposed to cold drafts coming through windows – make sure you close them! And as the air becomes drier in the winter months, repotting is a must.
How often should I repot my Monstera?
Quick answer for this question: There isn’t really an exact number on how often someone should repot their Monstera; however, if roots are growing out of their pot, they need more room or if it seems like the plant is not growing as much as you would expect, then it’s a good idea to repot.
How to Repot A Monstera Deliciosa
The beautiful swiss cheese plant thrives in rich, nutrient-dense soil that holds moisture but doesn’t remain soggy. Most high-quality potting soils will work just fine. Adding some coconut coir and/or perlite to the mix will make the Monstera especially happy. Making your own potting soil can be more cost-effective than purchasing from your local garden store.
When you are choosing your next pot, remember to make sure it has adequate draining holes. You don’t want too much water getting stuck in the pot and risking root rot.
Once you have the new pot and fresh potting soil, it’s time for the move. When repotting your Monstera deliciosa, make sure to remove all of the old soil first by scooping it out with your hands or using a spoon (don’t use too much force as this could damage roots). Next, take some fresh potting soil and make a hole at the top of your pot that is big enough to fit all of the roots. Depending on how big the Monstera is, you may require an extra hand to assist you.
Fill the bottom third of the pot with the fresh soil, and lightly compress it down with your hand. Place the plant’s base on top of the soil, and then start filling in with the rest of the soil. Once the root system is fully covered, compress the soil down again. The plant should stand straight up and stand strong. If it feels a bit loose still, add some more soil.
Finally, water the repotted Monstera deliciosa by pouring some room-temperature water in a circle around it and letting it seep into the potting soil from above. Wait until it’s time to water again before you put your plant back in its spot – don’t overwater!
Remember, repotting a Monstera is an important process that you could do once or twice per year, depending on the size of your plan and the quality of your soil. Repotting in the early spring before new leaves start forming is typically going to be the best time of year to repot. Having fresh soil will give your plant the boost it needs for an explosion of growth during the spring and summertime. If you decide to repot later in the year, this will also be ok, just not quite as ideal.
Monstera Deliciosa Plant Care Tips
As stated above, the Monstera Deliciosa is a pretty easy plant to care for. It will pretty much grow to match whatever size container it’s in. But there are a few main pointers to help your baby really thrive.
- Bright indirect sunlight is going to be most optimal for the health of your swiss cheese plant. Therefore, placing it in a bright room without direct sunlight on it will be best.
- Using a well-draining potting mix is important. Either make your own at home or buy a good quality one from the store.
- Pay attention to the color of the leaves. If the leaves start turning pale yellow or brown, then something is out of whack. Check out these 7 reasons this may be happening.
- Trimming the plant’s leaves can be a good move every once to encourage new growth and allow the nutrients to go towards upward growth. This is also a great opportunity to propagate your monstera and keep the family growing!
Now that you’ve properly repotted this plant, baby, sit back and relax, knowing the plant is happier and healthier because of your dedication.
I have more articles on Monstera Deliciosa if you still have more questions about this wonderful houseplant. So whether you are trying to problem-solve or looking to do some propagation, I’ve got the answers for you.