When To Repot Monstera Plants? 4 Signs You Must Know!

As most plant parents know, one of the most important things to keep in mind is when to repot your plants. For those with a monstera plant, this becomes even more important, as the plant can quickly outgrow its pot. In this blog post, we will discuss when to repot monstera, how often to repot it, and how to repot it.

When to Repot Monstera Plants

After having your Monstera for a while, you might wonder how to keep it healthy and flourishing. One solution is to repot it every now and then into a larger container so that it can continue to grow. If a monstera is kept in a small container for too long, it won’t reach its full growth potential.

It is generally advisable to repot Monstera every two years during the spring growing season. However, repotting a Monstera sooner is recommended if the roots have grown out of the pot, if new growth has not appeared, if the substrate is not retaining much water, and if the leaves are turning brown or yellow and falling off.

Here are four signs that it might be time to repot that Monstera.

1. Overgrown Roots

One of the primary signs that your Monstera plant needs to be replanted is overgrown roots. If the roots of the plant grow through the drainage holes of the plant pot, it is root-bound.

Plants that are root-bound lack air, water, and nutrients because they lack enough soil and space to grow. By repotting, you can prevent roots from being suffocated or damaged.

Rood-bound plants do not have enough space to grow and cannot absorb nutrients efficiently. As a result, the plant’s growth will be stunted and if left unchecked, the plant will eventually die. When your plant exhibits stunted growth, it’s often a glaring indication that you need to move it to a larger pot.

Alternatively, you can trim the roots if you are concerned about increasing the pot size. If space considerations are a concern, this will discourage growth.

2. Lack Of New Growth

If your Monstera is otherwise healthy and happy but isn’t growing, it may need repotting. Monsteras don’t produce new leaves for numerous reasons: inadequate light or water, low humidity, and a lack of nutrients; so check your plants before diagnosing the problem.

If a Monstera has stopped producing new growth but hasn’t been stressed, such as being moved, it may have run out of space in its pot. A quick way to determine if this is the problem is to check the roots. Repotting is necessary if the roots are tangled and bound together or if there are more roots than soil.

In this situation, repotting the Monstera is the fastest way to get it to start growing again. You should place the Monstera back where it was after repotting it into a slightly larger pot. Growing will resume when the season is right!

3. Poor Water Retention

When watering your Monstera, you may see another indication that it needs to be replanted. Take out the Monstera and check its roots if you notice water draining too quickly. The plant may have become root-bound.

The roots of a root-bound plant fill the pot to the point that there’s no more room for soil. A poor root-to-soil ratio makes it difficult for water to be absorbed by the remaining soil, leading to water draining too quickly. Because of this, the roots don’t get to soak up the water they should, which is bad for the plant’s health.

Consider going up a pot size if this happens. To make sure every root gets access to fresh potting soil, you’ll also need to gently loosen the roots when replanting. Even though tangled roots won’t ruin a plant, they can affect the soil’s ability to retain moisture and the plant’s ability to get nutrients.

4. Wilting Leaves

If you see your Monstera leaves starting to turn yellow or brown, it’s time to repot your plant! Monsteras are especially prone to becoming root-bound, which means they can’t get enough water because of the poor water retention of the soil. This can cause your plant to become dehydrated and start turning yellow or brown. So if you see this happening, it’s time to give your Monstera a new home in a bigger pot with fresh soil.

What is the Best Time to Repot Your Monstera?

Monsteras do best when repotted early in the spring before the growing season. This will give it a better chance of adapting to the new pot and soil. Also, this is the best time to propagate Monstera plants since the days are getting longer.

But if you notice any signs that your plant needs repotting, you can repot it anytime. You’ll need to take extra care in these cases to keep your plant from getting distressed.

How Often to Repot a Monstera?

How often you have to repot monstera depends on its environment and growth rate. Having said that, you’ll probably want to repot your monstera every two years.

If your plant’s roots are growing out of the bottom of the container, it might be time to repot it.

In general, young Monstera plants need repotting more often than mature ones. If your monstera is mature and in a pot 8 inches or larger, top-dress it with new soil instead of repotting it.

Repotting Monsteras

Monsteras aren’t too difficult to repot, and you only need a few tools. If you can lift the Monstera easily, you just need a slightly larger new pot and fresh potting soil (and a moss pole, if necessary).

However, you’ll probably need a partner for larger plants. It’s much easier if you have someone to help you lift the Monstera, especially if it uses a moss pole. In such situations, it is also a good idea to have a drop cloth nearby the plant.

1. Choosing and Preparing the Pot

If you’re repotting your Monstera because it’s outgrown its previous pot, pick a 2-inch larger pot. Any wider and you risk too much water retention in the soil.

In theory, a larger pot might require repotting less often since the plant has more space to grow, but it can also keep the soil too moist. Eventually, the Monstera’s roots can become oversaturated, resulting in root rot. Therefore, a 2-inch larger pot gives the plant plenty of room to grow healthy, without being too big.

Also, make sure the pot has enough drainage holes to let water drain out. It’ll help prevent root rot.

Some people make their own pots using recycled materials instead of buying them. Pots like these can be eco-friendly, but you have to prepare them right before repotting. You’ll need to drill a hole in the bottom of a container you’re going to use to repot your plant so water can drain out.

2. Adding New Soil

Monsteras like well-draining, aerated potting mix. Proper drainage lets water move through the soil at a moderate rate without pooling, which gives plants time to absorb it. While aeration in the soil keeps moisture even and helps oxygen get to the roots.

It’s easy to find quick-draining and nutrient-dense soil online and in stores. But if you can’t find it, you can lighten the soil by adding peat moss, orchid bark chips, coconut coir, perlite, or pumice. It’ll make the soil drain better and prevent root rot on your Monstera.

3. Installing Support If Needed

Large Monstera plants need a trellis or moss pole to support themselves vertically. You can even set up a trellis before the plant grows big. Before planting your monstera plant in its new pot, decide where the moss pole will go.

It’s important to place the pole right. Place the pole in the center of the pot if your plant is growing up and balanced. If the plant is tilting or needs more support on one side, adjust the pole.

Make sure the pole is buried deep enough in the soil so that it holds the monstera, once it’s in the pot. To make sure the pole is sturdy, fill in the soil around it. Mount your Monstera on the moss pole with plant ties.

4. After Repotting

It’s not uncommon for repotted Monsteras to suffer from transplant shock. It’s normal and happens to many plants after they’re moved.

Remember to be vigilant after you repotted your plant. Stay on top of it and watch out for any signs of distress. Drooping leaves, browning leaves, and yellowing leaves are all signs of distress.

When you see these signs, make sure your Monstera gets enough water, light, nutrients, and humidity to recover. For the first 4 weeks after the transplant, don’t use any fertilizer. By doing this, you can avoid burning the new roots.

You’ll also have to be patient as your Monstera recovers. It usually takes a few weeks for younger monstera to recover, but mature Monstera might take months.

Conclusion: When to Repot Monstera

In conclusion, it is important to keep an eye on your plant’s growth and repot when necessary. For a Monstera plant, this means every one to two years. When repotting, be sure to choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one and has good drainage. With proper care, your monstera will continue to thrive.