If you have a monstera, you know that when they’re happy, they grow and grow and grow! Because they grow so quickly, you’ll probably need to repot them every spring to make room for more growth. If you want a happy and healthy beastly plant, this is it.
If you see thick, fibrous roots coming out of the bottom of the pot, your plant is ready to be moved. You should repot your plants early in the spring, before they start to grow normally, so they can get more nutrients before the full growing season starts.
If you are going to use the same pot more than once, wash it in warm soapy water with a little bleach to make sure they are bug-free. The pot should be dried before using.
1. Take the plant out of the pot. You don’t have to get rid of the old soil unless you’ve had problems with pests.
2. Inspect the plant, check for any root damage, the roots should be thick and fibrous. Check for any areas or leaves that may need removing or chopping. Do not be concerned about the cutting, cuts motivate and promote new growth. Do ensure cuts are made with clean instruments to avoid spreading disease.
3. Before putting the monstera in the middle of the pot, fill the bottom with new soil. If you need to add a pole, do so now and tie it in with the twine.
3. Fill the pot back up with soil, leaving about an inch of space at the top for watering.
4. Give the plant a water. In a few weeks time itll be ready to fertilise.
Aerial roots may not look very nice, but they are actually very helpful for keeping your plants stable. In their natural environments, these aerial roots would look for trees for support and stability. If you don’t have any trees nearby, you could use a moss pole or a bamboo stick, but the easiest way is to push the aerial roots down into the soil. This will give the plant the support it needs and help it get nutrients.
If they’re at an odd angle, you can cut them, but don’t cut them all off; they’re an important part of the plant’s structure, especially on older plants.
A lot of people use a moss pole to help them stand, but they leave them out to dry out too much, which can damage the roots. We use bamboo poles instead because they don’t get in the way of the plant as much and won’t get the aerial roots tangled up in them.
Monsteras are having a moment. These tropical beauties are popping up on Instagram feeds everywhere with their iconic split leaves. But keeping your monstera happy and healthy involves more than just snapping pics of its photogenic foliage. Repotting at the right time is key to your monstera’s vigor. So when should you plan this important task? Let’s take a look.
Why Repotting is Crucial
Repotting gives your monstera fresh soil and more room for its roots to spread out It’s like moving into a bigger house after feeling cramped in your tiny starter home
Without repotting, your monstera’s growth can become stunted as its roots compete for space and nutrients. Leaves may yellow, wilt, or develop brown spots. Repotting prevents this by allowing robust root development, which in turn powers lush, healthy growth.
It’s generally recommended to repot monsteras annually or biennially. But timing is everything. Repot at the wrong time and you risk shock, transplant stress, root damage, and other issues. So when’s the prime time?
Aim for Spring
The ideal season for repotting your monstera is early spring This period offers the perfect conditions for healthy root establishment,
In spring, temperatures are warming up and soil begins to thaw. Monstera growth starts to accelerate as days lengthen. The plant directs energy into producing new leaves and roots.
Repotting capitalizes on this momentum. Fresh soil and added space give roots the freedom to expand properly. Your monstera responds with a flush of vigorous growth.
Mid-spring, before temperatures climb too high, is generally best. This prevents heat stress on the delicate new root system. Early spring repotting sets your plant up for success all season long.
Signs It’s Time
Don’t rely on the calendar alone. Your monstera will display signs it’s ready for a new home.
- Slowed growth
- Wilting, drooping leaves
- Leaves yellowing or developing brown spots
- Roots visible at the drainage holes or surface
- Soil drying out rapidly between waterings
When you notice these cues, it’s go time. Your monstera is signaling for more space. Repot in spring to reinvigorate growth.
Transition to a Larger Pot
Choose a pot 2-4 inches wider than the current container. Anything larger risks soil moisture issues. Go too small and you’ll be repotting again soon.
Make sure the new pot has drainage holes to prevent wet feet. Pick a material like terracotta or ceramic that allows air flow. This is key for healthy roots.
Use a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix amended with perlite or orchid bark to maintain aeration. Moisten the blend before repotting.
Gently remove the root ball and loosen tangled roots. Place in the pot so the original soil line matches the new container. Backfill with soil.
Post-Repot Care
Help your monstera recover from repotting stress with attentive care:
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated
- Provide bright indirect light
- Maintain warm temperatures of 65-85°F
- Increase humidity around the plant
- Stake for support if needed
- Avoid fertilizing for 3-4 weeks
Monitor for signs of transplant shock like wilting. Leaves may yellow and drop but new growth should resume once established.
Ideal Repotting Timeline
- Early spring before temps climb: Optimal time to repot!
- Summer: Avoid if possible—heat stresses new roots.
- Fall: Okay but growth slows as light levels and temps decrease.
- Winter: Don’t repot. Monstera needs rest during cold months.
As long as you repot in spring, right before the most active growth, your monstera will thank you with vigorous good health. Just be sure to watch for signals it needs more space and act accordingly.
How to Repot a Monstera Plant Step-by-Step
Ready to replant your monstera? With the right technique and care, this important task can give your plant a new lease on life. Follow these steps to repot success:
Assemble Your Supplies
- New pot (2-4 inches larger than the current)
- Bag of well-draining potting mix
- Scoop or trowel for filling new pot
- Sharp, clean pruning shears or knife
- Chopstick for aerating soil (optional)
Prepare the Plant
- Water your monstera thoroughly 1-2 days before repotting. This makes removal easier.
- Clear a spacious, clean work area to maneuver. Protect surfaces—it can get messy!
Remove from Current Pot
- Tip the pot on its side. Gently coax the plant out, teasing the root ball loose. Don’t yank!
- If roots cling to the pot, use a knife to gently slice down the sides, separating the roots.
- Lay the plant on its side. Use your hands or shears to lightly loosen matted roots.
Prepare the New Pot
- Fill the bottom 2 inches with fresh, moist potting mix. This provides drainage.
- If the root ball is dense, score the sides with a knife before replanting to encourage new root growth outward.
Repot the Plant
- Place the monstera in the new pot. The old soil line should match the container rim.
- Fill around the root ball with more fresh, moist potting mix. Tamp down lightly to remove air pockets.
- Allow a 1-2 inch gap between the soil and the pot rim for watering space.
Clean Up
- Prune away any damaged roots and remove spent soil clumps.
- Lightly ruffle the soil surface with a chopstick or fork to improve aeration.
- Water deeply until it drains from the pot bottom. This settles the plant in.
- Add a moss pole, stakes, or trellis for support if needed. Then display your freshly potted monstera!
Post-Potting Care
- Allow 3-4 weeks before fertilizing to prevent root burn. Use a balanced, diluted fertilizer.
- Water when the top several inches of soil become dry. Avoid oversaturation.
- Mist leaves and provide humidity to minimize transplant stress.
- Ensure warm temps and moderately bright, indirect light.
- Stake or trellis taller plants for stability while new roots establish.
- Monitor for signs of shock like wilting. New growth will resume as it adapts.
- Resume normal care once the plant acclimates—your repotted monstera will soon thrive!
Troubleshooting Common Monstera Repotting Problems
Repotting brings stresses like root damage and moisture shock. But forewarned is forearmed—here are fixes for the most common issues:
Yellowing or Drooping Leaves
- Overwatering after repotting is a prime culprit. Ease off to let soil dry adequately between waterings.
- Low humidity can also cause transplant stress. Mist leaves or use a pebble tray to boost moisture.
- Insufficient light leads to yellowing. Ensure the plant receives bright indirect light.
Leaf Drop
- Some leaf loss is expected after repotting while the plant adjusts. As long as new growth appears, all is well.
- If excessive leaf drop continues, it could signal overwatering, low light, or shock. Review culture factors and make adjustments as needed.
Wilting, Drooping Plant
- Wilting usually indicates under-watering. Check soil moisture and water thoroughly if dry.
- Alternatively, damaged roots from repotting can prevent water uptake. Prune affected roots and water more frequently until established.
- Low humidity and high temperatures may also cause wilting. Increase humidity and move plant to a cooler spot.
Soil Staying Too Wet
- Improve drainage by amending dense potting mix with bark, perlite, or gravel.
- Ensure the pot has adequate bottom drainage holes.
- Allow more time between waterings and don’t soak the soil.
Moldy Soil
- Excess moisture causes mold or fungus. Let soil dry out between waterings.
- Consider repotting in a lighter, faster draining soil blend if compacted mix is retaining too much water.
Slow Growth
- Give your monstera time to overcome repotting shock—growth may initially stall.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced, houseplant-specific fertilizer to stimulate new growth.
- Assess light, temperature, and humidity and optimize as needed.
With attentive care tailored to your plant’s needs, you can overcome almost any repotting mishap. Just remember—patience and close observation are key!
Choosing the Right Potting Soil and Container
The right potting mix and container helps ensure your freshly repotted monstera gets off on the right foot. Follow these tips when selecting components:
Use Fast-Draining, Nutrient-Rich Soil
Choose a mix labeled for tropical indoor plants. Look for these ingredients:
- Peat or coco coir to retain moisture
- Perlite or bark to improve drainage and aeration
- Worm castings or compost to provide nutrients
Avoid standard potting soil—it stays too wet. Blend in perlite or orchid bark as needed to create an airy texture.
Pick a Pot With Drainage Holes
Make sure your container choice has ample holes in the bottom for drainage. This prevents soggy soil.
Porous terracotta and ceramic pots allow air circulation. Plastic works too—just avoid glazed or decorative pots that trap moisture.
Go 2-4 inches wider than the current size. Anything larger risks waterlogging. Too small and you’ll be repotting again soon!
Add Support for Top-Heavy Plants
If your monstera is leggy or climbing, add a moss pole, plant tutors, or trellis when repotting. This provides support as the plant grows.
Use flexible ties to gently secure larger stems to stakes or poles. Avoid anything too rigid or tight that could cut into delicate stems.
Repotting offers a great opportunity to implement support and set your monstera up for success!
When prepping your potting mix and container, focus on moisture control and ample room for root development. With the right soil environment and support, your monstera will thrive in its new home.
Ideal Growing Conditions After Repotting
Help your monstera rebound quickly by optimizing growing conditions after repotting:
Provide Bright, Indirect Light
Monsteras prefer moderately bright light, but avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves. An east or west window is ideal for diffused light. Supplement with grow lights if needed.
Increase Humidity
Misting leaves and using a humidifier or pebble tray boosts humidity which reduces transplant stress and wilting. Monsteras thrive in 40-60% humidity if possible.
Stick With Warm Temperatures
Monsteras grow best in temperatures between 65-85°F. Avoid cold drafts which can shock plants. Move to a warmer spot or use a grow light to maintain optimal temps.
Let Soil Dry Between Waterings
Check soil moisture before watering to avoid oversaturation. The top few inches should dry out before soaking again. Proper moisture prevents problems like root rot.
Avoid Fertilizing Too Soon
Wait 3-4 weeks after repotting before fertilizing. This allows the delicate new root system to establish without burn. Then resume regular feeding.
Mimicking the warm, humid, and shaded conditions of their native rainforest habitat supports a monstera’s recovery after repotting. With attentive care, your plant will soon be growing happily in its new home!
Signs Your Monstera Needs Repotting
Watch for these cues that your monstera is craving fresh soil and extra space:
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Slow growth and small new leaves – Root congestion prevents vigorous growth.
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Wilting, drooping, or yellowing leaves – Rootbound plants struggle to uptake water and nutrients properly.
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Leaves developing brown spots – A sign of undernourishment due to depleted soil.
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Roots visible at the drainage holes or surface – Clear indications your plant has run out of room!
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Soil drying out rapidly between waterings – Roots quickly absorb moisture in confined pots.
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White mineral deposits on the drainage holes – Plants release excess salts into crowded pots.
Don’t wait until your monstera starts declining before repotting. Repot proactively once a year when roots have filled out the container for optimal health and growth.
Common Monstera Repotting Mistakes
When repotting your monstera, sidestep these common missteps:
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Repotting too often—only do so yearly, or when clearly rootbound.
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Allowing soil to dry out right after repotting—this stresses roots.
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Overwatering—monitor moisture
How to set up your Monstera for success
FAQ
How do you know when a monstera needs repotting?
Do monsteras like small pots or big pots?
Can I repot monstera in winter?
Do monsteras like being root bound?
When should I repot my Monstera?
You’ll know it’s time to repot your monstera when roots are growing out of the holes in the bottom of the pot or appear to fill the soil surface. You may also notice that your plant seems to dry out a day or two after watering. These are signs that the plant is rootbound and could benefit from repotting in a larger container.
Can Monstera be repotting?
Full-grown plants that have reached the height limit of your home can be repotted to prune your Monstera’s roots and slow down their growth. Repotting for root pruning involves trimming away one-third of the length of the roots and then repotting the plant in the same sized plant pot. When should I stop repotting Monstera?
Should I repot a Monstera in the winter?
Transplanting is a stressful event, so planning to do it before your Monstera has fully come out of dormancy is a good idea. If the plant experiences transplant shock, having the energy to recover is vital. Transplant shock is why repotting in the winter, when the Monstera is dormant, should be avoided.
How do you know if a Monstera is ready to be repotted?
There are several indicators that a Monstera is ready to be repotted, though they aren’t always obvious when merely looking at the plant. One major thing to key in mind is the length of time that has passed since the plant was last repotted: Monsteras should be repotted at least every two years.