You can repot your monstera plant to keep it healthy and growing strong or to help a plant that is too big for its pot get back on its feet. This simple task is easy with some basic gardening gear and a few simple steps. If the plant is very big, you might need a second person to help you move it around while you work. Heres how to repot your monstera plant.
Monstera deliciosa, also known as Swiss cheese plant, are vigorous climbers in nature. Their roots grow rapidly, spreading out to seek new spots to climb and anchor the plant. This natural growth habit means monsteras often become extremely root bound in indoor pots. But do they actually like this confined state? And how can you repot a choked root ball without damaging the plant?
Why Monsteras Tend to Become Root Bound
There are a few key reasons monsteras are prone to becoming severely root bound:
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Fast, aggressive root growth: Monsteras put out large root volumes quickly to fuel their climb upwards and secure themselves on trees.
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Inadequate pot size: Potting or leaving monsteras in too small a container restricts outward root expansion.
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Infrequent repotting Allowing plants to remain in the same pot for years inevitably leads to a mass of circling, matted roots
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High water needs: Monsteras drink a lot, which encourages rapid root development to absorb all that moisture.
While some level of being root bound is tolerable, monsteras left to extremes will eventually suffer.
Signs Your Monstera is Severely Root Bound
How can you tell when your monstera has passed the point of “slightly snug” roots to problematic binding? Watch for these signs
- Slowed growth
- Smaller than normal leaves
- Wilting, drooping, or yellowing leaves
- Plant unstable/tipping over easily
- Roots growing out the drainage holes
- Inability to absorb water quickly
- Soil drying out fast
Take a look at the root ball – if you see mostly roots with minimal soil, it needs more space.
Do Monsteras Like Being Root Bound?
Monsteras can tolerate being mildly root bound better than plants like tomatoes or peppers. Some key advantages of slightly snug roots for them include:
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Stability – A full root ball helps anchor monsteras upright. This is beneficial for a climbing plant.
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Ease of repotting – Keeping monsteras a bit snug allows the entire root ball to be removed intact during repotting.
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Moisture retention – A robust web of roots prevents soil from drying out too rapidly.
However, severely root bound is detrimental. Extreme binding stresses the plant, limits nutrient absorption and oxygen to the roots, and restricts growth.
The takeaway? Monsteras benefit from mild root restriction but need periodic repotting to avoid being choked.
Tips for Repotting a Severely Root Bound Monstera
Repotting an extremely root bound monstera takes care and patience to avoid damage. Here are some tips:
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Timing – Repot in early spring as growth resumes. Avoid repotting during winter dormancy.
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Pot size – Go up just 1-2 inches rather than a huge jump in size. Too much space stresses roots.
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Root prep – Carefully shave off the outer 1⁄2 inch of the thickest visible roots to encourage new growth outward into the new soil.
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Loosening – Use your hands or a chopstick to gently loosen matted roots, unwinding and untangling them. Don’t yank or force.
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Soil mix – Use a well-draining aroid mix amended with orchid bark, perlite, coco coir for proper air pockets.
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Fertilizer – Apply a dilute balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to aid recovery.
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Bright light – Ensure the plant receives bright, indirect light but no direct sun immediately after repotting.
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Reduced watering – Let the soil partially dry out between waterings while roots expand into new space.
With care, even the most congested monstera root balls can be repotted successfully. Just take it slowly. In their native jungle habitat, monstera roots must constantly expand to seek new support and resources. Your repotting assistance helps them continue that natural process.
Maximizing Health in Root Bound Plants
If a monstera becomes quite root bound before you are ready to repot, here are some interim tips to keep it as healthy as possible:
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Water more frequently as the roots have less soil to absorb moisture from.
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Mist leaves daily to boost humidity which supports growth.
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Stake and secure top-heavy plants well to prevent tipping.
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Prune off any droopy or yellowing leaves to reduce plant stress.
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Consider switching to hydroponics or semi-hydro methods which are better suited for cramped roots.
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Apply an organic kelp extract supplement to aid nutrient uptake.
Though monsteras tolerate moderate root restriction, don’t let them stay chronically bound too long. Seek signs of stress and repot before problems escalate. With smart repotting practices, you can help your monstera thrive!
When to Repot Monstera
When roots start to grow out of the holes in the bottom of the pot or cover the soil, you know it’s time to repot your monstera. 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.
Overgrown leaves that could knock over a monstera plant are another sign that it’s time to repot it. So is slow growth or a dull look. Its a good idea to repot your monstera with new soil about every two years, even if it doesn’t look like it’s getting too big for its pot.
You can repot your Monstera after you do this
Should Monstera be root bound?
No, the Monstera plant should not be root bound. In fact, no plant should be kept in a smaller pot that restricts the growth. As a plant grows, its root expands to absorb more water and nutrients from the soil. But if we keep our monstera in a small pot and its root keeps expanding, what will happen eventually?
How do I fix a root bound Monstera?
To fix a root bound Monstera, you need to either repot your plant into a bigger pot or split your Monstera into two or more smaller plants. With either option, this will ensure that the roots have enough space for your plant to continue to thrive.
Why is my Monstera rootbound?
Like any plant, Monsteras need oxygen, soil, and water to thrive. If the container your Monstera is planted in begins to restrict its ability to access those things, you’ve got a problem on your hands. You will either need to prune back the root system or transplant the Monstera to a larger pot. How To Check to See If Your Monstera is Rootbound?
Is my Monstera pot bound?
If the roots are in a tangled mass that takes the shape of the pot they are in, and you don’t see much soil left, your Monstera is definitely pot bound. What To Do If Your Monstera is Rootbound?