Got a Monstera, aka the Swiss Cheese Plant, at home? It’s a good-looking, low-maintenance houseplant that adds a splash of green to any room. Like any other plant, you gotta look after your Monstera to keep it perky. A big part of that is knowing when to repot it. So, let’s talk about how and when to give your Monstera a new home.
When to Repot Monstera plant?
You should usually aim to repot your Monstera every 1-2 years, or when you see that the roots are getting a bit crowded and starting to sneak out of the pot’s drainage holes. If your plant’s not growing as much as before, that could be another sign it’s time to repot – the roots might be getting cramped and need more room to stretch out.
When your Monstera’s in its growing phase, try to repot it in the spring or summer. Go for a pot that’s a size up from the current one, with decent drainage holes and soil that drains well.
5 Indicators That It’s Time to Repot Your Monstera
Here are the top 5 signs that your Monstera’s outgrowing its pot. It might be confusing, but after reading this, you’ll be able to tell if your plant’s ready for a move!
1. Roots emerging from drainage holes
Even though the standard is two years, these fast growers sometimes need repotting more often. If you’re seeing roots coming out of your Monstera’s drainage hole, it’s a clear sign it needs a new pot.
Think about getting a bigger pot before repotting – it’ll give your Monstera plenty of room to breathe. If a Monstera gets too big for its pot, it can become rootbound, and that’s a headache you don’t need. If you’re worried about the pot getting too big, you could always trim the plant’s roots to keep things under control.
2. Your plant’s growth has slowed down (or even stopped)
A seriously root-bound Monstera won’t grow no matter how much sunlight it gets.
If your plant’s stopped growing even though you’re doing everything right and it’s super root-bound, it’s time to upgrade to a bigger pot.
3. Your potting soil is evaporating considerably faster than it used to
As your Monstera’s pot fills up with roots, it can be hard to keep it watered properly.
If you’ve been sticking to a regular watering schedule (like once a week), but find that your plant’s thirstier than that, it’s probably time to repot.
Over time, the roots might fill up the pot and rinse out the potting mix, making it tougher to keep your plant hydrated. If this is happening, and roots are poking out of the drainage hole, it’s a pretty sure sign you need to repot.
When your monstera encounters underwatering, please read the article on how often to Water Monstera to water properly
4. Yellow foliage and brown, crispy leaves are abundant on your Monstera plant
If you spot your plant’s leaves going a bit yellow or brown and getting crispy, you might wanna repot it sooner than you thought. Yellow leaves could mean your plant’s hungry for nutrients, and brown leaves could mean the roots are feeling a bit cramped. If you see either of these things, it’s time to move your Monstera to a bigger pot. Monstera plants are tough cookies and they usually bounce back pretty quick after being repotted, so go ahead and show yours some love when it needs it.
Related: Monstera Leaves Turning Yellow
5. It’s been more than 2-3 years
Usually, just looking at how long it’s been isn’t enough to tell if your plant needs repotting, but if you’re pushing 2-3 years and haven’t repotted, especially if it’s in a tiny pot or it’s still a baby, it’s high time you did!
Of course, the only surefire way to tell is to get the plant out of its pot…
If you’ve noticed at least two or more of the signs we mentioned, it’s probably time for a bigger pot.
How to Repot a Monstera Plant?
- Go for a pot that’s 2 inches wider across than the old pot. Make sure it’s got drainage holes at the bottom so you don’t drown the plant and give it root rot.
- Take the plant out of its current pot carefully and give any tight roots a gentle tug with your fingers.
- Put some fresh, quick-draining potting soil in the new pot and sit the Monstera on top, adding more soil as needed to cover the roots. Firm up the soil around the plant to make sure it’s secure and won’t fall over.
- Give the plant a good drink and put it somewhere with bright, but indirect light.
To study the monstera repot more carefully, please read this article: http://famiplants.com/how-and-when-to-repot-monstera/
What type of pot to use for monstera?
Getting a shock after repotting is kinda normal for big plants like Monstera. They usually bounce back to full health once they’ve gotten used to their new digs.
- Any pot will do for a Monstera as long as it’s got drainage holes.
- Plastic pots are popular because they’re light and cheap.
- Clear plastic pots are handy because you can see the roots and know when to water.
Porous pots, like terra cotta, help control moisture and can stop root rot. - Non-porous pots, like glazed ceramic ones, don’t absorb water or drain, so you’ll have to add drainage holes.
No matter what pot you pick, chuck a layer of rocks or gravel at the bottom to help with drainage.
How to avoid Monstera repotting shock?
Getting a shock after repotting is kinda normal for big plants like Monstera. They usually bounce back to full health once they’ve gotten used to their new digs.
- A bit of TLC when you’re repotting can help your Monstera deal with the shock.
- Water it well the day before repotting to make sure it’s hydrated and the soil’s loose.
- Work fast but careful so you don’t leave the roots hanging out in the air too long. If you need to take a break, keep the roots from drying out by covering them with a damp cloth.
- Give your plant some fresh, Monstera-specific potting soil. An aroid potting mix will do the job.
- After repotting, give your Monstera lots of water to keep the soil moist.
- Put your Monstera back where it was before. Letting it chill in its usual spot for a week or two after repotting will help it stress less.
Final thoughts on how often to repot monstera
You should repot your Monstera when the pot’s getting too small and the roots have filled it up. When this happens, the plant can start to get root bound. If you see wilting leaves, slow growth, or yellow leaves, it’s probably time to repot your Monstera. If you don’t repot it when it needs it, the plant could end up dying.
- When you move your Monstera to a new pot, use a soil mix that drains well and make sure the pot’s got drainage holes. The new pot should be at least 2 inches wider across than the old one.
- After you’ve repotted your Monstera, water it well and give it lots of bright light but keep it out of direct sun. Feed it with an organic fertilizer every couple of months.
Have you ever transplanted your Monstera and when to repot monstera? Let FamiPlants know how it went in the comments below!
