If you’re a Monstera plant owner, you may have found yourself wondering, “Why is my Monstera not growing?” It can be frustrating to see other people’s lush and thriving plants while yours seems to be stuck in the same state.
But fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various factors that could be hindering your Monstera’s growth and provide you with troubleshooting tips and solutions to help your plant thrive.
Understanding the Importance of Light
When it comes to plant growth, light is the most crucial factor. Plants utilize light, along with carbon dioxide and water, to synthesize food through photosynthesis.
Therefore, evaluating the light conditions is essential if your Monstera is not growing.
1. Insufficient Light – Too Far from a Window
One common mistake is placing your Monstera plant too far away from a window. The further you get from a window, the lower the light intensity becomes. If your plant is not receiving enough light, it will struggle to grow.
To determine the right placement for your Monstera, consider the following guidelines:
- North facing windows provide indirect light and have the lowest light intensity. If this is your only window exposure, place your Monstera immediately in front of the window.
- Eastern and Western facing windows receive morning and afternoon sun, respectively. These exposures offer better light conditions for your Monstera. Place your plant immediately in front of the window or a couple of feet back.
- South facing windows provide the most direct sun. If your windows are unobstructed, this exposure can be too intense for your Monstera. Place it further back from the window to avoid excessive direct sunlight.
Remember that the size of the window also matters. Larger windows allow more light to enter, benefiting your Monstera’s growth.
If your plant is not growing during the Spring and Summer, insufficient light may be the primary cause.
2. Insufficient Light due to Seasonal Differences
Depending on your climate, seasonal changes can affect your Monstera’s growth. If your plant has been growing during the Spring, Summer, and Autumn but has stopped during the Winter, it may be due to shorter and darker days.
If you’re comfortable with seasonal growth pauses, you can leave your plant as is, and it should resume growth when the days start getting longer again.
However, if you want your Monstera to grow year-round, consider investing in a good grow light or moving your plant to a brighter window during the winter months.
Proper Watering Practices for Healthy Growth
Watering is another critical aspect of Monstera care that can impact its growth. Incorrect watering practices can lead to issues like root rot or underwatering, hampering your plant’s ability to grow.
3. Not Watering Properly – Underwatering
Thoroughly watering your Monstera is essential for its overall health and growth. If you leave pockets of dry soil for extended periods, the roots in those areas can dry out and die, leading to stunted growth.
When watering your Monstera, aim to water until water escapes the drainage hole. This ensures that the entire root system receives adequate moisture.
If you’re concerned about overwatering, and the soil is not drying out within a reasonable time, there may be other underlying issues.
4. Keeping the Soil Too Wet – Root Rot
If your Monstera’s potting mix or soil remains consistently wet for extended periods, it can lead to root rot. This condition not only halts growth but can also be fatal to your plant if severe.
Several factors can contribute to soil staying overly wet:
Pot is Too Large
When repotting your Monstera, it’s best to only go up one pot size. Going too big can result in excess soil volume, leading to slower drying times.
Leaving Your Plant Sitting in Water
After watering, make sure to discard any excess water from the saucer or decorative pot. If your pot is too large to lift, consider using a turkey baster to remove the excess water.
Leaving your Monstera sitting in water can cause root damage and hinder growth.
Insufficient Light
Placing your Monstera in a dark area will reduce its water consumption and stunt growth. Ensure your plant receives adequate light to maintain a healthy balance of water uptake.
Poorly Draining Potting Mix
Monstera plants prefer a well-draining soil mix. Many commercial potting mixes lack the necessary porosity and drainage aroids like Monstera require.
Consider amending your potting mix with materials like orchid bark and perlite to improve drainage while maintaining moisture retention.
Remember not to go too far in the other direction, as an excessively chunky mix may require more frequent watering and increase the risk of underwatering. Aim for a balanced mix that promotes both drainage and moisture retention.
5. Relying on a Moisture Meter
Moisture meters can be unreliable tools for assessing soil moisture. It’s common to encounter discrepancies between moisture meter readings and the actual moisture content of the soil.
To accurately gauge soil moisture, it’s best to use your finger. Insert it into the soil and assess its moisture level. Relying solely on a moisture meter can lead to incorrect watering practices, which can negatively impact your Monstera’s growth.
6. Lack of Fertilizing
Fertilizing is a crucial aspect of houseplant care, including Monstera plants. In their natural habitat, plants receive necessary nutrients from decaying organic matter. Indoors, it’s essential to supplement these nutrients through fertilization.
If your Monstera has been in the same pot for over a year, it’s likely that the nutrients in the soil have been depleted. Fertilizing throughout the active growing season can provide the necessary nutrients to support healthy growth.
Consider using a balanced and complete fertilizer specifically formulated for houseplants, such as Dyna-Gro Grow.
This fertilizer contains all the micro and macro nutrients required for optimal growth without the risk of burning your plants. Regular fertilization with a high-quality product can significantly improve your Monstera’s health and growth.
Remember, fertilizing should not be used as a band-aid solution. If your plant lacks sufficient light, addressing the light conditions should be the priority before relying on fertilization.
Additionally, if your Monstera has been in the same pot for an extended period and is not growing, start fertilizing immediately.
Addressing Root Bound and Pest Issues
7. Your Plant is Super Root Bound
Root bound plants can struggle to grow as their roots become restricted and lack access to sufficient moisture and oxygen. If your Monstera is severely root bound, you may need to address this issue to promote growth.
To determine if your plant is root bound, carefully remove it from its pot and inspect the roots. If the roots appear tightly wound and crowded, it’s likely that your Monstera is root bound.
When repotting, make sure to tease the roots apart before placing your Monstera in a slightly larger pot. This helps the roots establish and grow into the new potting mix. Failing to tease the roots apart can result in continued growth struggles for your Monstera.
8. Pests
Pest infestations can significantly impact your Monstera’s growth. Common pests that can affect Monstera plants include scale, thrips, mealybugs, spider mites, and fungus gnats.
Regularly inspect your plant for any signs of pests, such as visible insects, sticky residue, or yellowing leaves. If you identify a pest issue, take prompt action to treat your Monstera and prevent further damage.
The Combination of Factors
In some cases, the lack of growth in your Monstera may be due to a combination of several factors discussed above. It’s essential to evaluate your plant’s specific conditions and practices to determine the underlying causes.
To further deepen your understanding of how various factors affect plant growth, consider exploring the book “Houseplant Warrior.”
This resource provides valuable insights into light, watering, fertilizing, potting mixes, temperature, humidity, and more. Armed with knowledge, you can become your own plant doctor and cultivate a thriving collection of Monstera plants.
Additional Resources
For further information on Monstera care and related topics, you may find the following articles helpful:
- Monstera Deliciosa Fruit: Explore the fascinating world of Monstera fruit and its edibility.
- Monstera Problems w/ Answers: Find solutions to common problems encountered by Monstera owners.
- Monstera Aerial Roots: Get answers to frequently asked questions about Monstera’s aerial roots.
- Variegated Monstera Deliciosa Care: Discover essential care tips for variegated Monstera plants.
- Monstera Deliciosa Care & Repotting: Learn how to care for your Monstera and when to repot it.
- Monstera Deliciosa vs. Borsigiana: Understand the differences between Monstera Deliciosa and Borsigiana.
- Do Monstera Plants Need Sunlight?: Explore the light requirements of Monstera plants.
By following the guidance provided in this comprehensive guide and utilizing additional resources, you can overcome the challenges of Monstera care and ensure your plant thrives and flourishes.
Remember, with the right knowledge and care, you can unlock the full potential of your Monstera and enjoy a stunning and vibrant addition to your indoor jungle.