Do Monstera Like to Be Root Bound? A Complete Guide

Monstera deliciosa, commonly known as the Swiss cheese plant is a popular houseplant admired for its unique split leaves and rapid growth rate. However, this fast growth can lead to the plant quickly becoming root bound or pot bound if left in too small of a container. So do Monstera like to be root bound?

The simple answer is no, Monstera do not like to be root bound. When the roots have no room left to expand in the pot, it causes stress for the plant and inhibits further growth. The restricted roots struggle to take in enough air, water and nutrients to support the plant. Left unchecked, root binding in Monstera can lead to leaf yellowing and dropping, poor growth and an overall decline in plant health.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about identifying, fixing and preventing root bound Monstera plants

What Does Root Bound Mean?

A plant that is root bound or pot bound means its root system has outgrown the container it is planted in. With inadequate space to continue expanding, the roots end up growing in circles along the edges and bottom of the pot. Over time, the roots bind and wrap around each other, leaving little to no room for water and air circulation.

Essentially, the roots become “bound” by the restrictive space in the pot. Other signs of a root bound Monstera include:

• Roots growing out of the drainage holes at the base of the pot
• Roots surfacing above the top of the soil
• Slow growth and lack of new leaves
• Leaves turning yellow or brown and wilting
• Soil drying out very quickly between waterings
• Potted plant becoming top heavy and tipping over easily

The crowded roots struggle to take in moisture and nutrients to transfer to the rest of the plant. As a result, the Monstera shows signs of stress and decline in health.

Why Monstera Dislike Being Root Bound

In the wild, Monstera can grow over 30 feet tall as vigorous climbers and epiphytes. Outdoors, the plant’s roots have ample space to freely spread out laterally and anchor the plant to tree trunks.

When potted as houseplants, Monsteras are somewhat constrained by the limited container size. But healthy new white roots still need room to expand outwards to support the increasing top growth.

As a fast growing tropical vine, Monstera depend on an extensive root system to:

• Absorb oxygen from the soil pores
• Take in water and minerals
• Transport nutrients to stems, leaves and new growth
• Anchor and provide stability to the heavy foliage

But when root bound, the compacted roots struggles to perform these functions. The lack of space and stunted roots prevent the plant from getting enough moisture and nutrients.

In addition, the poor air circulation causes the roots to get waterlogged. This makes them prone to rotting and diseases like root rot.

Essentially, inadequate root room stresses the Monstera, inhibits growth and makes it weaker and more susceptible to problems.

Signs Your Monstera is Root Bound

Monsteras trapped in too-small pots will exhibit signs of stress long before they become severely root bound. Being able to identify the early symptoms gives you a chance to take corrective action and avoid irreparable damage.

Here are the most common indications of a pot bound Monstera:

Slowed or Stunted Growth

Healthy Monsteras are fast growers when given proper care. But restricted roots have difficulty providing moisture and nutrients to support new growth. So the plant’s rate of growth slows down noticeably.

Leaves Drooping and Wilting

Without enough room to expand, the roots don’t absorb sufficient water to keep up with the plant’s needs. This causes the leaves to droop, wilt and curl inwards even just after watering.

Leaves Turning Yellow or Brown

Lack of moisture and nutrients due to the compacted roots will first cause the oldest leaves to turn yellow. Prolonged binding results in the leaves browning and falling off.

Soil Drying Out Faster

With restricted room, water passes quickly through the pot without being absorbed by the roots. This causes the soil to dry out completely just days after watering.

Roots Growing Out of Drainage Holes

As the pot reaches full capacity, the roots start growing out of the drainage holes at the base in search of more room. This is a sure sign your Monstera needs immediate repotting or root pruning.

Plant Becoming Top Heavy

Extensive top growth without adequate root support results in the plant becoming top heavy. A root bound Monstera will start tipping over easily.

Pot Cracking at the Sides

Continued outward root growth will exert pressure on the container, causing plastic pots to bulge and crack along the sides.

By routinely checking for these symptoms, you can identify and fix root bound Monsteras before they decline severely.

How To Fix a Root Bound Monstera

If your inspection confirms your Monstera is pot bound, you will need to free up more room for the roots to grow. This can be done through the following methods:

Repot in a Larger Container

Replanting in a bigger pot size allows the entire root ball to spread out freely. Follow this process:

• Water the plant well 1-2 days before repotting to make removal easier.

• Carefully remove from the old pot and loosen the root ball. Gently tease apart any circling roots.

• Prune any diseased or dead roots. Select a pot 2 inches wider and deeper than the current size.

• Place a layer of potting mix in the new container. Position the Monstera inside so the root crown sits 1-2 inches below the rim.

• Fill the remaining space with more fresh, well draining potting soil.

• Water thoroughly after repotting and let it drain completely.

Root Pruning

If a larger pot is not an option, you can prune back the bottom third of the root ball. This helps the roots fit better while allowing some new growth.

• Remove the plant and wash off the old soil to access the roots.

• Use sterilized, sharp pruning shears to trim off the bottom portion of the root ball. Take care not to damage the main roots.

• Repot in the same container with new potting mix. Water well and let drain fully. Avoid overwatering while it re-establishes.

Division

For severely bound plants, division into smaller sections can offer a long term solution:

• Water one day before dividing the plant. Carefully remove from pot and wash roots.

• Identify natural junction points between stems and cut apart with a clean knife.

• Ensure each division has sufficient roots, stems and leaves to survive. Discard any diseased sections.

• Repot the divisions in separate containers using fresh potting mix. Water thoroughly after planting.

How To Prevent Monstera From Becoming Root Bound

While dealing with an already pot bound Monstera is important, prevention is ideal to avoid decline in health. Here are some tips to keep your plant from getting root bound:

• Repot young plants annually – Fast growing new Monsteras should be moved to a slightly bigger pot every year. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years.

• Inspect roots yearly – Check each spring for circling roots before they become compacted. Repot immediately if needed.

• Use adequately sized pots – Select a pot that allows 2 inches of space on all sides for future root growth.

• Promote outward growth – Position support stakes near the pot edges so the aerial roots grow outwards instead of just down.

• Loosen roots when repotting – Gently loosen and untangle any circling roots before placing back in the new container.

• Prune aggressively – Don’t be afraid to heavily prune the lower roots and root ball when repotting to allow new growth.

With some diligence, you can largely avoid the problem of root bound Monsteras. Repot before the plant shows signs of being pot bound. Addressing it early on makes correcting the issue much simpler.

Final Thoughts

Allowing adequate room for root development is crucial for the health of your Monstera houseplants. Root binding restricts moisture and nutrient uptake, slowing growth and causing leaf yellowing and drop. Catching it early and repotting into larger containers gives the roots space to grow freely. For already bound plants, options like root pruning and division provide room for new growth. Keep your Swiss cheese plant happy by repotting before the roots get a chance to become densely bound together.