Are you a proud owner of a dramatic Monstera plant, trying to master its care needs? Then, maybe, you’re wondering about its water requirements. And too right! Watering is a critical aspect of these beauties’ maintenance. Done incorrectly, it can lead to various problems for your plant.
For Monstera, proper watering is essential to ensure healthy growth and prevent issues, such as root rot or dehydration. Understanding your Monstera’s watering needs, checking soil moisture levels, and adjusting your watering routine, based on the conditions, play a significant role in helping your plant flourish year-round.
In this guide, you’ll learn how often to water Monstera, the best watering techniques to keep it thriving, and simple solutions to prevent or remedy issues with an overwatered or underwatered Monstera.
Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) is a popular tropical plant from Central America. This low-maintenance climbing evergreen is often kept as a houseplant, due to its unique shape and glossy, heart-shaped fenestrated leaves. The plant does well in bright, indirect light and needs a humid, warm environment for maximum growth. Most Monsteras are not hard to propagate so you can expand your collection of these easy-care Swiss Cheese plants, as they are commonly known, in no time.
Monsteras are much-loved statement plants that symbolize good luck and positive energy. However, they are mildly toxic to pets and can cause discomfort if ingested. Three popular varieties include Monstera Thai Constellation (Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’), known for its creamy white marbling; Split Leaf Philodendron,(Monstera deliciosa) famous for its large, split leaves; and the Swiss Cheese Monstera (Monstera adansonii), which features smaller leaves with holes.
Each Monstera variety has slightly different watering needs, depending on their size and leaf structure. Understanding these unique requirements is, thus, necessary to provide your plant the best care it deserves.
Monstera plants, also known as Swiss cheese plants, are popular houseplants native to tropical regions of Central America With their large, dramatic, heart-shaped leaves, Monsteras add a tropical flair to any indoor space However, caring for these tropical beauties requires understanding their specific needs, especially when it comes to watering. Getting the watering schedule right is crucial for healthy Monstera growth and preventing issues like root rot, drooping leaves, and leaf spotting. This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know about how much water your Monstera needs and how to keep it thriving with proper hydration.
How Often Should You Water a Monstera?
Monstera plants prefer consistently moist (but not soggy) soil. As a general rule, Monsteras need to be watered about once every 1-2 weeks. However instead of adhering to a strict watering schedule, it’s better to check the soil moisture levels before watering again. The top inch of soil should be allowed to dry out slightly before you add more water.
Use the finger test to examine the soil moisture. Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil and if it feels dry and crumbly it’s time to water your Monstera again. You can also use a moisture meter for a more accurate reading. Your Monstera needs watering when the moisture level drops below 3-4 on the meter.
What’s the Best Way to Water a Monstera Plant?
Monsteras enjoy a thorough watering whenever the topsoil dries out. Water your plant until you see water draining from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root zone gets hydrated. Stop watering once the excess starts flowing out the bottom to prevent waterlogged soil.
There are two good techniques for watering Monsteras:
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Top watering: Slowly pour water over the soil surface taking care not to get water on the leaves and petioles. Move your monstera to the sink for easier watering.
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Bottom watering: Place the entire pot in a bowl of water for 20-30 minutes, allowing the soil to soak up moisture from beneath. This technique encourages deeper root growth.
Always use room temperature filtered or distilled water as tap water may contain chemicals like fluoride and chlorine that can accumulate and damage the sensitive roots.
Signs Your Monstera Needs Water
Learning to recognize when your Monstera desperately needs a drink is important to keep it healthy. Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to water your plant:
- Soil is completely dry when you test 1-2 inches deep
- Leaves start drooping or curling at edges
- Leaves appear wrinkled or puckered
- New growth slows down
- Leaf tips turn brown and crispy
- Yellow spots appear on leaves
If you notice any of these symptoms, give your Monstera a thorough, deep watering right away and observe it over the next few days. The leaves should perk up once properly hydrated.
Overwatering Monstera Plants
While Monsteras enjoy regular watering, it’s important not to overdo it. Excess moisture can lead to several problems, including:
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Root rot – Fungal infection that causes roots to turn brown and mushy.
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Drooping leaves – Due to damaged roots unable to absorb water.
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Yellowing leaves – Lack of oxygen in waterlogged soil cuts off nutrients.
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Leaf spotting – Due to edema from cells bursting from excess moisture.
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Slow growth – Poor root health inhibits nutrient absorption.
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Moldy soil – Excess moisture encourages fungal growth.
To fix an overwatered Monstera, stop watering and let the soil dry out completely before resuming normal watering. You may need to repot in fresh, dry soil if root rot is suspected.
Always ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes. Water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, and empty any accumulated water in the overflow tray after watering.
Underwatering Your Monstera
While Monsteras don’t like soggy soil, allowing them to dry out too much can also cause damage. Signs of an underwatered Monstera include:
- Leaves becoming crisp and brown at edges and tips
- Yellow lower leaves
- Drooping or curling leaves
- Very slow growth
- Soil pulling away from sides of the pot
Underwatered plants should be given a deep soak right away with water coming out the drainage holes. Continue to observe your plant in the following days and weeks, watering again whenever the topsoil is dry. Frequent underwatering can permanently damage the roots, so don’t let your Monstera dry out too often.
Adjusting Watering Based on Monstera Variety
While most Monsteras have similar watering needs, some varieties and individual plants may need slightly more or less frequent watering. Here are some factors to consider:
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Size – Larger, more mature Monsteras need more frequent watering than smaller juvenile plants.
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Leaf type – Varieties with thinner, more delicate leaves like Monstera adansonii require more humidity and frequent watering than those with thicker, stiffer leaves.
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Growing conditions – Monsteras growing in bright light or high temperatures need more water to offset faster moisture loss from soil. Plants in low light or cool temps may only need monthly watering.
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Potting mix – Well-draining blends require more watering than moisture-retentive potting soil. Pay attention to how quickly your specific soil mix dries out.
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Season – Monsteras grow faster and need more water in spring and summer, less in fall and winter when growth slows.
Get to know your specific plant’s needs by paying close attention and adjusting your watering routine accordingly. With time, you’ll learn how much water your Monstera needs to stay happy and healthy.
Providing Proper Monstera Care
Along with watering properly, there are a few other care tips to help your Monstera flourish:
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Place in bright, indirect sunlight to encourage growth. Some early morning or late afternoon sun is tolerated.
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Maintain steady temperatures between 65-80°F and provide humid conditions.
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Stake and prune to shape the plant and support large leaves if needed.
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Repot young plants in fresh soil annually in the spring to allow proper root growth.
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Fertilize monthly in the growing season using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
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Keep leaves dust-free by wiping with a damp cloth to allow proper photosynthesis.
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Monitor for pests like spider mites that thrive in dry air and treat any infestations promptly.
Monstera Watering FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Monstera watering requirements:
How do I know when my Monstera needs water?
Check 1-2 inches deep in the soil with your finger. If dry and crumbly, it’s time to water. Leaves starting to droop or curl are another sign your plant is thirsty.
What kind of water should I use on my Monstera?
Room temperature filtered or distilled water is best. Allow tap water to sit out overnight before using so the chlorine can dissipate.
How much water does a Monstera need each time?
Water your Monstera until it flows from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Stop watering once you see excess coming out the bottom.
Can I overwater my Monstera by bottom watering?
It’s unlikely if you don’t leave the pot soaking for too long. Remove after 20-30 minutes once water is absorbed. Bottom watering encourages healthy roots.
Should I mist my Monstera leaves?
Occasional misting replicates the tropical humidity Monsteras love. Just don’t get water on the leaves too often as it can cause fungal spotting.
What causes black spots on Monstera leaves?
Overwatering can lead to edema, causing small black or brown spots on the leaves. Allow soil to partially dry between waterings.
Why are my Monstera leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering or underwatering issues. Check soil moisture and water appropriately, allowing the soil to partly dry out between waterings.
In Conclusion
Providing the right amount of water is crucial for keeping your Monstera green, lush, and healthy. Monsteras like consistently moist soil and need to be watered about every 1-2 weeks whenever the top inch of soil dries out. Water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes. Avoid overwatering or underwatering by checking soil moisture and looking for signs the plant needs water. With the proper hydration, your Monstera will reward you with vigorous growth, huge glossy leaves, and endless tropical style.
Q: Do Monsteras like to dry out?
A: Monstera plants dont like to dry out too much. Their soil should be moist but not soggy, which can be achieved by watering the plant once every 1-2 weeks. When the top inch of the soil feels dry, it’s time to water your green companion.
How Often Should I Water My Monstera?
You only need to water your Monstera when the topsoil feels dry. In addition, you should always observe the overall appearance of your plant and its foliage, which can indicate that your Monstera is thirsty.