How Tall Can Your Baby Monstera Plant Grow? Factors that Affect Height

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is a popular houseplant admired for its large, glossy leaves with distinctive holes. As a fast-growing vine in its native Central America, Monstera can reach towering heights under ideal conditions Even as a houseplant, Monsteras have impressive potential to become large statement plants. But how tall can you expect your Monstera to get starting as a baby or small plant?

Typical Indoor Heights

Given proper care Monsteras grow quickly and can attain substantial dimensions indoors. A healthy Monstera deliciosa can grow over 10 feet tall in ideal indoor conditions. More commonly, they reach heights of 6-8 feet after a few years in a home.

Their growth habit as vining plants means they also spread horizontally as they search for support and climb upwards. Indoors, Monsteras often grow to span 6 feet or more across unless limited by frequent pruning or restricted pot size. So while Monsteras get impressively tall, their spreading growth pattern means they also take up a large footprint in your home.

Factors That Impact Height

Many variables influence how tall your Monstera will grow. The major factors that affect their indoor size include:

• Age – Monsteras grow quickly when young, slowing down as they mature. Most indoor height is reached within 3-5 years.

• Light – Bright, indirect light fuels growth. Insufficient light leads to smaller leaves and slower growth.

• Water & Humidity – Monsteras need consistently moist soil and 40-50% humidity. Too little of either inhibits growth.

• Temperature – Warm temperatures between 65-85°F are ideal. Cooler temps slow growth.

• Soil & Fertilizer – Rich, well-draining soil and occasional fertilizer support maximum growth.

• Pruning – Regular pruning limits size. Leaving it unpruned allows larger growth.

• Support – A moss pole guides vertical growth. Allowing it to vine encourages horizontal spread.

• Pot Size – A too-small pot restricts roots and stunts growth. Potting up encourages larger size.

Growing Conditions for Maximum Height

To enable your Monstera to reach its full height potential, provide optimal growing conditions:

• Lighting – East or west-facing window, or supplement with a grow light

• Temperature – 65-80°F

• Humidity – 40-50% relative humidity

• Water – Keep soil consistently moist but not soaked

• Soil – Well-draining aroid mix with bark, peat moss, perlite

• Fertilizer – Balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks in growing season

• Support – Moss pole or other sturdy vertical support

• Pot Size – Size up the pot as the plant grows

With the right care, your Monstera can grow over 10 feet tall at maturity. But remember even small Monsteras have the potential to become giants if cared for properly!

Rate of Growth

During peak growing seasons, Monsteras can shoot up 12 inches per month in ideal conditions. More common growth rates are 4-6 inches of new height per month in spring and summer.

In fall and winter, growth slows with less light. Expect just 1-3 inches of new growth monthly in cooler months.

When Height Growth Slows

Monsteras grow rapidly when young. But with age, their vertical growth rate slows down. Here are indications your Monstera is maturing and nearing its maximum height:

• Growth of only a few inches per year

• Stems thickening

• Aerial roots appearing

• Leaves growing larger and more fenestrated

• Slower appearance of new leaves

Caring for a Mature Monstera

Once your Monstera reaches mature size, adjust care accordingly:

• Water less frequently, allowing soil to dry out more.

• Fertilize only in spring and summer.

• Prune only to control size, not for shaping.

• Monitor for signs of root boundness. Repot as needed.

• Provide strong support for heavy stems and large leaves.

• Dust leaves regularly to allow light exposure.

• Propagate for new young plants!

Limiting Height

While Monsteras naturally grow tall, you can restrict their vertical growth:

• Keep in a small pot to limit root expansion

• Prune frequently to remove gaining height

• Pinch out the center growing tip to discourage vertical growth

• Grow in lower light areas to slow growth

• Allow it to trail instead of providing support for climbing

• Propagate cuttings to start new small plants

Caring for a Young Monstera

Young Monsteras have different needs than mature plants:

• Water more frequently to keep soil consistently moist

• Fertilize every 2 weeks from spring through fall

• Pot up frequently as roots fill out the container

• Prune only lightly to shape new growth

• Stake and tie stems to encourage vertical climbing

• Monitor for pests which favor tender new growth

Variables for Baby Monstera Size

When starting with a baby or juvenile Monstera, there are a few key variables that will determine its attainable indoor height:

Age and Size When Purchased

A smaller plant has more growing to do before reaching maturity. A larger, more established plant has less height potential remaining.

Leaf Variegation

Variegated Monsteras grow much slower. Without green chlorophyll, they have less energy for rapid growth.

Growing Conditions

Maximize height by providing ideal lighting, humidity, temperatures, soil, water and nutrition.

Available Vertical Space

The literal physical room your Monstera has to grow up will impact its attained height.

Pruning and Training

Allow unhindered vertical growth for tallest size. Or prune and train for more compact growth.

Enjoying the Journey of Growth

One of the delights of growing a Monstera is watching the rapid transformations as they climb upwards. With the right care and conditions, even a small baby Monstera can experience dramatic growth. So take pleasure in all stages of your plant’s development and enjoy a lifetime of lush green tropical foliage!