Are you concerned about its slow growth? In either case, we’ve got you covered.
Are Monstera Slow-Growing Plants?
No, they are not. The “Monster” in the name of the Monstera plant serves a purpose—its rapid growth. The monstera plant is known for its fast and aggressive growth both indoors and outdoors.
If taken care of, it can easily reach heights of up to 60 feet or even more.
But if your monstera plant is growing slowly or not at all, there might be some reasons behind it.
Reasons For Slow Growth
Some of the common reasons for slow growth in the monstera plant are mentioned below:
1. The Monstera Plant is Dormant
Like all other plants, Monstera also experiences seasonal slowdowns in its growth. It conserves energy and strength in the winter to remain healthy and grow when spring arrives.
It depends on the region where you live to tell when your monstera plant will go dormant; however, it usually happens during the winter and autumn seasons.
Remember that seasonal dormancy is healthy for your plant’s health, and if this is the reason behind its slow growth, then don’t worry! It will start growing as soon as spring arrives.
2. Lack of Water
If the monstera plant is new to you, you might be struggling to sort out its watering needs. The plant is prone to both underwatering and overwatering.
To get this sorted out, make a routine of checking 1-inch or 2-inch of the soil regularly. If it’s dry, water your monstera plant thoroughly.
3. Lack of Light
Another common reason for the slow growth of your monstera plant could be the lack of light. If you notice solid, tiny leaves on your Monstera plants, it is likely they are not getting enough sunlight.
This is a common problem with indoor monstera plants that require immediate attention. For healthy growth, a monstera needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight or growth light.
4. Lack of Nutrients
Just like humans, plants can also require extra nutrients for healthy growth. Yes, the potting soil contains all of the necessary nutrients, but they are conserved by the plant within a few months, leaving the soil depleted.
However, the monstera plant will not die due to a lack of extra nutrients, but it will grow slowly or cease to grow.
5. The Monstera is Rootbound
A plant becomes rootbound when its roots fill the pot, leaving no space for soil. When the roots are bound and coiling around one another, there is no space left for further growth.
Therefore, if your monstera plant has suddenly stopped growing, consider checking its roots in the pot.
Four Effective Tips for Promoting Monstera Growth
Monsteras are adaptable and will rapidly grow if their basic needs are met. There are several ways to keep your monstera plant happy and developing.
Below is a list of four fundamental tips to encourage the growth of the monstera plant in your home.
Tip 1: Provide Optimum Sunlight
Monstera, like any other plant, needs sunlight to make energy. So, if you are growing the monstera indoors, consider placing it near a window where it can get adequate sunlight every day.
But make sure to protect it from harsh direct sunlight; after all, nobody wants a bunch of scorched leaves.
If you have an east-facing window, that could be the perfect home for your monstera plant. In the east direction, it can get gentle sunlight in the morning.
However, a west or south-facing window will also do the job, but you will have to protect it from direct sunlight to avoid scorching your plants.
Tip 2: Maintain Moisture in the Soil
The moisture in your monstera plant plays a crucial role in its health and growth. It can be challenging because you have to maintain a balance between too-wet and too-dry soil.
For this purpose, plant your monstera in a reliable potting mix that drains excess water while staying a little moist rather than completely drying out. Furthermore, always plant in a pot with holes to drain excess water.
But when should you water the monstera? Well, it’s simple. Test your soil at least 2-3 inches deep to check the moisture level. If the soil is dry, water it until the pot starts draining.
Tip 3: Fertilize the Soil
As we have mentioned above, plants require some extra nutrients to stay happy. In the wild, they get all their energy from organic resources, but indoors, their sources are limited to a pot and the soil in it.
Within 6-7 months of planting, the monstera plant uses up all the nutrients in the soil. The plant then requires fertilization to maintain the supply of vitamins and minerals required for growth.
Therefore, invest in a reliable fertilizer to enhance the development of your Monstera plant.
Before purchasing fertilizer, it is also necessary to research to determine the number of nutrients required by a specific plant. For the monstera plant, get a fertilizer with 2% phosphorus, 3% potassium, and 5% nitrogen.
Tip 4: Re-pot Your Monstera
If your monstera plant is not growing because it is root bound, consider re-potting it. A rootbound plant needs extra space to grow its roots and get enough soil.
It is recommended to convert your monstera plant into a bigger pot and change its soil every 2 years to encourage its rapid growth.
If your monstera is growing exceptionally fast and you want to continue it, re-pot it after every year. However, don’t be too quick to re-pot the monstera because it grows best when it is slightly rootbound.
If you follow the above tips your monstera plant could grow the size as shown in the following video
The monstera plant has a large family with more than 45 species all around the world. All of the monstera species have different growth rates.
However, the two most common types of monstera plants, i.e., Monstera adansonii and Monstera deliciosa can grow almost 1-2 feet every year.
Monstera deliciosa is commonly grown indoors and is well-known for its aggressive growth. It can grow to be 12 to 12-15 feet tall if you provide it with adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients.
If you are focused on increasing your monstera’s length, consider giving it something to climb like a plant trellis or a moss pole.
How to Keep a Monstera Plant Small?
Although it is possible to keep your monstera plant small, it can be challenging. These rapidly growing plants can be kept small by limiting their resources, but make sure not to neglect your monstera to avoid severe damage.
Here are a few tips to keep your monstera plant small in size:
Limit access to sunlight: If you want to keep your monstera small, move it to a slightly dark room to limit its access to sunlight. But remember to supply enough sunlight every day to keep it healthy and alive.
Pruning is the key: No matter whether you want to keep your Monstera small or big, pruning is beneficial either way. However, to keep it small, prune your monstera plant every 15 days to ensure it stays healthy and manageable.
Plant in a small pot: The larger the planting pot, the more room for growth. If you are focused on keeping your monstera small, plant it in a small pot and do not re-pot it to limit its area expansion. But to keep your plant healthy, change its soil every year and prune the roots to avoid rootbound.
The Bottom Line
The monstera plant loves to grow and expand. If you’ve recently adopted a baby monstera or have had one for a while, remember that a happy monstera is a growing monstera.
However, if your monstera plant is growing slowly or has stopped growing, it is time to investigate the cause. Once you’ve determined the cause, make the necessary adjustments and follow our guide to encourage rapid growth in your monstera plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a monstera plant to reach maturity?
It typically takes 2-3 years for a monstera plant to reach full maturity. But it is necessary to provide the plant with all the energy resources it needs to encourage healthy growth.
What is the typical growing season for a monstera plant?
If a monstera plant is given enough light, moisture, and fertilizer, it can grow all year. However, a monstera typically develops from the spring through the fall.
Conclusion
When it comes to indoor plants that are less demanding and can live life on their terms, the monstera plant is at the top of the list. These exotic plants are easy to adopt and simple to maintain.
The Monsteras are known for their aggressively fast growth and great height, so if your Monstera plant is growing slowly or not at all, there could be a reason.
This blog post discusses techniques and tips for encouraging healthy growth in your monstera plant. So without further ado, scroll down to read an in-depth guide for growing a happy monstera plant.
Hi, my name is Amy Enrich and I have had a keen green thumb since my parents first taught me how to sow a sunflower seed. The process of watching it grow from seed to sprout, sprout to shoot, and then to a full-blown plant is a wonderful sight - I never get bored of it!
I love talking to anyone who will listen about plants, different varieties, how to look after them, and more. That is why I have created Plant Vessel, to help other plant lovers look after their new family members properly and keep them thriving!
Please stick around and enjoy my plant content, and don’t blame me if it influences you to go and buy some more plants!
