5 Easy Steps to Repot a Monstera for Bigger, Healthier Growth

Repotting monsteras from time to time is a must. Whether you’re growing the classic Monstera deliciosa, or the highly coveted cream-splashed ‘Thai Constellation’ variety, or even dainty Monstera adansonii, their fast growth rate and sprawling stems can quickly overwhelm their pots. Then they become rootbound and stop growing in their now undersized containers.

Easily repot any type of monstera with this step-by-step guide to ensure that your plants have as much room as they need to produce those stunning, one-of-a-kind leaves.

When to Repot Monstera

Like many other houseplants, monstera should be repotted every 1-3 years, and young plants need to be repotted a bit more often than established monstera. Repotting monstera in early spring is recommended since plants recover faster at this time of the year. But if your plants are looking stressed, you can repot monstera in other seasons, too.

Making a habit of regularly repotting monstera is the best way to keep your plants in top form. But if you’ve lost track of the last time you repotted, here are a few signs that your monstera is due for a new pot.

• Stunted growth. Some houseplants don’t mind being rootbound, but not monstera. When these plants get too big for their pots, they’ll stop growing and won’t produce new leaves.
• Yellowing or dull leaves. Rootbound plants can’t absorb nutrients well and this can cause leaves to yellow, turn brown around the edges, or develop a dull appearance. Just keep in mind that yellowing or browning leaves can also be caused by nutrient deficiencies and watering issues, so it’s important to eliminate these potential stressors before repotting.
• Visible roots. If your monstera’s roots are showing through the drainage holes of its pot or those roots are spreading over the soil’s surface, it’s time to repot your plant. However, if your plant just has a lot of visible aerial roots, it doesn’t necessarily need a new pot.
• Broken planters. Sometimes monstera roots can get so massive that they burst through the sides of their pot. This is an unmistakable sign that repotting is needed.
• Degraded soil. Potting mixes break down over time, which can result in cracked soil and drainage issues. Repotting your plant and adding new potting mix should correct this problem.
• Root rot. Overwatered plants can usually be fixed by allowing the soil to dry out and adjusting your watering schedule. But if your plant is severely overwatered and root rot has set in, you may need to repot.
• Overgrown leaves or unwieldy plants. Repotting top-heavy and overgrown monsteras into larger and heavier containers can keep unwieldy plants from toppling over. However, sometimes floppy plants just need a plant stake or moss pole.

How to Repot Monstera

When you’re ready to repot your monstera, select a container that’s just one or two sizes larger than your existing pot. Choosing oversized pots may seem like a good idea, but it can lead to watering and drainage issues. Make sure there’s a hole in the bottom for drainage. Then follow these steps to move your monstera into its new pot.

1. Water Your Monstera

The night before you intend to repot your monstera, give your plant a deep drink of water. Well-watered plants are less likely to succumb to transplant shock, but pre-watering also makes it easier to remove plants from their pots.

2. Remove the Old Pot

To remove your monstera from its pot, tip the pot to the side, grasp the monstera’s stems with your free hand, and gently wriggle your plant out of its pot. If your monstera isn’t budging, tap the sides of the pot with your knuckles and then run a butterknife along the interior rim of the pot to loosen the soil. When the pot is loose, use two hands to lift your monstera up and be sure to support the plant’s root ball and stems at all times to avoid breaks. This may be a two-person job if you’re working with a large plant.

3. Tidy Up the Roots

When your monstera is free from its pot, use your fingers to rub away as much of the old soil as you can and carefully tease apart tangled roots. As you work, keep a lookout for damaged or mushy roots and clip rotted sections away with sterilized scissors. Monstera sap can irritate skin, so you may want to wear gloves and repot your plant over newspapers or a tarp to capture any mess.

4. Repot Your Plant

Fill your new pot about 1/3 of the way up with fresh potting mix. Then position your monstera in the pot at the same depth that it was growing in its original container. Add more potting mix to bring the soil level to about 1 inch below the pot’s rim, firm the soil around your plant’s stems to keep them upright, and install a moss pole or other plant support if your plant needs it. Aerial roots can be gently slipped into the soil while you’re repotting or you can allow these roots to climb up your plant support.

5. Water Well

After repotting your monstera, water your plant thoroughly to help it settle in, and then return your plant to its original growing location. Continue to water your monstera regularly but avoid fertilizing your plant for at least six to eight weeks. If your plant displays any wilting or other signs of transplant shock, continue to provide your plant with water and bright, indirect light and it should recover on its own.