Monstera plants have become a favorite for indoor plant lovers, with their large, beautiful leaves and unique patterns.
But as easy-going as these plants may seem, they do have specific needs to thrive indoors.
Even experienced plant owners make common mistakes that can lead to drooping, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth.
The good news is that by understanding these common mistakes, you can keep your monstera looking as vibrant and healthy as ever.
Let’s dive into the top nine mistakes people make with monstera plants and how you can avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Spot
One of the most common mistakes with monstera plants is placing them in the wrong location.
Monstera plants love bright, indirect light and can tolerate some lower light but will struggle in very dark spaces.
If your monstera doesn’t get enough light, it can become leggy, with weak stems and smaller leaves.
On the flip side, placing it in direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, leading to brown patches.
To find the perfect spot, place your monstera near a window where it can enjoy plenty of light without direct exposure.
South or east-facing windows are usually ideal for monstera plants.
Finding the right location will give your monstera the light it needs to grow strong and develop those beautiful split leaves.
2. Overwatering
Monstera plants don’t like to sit in soggy soil, yet overwatering is a common issue.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, which often shows up as yellowing leaves and a mushy base.
To avoid this, let the top inch or two of soil dry out before watering again.
Checking soil moisture is easy—just stick your finger in the soil.
If it feels dry about an inch down, it’s time to water.
When you do water, make sure the excess drains out of the pot to prevent water from sitting at the bottom.
This way, your monstera will get the hydration it needs without the risk of root rot.
3. Using the Wrong Soil
The type of soil you use for monstera plants can make a big difference in their health.
These plants prefer well-draining, airy soil that allows roots to breathe.
A dense, compact soil can hold too much moisture, increasing the risk of root rot.
Instead, use a mix that includes ingredients like peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark.
You can also look for potting mixes labeled for tropical plants or aroids, which are designed to offer the right balance of moisture and drainage.
Avoid using garden soil or heavy, clay-based mixes, as these don’t drain well in pots.
With the right soil, your monstera’s roots will stay healthy and well-aerated.
4. Ignoring Humidity Needs
Monstera plants are tropical and love higher humidity levels, which many homes don’t naturally provide.
Low humidity can lead to crispy, browning leaf edges and slow growth.
If you live in a dry area, consider using a humidifier near your monstera to increase the moisture in the air.
You can also place a tray of water with pebbles under the plant to create a bit of humidity as the water evaporates.
Grouping your monstera with other plants is another way to raise the humidity around it.
By paying attention to humidity, you’ll help your monstera thrive with lush, green foliage.
5. Neglecting to Dust the Leaves
It may seem minor, but dusty leaves can affect a monstera plant’s ability to absorb light and photosynthesize.
Monstera leaves are large and can easily collect dust over time.
Dusty leaves can block light, which the plant needs to stay healthy and grow.
To keep your monstera’s leaves clean, gently wipe them with a damp cloth every few weeks.
This simple step not only keeps the plant looking its best but also allows it to absorb light more efficiently.
Taking a moment to dust your monstera’s leaves can make a noticeable difference in its growth and vibrancy.
6. Not Providing Enough Support
As monstera plants grow, their large leaves and climbing nature make them prone to leaning or even falling over.
In their natural habitat, monsteras use trees and other structures to climb, which is how they develop those iconic, split leaves.
If your monstera is getting tall or producing large leaves, it may benefit from a support stake or moss pole.
A moss pole, in particular, mimics the plant’s natural environment, encouraging it to attach and grow upward.
By providing support, you’ll help your monstera grow taller and healthier, with larger, more impressive leaves.
7. Fertilizing Incorrectly
Monstera plants need nutrients to fuel their growth, but fertilizing incorrectly can lead to problems.
Too much fertilizer can burn the roots, while too little can result in weak, stunted growth.
For healthy growth, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season, typically spring through early fall.
A 20-20-20 fertilizer diluted to half-strength works well for monstera plants.
Avoid fertilizing in the winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.
Feeding your monstera correctly will provide the nutrients it needs without the risk of over-fertilizing.
8. Repotting at the Wrong Time
Repotting is essential for monstera plants as they grow, but timing matters.
Repotting at the wrong time, such as during the winter or late fall, can stress the plant.
The best time to repot monstera is in the spring, at the start of its active growing season.
This allows the plant to settle into its new pot and recover from any transplant shock.
Choose a pot that’s one size larger than the current one, with good drainage.
Repotting at the right time will give your monstera a healthy start and room to grow.
9. Neglecting to Prune
Pruning may not seem necessary, but regular pruning helps keep monstera plants healthy and manageable.
Over time, monsteras can grow leggy, with long stems that make the plant look sparse.
Pruning allows you to remove any dead, damaged, or overly long stems, keeping the plant compact and full.
Cut back stems that are growing too long or aren’t producing leaves.
You can even propagate these cuttings to grow new plants.
Pruning regularly helps your monstera stay full and encourages healthy, bushy growth.
Final Thoughts
Monstera plants are incredibly rewarding and add a touch of the tropics to any home.
Avoiding these common mistakes will help your monstera thrive, producing those stunning, split leaves that make these plants so popular.
From choosing the right spot to understanding their water, soil, and support needs, a little attention goes a long way.
With the right care, your monstera will reward you with beautiful, lush growth season after season.
Enjoy your monstera, and remember, even small adjustments can make a big difference in its health and appearance!