Monsteras are those stunning houseplants with big, split leaves that look like they came straight out of the rainforest.
They’re bold, dramatic, and add an instant tropical vibe to any room.
But if your Monstera is looking a little small, slow-growing, or just “meh,” don’t worry.
There are easy things you can do to help it grow bigger, stronger, and healthier.
It doesn’t take fancy equipment or expert skills—just a little know-how and consistency.
Let’s explore some simple and effective ways to turn your Monstera into the leafy giant it’s meant to be.
Give It the Right Light—But Don’t Fry It
Monsteras love light.
But not just any light.
They don’t want harsh, direct sun beaming down on them all day—that can scorch their beautiful leaves.
What they really love is bright, indirect light.
Think of light filtered through a curtain or light bouncing off a wall near a sunny window.
If your Monstera is in a dark corner, it’s going to struggle.
Its leaves may stay small, and you might not see any of those iconic splits or holes, also called fenestrations.
That’s a sign it’s not getting enough light.
On the flip side, if it’s sitting in full sunlight all afternoon, the leaves might get sunburnt, turning brown or crispy around the edges.
Try moving your plant closer to a window that gets morning sun or a bright room with lots of natural light.
If you’re in a space without much sun, a grow light can be a game changer.
Monsteras don’t need light 24/7—about 10 to 12 hours a day is plenty.
Once it starts getting the right amount of light, you’ll notice bigger, more dramatic leaves showing up in no time.
Watering: Not Too Much, Not Too Little—Just Right
If you want your Monstera to grow big and bold, you have to get watering right.
Overwatering and underwatering are two of the most common mistakes plant parents make.
Monsteras don’t like to sit in soggy soil.
Too much water can lead to root rot, which basically drowns the plant and stops it from growing.
On the other hand, if you forget to water for too long, the leaves can get dry, droopy, or even curl up.
Here’s a simple rule to follow: let the top two inches of soil dry out before watering again.
Stick your finger in the soil.
If it feels dry up to your first or second knuckle, it’s time to water.
If it still feels damp, wait a couple more days.
Make sure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
That way, excess water can escape instead of sitting at the roots.
And always empty the saucer after watering—don’t let the pot sit in water.
Monsteras love a deep drink, but they need time to breathe in between.
Getting that balance right is one of the best ways to keep your Monstera growing strong.
Feed Your Monstera Like a Hungry Teenager
Just like people, plants need food to grow.
And Monsteras are no exception.
If you want those big, bold leaves, you need to feed your plant—especially during the growing season, which is spring through early fall.
A general-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer works great.
Something balanced like 20-20-20 or even one made just for leafy green plants.
You don’t need to go overboard.
Once a month is plenty during the active growing months.
During the winter, when the plant slows down, you can take a break from feeding.
Too much fertilizer can actually hurt the plant.
It might cause brown tips, stunted growth, or salt buildup in the soil.
Always follow the directions on the bottle.
Some plant parents even water down their fertilizer a bit to be extra gentle.
Think of fertilizer as a vitamin boost—it gives your Monstera the nutrients it needs to reach its full potential.
Without it, the plant might survive, but it won’t thrive.
Let It Climb—Monsteras Like to Go Up
In the wild, Monstera plants grow up the sides of trees, using their aerial roots to grab onto bark and climb higher and higher toward the light.
They’re natural climbers, not bushy shrubs.
So if you want your Monstera to grow bigger and healthier, give it something to climb.
A moss pole, a coir pole, or even a sturdy piece of wood will do the trick.
Once you give your Monstera support, you’ll see a big difference in how it grows.
The stems will become stronger, and the leaves will get larger and more deeply split.
Use plant ties or soft Velcro strips to gently attach the stems to the pole.
Don’t force them—just guide them.
Over time, the plant will grab onto the support on its own.
Adding a climbing pole isn’t just about looks (though it does make your Monstera look amazing).
It actually helps the plant grow the way it was meant to.
And when a plant feels “at home,” it grows better.
Repot When It Outgrows Its Home
Monsteras don’t like to be crammed into tiny pots.
If their roots don’t have room to stretch out, the plant can become root-bound—and that slows down growth.
How do you know it’s time to repot?
Check the bottom of the pot.
If you see roots growing out of the drainage holes, or if the plant starts drying out really fast after watering, it might be time to size up.
Another sign?
If your Monstera looks top-heavy or the growth has stalled, that could mean the roots have run out of room.
When you repot, go up just one pot size—maybe two inches wider than the current pot.
Monsteras like a snug fit, but not a tight squeeze.
Use a chunky, well-draining potting mix.
You can buy Monstera soil or make your own by mixing potting soil with perlite, orchid bark, and a little compost.
Repotting gives the roots more room to grow, which means the rest of the plant will grow too.
It’s like moving from a tiny apartment to a spacious house—the plant will love the extra space.
Clean the Leaves—Yes, Really
It might sound silly, but dusty leaves can slow down your Monstera’s growth.
Plants “breathe” through little pores in their leaves.
If those pores get clogged with dust, the plant can’t take in carbon dioxide as well.
That means slower photosynthesis and less energy for growth.
Every couple of weeks, take a soft cloth or damp sponge and gently wipe down each leaf.
You can also give the plant a quick shower in the sink or tub if it’s small enough.
Make sure the water is lukewarm—not too hot or cold.
Not only will your Monstera breathe better, but it’ll also look shinier and healthier.
And while you’re at it, check for any pests like spider mites or scale.
Catching them early makes a huge difference.
Clean leaves = happy plant.
It’s that simple.
Trim to Win—Don’t Be Afraid to Prune
Pruning might sound like something only pros do, but trust me, it’s easy—and super helpful.
If your Monstera is getting leggy, has a few yellowing leaves, or is growing in weird directions, a little trim can help shape it up.
Cut just above a leaf node—the bump where a leaf grows out of the stem.
This encourages the plant to send out new shoots from that spot.
If you cut a stem, you can even propagate it and grow a whole new Monstera from the cutting.
Just stick the cut end in water, and after a few weeks, you’ll see roots forming.
Pruning is also a good way to remove damaged or old leaves that are no longer helping the plant.
By trimming, you’re helping the Monstera use its energy more efficiently.
Less waste, more growth.
So grab those clean scissors and don’t be shy—your plant will bounce back better than ever.
Keep It Warm and Cozy
Monsteras are tropical plants.
That means they don’t like the cold.
If your home gets chilly in the winter or has a lot of cold drafts, your Monstera might slow down or even stop growing completely.
They like temperatures between 65°F and 85°F.
Anything below 50°F can start to cause problems.
Keep your plant away from cold windows, air conditioners, or drafty doors.
At night, make sure it’s not sitting next to a window that gets icy cold.
During the day, make sure it’s not too close to a heater that dries out the air.
If your home gets dry in winter, a small humidifier can really help.
Monsteras love a bit of humidity.
It helps the leaves stay lush and the roots stay hydrated.
If you don’t want to use a humidifier, placing a tray of water near the plant or grouping it with other plants can also increase the moisture in the air.
A warm, humid space will keep your Monstera growing—even when it’s cold outside.
Talk to Your Plant—No, Seriously
It might sound a little silly, but spending time with your Monstera makes a difference.
When you check in on your plant often, you’ll notice small changes.
You’ll see new leaves forming, roots growing, or a shift in how the stems stretch toward the light.
You’ll also notice early signs of trouble—like drooping, spotting, or pests—before they become a big problem.
Touch the soil.
Feel the leaves.
Watch the way the plant moves during the day.
The more you observe, the more you learn.
And the more you learn, the easier it is to keep your Monstera healthy and growing.
Some plant lovers even swear their Monsteras grow better when they talk to them.
Whether that’s true or not, spending time with your plant definitely creates a stronger bond—and that helps you care for it better.
Final Thoughts
Monsteras have a way of turning any space into something special.
With their big, dramatic leaves and bold personality, they’re one of the most loved houseplants for a reason.
But getting your Monstera to grow bigger and healthier takes more than just water and sunlight.
It takes attention, patience, and a few simple habits.
Give it the right light.
Water it wisely.
Feed it regularly.
Let it climb, stretch, and reach for the sky.
Repot it when it needs more room.
Wipe those leaves, prune with confidence, and keep it warm and cozy.
Before you know it, your Monstera will become the star of your plant collection.
So take the time to understand what it needs—and watch it grow into something truly amazing.