Monsteras are tropical plants that bring a touch of the jungle into your home.
With their bold, holey leaves and fast-growing nature, it’s no surprise they’ve become a favorite for plant lovers everywhere.
But when it comes to watering, things can get tricky.
Too little, and your Monstera will droop and struggle.
Too much, and you risk root rot—a silent plant killer.
So how do you know when to water?
How often is just right?
Don’t worry.
You’re about to learn exactly how to keep your Monstera happy and hydrated—without drowning it or letting it go thirsty.
Let’s dig into everything you need to know about watering your Monstera the right way.
Every Plant Has Its Rhythm—Monsteras Included
There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule for watering Monsteras.
They don’t follow a calendar like people do.
Instead, they follow the rhythm of their environment—light, temperature, humidity, and even the size of the pot they’re in.
Some people try to stick to a strict once-a-week watering routine.
But the truth is, that might work for one Monstera and totally fail for another.
That’s because the conditions in your home are different from everyone else’s.
Your Monstera might live near a bright window with dry air.
Someone else’s could be in a shady corner with high humidity.
Both plants will need water—but not on the same schedule.
Instead of watering by the calendar, learn to water by feel.
Your plant will let you know when it’s thirsty if you learn what to look for.
The Finger Test: Your Plant’s Best Friend
Forget complicated moisture meters.
You already have the perfect tool to check if your Monstera needs water—your finger.
Stick it into the soil about two inches deep, up to your second knuckle.
If the soil feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water.
If it still feels moist, wait a couple more days and check again.
Why two inches?
Because that’s where the roots start pulling in moisture.
The top layer of soil dries out fast from air and sunlight, but what really matters is what’s happening below the surface.
This simple test helps you avoid overwatering, which is one of the most common mistakes Monstera owners make.
Once you get used to checking the soil with your finger, you’ll start to get a feel for your plant’s unique rhythm.
That’s when you truly become in sync with your Monstera.
Watch the Leaves—They’re Talking to You
Your Monstera’s leaves are like a mood ring.
They change depending on how the plant is feeling, especially when it comes to water.
If the leaves are perky, wide open, and glossy, things are going well.
But if they start to droop, curl, or turn yellow, it’s time to pay attention.
Droopy leaves can mean two different things: either the plant is thirsty or it’s been overwatered.
That’s where the finger test comes in again—check the soil to find out which one it is.
Crispy brown edges?
Usually a sign of underwatering or dry air.
Yellow leaves with soft, mushy stems?
You’re probably dealing with overwatering and possibly root rot.
Don’t just rely on a schedule.
Your plant will give you signs when something’s off.
The more time you spend with your Monstera, the easier it is to read its “leaf language.”
How Much Water Should You Use?
When it’s time to water your Monstera, don’t just sprinkle the top of the soil and walk away.
That won’t cut it.
You want to give your plant a deep, thorough drink.
Keep watering until water starts to drain out of the bottom of the pot.
This makes sure the roots get what they need—and it flushes out any leftover salts or fertilizer buildup in the soil.
But don’t let your plant sit in water.
Always empty the saucer or catch tray after about 15 minutes.
Standing water can lead to root rot, even if the top of the soil looks dry.
If your pot doesn’t have drainage holes, it’s time to change that.
Monsteras hate having wet feet.
Good drainage is non-negotiable.
So water deeply, let it drain, and then let the soil dry out a bit before the next watering.
It’s that balance that keeps your Monstera healthy.
The Pot Size and Soil Matter More Than You Think
How often you water your Monstera doesn’t just depend on the plant—it also depends on the pot and the soil it’s living in.
Let’s start with the pot.
If your Monstera is in a small pot, it’ll dry out faster and need watering more often.
Larger pots hold more soil, which means more moisture sticks around for longer.
But if that soil doesn’t drain well, that extra moisture can become a problem.
Now, about the soil.
Monsteras like light, chunky soil that drains quickly but still holds some moisture.
Think of a mix with potting soil, perlite, orchid bark, and a little peat moss.
If your soil feels heavy, compact, or stays wet for days, it’s time to repot.
Good soil lets air reach the roots while keeping just enough moisture to keep them happy.
The wrong soil can either dry out too fast or stay soggy too long—both of which slow down growth and cause stress.
Choosing the right pot and soil makes a huge difference in how often you’ll need to water.
Seasonal Changes = Watering Changes
Monsteras don’t grow the same way year-round.
In spring and summer, they’re in growth mode—pushing out new leaves and stretching toward the light.
That means they’re drinking more water and need to be watered more often.
In fall and winter, growth slows down or even stops completely.
The days are shorter, the air is drier, and the soil takes longer to dry out.
If you keep watering the same way all year, you could end up overwatering in the colder months.
So adjust with the seasons.
In summer, you might water every 5 to 7 days.
In winter, it could be closer to every 10 to 14 days—or even longer.
Again, don’t guess.
Check the soil and listen to your plant.
It will always tell you what it needs, even when the weather outside changes.
Humidity Plays a Big Role in Watering Needs
Monsteras come from tropical forests where the air is warm and humid.
If your home has low humidity, especially in the winter, your Monstera might dry out faster and need more water.
If your space is naturally humid—or you use a humidifier—your plant will lose less moisture through its leaves, and the soil may stay moist longer.
That means fewer waterings.
Humidity also helps your Monstera stay lush and prevents leaf tips from turning brown.
You don’t need to turn your home into a rainforest.
But even a little extra humidity can help your plant feel more at home—and stay properly hydrated.
A hygrometer can help you track your room’s humidity levels.
If it’s below 40%, it’s probably too dry for your Monstera.
Raise it just a little, and your plant will thank you with bigger, healthier leaves.
Should You Mist Your Monstera?
Misting is one of those things people either swear by or skip entirely.
So what’s the truth?
Misting can add a tiny bit of humidity around the plant, but it doesn’t replace proper watering.
It won’t soak the roots or do much if the soil is bone dry.
That said, a light misting can help remove dust from leaves and make them look fresh.
Just don’t mist too often or too heavily, especially in low light.
Wet leaves that stay damp too long can attract pests or cause fungal problems.
If you do mist, use filtered water and mist in the morning so the leaves have time to dry by nightfall.
But remember—your Monstera drinks from its roots, not its leaves.
Focus on the soil first, and treat misting as a bonus, not a must.
Traveling or Forgetful? Try a Watering Hack
Let’s be honest—sometimes we forget to water.
Or maybe you’re traveling and worried your Monstera won’t make it through the week without you.
That’s where self-watering hacks come in.
You can use watering spikes, glass globes, or even a DIY wick system to keep the soil moist while you’re away.
Another trick?
Water your Monstera thoroughly right before you leave, and move it to a slightly cooler, lower-light area.
This slows down evaporation and helps the soil stay moist longer.
Just be sure not to leave the pot sitting in water.
Even while you’re gone, drainage is still key.
Technology can help too.
If you’re someone who loves gadgets, moisture sensors with alerts or automatic watering devices can be a game-changer.
The goal isn’t to water less—it’s to water smarter.
And these little tools can help you stay on track.
Signs You’re Watering Just Right
So how do you know if you’ve found the sweet spot?
Here are a few signs your watering routine is working:
The leaves are large, glossy, and firm to the touch.
New growth appears regularly, and the leaves are getting splits or holes (fenestrations).
The soil feels dry on top but still moist below when you check.
There’s no yellowing, drooping, or brown spots.
You aren’t seeing pests or fungus gnats buzzing around the pot.
If your Monstera is thriving and growing, you’re doing something right.
Keep up the consistency, and adjust only when you see changes in your plant or your environment.
Every Monstera is different.
But once you find its rhythm, watering becomes second nature.
Final Thoughts
Watering your Monstera the right way isn’t about strict rules or rigid schedules.
It’s about paying attention, checking the soil, and responding to what your plant needs in the moment.
There’s no magic number of days between waterings.
Instead, use your senses—feel the soil, look at the leaves, and trust your instincts.
Learn to adjust based on the season, humidity, and light.
And don’t be afraid to tweak your routine as your Monstera grows.
Because when you really understand your plant, watering stops being a chore—and starts becoming a connection.
And that’s when your Monstera truly begins to thrive.