7 Science-Backed Tips to Supercharge Your Monstera Growth

Monsteras are popular for their dramatic, holey leaves and fast growth. While these plants naturally grow quickly, you can boost their growth rate and encourage larger, more fenestrated leaves by creating the right environment. This post shares seven proven, science-backed ways to help your Monstera grow faster, healthier, and fuller.

!Close-up view of a Monstera deliciosa leaf with large fenestrations

Give Your Monstera Brighter, Indirect Light

Light powers photosynthesis, the process plants use to convert energy into growth. More light means faster growth, but Monsteras prefer bright, indirect sunlight rather than harsh direct rays.

• Best location: Near an east or south-facing window where the plant receives 2 to 3 hours of gentle morning sun.

• Avoid: Direct afternoon sun, which can scorch leaves.

• If your home is dark: Use a grow light positioned 25–45 cm above the plant for 8 to 10 hours daily.

• Signs your Monstera needs more light:

- Long, leggy stems stretching toward light

- Smaller leaves with fewer holes or splits

Providing the right light conditions is the single most effective way to speed up your Monstera’s growth.

Water Deeply but Only When Needed

Watering correctly keeps roots healthy and supports new leaf growth. Overwatering causes root rot, while underwatering slows growth and causes droopy leaves.

• Water when: The top 5–7 cm (2–3 inches) of soil feels dry.

• How to water: Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom.

• After watering: Empty any water collected in the tray to prevent soggy soil.

• Avoid: Constantly wet soil or letting the plant sit in water.

• Underwatering signs:

- Droopy leaves

- Dry, crispy leaf edges

- Slowed growth

Proper watering encourages strong roots and faster leaf production.

Use a Chunky, Well-Draining Soil Mix

Monsteras need oxygen around their roots to grow quickly. A chunky soil mix improves airflow and drainage, preventing waterlogging and root rot.

• Ideal mix:

- 40% potting soil

- 30% orchid bark

- 20% perlite

- 10% coco chips or peat

• Benefits:

- Allows roots to spread easily

- Prevents soggy soil conditions

- Supports healthy root development

Healthy roots lead to faster growth and bigger leaves.

Feed Your Monstera During the Growing Season

Monsteras grow fastest from spring through early fall. Feeding them regularly during this time provides essential nutrients for leaf and stem development.

• Fertilizer schedule: Every 2 to 4 weeks

• Type: Balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK 20-20-20) or a complete liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength.

• Bonus: Use a slow-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season for a steady nutrient supply.

• Avoid: Fertilizing in winter, which can damage roots when the plant is dormant.

  
  

Regular feeding supports vigorous growth and fuller foliage.

Maintain Optimal Humidity Levels

Monsteras thrive in humid environments similar to their native tropical habitats. Higher humidity encourages faster growth and healthier leaves.

• Ideal humidity: 60% or higher

• Ways to increase humidity:

- Use a humidifier near the plant

- Group plants together to create a microclimate

- Place the pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles (avoid direct contact with water)

• Signs of low humidity:

- Brown leaf edges

- Curling leaves

- Slower growth

Boosting humidity helps your Monstera produce larger, more vibrant leaves.

Prune Regularly to Encourage Bushier Growth

Pruning helps your Monstera focus energy on new growth and prevents it from becoming leggy.

• When to prune: Early spring or during active growth periods

• How to prune:

- Cut back long, leggy stems just above a node (where leaves attach)

- Remove any yellow or damaged leaves

• Benefits:

- Stimulates branching and fuller foliage

- Encourages larger leaves with more fenestrations

Regular pruning keeps your Monstera healthy and promotes faster, denser growth.

Repot When Roots Outgrow the Pot

Monsteras grow quickly and can become root-bound, which limits growth.

• Signs to repot:

- Roots growing out of drainage holes

- Soil dries out very quickly after watering

- Plant looks top-heavy or stunted

• Repotting tips:

- Choose a pot 2–4 cm larger in diameter

- Use fresh chunky soil mix

- Gently loosen root ball before planting

Repotting refreshes nutrients and gives roots room to expand, speeding up growth.