How Often Should You Water a Monstera? A Complete Seasonal Guide

The key to watering a Monstera is to prioritize the soil's moisture level over a fixed schedule.¹

As a general rule, you should water your Monstera when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.² This typically translates to watering about once every 1 to 2 weeks, but this frequency will change significantly with the seasons.³

Here is a complete seasonal guide to watering your Monstera:

Seasonal Watering Guide

Season	Plant Status	Watering Frequency Guideline	Key Adjustment
Spring & Summer	Growing Season (Active growth and photosynthesis)	Approximately once a week to once every 10 days.	Water more frequently and deeply, as the plant is actively growing and the soil dries out faster due to warmer temperatures and more light.
Fall & Winter	Dormant Season (Growth slows down)	Approximately once every 2 weeks to once a month.	Reduce frequency dramatically. The plant is less thirsty, and the soil takes much longer to dry out due to cooler temperatures and lower light levels.

How to Water Your Monstera

1. The Finger Test: This is the most important step. Before watering, stick your finger 1 to 2 inches deep into the soil.

   • If it feels dry: It is time to water.⁴

     
     

   • If it feels damp or wet: Wait a few more days and check again.

2. Water Deeply: When you do water, soak the soil thoroughly. Pour water over the top of the soil until you see it drain freely out of the pot's drainage holes.⁵ This ensures the entire root system is hydrated.

   
   

3. Ensure Drainage: Never let your Monstera sit in standing water.⁶ After watering, empty the excess water from the saucer or cachepot within 30 minutes to prevent the roots from sitting in soggy soil, which leads to root rot.⁷

   
   

Factors That Affect Watering Frequency

The 1-2 week guideline is just an estimate. You must adjust based on your home environment:

• Light: Plants in bright, indirect light will dry out faster and need more frequent watering than those in lower light.⁸

  
  

• Temperature: Warmer rooms cause the soil to dry faster, requiring more frequent watering.⁹

  
  

• Humidity: Lower humidity (especially in winter with the heat on) will cause the soil to dry faster. High humidity slows down the drying process.¹⁰

  
  

• Pot Size & Material: Smaller pots dry out faster than large ones.¹¹ Terracotta pots wick away moisture, causing the soil to dry faster than plastic or glazed ceramic pots.

  
  

• Soil Type: A well-draining, "chunky" soil mix will require more frequent watering than dense soil that retains water.

Signs of Watering Issues

Issue	Signs to Look For	Solution
Underwatering	Drooping, wilted leaves; leaves curling or developing crispy, brown edges/tips; very dry soil that pulls away from the pot's edge.	Give the plant a deep, thorough soak.
Overwatering	Yellowing leaves (especially the lower ones); soft, soggy soil that stays wet for days; a foul odor from the soil; mushy stems (advanced root rot).	Allow the soil to dry out completely. If root rot is suspected (wilting plant in wet soil), consider repotting into fresh, dry soil.

🌿 Watering Your Monstera: A Quick Summary

The secret to a healthy Monstera is to avoid rigid schedules and instead focus on the soil's moisture level. As a general rule, water deeply when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.

• Growing Season (Spring/Summer): Water more frequently (roughly every 7-10 days).

• Dormant Season (Fall/Winter): Reduce frequency significantly (roughly every 2-4 weeks).

Always ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot, and adjust your watering based on light, temperature, and pot type. Listen to your plant!