Repotting & Pruning: When and How to Handle Your Growing Monster

As your Monstera deliciosa matures from a small, juvenile plant into a thriving "monster," it will eventually outgrow its container and need a trim. Repotting and pruning are essential maintenance tasks that ensure your plant remains healthy, manageable, and continues to produce those desirable, giant leaves.

Photo by: Gemini

🪴 1. Repotting: Moving Your Monster Up

Repotting is necessary when the Monstera has exhausted the nutrients in its soil and its roots have run out of room.

When to Repot

• Frequency: Repotting is typically needed every 1 to 2 years. Fast growers may need it annually.

• The Root Check: The clearest sign is when you see a lot of roots circling the bottom of the pot or growing out of the drainage holes. If you gently slide the plant out of the pot and see more roots than soil, it's time!

• Best Timing: Always repot in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. This allows it to quickly recover from the stress of being moved.

How to Repot

1. Choose the Next Size Up: Select a new container that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot. Going too large holds excess moisture, which significantly increases the risk of root rot.

2. Prepare the New Pot: Fill the bottom of the new pot with your chunky, well-draining aroid mix (see our guide on soil!).

3. Remove and Inspect: Gently loosen the plant from its old pot. Inspect the root ball and lightly massage it to uncurl any tightly circling roots. Trim off any dark, mushy (rotten) roots using clean shears.

4. Place and Fill: Center the plant in the new pot. The top of the root ball should be about an inch below the rim. Fill in the sides with the fresh soil mix.

5. Water Deeply: Water thoroughly to settle the new soil around the roots. Do not fertilize for at least 4-6 weeks after repotting.

Photoby: Gemini

✂️ 2. Pruning: Controlling Size and Shape

Pruning is done for aesthetics, health, and to encourage bushier growth.

Why You Should Prune

• Control Size: Monstera can quickly become very wide and take up a lot of space. Pruning helps keep them contained.

• Encourage Bushiness: Cutting back long, leggy stems can encourage new growth points to emerge near the base, resulting in a fuller plant.

• Health: Remove any dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves immediately to direct the plant's energy toward new, healthy growth.

Where and How to Cut

• Sterilize: Always use clean, sharp shears or scissors.

• Target the Node: For structural cuts, always prune just above a node (the bump on the stem where a leaf or aerial root emerges). A new shoot will emerge from the node just below the cut.

• Use the Cuttings: Never discard the pruned stem segments! If they contain a node and a leaf, they are perfect for propagation (see our propagation guide!).

💡 Pruning Caution: Leaf Stems vs. Main Stem

Be careful what you cut!

• Leaf Stem (Petiole): This is the long stalk attaching the leaf blade to the main stem. If the leaf is yellowed or damaged, cut the petiole back close to the main stem.

• Main Stem: This is the thick, core vine that supports the whole plant. Pruning the main stem is what you do when you want to take a cutting or stop vertical growth.

Regular maintenance ensures your growing monster remains manageable, happy, and a beautiful focal point in your home!