Discover the small Mistakes that are Secretly Slowing Down Your Monstera’s Growth. Learn what to avoid for faster results.
Monsteras are loved for their big, tropical leaves and quick-growing nature. But sometimes, even with good care, your Monstera might not be growing as fast as expected. The truth is, there may be small mistakes happening that quietly slow down its growth. These issues often go unnoticed but can make a big difference over time.
Here are the most common hidden mistakes that might be holding back your Monstera—and how you can fix them.
Mistakes that are Secretly Slowing Down Your Monstera’s Growth
1. Using a Pot That’s Too Small
Monsteras have large roots that need room to grow. If the plant is stuck in a tight pot for too long, the roots become crowded and can’t take in enough nutrients or water. This makes the plant stop growing or produce smaller leaves. Check the bottom of the pot regularly. If you see roots poking out or circling the inside, it’s time to repot into a slightly larger container.
2. Keeping the Plant in One Direction Too Long
Monsteras naturally grow toward the light. If the plant stays in the same position all the time, it will lean to one side, and some parts may grow faster than others. This uneven growth can weaken the plant’s structure and slow its progress overall. Rotating the plant slightly every week encourages balanced growth and helps all sides of the plant stay healthy.
3. Allowing Dust to Gather on the Leaves
Dust might seem harmless, but it acts like a layer of shade. Monsteras need light for energy, and dusty leaves block that light. Over time, this slows down photosynthesis and reduces growth. Cleaning the leaves gently with a soft, damp cloth every few weeks will keep them shiny and help the plant breathe and grow properly.
4. Watering Without Checking the Soil
Overwatering and underwatering are both harmful. If you water your Monstera only by schedule without checking the soil, it might be stressed. Wet soil can cause root rot, while dry soil can stop new leaves from forming. Before watering, stick your finger two inches into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, wait a bit longer.
5. Not Providing Any Support
Monstera is a climbing plant in nature. Without something to hold on to, they may start to sprawl, grow slowly, or produce smaller leaves. A moss pole or a sturdy stake gives your plant a structure to climb, encouraging stronger and faster upward growth. It also helps the plant look more attractive and organized.
6. Pruning Too Much at One Time
Trimming your Monstera helps keep it neat and can even encourage new growth. But if you cut too many leaves at once, the plant can go into shock. It may stop growing for a while or take longer to recover. Always prune gently and only remove a few leaves at a time, especially during colder months when growth is already slow.
7. Trying to Force Growth in Winter
Monsteras grow more in spring and summer. During fall and winter, they naturally rest. If you keep feeding or watering heavily during this quiet period, you might be doing more harm than good. Forcing growth during rest time can lead to weak, stressed plants. Let your Monstera take its break and resume active care when warm weather returns.
8. Cutting Off or Hiding Aerial Roots
Aerial roots are those long, stringy roots that grow from the stems. While they may look odd, they help the Monstera anchor itself and take in extra moisture. Cutting them off or always pushing them back into the pot can limit your plant’s natural growth style. It’s best to let them grow freely or gently guide them toward a moss pole or into the soil.
9. Burying the Stems by Mistake
Monsteras grow in jungles where it uses its aerial roots to cling to trees and climb. Some people think it’s helpful to bury these roots in the soil to give the plant more support, and that part is okay. But there’s a big mistake many people make—they bury the main stem too deep in the soil.
But that idea backfired. By putting the stem too deep in the soil, it stayed too wet and started to rot. Unlike roots, Monstera stems aren’t supposed to be underground. When they’re buried, they can rot easily, and stem rot is one of the worst problems a Monstera can face. It can damage or even kill the plant.
To avoid this mistake, always repot your Monstera at the same depth it was growing before. Don’t push the stem deeper into the soil just to fix a droopy look. It may seem like a quick fix, but it can lead to serious trouble.
Keep the main stems above the soil, and if they need support, use a moss pole or stake instead of burying them. This will keep your plant healthy and strong.
10. Putting Gravel in the Bottom of the Pot
You might have heard that adding a layer of gravel at the bottom of your plant pots helps with drainage. For years, it was a popular tip meant to keep roots from sitting in water and prevent rot. But when it comes to Monstera, this old trick can actually do more harm than good.
When you use gravel at the bottom of the pot, your Monstera’s roots end up sitting in this wet soil longer than they should. That leads to root rot, the very problem you were trying to avoid.
So what should you do instead?
- Use a pot with plenty of drainage holes so water can flow out easily.
- Choose a loose, well-draining soil mix that allows air to reach the roots.
- You can keep your Monstera in a plastic nursery pot and place that inside a prettier outer pot if you want.
