Repotting your Monstera deliciosa or Swiss Cheese plant? How can you tell when it’s time to repot your Monstera? Here I’ll go through step by step how to repot your Monstera and how to tell when it’s time to repot your Monstera. Also, it doesn’t matter what type of Monstera you have- the variegated type or not- the same repotting rules apply to all Monstera plants.
When to Repot your Monstera Plant?
Before we get into how to repot your Monstera. Let’s first go over how to tell when to repot your Monstera. There are 3 things to check for as you decide whether or not to repot your Monstera.
1. Check for signs that your Monstera has outgrown its current pot
If you see the roots coming through the drainage holes of your Monstera. This is a sign that your Monstera has outgrown its current pot. It’s time to repot your Monstera.
2. Your Monstera is not growing bigger
If you want your Monstera to grow bigger, you should repot your Monstera in a larger pot. A pot that is too small can stunt the growth of your Monstera. Replant it in a larger pot and it will grow bigger. And alternatively, if you think your Monstera has reached its optimal size, then you should stop repotting.
3. Your Monstera Keeps Toppling Over
Monstera deliciosa are big indoor plants. If your current pot is not heavy enough and your Monstera is prone to toppling over. You should repot your Monstera to a heavier pot so it will be more stable and not topple over.
Do you need to repot your new Monstera plant?
Newly purchased Monstera plant don’t need to be replanted immediately unless it is in a pot that has no drainage holes. Check the bottom of the pot of your new Monstera. Are there drainage holes? Make sure you double-check that there is no grow pot underneath with drainage holes. If there are no drainage holes, then you should repot your new Monstera. You don’t want your Monstera to sit in soggy soil, it can cause root rot which is fatal for your Monstera.
What Soil Should You Use for Repotting Monstera deliciosa?
When repotting Monstera deliciosa, use well-draining, organic, all-purpose potting soil. Only buy organic soil mix because the fertilizer is not as concentrated in organic soil. Non-organic soil should really only be used for outdoor plants.
What Size Pot Should You Repot your Monstera in?
Repot your Monstera in a pot that is 3-4 inches larger than its current pot. Make sure you pick a pot with drainage holes. Also, if you have a large Monstera, make sure your new pot is heavy enough so it doesn’t topple over.
How to Repot your Monstera?
Step 1: Water the Monstera Plant
Water the Monstera plant that you will be repotting. The moist soil will help make it easier to repot. You can start watering 1-2 days before repotting your Monstera.
Step 2: Fill the Bottom of the New Pot with an Organic Potting Mix
Fill the bottom of the new pot with an Organic Potting mix. Make sure you crumble any soil that is in big clumps.
Step 3: Remove the Monstera from its current pot
Remove the Monstera deliciosa from its current pot. If you are struggling to remove the Monstera from its current pot, you can use a butter knife along the edge to help you but be careful with the roots. Try squeezing the pot or shaking it out first before using a knife.
Step 4: Massage the Roots before Planting Monstera deliciosa
After you remove the Monstera from its pot. Gently massage the soil to loosen the roots. Loosening the roots will help your Monstera establish roots in the new pot.
Step 5: Plant Monstera deliciosa
Center the Monstera in the new pot then fill the side with potting mix. Don’t fill to the top, leave an inch from the rim of the pot.
Step 6: Water the newly planted Monstera deliciosa
Water your new Monstera thoroughly. Then move it to the same spot that it is used to in your home.
A Word of Caution: Monstera deliciosa is toxic to dogs, cats and humans
Monstera is toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. If you have pets and small children, keep your Monstera away from your pets and small children. Don’t let them chew on the leaves because it contains Calcium oxalate crystals which can cause vomiting and difficulty breathing.