Do you have a bad feeling that your Monstera plant or Swiss Cheese Plant is not growing? Your hunch might be right, there are many reasons why your Monstera is not growing properly. Below, we’ll go over the reasons why your monstera is not growing and how to fix it.
Reasons Why Your Monstera Plant Stopped Growing
Not Enough Light
One of the main reasons why your monstera is not growing is that it is not getting enough light. Monstera plants need bright, indirect light. Take a look at your Monstera plant, is it possible it’s not getting enough light because it’s too far from the window? If so, move your plant closer to the window so it gets more light.
Or maybe there is furniture blocking the light. Do a little rearranging to make sure your monstera is getting enough sunlight. If your home lacks natural sunlight, then you can increase it by using grow lights.
Lack of Nutrients
Another reason why your monstera is not growing is that the soil is lacking essential nutrients. At some point, it will use up all the nutrients in the potting soil, and you will need to replenish it with fertilizer.
Make sure you fertilize your monstera with a houseplant fertilizer during the active growing season from Mid-Spring to Mid-Fall. You should be fertilizing your Monstera every 4 to 6 weeks. Use a balanced fertilizer of 20-20-20. Don’t fertilize in the winter because that’s when your monstera is dormant.
Not Enough Water
A main reason why your Monstera plant stopped growing is that it is not getting enough water. Monstera plants are tropical plants and are used to tropical rainstorms, so you need to make sure you are giving them sufficient water. If you don’t water them enough, they will not grow well.
Especially in the warm summer months, you will need to water them more frequently, typically once every 5 to 7 days. In the winter months, you can go a little easy on watering and can get away with once every one and a half, to every two weeks.
The best way to tell if it’s time to water your monstera is to feel the soil. Stick your finger in the soil an inch in, and if it feels dry, then it’s time to water your plant. If the soil feels damp, wait a few days and check again before you water your plant. Too much water is bad for your monstera because it can cause root rot, which is fatal for most plants!
Need to Repot
A common reason your monstera’s growth has stalled is that it has outgrown its pot. It needs to be moved to the next size up. One way to tell if you need to repot your monstera is by looking at the drainage holes. If you see a lot of roots coming out of the holes, then it’s time to repot because your monstera has outgrown its current home.
Low Humidity
Low humidity is another reason why your monstera plant is not growing well. Monsteras are native habitat to the humid tropical rainforest. However, many homes have dry indoor air. When humidity is low, your monstera plant will not grow properly.
You will start to see leaves curling or developing brown, crispy edges. The good news is you can easily increase humidity by misting the leaves a few times a week or using a humidifier in the room. If you have several houseplants, you can also group plants together to create a humid microenvironment.
Too much water
Too much water can also slow down growth. When you overwater your plant, you are slowly killing your montera. The soggy soil will cause root rot. When root rot happens, it’s almost impossible to save your plant. It will die!
Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, a mushy stem, and a foul smell in the soil. Make sure your pot has drainage holes. Let the soil dry out between waterings. And don’t overwater in the winter, your monstera need less water in winter.
Temperature Fluctuations
Cold drafts from windows, doors, or airconditioning vents can slow your monstera plant’s growth. Cold temperature below 50 degrees fahrenheit or 10 degrees celsius can really hurt your plant.
And, it’s not just the cold that’s bad, excessive heat is also bad for your monstera plant. Don’t put it near heaters and heat vents, it can dry out the leaves. You need to keep your monstera plant in a stable environment. Big swings in temperature can shock your it.
The ideal temperature for your plant is between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 to 29 degrees Celsius.
Natural Dormancy
Your monstera plant might not be growing because it’s dormant. This is normal. Monstera plants will naturally enter a state of dormancy in the fall and winter months. During this time, plant growth will slow down as daylight hours shorten.
Don’t be alarmed if your plant isn’t producing new leaves in the winter. During this time, watering should be reduced to one and a half to every two weeks. Don’t fertilize your plant. When Spring comes around, your Monstera plant will start growing again. Don’t worry!
Check out my Monstera Plant care guides
Beginner’s Guide: Repotting Monstera deliciosa (video)
How to Take Care of Your Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)- Infographics
Why is my Monstera Leaves Dripping Water?
Quick Start Guide: What to do with New Monstera Plant when you bring it home (video)