How to Repot a Monstera Houseplant

Written by August Croft
Published: November 19, 2022
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Are you attempting to repot a monstera houseplant for the first time? When it comes to helping these tropical plants thrive in an indoor environment, there are many things to consider. If you think it’s time to repot your monstera so that it continues to grow and produce its large and impressive foliage, what should you consider before diving in? 

Repotting a monstera houseplant successfully requires a few things, such as an adequate time of year, a properly sized container, and nutritious soil. You should make sure to repot your monstera during a non-dormant time of year, as well as ensure that your monstera is planted in an appropriate pot size for the age of your plant. 

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about repotting a monstera houseplant, including when this task is best accomplished. We will give you some insight as to how often your monstera needs to be repotted, as well as what you can do to keep it happy and thriving. Let’s get started now! 

When Should I Repot My Monstera?

Repot a Monstera

You will need to repot your monstera once the roots start growing out of the bottom of the pot.

©Jones M/Shutterstock.com

Knowing when to repot your monstera is the first step. Most garden experts recommend repotting your monstera when you notice its roots peeking out of the bottom of the plant or container, often through the drainage holes. However, you may also consider repotting your monstera if you notice a decline and its overall health. The condition of its leaves should be a dead giveaway. 

Many monsteras need to be repotted after two years, but this isn’t a hard and fast rule. You may notice that your monstera drains much quicker than it used to. This suggests that the roots are taking up a majority of the space inside of your plant’s container. If your monstera leaves are turning yellow or dried out, this also suggests that it’s time to repot! 

What Time of Year is Best for Repotting Monsteras?

Repot a Monstera

Make sure that you don’t repot your monstera during the wintertime.

©Sozina Kseniia/Shutterstock.com

Did you know that all plants, even ones grown indoors, have preferred times of year for growth and repotting purposes? Your monstera should be repotted during a time when it isn’t dormant, likely spring and summer. Repotting and pruning your plants according to the seasons is always a good idea. They have different energy levels depending on the time of year. 

Monsteras are best repotted during early spring so that they have plenty of time to re-establish their roots throughout the summer. Make sure that you don’t repot your monstera during the wintertime. This is when most plants are dormant and don’t have the energy to bounce back from the stress of repotting! However, given the overall hardiness of the average monstera plant, repotting during the wintertime likely won’t kill it if you repot with care. 

What Soil is Best for Repotting Monsteras?

Repot a Monstera

You may notice that it’s time to repot your monstera when you see roots appear.

©Andriana Syvanych/Shutterstock.com

One of the main reasons to repot any plant is so that you can refresh its soil and nutrients. Monsteras enjoy a mixture of soil types, including peat and perlite. Given their overall unfussy nature, your monstera will likely be alright if it is repotted in soil that is quick draining or labeled as an all-inclusive houseplant mix. Anything that mentions fast drainage is key, as root rot is one of the primary killers of monstera houseplants. 

Repotting Your Monstera: Step By Step

Repot a Monstera

You won’t need to repot your monstera every single year unless it grows quickly.

©EmreCinar/Shutterstock.com

If you have a monstera that is in need of a new home, here is how to repot your monstera using our step-by-step guide! 

  • Choose an appropriate container. Your monstera should be repotted in a container that is slightly larger than its current home. Anything too large and you risk issues with watering, and you obviously don’t want to choose anything that’s smaller than what your monstera is currently in! Make sure to go up by 2 pot sizes, but no larger. 
  • Decide whether or not you want to prune anything. Repotting your monstera is also a great time to prune and shape it, especially if you no longer want its distinctive aerial roots. Make sure you properly sanitize any pruning shears or scissors before cutting anything, as diseases are easily spread through unclean tools. 
  • Gently free your monstera from its pot. Depending on the size of your plant, you may want an extra hand in this process. The most important thing when repotting any plant is to make sure that you don’t pull on it too hard during the process. Loosen your monstera from its pot by massaging the bottom of the container as well as the sides. Gently wiggle your plant free.
  • Repot using fresh soil. Place some rocks or stones in the bottom of your monsteras new pot so that it has plenty of proper drainage. Then fill its new home with fresh potting soil, leaving enough space for the established plant. Gently place your plant into the new container and cover it with fresh soil. 
  • Put your plant back where it was and water deeply. Monsteras adapt to wherever they are placed, so moving your established plant to a new location is risky. It’s best to leave your monstera where it always has been and water deeply. Be sure to check for any issues with drainage as you do so! 

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © Andriana Syvanych/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

August Croft is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on astrology, symbolism, and gardening. August has been writing a variety of content for over 4 years and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater from Southern Oregon University, which they earned in 2014. They are currently working toward a professional certification in astrology and chart reading. A resident of Oregon, August enjoys playwriting, craft beer, and cooking seasonal recipes for their friends and high school sweetheart.

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Sources
  1. Disinfecting Pruning Tools, Available here: https://encinitasca.gov/Portals/0/City%20Documents/UFAC/September%207,%202017%20Meeting/DisinfectingPruningTools.pdf