Also known as Swiss cheese plant, Monstera deliciosa is a tropical plant that needs to be cared while planting and potting.
Root binding occurs when a plant’s roots become too crowded in their pot, which can lead to a variety of issues such as stunted growth and reduced nutrient uptake.
Some plants, such as snake plants and peace lilies, actually prefer to be slightly root bound as it can help promote better flowering and foliage growth.
Monstera deliciosa does not prefer to be root bound, but it can tolerate it to some extent. It’s best to repot the plant every 1-2 years to ensure healthy growth.
While Monstera deliciosa can survive being root bound, it’s not ideal for the plant’s growth and health in the long term. Your plant can struggle for water and nutrients if its roots are tightly packed in a container. This will lead to stunted growth and smaller leaves.
What are the Signs of a Root Bound Monstera?
1. Top is Heavy and Leaning to One Side
One of the most noticeable signs is when the plant starts to become top-heavy and leans to one side. This happens because the roots are no longer able to support the weight of the plant and it’s starting to lose balance.
2. Soil Drying Out Faster Than Usual
Another sign of a root-bound Monstera is when the plant starts to dry out faster than usual. When tightly packed roots are not able to absorb water as effectively, the soil dries out much faster than it should. Also, you may be noticed that you are watering your monstera plant more frequently.
3. Stunted Growth and Smaller Leaves
If you notice that your Monstera growth has slowed down or has completely stopped, it may be a sign that it’s becoming root bound. The shortage of space for their root’s growth can make it hard for the plant to take up enough nutrients, and this causes stunted growth and smaller leaves.
4. Roots Growing Out of the Bottom of the Pot
You may even notice roots growing out of the bottom of the pot. This is a clear sign that the roots have become tightly packed and are seeking more space to grow.
If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to repot your Monstera deliciosa into a larger container for their healthy growth and development.
Do Monstera Like to be Root Bound?
Going into the depth of whether Monstera likes to be root bound or not, you first need to know what root-bound is.
What is Root Bound?
Root bound refers to the condition where the roots of a plant have grown to the container or pot to the point where there is no more room for them to expand.
Also, the roots become tightly packed and start to grow in a circular pattern inside the pot, which can eventually harm the plant’s growth and overall health.
The root-bound condition can cause various symptoms such as slow growth, yellowing or browning of leaves, wilting, and other problems.
Now, Do Monstera Like to be Root Bound?
No, they don’t like to be rootbound. When a Monstera deliciosa plant becomes root bound, it can struggle to absorb enough water and nutrients from the soil. This can lead to stunted growth and smaller leaves. The roots may also become tightly packed, making it difficult for water to penetrate the soil and reach the roots.
In addition to these growth issues, a root-bound Monstera deliciosa can also be more susceptible to pests and diseases. When the roots are tightly packed in a container can be damaged and weakened, and it will be easier for pests and diseases to take hold of them.
How to fix Root Bound Monstera?
If you notice that your Monstera plant is root bound, it’s essential to take action to prevent it from affecting the overall plant’s growth. Fortunately, fixing a root-bound Monstera is relatively easy, and you can do it yourself with a few simple steps.
- First, choose a new pot that’s larger than the current one. Ensure that the container has openings for drainage to enable the removal of any excess water.
- Next, gently remove the Monstera plant from its current pot and carefully loosen the roots with your hands or a tool like a fork. Remove any dead or damaged roots.
- Place the plant in the new pot, ensuring that it’s sitting at the same depth as before. Fill the pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and gently firm it down around the plant’s roots. Water the plant thoroughly and be sure the soil is evenly moist.
- After repotting, it’s essential to give your Monstera plant time to adjust to its new home. Place it in a bright, indirect light spot and avoid overwatering or fertilizing it for the first few weeks.
With proper care and attention, your Monstera deliciosa plant should start to recover from being root bound and resume healthy growth. Remember to monitor the plant regularly and re-pot it every 1-2 years to prevent it from becoming root bound again.
Repotting Monstera Plant
Repotting Monstera plants can be an easy task to do. With the right instructions, you can easily repot your plant.
To repot your Monstera plant, select a pot that is larger than the old one. Also, ensure that the container has openings for drainage.
Gently take out the plant from its existing container and loosen its roots. Place the plant in the new pot and add fresh soil and water thoroughly.
Moreover, repot your plant every 1-2 years, preferably in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively in the growing stage.
Best Soil Prevent Monstera Plant Root Bound
Choosing the right soil for your Monstera deliciosa plant is crucial in preventing root binding. The soil of Monstera should be well-draining, aerated, and nutrient-rich to provide the essential nutrients for their growth.
One of the best soil options for Monstera is a blend of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. This mixture provides excellent drainage and aeration while retaining enough moisture to keep the soil evenly moist.
Another good soil option is a high-quality potting mix that’s specifically formulated for indoor plants.
When repotting your Monstera plant, make sure to add a layer of rocks or gravel at the bottom of the pot to enhance drainage and prevent water from collecting at the bottom.
Best Pot to Prevent root bound Monstera
Choosing the right pot for your Monstera deliciosa is another essential factor in preventing root binding. The pot should be large enough to keep the plant’s growth but not so big that it becomes overly waterlogged.
Choose a pot that’s only two sizes larger than the current pot. This allows enough room for the plant to grow and develop without allowing excess soil that can lead to waterlogging.
Ensure the pot has enough drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to drain away. A pot with a saucer at the bottom can help catch excess water and prevent it from accumulating around the roots.
Terracotta pots are a good option for Monstera deliciosa plants since they allow the soil to dry out more quickly, preventing waterlogging. However, they tend to be heavier and more prone to breakage than plastic pots.
Plastic pots are also a great choice as they are lightweight and less prone to breaking. They can also retain moisture for a more extended period, making them an excellent option for those who have difficulty maintaining proper watering practices.
Whichever pot material you choose, make sure it has enough drainage holes and is the right size for your Monstera plant. This will ensure your plant grows healthy and strong, without becoming root-bound.
How to separate monstera plant to repot?
With simple steps, you can easily repot your plant in no time. The right time to separate the plant is during its active growing season, which is typically in spring or early summer.
Start by gently removing the plant from its current pot and carefully separating any visible roots that are wrapping around each other. Use a pair of clean, sharp scissors to cut any roots that look unhealthy or dead.
Next, divide the plant into smaller sections by gently pulling apart the roots. Each segment must contain a minimum of one healthy stem and multiple roots. If the plant has grown too large, you may need to divide it into several sections.
Once you have divided the plant, fill each new pot with fresh potting soil, leaving enough room at the top for the plant to settle in comfortably. Create a small hole in the centre of the soil and place the plant gently into the hole.
Finally, fill in any gaps around the plant with fresh soil, pressing down lightly to ensure it’s secure. Water the plant thoroughly, allow the excess water to drain away, and place it in a bright, indirect sunlight place. Avoid overwatering the newly repotted plant, and monitor its growth for the next few weeks to ensure it’s thriving in its new environment.
Can you Prune Monstera Roots?
While pruning the leaves and stems of a Monstera deliciosa plant is common practice, pruning the roots is a different story. It’s not so good to prune it frequently, as it can stress the plant and affect its growth.
If you notice that your Monstera plant has become root bound, meaning the roots have outgrown the pot and are starting to become tangled or circling around themselves, pruning the roots can be necessary to help promote healthy growth.
Gently remove the plant from its pot and carefully prune away with the help of clean, sharp scissors any roots that are dead and unhealthy.
Prune your plant in spring or early summer when they’re actively growing.
Check this: Can Monstera Plant Live Outside?
How To Care For Your Monstera Plant?
- Provide your Monstera plant with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can damage the leaves.
- Water your Monstera plant regularly, ensuring the soil stays consistently moist but not soggy.
- Use well-draining soil that allows excess water to drain away. A soil mix with perlite or sand can help improve drainage.
- Monstera plants like warm and humid environments and they prefer temperatures between 68-86°F and humidity levels around 60-80%.
- Fertilize your Monstera plant every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer. Also, avoid it fertilizing in the fall and winter.
- Look for pests such as spider mites and mealybugs.
- Prune your Monstera plant as needed to maintain its shape and remove any damaged or yellowing leaves. You can also propagate your plant through stem cuttings if desired.
Also Read: Are coffee grounds good for monstera?
Conclusion
Monstera plants can thrive in a variety of conditions, but ensure they aren’t becoming root bound. Signs of a root-bound plant include slowed growth, smaller leaves, and roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Repotting your Monstera plant with fresh soil and a larger pot can help prevent it from becoming root bound. Whereas regularly pruning and caring for the plant can keep it healthy and thriving.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting