As one of the most popular houseplants, the Monstera is also relatively easy to care for. You can read about the reasons why it doesn't grow any further or why very few new leaves form in this article.
Why isn't my Monstera growing?
If a Monstera doesn't grow, it could be due to too little light, insufficient water supply or a lack of nutrients. Improve the site, water appropriately, increase humidity and fertilize regularly to promote growth.
How does Monstera usually grow?
With good care, sufficient water and lots of indirect light, a Monstera produces a new leaf aboutevery four to six weeks Older plants can produce more due to their size, while young ones can produce less. Even with variegated Monsteras, i.e. those with white markings in places, the leaves grow more slowly. They have less chlorophyll in the leaves and therefore less energy available. Basically, the Monstera goes into a resting phase in the winter months. During this time, fewer leaves grow.
Is the Monstera not growing because it has too little light?
Monstera need a bright location with around six hours of light without direct sun. A south or west window with a curtain is ideal to protect it from sun damage. Monsteras can also get along with a little less light, but they should never bein the darkest corner. Then it hardly forms any new leaves. Depending on the species, the typical slits or holes form in the leaves even if there is sufficient indirect light. That's why Monsteras are often called window leaves.
Is a lack of water the reason why the monstera does not grow?
Monstera should be keptmoderately moist. This usually means watering once or twice a week. Check the floor. The plant only needs water when the upper layer is slightly dry. Avoid waterlogging, as this damages the Monstera and leads to root rot. You can easily tell whether you have watered too little with the finger test. Insert a finger into the soil a few centimeters deep. If it is still dry there, you should definitely water.
Which additional care increases the growth of the Monstera?
Monstera is a tropical plant. To further promote growth, you can increasehumidityEspecially in winter, this is often below 65 percent. You can remedy this with a water bowl right next to the plant and regular spraying.
In addition, you can clean theleaves regularlyThis will prevent pests and increase energy absorption by removing dust from the leaves.
To promote bushy growth,cutting It is best to cut the Monstera above a leaf node in spring.
Tip
Monstera need additional fertilizer
In order to produce lots of he althy leaves, the Monstera needs additional fertilizer. You should therefore fertilize them about every two weeks in the summer months and very rarely or not at all in the winter. Make sure you get the right size! If you fertilize too little, the plant will be under-supplied. If you fertilize too much, the plant cannot absorb it and the roots will be damaged.
