I see many people making at least one mistake when watering their Monstera. I often hear: ‘Isn’t watering just pouring water on soil?’ Well, in theory, yes, but in practice, no.
Monsteras are dramatic in all the right ways—those stunning perforated leaves—but they have their own preferences when it comes to care, particularly moisture levels.
We’re going to break it all down: common mistakes and solutions, the right watering frequency, the type of water, and some other helpful tips for hydrating your green buddy.
#1 Overwatering Your Monstera
Overwatering Monstera is one of the most common slip-ups plant parents make that can lead to a slew of troubles.
Here are some telltale signs your Monstera might be waterlogged:
- Yellowing leaves: This is a classic distress signal.
- Soggy or soft roots: If you peek beneath the soil and feel that the roots have a squishy texture, it’s a red flag.
- Stagnant growth: Monstera should be steady growers; slow growth or no growth at all could mean trouble.
Avoid standing water in the saucer beneath your Monstera pot. Make sure excess water has a clear escape route because no one likes wet feet, not even your plants.
Use a pot with adequate drainage holes to keep from drowning those precious roots.
Before you reach for the watering can, here’s a handy tip:
- If there’s moisture, hold off on the watering, and check back in a few days.
#2 Underwatering Your Monstera
On the other side of the spectrum, you could be dealing with a case of underwatering Monstera. It’s like your plant is sending out an SOS with its droopy, curling leaves – a silent nudge that it’s parched and dehydrated.
Symptoms to watch out for:
- Leaves that are curling in on themselves
- Soil that’s dry and pulling away from the sides of the pot
- Aerial roots reaching out as if searching for a water source
Now, let’s talk schedule.
- Check the soil moisture 1-2 inches down. If it’s dry, grab that watering can.
- Frequency varies with light and humidity, but once every 1-2 weeks is a good rule of thumb.
For those who love a little extra detail, consider mixing in perlite with the soil. It’s like a tiny hydration station, helping to manage moisture levels and prevent the ol’ over-under dance.
#3 Inconsistent Watering Schedule
Keeping to a consistent watering schedule is essential for the health of your plant, and here’s why: Plants thrive on routine!
Without a routine, you risk:
- Under-watering or over-watering your plant
- Subjecting your Monstera to stress, which can lead to poor health and growth
Keep in mind that your watering schedule isn’t just about picking a day of the week. It should adapt to the season and environment:
- Summer and spring are active growing seasons, requiring more frequent watering
- In winter months, growth slows down, and your Monstera won’t need as much water
Temperature and humidity in your home can also affect how often your Monstera needs a drink.
Crafting Your Schedule
To avoid inconsistent watering, keep an eye out for signs your Monstera is thirsty. The top half-inch of soil should be dry before you water again. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Season | Watering Frequency |
|---|---|
| Spring/Summer | Once a week |
| Fall/Winter | Every 2-3 weeks |
#4 Using the Wrong Type of Water
Your tap water might quench your thirst, but it’s not always the best option for your green friend. Why?
Because the salts and minerals in hard tap water can accumulate in the soil and could lead to a not-so-pleasant mineral build-up.
This can compact the soil, potentially stifling root growth and causing the dreaded leaf burn.
So, let’s talk solutions. The best thirst-quencher for your Monstera is:
- Filtered water
- Rainwater
- Distilled water
Correcting Watering Mistakes
Alright, now that we’ve debunked all the watering mistakes, let’s talk about how to correct them.
Adjusting Your Watering Technique
Your Monstera is like a friend that doesn’t love too much clinginess—you’ve got to give it space to breathe and drink at its own pace.
Bottom Watering: It’s the go-to method for many. Simply fill a tray with water and let your plant pot dwell in it for about 30 minutes. This can help prevent soggy soil and overwatering issues.
Top Watering: You’ll still want to water your green buddy from the top once in 30-40 days in order to flush excess salts from the soil. However, be careful not to drench your plant! Aim for a gentle shower without making them swim.
Moisture Meter Magic: For more precise watering, get yourself a moisture meter, your new best plant buddy This nifty tool tells you exactly when your Monstera’s soil is thirsty. A reading of 3-4 usually means “It’s watering time!”
Rehabilitating an Overwatered or Underwatered Monstera
Guess what? Your Monstera can bounce back from a watering mishap, whether it’s too much love or not enough hydration.
Overwatered Monstera? No worries, follow these steps:
- Check the roots: Are they brown and mushy? That’s a sign of root rot.
- New home needed: If the roots are damaged, repot your plant. Use a fresh soil mix that drains well to prevent future waterlogging.
- Ease up on the H2O: Cut back on watering and let the soil dry out between waterings.
- Monitor: Keep an eye on soil moisture with your finger or a moisture meter. You’re aiming for damp, not soggy.
Temperature and humidity play a part too. Your Monstera craves warm, not hot, conditions and loves a humid environment, so maintain those levels for a happy comeback.
What if your Monstera is more parched than drenched?
- Gentle revival: Introduce water slowly to avoid shocking its system. Think of it as rehydrating after a marathon – slow and steady.
- Consistency is key: Once your plant is on the mend, establish a regular watering schedule based on the soil’s dryness.
FAQs
Ok, let’s clear up some common questions to ensure your green buddy stays healthy and hydrated!
How Often Should I Water My Monstera Plant?
As a general rule of thumb, you should water your Monstera weekly during the summer and once every two to three weeks during the winter. But always check the soil first.
However, your Monstera’s watering needs hinge on several factors—light, humidity, and temperature being the main ones.
A good rule of thumb is to water when 75 to 80% of the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Can I Use Tap Water to Water My Monstera?
Sure, you can use tap water, but let’s not dismiss how sensitive Monsteras can be to certain chemicals.
If your tap water is hard or contains high levels of chlorine and fluoride, it might cause brown leaf tips.
A simple solution is to let your tap water sit out overnight to dissipate any harsh chemicals, or even better, use rainwater or filtered water for your Monstera pals.
Does the Size of the Pot Affect How Often I Should Water My Monstera?
Absolutely! The size of your Monstera’s pot can shift the watering frequency.
A larger pot holds more soil and, consequently, more moisture, which extends the time between waterings.
In contrast, a smaller pot dries out quicker and may need a sip more often.
Regardless of pot size, the golden rule is to wait until that topsoil layer is dry before reaching for your watering can.
