How Much and How Often to Water a Monstera: What You Need to Know
The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala
The relatively low-maintenance monstera is a great choice for a houseplant, but to really make it thrive you need to water it correctly—at the right time, and the right amount. Unfortunately there is no exact science to perfect monstera watering, as its need for water varies depending on how much light it receives and what type of potting soil is being used, but with our guide you can correctly judge when to water a monstera.
Generally speaking, a monstera should be watered when the top few inches or half of the soil in the pot has dried out. This might translate to watering about once a week when the monstera is grown in bright, indirect light. But observing the moisture of the soil is really the key to knowing when and how often to water. After watering, the surface of the soil should feel lightly moist, not wet.
What's the Best Time to Water a Monstera?
Water your monstera only when the top 2 to 3 inches of the soil in the container are dry, then water deeply until it runs out the drainage hole. Watering in the morning is preferable.
When to Water a Monstera
Water a monstera when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil is dry. Don't follow a watering schedule; you will end up under and overwatering your plant. Check the soil's moisture level regularly, as it can dry out at different rates depending on the plant's location, the season, or even the recent weather.
There are three ways to check if it's time to water a monstera.
Touch the soil with your fingers: This is the simplest and most direct way to measure moisture levels in the soil. Place your fingers in the top layer, going down at least two inches. If the soil feels dry to the touch, it's time to water.
Use a soil probe: You can also measure moisture using a soil moisture probe. Place the probe into the soil and the gauge measures the moisture level in the container of soil, often at inch depth intervals of an inch, letting you know whether you should water now or wait a bit longer.
Use a moisture meter: A moisture meter functions similarly to a soil probe, but instead of having to look at how many clumps of soil get stuck in the probe, you just stick the probe in the soil and an analog screen tells you how moist the soil is.
How to Water a Monstera
When the soil is dry and watering is needed, give your monstera a deep and thorough watering. In a container with good drainage, the excess moisture will drain out the bottom of the pot. Water at the base of the plant to lessen the possibility of diseased leaves.
If the pot is small enough (6" in diameter or less) and it has a drainage hole, you can water by placing the lower half of the pot in water until the soil is evenly moist; this is called bottom watering. Let excess water out through the drainage holes before returning the container to its usual location.
Factors That Affect Watering Frequency
In brighter light conditions, your monstera's soil may dry out more quickly. The angle of the sun changes at different times of the year, and also based on which direction the window faces. A south-facing window will get the brightest sunlight.
Temperature can also affect how often a monstera needs water. A monstera usually needs more water in the summer months, while in winter it needs watering less frequently.
Signs Your Monstera Is Overwatered
There are several indicators that a monstera is overwatered.
Yellowing leaves. Once leaves turn yellow, overwatering is frequently the culprit. Wait until the top two to three inches of the soil is dry to water, and remove any yellowed leaves.
Soggy-feeling soil. Always check the feel of the soil before watering. If it remains moist for what seems a long time, check the drainage in the pot, and consider repotting to a container with better drainage.
Musty odor. A musty smell may mean soil that is too wet. It may also be a sign of root rot, which can kill your monstera.
Watering Other Types of Monstera
The watering methods for monstera dubia, monstera adansonii, and monstera thai constellation are basically the same as for the monstera deliciosa: check soil moisture before watering, and only water when the top band of soil is dry. Water thoroughly, and make sure container drains excess water effectively.
Signs Your Monstera Is Underwatered
Underwatering is not quite as serious as overwatering, but the signs of underwartering are still important to watch out for.
Wilted or curling leaves: If the leaves of your monstera are wilting or are curling at the edges, it''s a sign of the plant trying to conserve water,
Thinning or brown-tipped leaves: Leaves getting thinner or brown tips or edges can indicate there's not enough water getting to the plant.
Hardened or compacted potting soil: If your monstera's soil is hard and dry, it may have trouble with drainage and/or retaining moisture. Thorough watering and soil aeration may help, but also consider whether the plant needs to be repotted and have fresh soil added.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do monstera plants like to be misted?
The monstera likes a high level of humidity, but misting is not an effective way to raise humidity. Instead, add a humidifier.
Should monsteras be allowed to dry out?
Let the top 2 to 3 inches of soil dry out between waterings. Though if leaf edges are brown or crispy, the monstera may be underwatered.
Does monstera need direct sunlight?
Monsteras grow best when placed in bright, indirect sunlight.
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