How Often Do Monstera Grow New Leaves?

Monstera plants put out new leaves at the growth points of the stems. Typically, this happens about once a month, but the length may be as long as every 6 weeks.

The speed with which monstera leaves are produced depends upon the individual plant’s growth rate. A rapidly growing plant (e.g., during the spring and summer growing season) will produce leaves faster.

Overall growth will slow down in the wintertime because this is the plant’s dormant season.

Monstera Leaf Growth & Care Q&A

1. How Big Can A Monstera Plant Grow?

Outdoors, in its native environments of Mexico and Panama, Monstera plants can grow to be 30′ feet high with a spread of about 15′ feet without support.

Then, with the support of a tree or other framework, they will grow until they run out of support.

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As a houseplant, you can expect your plant to reach a maximum height and spread of about 9′ feet.

As they mature, Monstera plants grow bigger leaves with gorgeous splits and fenestrations.

It’s easy to control this growth indoors with regular pruning. Pruning will also encourage more new leaf growth.

2. How Do You Prune A Monstera?

Look at your plant from all sides to determine the shape you want and which part of the growth you want to remove.

Then, do the following:

Use a very sharp, clean-cutting implement to cut just above leaf nodes at or near your chosen length.
At the point of your cut, two new leaves will grow.
After you have trimmed away all of the unwanted parts of your plant, you can use the pruned material as cuttings to produce new plants.
You may wish to simply poke one or two cuttings into your existing plant’s soil. They will set roots and grow with regular care, making your plant appear fuller and bushier.
You can also start individual cuttings in water or small pots of soil to create new plants or share them with others.

3. How Can You Encourage A Monstera Plant To Grow More Leaves?

Keeping the right environment will encourage your plant to proliferate.

Be sure to maintain a consistently warm temperature, provide plenty of bright, indirect sunlight, water and fertilize regularly, and ensure high humidity levels.

Monstera likes a consistent humidity level of 60% percent or greater. You can keep track of this with a hygrometer.

4. Why Is Bright, Indirect Sunlight Best?

All plants need light to conduct photosynthesis, produce chlorophyll, and grow.

Too little light causes chlorosis (lack of chlorophyll) and pale, sickly leaves. Too much light can burn the leaves.

Bright, indirect sunlight is a safe bet for most types of plants, as bright, indirect light will maintain a healthy growth pattern.

Variety of monstera leaves on a dark background. — Photo Credit: Instagram @botanicalbear

If your spot receives too much direct sunlight, you can use artificial lighting instead or sheer curtains to control the light intensity.

Also, remember that you should keep your Monstera leaves dust-free. Dust blocks the sun and interferes with plant growth and health.

You can clean your plants’ leaves with 8 ounces of distilled water, to which a drop each of castile soap or dish soap (not detergent) and neem oil have been added.

Mist your plant every few days, and then wipe the huge leaves clean.

5. What If My New Monstera Leaves Are Pale And Weak?

New leaves are naturally pale and thin. This is not an indication of a lack of light.

Your young Monstera leaves will color up and become sturdier as they mature.

Just be sure your plant is getting a minimum of 6 hours of bright indirect sunlight a day, and it will be fine.

6. How Can You Increase Humidity Levels For Your Monstera Plant?

Running a humidifier can be a good thing for your plants and you.

If you don’t have a humidifier, you can set your plant’s container on a pebble tray with a bit of water.

Don’t let the bottom of the container touch the water because standing in water causes root rot.

The idea is to keep a bit of water below the surface of the pebbles so that it will evaporate upward around the plant to increase the humidity levels.

It’s also a good idea to group plants together because this helps them maintain higher humidity levels in their vicinity.

7. How Often Should Monstera Be Watered?

The frequency really depends on the time of year and conditions.

Generally speaking, your plant will be happy with a soak and dry watering.

Give it a good watering when the top 2” or 3” inches of soil feel dry, and then wait until the soil feels dry again to provide another good watering. [source]

Monstera plant in a glass vase on a table. — Photo Credit: Instagram @sukamonstera

If you’re unsure whether it’s time to water your plant, just check the moisture level of the soil before watering.

Do so by using a moisture meter or simply poking the soil with your finger. It’s time to water your plant if the soil feels dry. In contrast, if it feels moist, wait for a couple of days longer.

Also, ensure there are adequate drainage holes to allow the excess water to drain away.

8. How Often Should You Fertilize Monstera?

During the growing season, provide a half-strength fertilizer treatment once a month.

Use a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer. Don’t fertilize during the autumn and winter.

Monstera that has just been put into fresh potting soil will not need fertilizing for about 6 months.

Moreover, a fertilizer high in nitrogen and phosphorus will also encourage new growth. An all-purpose 20-20-20 fertilizer will work well, providing the necessary nutrients for this plant to grow.

You can also add worm castings as a natural fertilizer to your potting mix.

However, make sure not to overfertilize your plant, as it can damage the roots and lead to slower growth.

9. When Should You Repot Monstera?

It’s a good idea to repot in the springtime at the beginning of the growing season.

Here are the following tips to remember:

Check your plant at the end of the winter to see if the pot is full of roots than soil. If so, you know you need to repot.
Use good quality commercial houseplant potting soil.
You can also add compost to your potting mix to improve soil quality and provide additional nutrients.
Move up to the next size pot to give your plant a little room to spread out.
Always use pots and containers that provide plenty of good drainage.
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Photo Credit: Instagram @northernfoliage

Good General Care Will Encourage Your Monstera To Grow More Leaves

Monstera is a very easy-care plant. It takes a great deal of neglect and abuse to prevent it from doing well, and it takes proper care to encourage it to thrive.
Moreover, control pests and diseases, such as spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and gnats, as these problems can hinder your Monstera from growing new leaves.
You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests or try to remove the pests by hand.

Follow the tips presented here to keep your Monstera happy, healthy, and producing lots of new, vibrant foliage.