Do Monstera Deliciosa like to be root bound

Monstera Deliciosa is a popular houseplant known for its unique foliage and easy-care nature. If you are a Monstera Deliciosa owner or thinking of becoming one, you may be wondering if this plant likes to be root bound. In this article, we will explore whether or not Monstera Deliciosa likes to be root bound and what you can do to keep your plant healthy and thriving.

What Does Root Bound Mean?

If you’re new to gardening or plant care, you may have come across the term “root bound” before. But what exactly does it mean?

In simple terms, a plant is considered root bound when the roots have grown so much that they have outgrown their container, leaving no room for further growth. When this happens, the roots become crowded and start to wrap around each other, forming a dense mass.

Root binding can occur in any container-grown plant, but it’s more common in plants that have been left in the same pot for a long time. As the roots continue to grow, they can become tightly packed, making it difficult for water and nutrients to reach the plant’s leaves and branches.

How To Check to See If Your Monstera Deliciosa is Rootbound?

Monstera Deliciosa is a popular houseplant that is known for its stunning leaves and easy-care nature. However, like any plant, it can become root bound if left in the same pot for too long.

Root bound plants can become stressed and may not grow or thrive as well as they could in a larger pot. In this article, we will go over how to check if your Monstera Deliciosa is root bound and what you can do to fix it.

The first step in checking if your Monstera Deliciosa is root bound is to remove it from its pot. You can gently lift the plant out of the pot or use a trowel to loosen the soil around the edges. Once the plant is removed, you can inspect the roots.

If your Monstera Deliciosa is root bound, you will see that the roots have grown in a circular pattern around the edge of the pot. You may also notice that the soil has become compacted and that there is little room for water to penetrate. In some cases, you may see that the roots are growing out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

Another way to tell if your Monstera Deliciosa is rootbound is by examining the foliage. If the plant has been in the same pot for a long time, the leaves may start to yellow or curl at the edges. The plant may also stop growing or producing new leaves.

When should I repot my Monstera deliciosa?

Age of Monstera Deliciosa Plant	Ideal Pot Size (Length x Width)	When to Repot	Best Time to Repot
0-6 months	4-6 inches x 4-6 inches	When the roots start growing out of the drainage holes	Spring
6-12 months	6-8 inches x 6-8 inches	When the roots start growing out of the drainage holes	Spring
1-2 years	8-10 inches x 8-10 inches	Every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root bound	Spring
2-3 years	10-12 inches x 10-12 inches	Every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root bound	Spring
3+ years	14 inches x 14 inches or larger	Every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root bound	Spring

The general rule of thumb for repotting your Monstera Deliciosa is to do it every 1-2 years. This is because over time, the plant will outgrow its container and the roots will become tightly packed and root bound. A root-bound plant can become stressed and may not grow or thrive as well as it could in a larger pot.

Signs that your Monstera Deliciosa needs to be repotted include roots growing out of the drainage holes, roots circling around the edge of the pot, and the plant appearing top-heavy or leaning to one side. You may also notice that the soil dries out quickly or that water runs straight through the pot when you water it.

NOTE: It’s important to note that these are general guidelines and may vary depending on the growth rate and specific needs of your Monstera Deliciosa plant. It’s always best to keep an eye on the plant and repot as needed to ensure it continues to grow and thrive.

How to fix root bound Monstera Deliciosa

To fix a root bound Monstera Deliciosa, you will need a few tools such as scissors, a trowel, a larger pot, and fresh potting soil. Start by gently removing the plant from its current pot, being careful not to damage the roots. If the roots are tightly packed, you may need to loosen them by making small cuts with the scissors.

Once the plant is removed from its pot, inspect the roots and remove any dead or damaged ones. If the roots are tightly packed, gently tease them apart to encourage new growth. If the roots are circling around the edge of the pot, make a few small cuts to encourage them to grow in a new direction.

Next, choose a new pot that is one or two sizes larger than the current pot to give the roots room to grow. Fill the bottom of the new pot with a layer of fresh potting soil, and place the plant in the center of the pot. Add more soil around the edges, pressing it down firmly to eliminate air pockets. Make sure the plant is at the same depth as it was in its previous pot.

Do Monstera Deliciosa like deep pots or wide pots?

When it comes to Monstera Deliciosa, both deep pots and wide pots can work well, depending on the size and age of the plant. Younger plants with smaller root systems may benefit from a shallower, wider pot that allows them to spread out their roots. This can encourage healthy root growth and prevent the plant from becoming root bound. A wider pot can also provide stability for the plant, helping to prevent it from toppling over.

However, as the Monstera Deliciosa grows larger and develops a more extensive root system, a deeper pot may be more suitable. This allows the plant to anchor itself and absorb water and nutrients from deeper soil layers. Additionally, a deeper pot can help to prevent water from pooling at the bottom of the pot, which can lead to root rot.

Ultimately, the best pot choice for your Monstera Deliciosa depends on its size and stage of growth. If you have a younger plant with a smaller root system, a wider pot may be more appropriate. On the other hand, if your Monstera Deliciosa has a more extensive root system and is larger in size, a deeper pot may be a better option.

what happens if you don’t repot your Monstera Deliciosa plant?

One of the main problems that can arise if you don’t repot your Monstera Deliciosa is root bound. When the plant has outgrown its pot, the roots can become crowded and begin to wrap around themselves, which can impede the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. This can lead to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and overall poor health of the plant.

Another issue that can arise if you don’t repot your Monstera Deliciosa is the depletion of nutrients in the soil. Over time, the soil in the pot can become depleted of nutrients, making it harder for the plant to absorb the nutrients it needs to thrive. This can also lead to yellowing leaves and stunted growth.

If you don’t repot your Monstera Deliciosa, you may also notice that the plant begins to lean to one side or topple over. This is because the roots have become too large for the pot, causing the plant to become unbalanced.

In addition to these issues, a pot that is too small for the plant can also cause other problems, such as waterlogging. If the pot is too small, there may not be enough drainage, causing water to collect at the bottom of the pot. This can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.

Ultimately, if you don’t repot your Monstera Deliciosa, it can lead to a host of problems that can negatively impact the health and growth of the plant.

To avoid these issues, it’s important to keep an eye on your Monstera Deliciosa and repot it when necessary. As a general rule, you should repot your Monstera Deliciosa every two to three years or when you notice the roots beginning to grow out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

I forgot to repot now how to save my Monstera Deliciosa plant

If you forgot to repot your Monstera Deliciosa plant, there are still steps you can take to help it recover and continue to grow. Here are some tips to help save your Monstera Deliciosa plant:

Water your plant properly: One of the most important things you can do for your Monstera Deliciosa plant is to water it properly. Make sure to water the plant thoroughly, but be careful not to overwater. If the soil is too wet, it can lead to root rot and other issues. To avoid this, make sure to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
Provide proper lighting: Monstera Deliciosa plants prefer bright, indirect light. If your plant is not getting enough light, it may become leggy or have yellowing leaves. If it’s not getting enough light, consider moving it to a brighter location or providing supplemental lighting.
Fertilize your plant: To help your Monstera Deliciosa recover from being root bound, it’s important to provide it with the nutrients it needs to grow. Consider fertilizing your plant with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season.
Trim back any damaged leaves: If your Monstera Deliciosa plant is showing signs of stress, such as yellowing or wilting leaves, consider trimming back any damaged leaves. This will help redirect energy to healthier parts of the plant.
Repot as soon as possible: While the above steps can help your Monstera Deliciosa recover, the best thing you can do for your plant is to repot it as soon as possible. This will allow the plant to continue to grow and thrive without the constraints of a too-small pot.

When repotting your Monstera Deliciosa, make sure to choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot, has drainage holes, and is filled with well-draining soil. Gently remove the plant from its current pot and carefully loosen any tangled roots. Place the plant in the new pot and fill in with fresh soil. Water thoroughly and continue to care for your plant as usual.