Why My Monstera Deliciosa Leaves Not Getting Bigger?

Why my Monstera deliciosa leaves not getting bigger?

Upon reaching the two-year mark, if your Monstera is still undeveloped and producing little, unimpressive leaves, there may be a problem affecting its growth.

These can be difficult to detect, but typically boil down to a handful of factors that prevent Monstera from developing large leaves.

Your Monstera deliciosa requires more sunlight

Insufficient sunshine is the most prevalent reason for smaller leaves. The goal of Monstera deliciosa’s large leaves is in part to absorb more light (and photosynthesize better).

Your Monstera deliciosa is under watered

If you’ve done research on Monsteras, you may have discovered that watering is one of the first things to check when a plant is ailing.

Underwatering is a significant issue that can damage an otherwise healthy Monstera deliciosa and prevent it from developing into a beautiful, dramatic plant.

Your Monstera deliciosa is overwatered

As with any other issue with Monstera deliciosa, overwatering is a more serious problem than underwatering.

Overwatering can lead to fungus gnats and root rot, in addition to being stressful for the plant. Root rot is a grave problem that can kill your Monster.

Your Monstera deliciosa needs to be repotted

For a Monstera to produce the gigantic leaves that make the species so desirable, it must have ample space for its roots to grow.

Without an appropriate-sized container, a Monstera will be unable to continue growing the roots that will support its new leaves. Repotting is essential for enabling Monstera to produce large leaves.

What type of pots do Monstera deliciosa needs?

Monstera care is incomplete without discussing how to pot a Monstera plant.

The optimal container for Monstera is one with drainage holes. Do not use a container without drainage holes, as excess water cannot escape and will result in wet soil.

Each form of container has advantages and disadvantages. The porous nature of terracotta, for instance, allows it to absorb excess water. This can be advantageous since it minimizes the likelihood of overwatering.

On the other side, soil may become overly dry as a result of this action. For me, though, clay pots worked well.

Use plastic or ceramic containers as an alternative. Both alternatives function adequately. I’ve lately begun to employ an increasing number of translucent plastic orchid containers.

This is advantageous since it allows you to view the roots. You will also know when to water the soil by observing the wetness and water droplets on the interior of the container.

In addition, these containers typically include several drainage holes at the base.

Additionally, you may add extra holes on the side of the pots by heating a screwdriver with a lighter.

This allows you to burn holes through its sides. This will aid in oxygenating roots and lessen the likelihood of root rot.

The greatest drawback of a large container is that the roots do not occupy bigger portions of the container. This makes it incredibly challenging to water your Monstera with the correct amount of water.

The potting mix will remain overly moist and will not dry out soon enough, which might lead to a number of complications.

Choose a container according to the size of your Monstera plant. Little Monstera, small pot. Once you have reported, you may only go up one to two pot sizes.

More than that, and you will encounter stormy waters sooner rather than later.

Why is my Monstera deliciosa leggy?

Monstera is one of the most desirable houseplants. With its renowned fenestrations or leaf holes, this plant has gained unparalleled appeal.

When you observe your Monstera plant getting lanky, you should relocate it to a location that receives stronger, indirect natural light.

In addition, a combination of pruning and training, correct nourishment, and a colder atmosphere can allow your plant to get a more ideal form.

Lack of Light

The primary cause of legginess is inadequate illumination. Monsteras thrive in the understory of rainforests, and as a result, have evolved two distinct reactions to light intensity.

Monsteras prefer indirect light and will grow towards it. If your plant is not receiving enough light, it will grow towards a source of light.

Pot Size

Another factor contributing to legginess is overloaded roots. Root-bound plants may have exhibited aberrant growth patterns as a result of inadequate absorption of nutrients and water.

Some roots effectively strangle others. This typically occurs when your Monstera is in a too-small pot.

In addition, nutrient-rich and moisture-retaining soil is displaced when a plant’s roots fill the majority of a compact container. Insufficient soil can lead to insufficient water and nutrients.

Too much fertilizer

Occasionally, your Monstera may develop too quickly. This occurs when an excessive amount of nitrogen is made available to your plant, particularly in its early stages.

It is comparable to an unsustainable growth boom. An excess of nutrients will cause monstera to produce cells quicker than normal. The outcome is a lengthy, brittle stem that is susceptible to mechanical harm.

Temperature

Monsteras are tropical plants and thrive in temperatures between 68-86°F (20-30°C). Above 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), your Monstera will become overheated.

Temperature increases can also result in growth spurts in early plants.

Similar to overexposure to nitrogen, stems may grow longer without the necessary support structure.

Monsteras enter a period of hibernation throughout the winter to avoid etiolation.

What is the ideal temperature for Monstera deliciosa?

The temperature is typically the easiest component of Monstera maintenance to maintain.

As long as you maintain temperatures that are neither excessively hot nor low, your plants will thrive.

General room temperatures between 65°F and 72°F (18°C and 22°C) are ideal for Monstera plants. The optimal range is 60–80 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to Sciencing, 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius) is the optimal temperature range for photosynthesis to occur at full capacity. Therefore, a room temperature of around 70°F (21°C) is optimal.

 

How do you prune back leggy growth?

If a Monstera has grown lanky, one of the few methods to restore its appearance is to cure the underlying problem and then cut the lanky growth.

This may appear frightening, but the process is actually rather straightforward.

Before your Monstera’s growing season begins, it should be pruned during the spring and early summer.

This guarantees that the plant has sufficient energy to swiftly heal wounds, hence preventing infections and insect infestations.

Before trimming your Monstera, it is necessary to acquire the necessary materials.

You will need a pair of clean, sharp shears and a disinfectant of some type.

While I recommend a bleach solution diluted with water, there are many different choices available.

When prepared, the procedure is straightforward: Determine which portions of the Monstera require trimming.

Any scant or damaged growth can be eliminated safely. Plan beforehand so that you are not overwhelmed.

After selecting the stems that require pruning, trace them back to the node or main stem.

Cut it at a little angle, taking care not to injure the main stem, since this might produce diseases that will kill the plant.

Even though it is uncommon to induce a serious allergic response, you may wish to wear gloves when handling Monstera deliciosa.

Monsteras generate the chemical calcium oxalate, which can irritate the skin when in contact with the sap.

If you are not using gloves, wash your hands thoroughly after handling.

Is Monstera deliciosa a tropical plant?

Monstera are endemic to Central America and consist of evergreen vines and bushes.

Their naturally occurring leaf holes have earned them the moniker Swiss Cheese Plant.

Monstera’s leaf-holes are referred to as fenestrations, and it is hypothesized that its purpose is to optimize solar fleck collection on the forest floor by expanding the leaf’s surface area while minimizing the number of leaf cells required to maintain it.

As a member of the Araceae, or Aroid, family, they are one of the few aroids that produce edible fruit, notably Monstera deliciosa, however they seldom produce flowers or edible fruit inside.

Why my Monstera deliciosa leaves turning yellow?

There are a few different factors that may cause your Monstera’s leaves to take on a yellow colour. However, the most likely culprit is improper watering.

Improper watering

Inappropriate irrigation, including both under- and over-watering, can result in the yellowing of Monstera plant leaves.

If the leaves are dry and brittle, they are likely dying as a result of over watering.

The monstera plant is suffering from stem and root rot if its leaves are damp and appear to be decaying as they become yellow. This is an indicator of overwatering.

Investing in a container with a drainage hole will aid in controlling excess moisture.

Improper Light

The leaves can be damaged by excessive exposure to sunshine, namely direct sunlight.

Monstera may be cultivated in dimly lit rooms or near windows receiving early morning or late afternoon sunlight.

Too little light can also be detrimental, as photosynthesis will be difficult and growth would be stunted.

Over fertilization

The longer a plant is maintained in a container inside, the greater the risk of nutrient insufficiency.

As a plant composed primarily of leaves, it will benefit from nitrogen, which keeps the leaves green and vibrant.

However, this must be done sparingly and with caution, since excessive fertilization will burn the roots and stems and cause yellowing of the leaves as the burn spreads through the plant.

Monstera Plant’s Age

A further consideration is that as plants mature, they begin to naturally perish. It is part of the plant’s normal life cycle for older leaves to finally perish.

Typically, the plant’s largest and lowest leaves will begin to turn yellow and die first.