N
The Daily Insight

How big do Monstera plants get

Author

Marcus Reynolds

Updated on May 09, 2026

The aerial roots will grow into the moss and anchor your monstera as it soars. Given the right conditions and support, Monstera deliciosa are long-lived plants that can grow 10 to 15 feet tall indoors and stretch 8 feet wide, with leaves that measure 18 inches across or more.

How quickly does Monstera grow?

The growth of your plant depends on its access to light and water. In ideal conditions, with bright indirect light and consistent moisture, Monsteras can grow 1-2 feet per year. Keep in mind that the Monstera’s natural growth pattern is to spread wide rather than reach tall.

How often should a Monstera grow a new leaf?

Monstera plants can grow new leaves every 4-6 weeks. With more growth, the plant produces more growth points and starts to produce even more leaves per month. Of course, there will be differences in how individual plants develop based on how much care they receive and whether they’re grown in an optimal environment.

Do all Monstera get big?

Obviously, an indoor Monstera will never be as large as a wild one, but that does not mean that they cannot grow to be massive. In our own homes, these evergreen plants can reach about eight feet in height. … Since they are tropical plants, they love heat and humidity and thrive in the warmer spring and summer months.

Why do monsteras have holes?

With up to a few dozen holes pockmarking each of its leaves, the Swiss cheese plant (genus Monstera, pictured) is aptly named. … The holes allow leaves to spread out over greater areas without needing to expend energy and nutrients growing extra leaf area to fill this space.

Should you cut off small Monstera leaves?

Pruning removes leaves that are no longer benefiting the plant but are still using the plant’s resources. This frees up energy to support the healthy leaves and new growth! Pruning can also help you control a plant’s size and shape. So make sure to prune your monstera!

Do monsteras like grow lights?

Does Monstera Deliciosa like grow lights? Grow lights work well for a Monstera Deliciosa. Make sure they are not too close to your plant and ensure that your Monstera gets sufficient light from the grow light.

How long does a Monstera leaf live?

Monstera plants can live for many years. As with humans, the older they get, the harder it is for them to have new growth. With the monstera plant, a new baby leaf may have a lower quality leaf the older the plant is. An adult monstera plant that will produce fruit will most likely be around three years old.

How big do Monstera plants get indoors?

Given the right conditions and support, Monstera deliciosa are long-lived plants that can grow 10 to 15 feet tall indoors and stretch 8 feet wide, with leaves that measure 18 inches across or more. Variegated monstera grow much slower and rarely achieve that size indoors.

Why doesn't my Monstera have holes?

If your young plant does not have holes in its leaves the reason can be that it is premature and needs to mature more. If it doesn’t naturally split, the problem may be insufficient sunlight. … Using a well-balanced fertilizer or pruning older leaves will also encourage your Monstera Deliciosa to form holes.

Article first time published on

How do you encourage Monstera growth?

The best way to make your Monstera grow faster is by giving it more light. The houseplant grows well in bright light. However, it doesn’t need direct sunlight. You can also make the plant grow taller by watering it properly, boosting the humidity around it, keeping it clean, and fertilizing it.

What does Monstera symbolize?

Symbolism. It’s said that Monstera deliciosa represents suffocation because of the rapidly growing leaf-bearing vine and aerial roots. That’s why we prefer to stick to the Chinese symbolism, where the Monstera is a symbol of a long life and the honouring of elders and respected people.

How do you get a Monstera to split?

Light – Increasing the available light for your houseplants is the number one factor that will make them grow faster. Your Monstera will develop splits sooner when it is given bright light. Check out our best grow lights for Monstera guide. Water – Providing the correct amount of water will help your Monstera grow.

Are monsteras toxic to dogs?

Philodendron (and Monstera) This genus of plants is mildly toxic to humans, and toxic to both dogs and cats. Symptoms of exposure include: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Do monsteras need a lot of water?

Monsteras prefer soil that is lightly moist, and generally like to dry out a little bit between waterings. As epiphytes with aerial roots, they are sensitive to overwatering, so they don’t want to sit in soggy soil.

Do monsteras like to be misted?

Monstera Deliciosa enjoys a humid environment, which is why we recommend frequent misting of its leaves. Alternatively, you can place your plant close to other plants, which increases the humidity of the air around them.

How do you keep monstera happy?

  1. Find a balance between sun and shade. If Monstera is given too much sun, the leaves will yellow. …
  2. Water Monstera moderately and evenly, about once a week. …
  3. To curb excessive growth, avoid re-potting too often and prune regularly by pinching off new growth.

Why are monstera leaves curling?

The most likely culprit is thirst or dryness. If your monstera’s leaves are curling and even a little crunchy, that’s a sure sign that it might not be getting enough water or that the environment is too dry. However, dumping a bunch of extra water on your plant might not solve the problem!

Why is my monstera so leggy?

A leggy monstera plant is a result of a lack of light. Having inadequate lighting for the plant causes it to stretch and move towards where it can receive as much light as it requires. As a result, this gives the plant its leggy appearance which is characterized by long stems and sparse foliage.

What kind of soil is best for monstera?

Plant your Monstera in a container with drainage holes and use a good quality potting soil with peat moss that drains easily. The plants thrive in dense, nutrient-rich soil, but don’t do well in potting soils with bark or compost. If your container doesn’t have drainage holes, make a few in the bottom.

Where should I place my monstera plant indoors?

In terms of care and maintenance, Georgina suggests placing your Monstera deliciosa in a well–lit indoor spot, with plenty of room for it to grow. Water weekly or when it’s looking dry, and polish leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust in order to unblock its pores and allow it to breathe and absorb moisture.

How long does it take to go from monstera to split?

Young monsteras have solid, heart-shaped leaves, and they almost look like a different plant! With good light, the right amount of water, and a little fertilizer, your monstera should grow and eventually develop those beautiful holes and splits on its own when it’s 2-3 years old.

Do all monstera leaves split?

Monstera leaves split once they reach the age of 2-3 years. Anything earlier, and it will stay looking like a heart-shaped leaf. Don’t panic if your monstera leaves are not splitting from the start. They tend to split as they grow or matures.

How often do I need to water a Monstera?

Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light. Pro tip: Monsteras can benefit from filtered water or water left out overnight before using.

Can Monstera live in water forever?

You can leave a Monstera deliciosa growing in water for quite a long time, but it will never reach its potential in size or health unless it is eventually moved to soil. A Monstera left in water will survive, but it won’t thrive in this environment.

How do you know if your monstera is happy?

A healthy, happy Monstera has deep green, waxy leaves (though younger plants or new leaves may be lighter green). As Monsteras age, their older leaves eventually turn yellow and die off, so some discoloration is normal.

Can I put my monstera outside?

If you have a sheltered location outdoors where your plant is protected from frost, you can grow a monstera outside. It requires a well-drained location, or a raised bed, in bright or dappled shade. Water regularly and fertilize monthly. … Take your plant indoors when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is a monstera a philodendron?

The monstera certainly looks and acts like a philodendron, even though it’s not classified as one. There are two true species of philodendron that go by the name split-leaf philodendron: Philodendron bipinnatifidum and Philodendron selloum.

Do monsteras like small pots?

Monstera love to be cramped in their pots. They will grow huge regardless of their pot size. If you pot your monstera into a huge pot it not grow any faster or larger, most likely it will get root rot from all the excess wet soil, or it will direct more energy to root growth instead of growing any leaves.

How do you get big leaves in Monstera?

With more light (from the dun you’r climbing towards) you can grow bigger leaves and use those to capture even more light to make more leaves. So if you allow your monstera to climb, it’ll grow bigger leaves. However, you’ll need to give it more light keep it strong.

Do monsteras stop growing in the winter?

Dormancy is good for your plant. The best solution is to leave it alone until spring. Be sure to adjust watering and fertilizing to the season, as the winter will require less of both. Otherwise, your Monstera will get back to growing as soon as the days get longer and the weather begins to warm up outside.