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How to repot a Monstera: A step-by-step guide
Your Monstera is growing like crazy, and its roots are peeking out from the bottom of the pot. Time to repot! But how do you do it correctly without damaging your plant? In this guide, we explain step-by-step how to repot your Monstera — including tips for the right pot, potting soil, and aftercare. Monstera Repotting Checklist What you need Details New pot 2-4 cm larger in diameter, with drainage hole Potting soil Aerated mix: 60% potting soil, 20% perlite, 20% coco coir Drainage Layer of hydro granules or clay pebbles at the bottom Moss pole Optional, for support for larger specimens Best time Spring (March-May), beginning of growing season Frequency Every 1-2 years When should you repot your Monstera? There are a few clear signs that your Monstera needs a larger pot. Roots growing out of the drainage hole, growth slowing down despite proper care, the potting soil drying out extremely quickly after watering, or roots appearing above the soil. The best time to repot is in spring (March to May), when the plant emerges from its winter dormancy and has plenty of energy to form new roots. Step-by-step: Repotting your Monstera Step 1: Preparation Water your Monstera a day in advance. This makes the root ball more flexible and reduces stress. Lay down newspaper or a plastic sheet on your workspace to prevent mess. Step 2: Remove the plant from its pot Tilt the pot and gently slide the plant out. Is it stuck? Gently squeeze the sides of a plastic pot, or use a knife to run along the inside of a terracotta pot. Never pull on the stem. Step 3: Inspect the roots Examine the root ball. Healthy roots are white to light brown. Remove any rotten (dark, soft) roots with a clean, sharp knife. Are the roots very tangled? Gently loosen them with your fingers. Step 4: Fill the new pot Place a layer of hydro granules at the bottom of the new pot for extra drainage. Then add a layer of fresh potting soil. The top of the root ball should ultimately be at the same height as in the old pot. Step 5: Place the plant Place the Monstera in the new pot and fill around it with fresh potting soil. Lightly press down the soil, but not too firmly — the roots need air. If necessary, place a moss pole for support for large specimens. Step 6: Aftercare Immediately after repotting, give it a good soak of water so that the soil settles around the roots. Do not give plant food for the first 2 weeks and avoid direct sunlight. Your Monstera needs some time to adjust to its new home. 🌿 Need an XXL Monstera? We deliver the largest ones At XXLplant, you'll find the most beautiful and largest Monsteras, directly from the grower. View Monsteras → Frequently Asked Questions How big should the new pot be? Choose a pot that is 2 to 4 cm larger in diameter than the current pot. A pot that is too large retains too much moisture, which can cause root rot. Can I use regular garden soil? No, regular garden soil is too heavy and retains too much moisture. Use an aerated mix of potting soil with perlite and coco coir for good drainage. My Monstera is drooping after repotting, is that normal? Yes, that is normal. The plant is experiencing repotting stress and needs 1-2 weeks to recover. Keep the soil lightly moist and provide indirect light.
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Monstera care: the complete guide to the Swiss cheese plant
The Monstera, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is one of the most popular houseplants in the Netherlands. And rightly so: with its characteristic holes and incisions in the leaves, it's a real eye-catcher in any interior. But how do you care for a Monstera so that it stays healthy and beautiful for years? In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything you need to know. Monstera Care Table Feature Details Botanical name Monstera deliciosa Common name Swiss Cheese Plant Location Bright to partial shade, no direct sunlight Watering 1-2x per week, keep soil lightly moist Humidity High (60-80%), mist regularly Temperature 18-25°C, minimum 15°C Feeding March to September, 1x per month Repotting Every 2 years, in spring Toxic Yes, for pets and children Air purifying Yes Location and light The Monstera originates from the tropical rainforests of Central America, where it grows under the canopy of large trees. This means it prefers a bright spot, but without direct sunlight. A spot 1 to 3 meters from an east or west-facing window is ideal. If your Monstera doesn't get enough light, its leaves will grow smaller and have fewer or no holes. Too much direct sunlight, on the other hand, will cause brown spots on the leaves. Watering The Monstera likes slightly moist soil, but absolutely cannot tolerate soggy feet. Water when the top 3-5 centimeters of potting soil have dried out. In practice, this means approximately once a week in summer and once every 10-14 days in winter. A good rule of thumb: stick your finger into the soil. Does it feel dry to fingertip depth? Then you can water. Preferably use room-temperature water. Humidity As a tropical plant, the Monstera likes high humidity (60-80%). In the winter months, when the heating is on, the humidity drops significantly. Mist the leaves regularly with a plant sprayer or place a humidifier nearby. Feeding and fertilization Feed your Monstera with plant food every month from March to September. Use a universal liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength. In the winter months, the plant does not need food, as it is then in a resting phase. Pruning and maintenance Regularly remove yellow or brown leaves by cutting them off at the base with a sharp, clean knife. This encourages the plant to put energy into healthy, new growth. Clean the large leaves once a month with a damp cloth to remove dust — this allows the plant to absorb light better. 🌿 Looking for a beautiful Monstera? At XXLplant, you'll find the most beautiful and largest Monsteras, directly from the grower. View Monsteras → Frequently Asked Questions How often should I water my Monstera? Water your Monstera when the top 3-5 cm of soil feels dry. In summer, this is on average once a week, in winter once every 10-14 days. Why doesn't my Monstera have holes? Young Monsteras do not yet have holes. The characteristic holes (fenestrations) only appear as the plant gets older and larger and receives enough light. Can I put my Monstera outside? In the summer months (May-September), the Monstera can be placed outdoors in a sheltered, shady spot. Bring it indoors as soon as the temperature drops below 15°C. Is the Monstera air-purifying? Yes, the Monstera is known as an air-purifying plant. It filters harmful substances like formaldehyde from the air.
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