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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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Brown and yellow leaves on Monstera: causes and solutions
Your Monstera has brown or yellow leaves and you want to know what's going on. Recognizable! It's one of the most common concerns among plant lovers. The good news: in most cases, it's easy to solve if you know the cause. Common Monstera Problems — Causes & Solutions Problem Cause Solution Brown leaf edges Too low humidity Mist or humidifier Yellow leaves Too much water or too little light Water less, more light Brown spots Sunburn Move out of direct sunlight Drooping leaves Too little water or root rot Check roots and watering pattern No fenestrations Too young or too little light Patience + more indirect light Black spots Root rot due to overwatering Repot, remove rotten roots Drops on leaves Guttation (normal) No action needed, it's healthy Brown leaf edges Brown, dry edges on your Monstera's leaves almost always indicate too low humidity. Especially in the winter months, when the heating is on, the air dries out quickly. The solution is simple: mist your Monstera regularly, place a bowl of water near the heater, or invest in a humidifier. Yellow leaves Yellow leaves can have several causes, but the two most common are overwatering and too little light. First, check if the soil isn't too wet. Does the potting soil still feel moist to the touch? Then you're watering too much. Let the soil dry out thoroughly before watering again. Is your Monstera in a dark spot? Then move it closer to the window. A plant that receives too little light cannot produce chlorophyll properly, causing its leaves to turn yellow. Brown spots in the middle of the leaf Brown, dry spots in the middle of the leaves usually indicate sunburn. The Monstera cannot tolerate direct sunlight — the intense midday sun can literally burn the leaf tissue. Move your plant to a spot with indirect light and remove severely damaged leaves. Limp, drooping leaves A Monstera with limp leaves is either thirsty or suffering from root rot. Feel the soil: is it bone dry? Then your plant is craving water. Give it a good drink, and within a few hours, the leaves will recover. Is the soil soaking wet? Then there may be root rot. Take the plant out of the pot, check the roots (healthy roots are white/light brown, rotten roots are dark brown/black and soft), and remove the rotten part. Repot in fresh, well-draining potting soil. When are yellow leaves normal? Important to know: if only the lowest, oldest leaves occasionally turn yellow, that is completely normal. The plant sheds old leaves to put energy into new growth. As long as the newest leaves are healthy, you don't need to worry. 🌿 Prefer a fresh, healthy Monstera? At XXLplant, you'll find the most beautiful and largest Monsteras, directly from the grower. View Monsteras → Frequently asked questions Can I make brown leaves green again? No, once brown tissue does not recover. Cut away the brown part or remove the entire leaf if it is largely damaged. Focus on preventing new damage. How do I know if my Monstera is getting too much or too little water? Check the soil: wet and musty smelling = too much water. Bone dry and pulling away from the pot edge = too little. The ideal situation is slightly moist a few centimeters deep. Should I remove yellow leaves? Yes, remove completely yellow leaves. The plant no longer draws energy from them, and they can attract mold.
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How do you care for the Strelitzia in winter and summer?
Caring for the Strelitzia Nicolai differs in summer and winter. Read how to keep this tropical houseplant healthy with the right watering, light, and nutrients for each season.
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Brown leaves on Strelitzia Nicolai: causes and solutions
Brown leaves on your Strelitzia Nicolai? Discover the causes, such as dry air, water problems, or sunlight – and learn how to solve them so your plant can thrive again.
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How do you repot a Strelitzia Nicolai?
The Strelitzia Nicolai needs to be repotted every few years for healthy growth. Read step-by-step instructions on how to do this and which pot and soil are best to use.
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Strelitzia Nicolai: The ultimate guide to location and light
The Strelitzia Nicolai grows best in a bright spot with plenty of daylight. In this article, discover the best location, how much sun the plant needs, and how to prevent it from drooping or becoming small.
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Care tips for the Strelitzia Nicolai
The Strelitzia Nicolai is a tropical eye-catcher, but it does require proper care. Read on to learn how to best water this bird of paradise plant, its preferred location, and what nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy.
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Reginae, Nicolai or Augusta? The Strelitzia family explained
The Strelitzia is a tropical gem, but did you know there are several varieties? In this blog post, you'll discover the difference between the colorful Reginae (with bird-of-paradise flowers), the imposing Nicolai (with extra-large leaves), and the elegant Augusta (the stylish middle ground). Whichever you choose, they all bring a generous dose of jungle vibes into your home.
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