Understanding Root Bound Monsteras: What You Need to Know
Understanding…
root bound Monsteras can be a struggle but no longer! Have you ever looked at your monstera plant and questioned whether it’s genuinely happy or secretly screaming at you to give it a penthouse pot? Do monsteras like to be root bound or do they need to move on to bigger things!
Do Monsteras Like To Be Root Bound
Why monsteras need space to grow
All plants like to have their own space, so even though your monstera can tolerate being a little root bound it’s not a healthy environment to grow in. You should always repot every 2 years, give or take, so that your monstera plant has enough space to spread out its roots and grow new ones. Providing a tropical plant like a Monstera with enough space for the roots to expand and continue growing is vital for it’s health.
“With the right amount of room the roots can absorb more nutrients which will give the plant more energy to promote new leaf development that is dense and lush. Repotting keeps your plant in optimal growing conditions as it allows it to grow stronger to fight of pests and diseases.”
Monsteras are tropical plants that grow aerial roots. If you don’t know, aerial roots grow from your monsteras stems in the air. These roots spread out to find moisture and grab onto things to climb. Putting these aerial roots back into the soil to grow further requires extra space so making sure your monstera plant has a big enough pot is essential to its health.
What Happens When You Have Root Bound Monsteras
Some signs happen when your monstera becomes root-bound. When a plant becomes root bound it struggles to keep its health and foliage. This is why it’s important to know what signs to look for in a root bound plant.
These include;
Difficulty Watering
Frequently dry soil even when just watered. When your monstera is root bound it can be tricky to water it. With all those tight-knit roots it’s hard for water to evenly wet the soil. This will then lead to other problems like being under watered. If you notice that when you water it pools on top of the soil without soaking in or it runs off the side of your pot your monstera might be root bound. In this case, repot it into a bigger pot. Here is a step-by-step guide to repotting your Monstera plant.
Stunted Growth
One main sign you will notice early on if your monstera is root-bound is stunted growth. Yup, that means no new leaves and no new stems. This is because when their roots are bound and squished in a pot they can’t extend and absorb enough nutrients. This can lead to your precious monstera plant slowly withering away in the corner while you wonder what the problem is and why it’s not doing well. So check regularly that you’re getting new growth.
Stress Due to Root Bound Monsteras
Are you claustrophobic? If so you know that comes with its levels of stress and worry. Well, the same goes for your Monstera plant. When it is root-bound in its pot it can become stressed. It’s like when you stretch out in the morning, it feels great and it’s needed. Now imagine you need that stretch in the morning to stay sane but just can’t! Your monstera plant also needs to stretch to survive so not giving it enough space will hurt its health. As your monstera grows bigger it will start to push against the small pot it’s in.
“Over time this will lead to a weaker plant as it leans against itself and damages its roots. All this will stress her out! This stress then turns into yellowing leaves, falling leaves or stems wilting. Not a good look so keep her from getting root bound!”
Signs Of Root Bound Monsteras
If you are worried about your monstera being root-bound but not sure if it is here are some signs to look for.
- Lack of growth
- Roots growing out of drainage holes
- Frequent dry soil
- Difficulty watering
- Leaf discoloration
- Circling roots
Lack of growth
Slow or stunted growth is a good indicator your plant is root bound. If you notice that your Monstera is all of a sudden not growing much, it could be because the roots are to squished and cannot absorb nutrients and water efficiently.
The roots growing through the drainage holes
One of the oldest tell-tale signs that your monstera is root-bound is when the roots start growing out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This tells you that the roots no longer have room to expand and grow. Therefore they grow outside the pot where there’s more space. If you notice your roots coming out of your drainage holes, it’s time to repot!
Frequently dry soil even when just watered
If you notice you have to water your tropical plant more frequently over a shorter amount of time this could be due to being root bound. This happens when your roots take up most of the pot space and there’s no soil left to retain moisture. This is why your soil is drying out to fast and causing you to water more frequently.
“Repotting here is necessary otherwise your plant will stop growing due to dehydration.”
Yellow, brown, or spotted leaves
Leaf changes on a plant can always mean multiple things including being root bound. If your plant roots are to squished they will have a hard time absorbing water and nutrients. This can then lead to droopy or discolored leaves due to stress.
Difficulty watering
If you find it difficult to water your Monstera it could be due to being root bound. When a plant is root bound it has a hard time absorbing water. This is because root bound plants are very dense and compacted. So instead of the water running through the roots it pools at the top and runs off. This results in uneven watering where some roots gain moisture while others stay dry.
“Once you repot your Monstera you will notice it will be easier to water, the roots will stay in the pot and your foliage will look alive again!”
Circling Roots
When you repot your Monstera and you see that the roots are in a ball shape then you know for sure it is root bound! This looks like a ball of tightly packed roots that take the shape of the pot. However this is the opposite of what you want. A healthy root system is one that is loose, roots are spread out and continues to grow and expand.
How To Repot Root Bound Monsteras
If your repotting due to your Monstera being root bound or just part of the care routine its important to know how to repot. Knowing the right way to repot will help promote full growth. If you notice any of these signs it’s time to repot. Here is a step-by-step guide to repotting your Monstera plant.
To Repot root bound Monsteras
- You can start by filling your new pot with fresh potting soil mix
- Now you can remove your Monstera plant from its pot
- Once your monstera is out of its old container you want to massage the root ball to loosen it up
- Take your stunning monstera and plant it in the new pot.
- Direct any long aerial roots outside the pot back into the soil. This can help support your monstera plant and take up additional nutrients.
- Water your monstera in its new pot. Give it enough water so it drains out the bottom of the pot
“Giving your monstera plant the opportunity to adjust is very important. You can put your Monstera plant back in its usual spot after you water it.”
How To Prevent Root Bound Monsteras
Making sure your Monstera has enough room in it’s current pot is crucial for it’s long term health. When a tropical plant is to squished in a container it leads to health issues. Things like overcrowding, root damage, root rot, lack of nutrients, and stunted or slowed growth take place.
Root bound plants will struggle to absorb the nutrients needed to fight off diseases and infestations. This will result in a weakened Monstera plant over time. There are ways to prevent root bound monsteras.
Here’s how
Choose the right pot size
If you start with the right pot size in the beginning you have already won! This will save you so much headache for the future. You want a pot that has enough room for the root system to expand over time. If it’s to small it will squish the roots and then they will not be able to absorb the necessary nutrients. A good rule to follow is to choose a container that is 1-2 inches bigger in diameter than your current one.
“Choosing to big of a pot can result in to much water storage. Your roots will develop root rot from sitting in the excess water which is why drainage holes are the key.”
Pruning
Regularly pruning your roots will keep your Monstera from becoming root bound but will also benefit it. Take your plant out of the pot and gently shake the roots to loosen them. You want to trim off any long roots that are circling. This will encourage your plant to grow its roots outward instead of inwards. This helps to stimulate the root system and allows it to grow better.
Repotting
Regularly repotting your Monstera every 1-2 years is important in keeping it healthy. This is because over time the roots can fill up the pot which will make it to dense and compacted for nutrient absorption. By repotting every few years you are making sure your Monstera has the necessary room and nutrients for the roots to use for future healthy growth.
“Repotting not only helps gain more space for the roots to expand but it brings in fresh nutrients. Repotting brings in fresh soil with replenished nutrients adding to the health of the roots. It supports new growth, strength and essential nutrients for your plant to absorb.”
FAQ: Root Bound Monsteras
We have been asked so many question about root bound Monsteras! Here are the most common ones to keeping your Monstera plant root bound free!
Do monsteras like small or big pots?
As the plant develops, opt for a medium-sized pot that allows growth without being too spacious. Mature Monsteras need larger pots to accommodate their extensive root systems but avoid going too large to prevent soil waterlogging.
How do I know if my Monstera needs repotting?
Your monstera plant will be ready to be repotted when it’s roots grow onto the soil’s surface or out of the pot’s drainage hole. The presence of aerial roots is unrelated. If your monstera is large and falling over, it needs to be staked or supported better.
Is it bad to have root bound monsteras?
One of the most common signs that your Monstera plant may be rootbound is the presence of yellow leaves. When a Monstera becomes rootbound, it can struggle to absorb nutrients and water from the soil, leading to nutrient deficiencies and dehydration.
Do Monsteras go into shock after repotting?
Yes, Monsteras can go into shock after repotting. This will depend on various factors, but you can expect your plant to recover soon with the right care, as early as in a few days to a week.
Understanding the signs your monstera plant is giving you is crucial to their health. Knowing if your monstera is root-bound is vital to its root system and new growth. By repotting and pruning away longer roots you can set your Monstera up for successful future growth. Knowing the signs to watch out for will help in preventing root bound issues and result in a thriving plant!
Always repot your monstera even if you don’t know if it’s root bound. Better safe than sorry!