Most houseplants thrive in a large enough pot where their roots have space for growth. And Monsteras are no exception. These beautiful and exotic plants don’t like to be rootbound, which can stunt their growth and cause leaf issues, due to poor absorption of nutrients. Hence, it’s important not to delay repotting your Monstera plant. If you notice it struggles and doesn’t look its best, it’s time to move your green companion into a bigger planter to help it thrive

This guide will help you learn how to repot Monstera in a few steps and when to complete the task. We’ll also share additional post-repotting care tips to prevent transplant shock and other problems with your Swiss Cheese Plant. 

About Monstera Plants

Monstera plants are evergreen climbers with a striking appearance. They boast large, glossy leaves that develop unique, natural holes or slits as they mature. The fenestrated foliage is their most distinct feature, making them some of the most popular houseplants among plant enthusiasts worldwide. Also known as Swiss Cheese plants, these low-maintenance exotic beauties originate from Central and South America. They thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer well-draining soil. Regular watering is necessary, but they don't like to be waterlogged.

Monstera Swiss Cheese plants are easy to care for and add an exotic touch to any space. They are beautiful green companions, which symbolize honor and respect, often linked to deep-rooted connections. They are toxic to pets, so caution is needed if you have cats or dogs. Nevertheless, these dramatic plants are relatively easy to propagate through stem cuttings, making them a thoughtful gift for your friends. The rare and coveted Monstera Thai Constellation, Monstera Deliciosa, commonly known as the Split Leaf Philodendron, and the Swiss Cheese Monstera Plant (Monstera adansonii) are popular varieties within this family, each bringing a unique aesthetic to indoor spaces.

With the right care, Monstera plants can live for many years, enhancing any room with their lush foliage and unique shape. 

When to Repot Monstera

How to know when to repot Monstera? This is quite a common question in Monstera plant lovers’ minds. After all, repotting Monstera at the right time is vital to minimize the risk of a transplant shock and prevent growth problems with your beloved plant.

Look out for these telltale signs indicating an urgent need for repotting your Monstera: 

• Roots growing out of the drainage holes  
• Despite being a fast-growing plant, your Monstera is growing at a snail’s pace 
• Yellowing leaves - often a sign of cramped roots, which are struggling to absorb water and nutrients from the soil
• Soil quality has degraded, causing it to dry out faster than usual
• Cracks all over the pot means overgrown roots are continuously trying to break through it in an attempt for more space  
• Soil is darker than it should be and releases a foul odor, indicating root rot

Best Time to Repot Monstera

Early spring is the best time to repot Monstera. This is when the weather starts to warm up, making Monstera more receptive to changes, faster recovery, and healthy growth. Winters should be avoided for repotting since your plant won't like to be disturbed during its resting period. 

How Often to Repot Monstera?

Monstera repotting is best done every one to three years to attend to its growth needs and refresh the soil. Typically, younger plants may need repotting annually, while mature plants can be repotted every two years, depending on their size and growth rate.

Repotting a Monstera: Tools and Supplies

Gather the following tools and supplies to repot a Monstera plant at home:

• Gardening gloves 
• New terracotta pot (at least one size up)
• Potting mix
• Sharp pair of shears (optional)
• Old newspapers or a plastic sheet
• Watering can

Best Soil to Repot Monstera

A lightweight, well-draining soil mix is perfect for growing or repotting Monstera. You can purchase a readymade potting mix or prepare it yourself at home by mixing high-quality fresh potting soil, perlite, and coconut coir (2:1:1). 

How to Repot Monstera Like a Pro

Transplanting your Monstera should be an easy task if you don't rush and handle your plant with care during the process. Note that repotting Monstera with aerial roots may be a bit trickier but even if you break one or two, it shouldn't be a problem for a healthy plant.

Follow these simple steps to repot Monstera like a pro: 

1. Remove Your Monstera From Its Pot

The first step is to free your Monstera from its existing pot. If it’s bulky and overgrown, spread some old newspapers or a plastic sheet on the floor to prevent mess. Gently turn the plant on its side to pull it out of the container if necessary.

If the plant refuses to come out of its pot, loosen the surrounding soil with a knife and support your Monstera by holding its stem near the base. 

2. Loosen the Roots and Remove the Old Soil

Once your Monstera is out, examine its roots. A common sign of a root-bound plant is when the roots appear curled up and cramped. Shake the root ball to loosen the roots, and gently use your fingers to remove some of the old soil. Trim any damaged roots that appear soft and dark using a pair of shears. This step is important, as it helps prevent cross-contamination and the spread of disease to healthy roots.

3. Prepare the New Pot

It's time to prepare the new pot. For this, as mentioned earlier, choose a pot that's at least one size up or 2” larger than the previous one. Avoid using a pot that is too big, as it will hold water for a long time, potentially resulting in fungal growth and rotting. For the material, terracotta is the best for preventing root rot. Fill half of the pot with fresh potting mix. 

4. Repot Your Monstera 

Pick your Monstera with one hand supporting the loosened root ball and the other holding the stem near the base of the plant. Lower the plant into its new pot and fill in the gaps with more soil until it’s secure and gently tap the topsoil, to remove air pockets. Leave about an inch of space from the rim of the pot. 

5. Water Your Monstera Well

Take your watering can and water your Monstera well. This will help remove any air pockets, encourage the roots to settle, and provide the required moisture for your plant. 

6. Move Your Monstera Back to Its Original Location

Finally, move your plant to its original location to prevent transplant shock, as any sudden changes after repotting it may cause stress to your Monstera. Maintain a consistent watering schedule and watch your plant closely for signs of distress. Don’t fertilize your Monstera in the first six to eight weeks to prevent damage to the fragile roots.

Are Monsteras Sensitive to Repotting?

Yes, Monsteras are sensitive to repotting. Your plant will readily show you if unhappy with being moved to a new container. Yellowing leaves, drooping leaves, and wilting are clear signs of something gone wrong with your Monstera after repotting it. Luckily, these tropical plants can recover from transplant shock with timely care and attention to their needs. 

Why Is My Monstera Droopy After Repotting? 

Your Monstera plant may appear droopy after repotting, due to transplant stress, root shock, struggle to adjust to its new home, inability to absorb water from the soil, lack of sufficient light, and low-temperature conditions. 

What to Do If Your Monstera Is Drooping After Repotting?

Here are some quick solutions to fix your droopy Monstera post repotting:

• Shift it to a spot with bright, indirect light. Ideally, you should put your plant in the same place as before. 
• Water thoroughly if the top 2-3 inches of the soil feels dry. 
• Don't feed any fertilizer to the plant for at least 6-8 weeks after repotting. 
• Make sure you trim dead, diseased, or damaged roots to direct more energy to the healthy roots.

Why Are My Monstera Leaves Turning Yellow After Transplanting?

Monstera leaves may turn yellow after repotting because of insufficient soil moisture, poor drainage, or incorrect watering practices. Pests and lack of bright sunlight also play their role in turning your plant's leaves yellow. To fix this, ensure consistent moisture in the soil, check the drainage holes for any blockage, and spray neem oil solution on the leaves to drive pests away.

How to Repot a Monstera: FAQs

Q: What kind of pots do Monsteras like?

A: Porous terracotta pots are considered perfect for plants like Monstera, as they are better at preventing root rot by allowing excess water to evaporate. Non-porous containers work well if the conditions are dry, as they will retain soil moisture for longer. 

Q: Do Monsteras go into shock after repotting?

A: 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. 

Q: Do Monsteras prefer to be root-bound?

A: Most houseplants don’t thrive well if rootbound, this applies to Monsteras. Pot-bound roots don't absorb enough moisture and nutrients from the soil, leading to a wide range of leaf-related issues like drooping, wilting, yellowing, or stunted growth. 

Q: How long does it take a Monstera to recover from repotting?

A: A Monstera may take up to a month to recover from repotting and adjust in its new home. Make sure you tend to your plant’s needs and don’t change its environment so that it can recuperate faster.

Conclusion

Repotting a Monstera plant involves choosing a slightly larger pot, using well-draining soil, and ensuring proper watering to support its growth. After repotting, place the plant in bright, indirect light to help it adjust. Prevent transplant shock issues by avoiding sudden changes to your Monstera’s environment.

To complement your Monstera deliciosa or Swiss cheese Plant, consider growing companion plants, like the Bird of Paradise, Golden Pothos, or Peace Lily. These houseplants thrive in similar conditions and pair well with Monsteras. They will add a lush, tropical vibe to your eye-catching indoor garden.