Understanding the growth at which plants mature will give you more confidence to take care of your Monstera at home. It is also essential to help you have the basic knowledge to handle and protect plant health when plants are infected with diseases and other natural factors.
How fast does Monstera grow?
Mature Monstera trees reach their maximum size after 2.3 years of 12 feet. The average tree grows 2-3 feet per year. To put it another way, that means the plant will grow at least 13 inches per day. However, they can also be sensitive to temperature and light changes, so their growth may vary depending on their environment. With proper care, Monstera can thrive and produce large, beautiful leaves.
| Number | Monstera Type | Annual Growth Rate |
| 1 | Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) | 1 to 2 feet |
| 2 | Monstera adansonii | 1 to 2 feet |
| 3 | Monstera dubia (Shingle Plant) | 4 to 10 inches |
| 4 | Monstera epipremnoides (Monstera Esqueleto) | 4 to 10 inches |
| 5 | Monstera obliqua | 1 to 3 leaves |
| 6 | Monstera punctulata | 1 to 2 feet |
| 7 | Monstera karstenianum (Monstera Peru) | 8 to 36 inches |
| 8 | Monstera standleyana | 1 to 2 feet |
| 9 | Monstera pinnatipartita | 4 to 10 inches |
| 10 | Monstera siltepecana | 2 to 3 feet |
| 11 | Monstera variegata | 1 to 2 feet |
| 12 | Rhaphidophora tetrasperma (Mini Monstera) | 6 to 12 feet |
General characteristics of Monstera
Monstera is characterized by an herbaceous climbing plant with simple leaves, the base of the leaves is heart-shaped, and elongated at the top. Some are entirely green, and some have yellow spots on the leaves, yellow scattered on the leaf or clusters. The flowers are motley, short-stemmed, crawling long, or hanging down on pots.
The trunk is soft and long so that it can be grown in the style of a vine. It is straightforward and has a fast growth and development rate in shade conditions. It is a water-loving plant that absorbs much water without fear of waterlogging root rot and grows hydroponically.
It has become an ornamental plant and appears in many places, often grown indoors with moderate light to beautify, fresher than in apartment spaces or a garden. Tree players often put it on the table or hanging on the trellis so that the tree can drop down very beautifully.
Factors Influencing Monstera Growth
While we’ve previously discussed it, it’s good to know a little more about the elements that have the most influence on Monstera’s growth. Your plant will thrive if all of these demands are met appropriately and regularly.
Light
While users may choose from a variety of Monstera, they all demand the same amount of light. These plants, being climbing vines, demand strong indirect light for best development. Excessive or direct sunshine may typically hinder the development of any Monstera type.
The leaves of this plant can become yellow, brown, and wither when exposed to direct sunlight. Monstera plants ascend up the trunks of trees in their natural tropical habitats, and the greater canopy of the rainforest shields them, This produces the dappled sunlight conditions required by these plants.
Temperature
Monstera is a seasonal plant that grows outside. The temperature should be monitored closely. If the temperature falls below 60° Fahrenheit, it’s time to warm up the plant!
If a Monstera is constantly exposed to temperatures below this level, it will most likely go into hibernation. This provides you with the ability to reduce watering but also risking badly damaging the plant’s health.
As permanent indoor plants, Monstera grows well. It is significantly simpler to regulate your plants’ watering requirements, humidity levels, optimal temperature ranges for Monstera development, and the requirement for indirect sunlight.
Water & Humidity
Monstera, like any other plant, will require watering. It is a good idea to mist these plants on a daily basis. However, it is not a replacement for regular hydration and is more of a technique to maintain a suitable level of humidity while your Monstera grows.
A Monstera plant’s soil should constantly be moist but never waterlogged or dry. Overwatering a Monstera or failing to provide adequate drainage can lead to root rot and other problems with this beautiful plant.
Soil
While any light, well-draining soil mix will suffice for Monstera plants, fresh, organic, and nutrient-rich soil will produce the greatest results! A little organic fertilizer, compost, or handmade enrichment may make a big difference in the health of your plants.
However, like with other plants, too much fertilizer may be harmful. Overfertilizing your Monstera might harm its leaves or possibly kill it.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Monstera Plant Growth
While some of the biggest Monstera plants may grow to be about 70 feet tall in the wild, Monstera plants grown indoors seldom achieve their full potential. This is due to the limits of the indoor environment.
Despite our best efforts to supply Monstera plants with the optimum quantity of sunlight, moisture, and soil, we just cannot duplicate their natural habitat (humidity, temperature cycles, daylight, airflow, or nutrients).
Indoor Monsteras won’t grow to the same enormous sizes as wild Monsteras unless you reside in the correct growth zone (and have a lofty enough ceiling). Indoor-grown Monstera plants, on the other hand, seldom flower or bear fruit for the same reasons.
When a Monstera grows to full size, how long does it take?
Most Monstera plants achieve full growth and maturity in 2 to 3 years on average. It is common for newly propagated Monstera plants to take many months to root and mature fully.
Related Post: What to do with Monstera aerial roots? Can I cut them?
How long does it take for Monstera to grow a new leaf?
If you give your Monstera plant sufficient care and attention, you should expect one new leaf in 4 to 6 weeks. Are you not happy? Continue reading.
It’s when your plant is brand fresh. As the plant grows, the quantity of new leaves it produces grows as well.
The bushier the plant, the more growth sites for new leaves to form.
Is Monstera easy to grow?
Now that we know how big these plants can grow, it’s time to figure out how to make them grow.
When it comes to houseplants, Monstera is a relatively low-maintenance option. There are numerous possibilities to pick from because Monstera is a categorization rather than a single plant. Monstera deliciosa, often known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is the most popular cultivar. In fact, the image that comes to mind when you think of Monstera is most likely of a Monstera Deliciosa plant.
Monstera plants, unlike other houseplants, are tough and tenacious. They can withstand periods of drought as well as unintentional neglect. The main disadvantage of these gorgeous, green accents is their foliage. Monstera are somewhat hazardous to many animals when consumed.
So, what’s the bottom line here?
- Monstera is a simple plant to cultivate
- Drought and neglect are not a problem for Monstera
- Children and pets should be kept away from Monstera
The Most Common Causes of Slow or Stunted Monstera Plant Growth
Overwatering or Underwatering
Both too little and too much water might stifle the growth of your Monstera.
Your Monstera will think it’s not a good time to develop since it doesn’t have enough resources if it doesn’t have enough water. The leaves of a Monstera that has been underwatered may droop somewhat.
Overwatering may also be a concern since it damages the plant’s aerial root system and leads to root rot. The leaves of an overwatered Monstera become wilted, limp, and even brown or yellow.
Only water Monstera plants if the topsoil is at least 80% dry, as a general rule of thumb to follow.
The Absence of Natural Light
Photosynthesis is the process through which Monsteras turn their resources into food and energy. If your Monstera doesn’t get enough light, it won’t be able to develop and create enough food. You may notice that your Monstera has smaller-than-normal leaves if it doesn’t get enough light.
Diseases and Pests
Mealybugs and spider mites are also damaging pests that may wreak havoc on a Monstera’s development. To get rid of them, use neem oil on your plant’s leaves and stems.
Base soil is deficient
Your Monstera will have drained the available nutrients after around 9 months in fresh potting soil and will cease growing if the nutrients are not replenished with fertilizer. Apply a well-balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength once or twice a month throughout the growing season.
Over-Fertilizing
While your plant need nutrients, overfeeding it might produce a hostile environment that harms the Monstera’s root structure.
Temperature Is Incorrect
Most Monsteras can withstand temperatures as low as 50°F. These cold temperatures, on the other hand, might shock a Monstera, causing it to stop growing.
Rootbound
If your Monstera has been in the same pot for two or three years and has stopped growing, it may be rootbound, which indicates that its roots have outgrown the pot and pushed the dirt away. Plants that are rootbound are unable to absorb water and nutrients as well as plants that have a more open environment.
Repot your Monstera in a pot that is about 2 inches bigger than the existing container.
How to Speed Up the Growth of Your Monstera
If you’ve recently acquired a Monstera plant, you’re probably looking forward to seeing it flourish. While it may appear little, adequate care and management will enable it to take off and grow appropriately.
The best light conditions
Monstera plants thrive in indirect light that ranges from mild to bright. Grow lights or fluorescents can be used to augment natural light in your house or business.
Care for the different seasons
Although Monstera plants are rather fuss-free when it comes to indoor plants, they do require varying care depending on what stage of their growing season they are in.
Autumn and Winter Care
A Monstera plant, even if kept indoors, will most likely become dormant throughout the winter. That explains that its development will be slower and that it will require less watering.
During this period, you may wish to transfer the plant to a warmer, sunnier location to encourage new growth and better colors.
Care in the Spring and Summer
To promote your Monstera’s amazing development, fertilize and water your plant on a daily basis during the spring and summer.
The best types of soil
The ideal soil for monstera plants is somewhat acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.5), well-draining, and moisture-retentive. Peat moss, coco coir, perlite, and pine bark are all good options.
The Best Potting Vessels & Containers
Choose a well-draining container that is about 1 or 2 inches bigger than the plant’s root ball for your Monstera.
Ideal Humidity and Temperature
Temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F, as well as home humidity levels above 40%, are optimal for Monstera plants.
Monstera Plant Staking and Support
Monstera plants grow like vines, so they require a stake or support to attain their astonishing heights. Your Monstera will not develop at its optimal rate if it has nothing to “grip” onto. Pruning and chopping back old foliage will also aid in the growth of your Monstera plant.
When to Repot a Monstera and How to Do It
Monstera plants often need to be repotted every 2 to 3 years when they get root bound. When repotting, use a container that is about 2 inches bigger than the existing pot and try to maintain the soil type consistent.
When to Fertilize and How to Fertilize
During the growth season, fertilize once every 4 to 6 weeks using a well-balanced liquid plant fertilizer diluted to half strength.
