Monstera Repotting & Propagation 101: How to Keep Your Plant Happy and Thriving
- Iva Indo Tropical Plant
- Jul 23
- 4 min read
If you have a Monstera, you’ll know that when they’re happy, they just can’t stop growing! These beautiful, leafy giants grow quickly and often need a little extra care to keep them looking their best.
One of the most important things you can do for your Monstera is repotting it at the right time. And if you’ve fallen in love with your plant (as most of us do), you may even want to propagate it to create new Monsteras to share or spread around your home.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the how, when, and why of Monstera repotting and propagation in a simple, step-by-step way.
When Should You Repot Your Monstera?
Your Monstera gives you clear signs when it’s time for a new pot:
You see thick, fibrous roots peeking out of the drainage holes.
Growth has slowed, or your plant seems “stuck.”
The plant looks top-heavy or unstable.
The best time to repot is early spring, right before the plant’s active growing season. This gives the roots fresh nutrients and space to expand as the weather warms up.
What You’ll Need to Repot Your Monstera:
Before you start, gather your materials:
A new pot one size larger than the current one (for example, move from an 18cm to a 20cm pot).
A well-draining, airy potting mix—ideally one with perlite, orchid bark, or coco chips.
A bamboo stick or moss pole for support (optional).
Twine to secure the plant to its support.
Clean secateurs or sharp scissors for any pruning.
If reusing a pot, wash thoroughly with soapy water and a splash of bleach to kill any pests or bacteria. Let it dry before using.
Step-by-Step: How to Repot a Monstera
Gently remove your Monstera from its current pot. You don’t need to remove all the old soil unless there’s been a pest issue.
Inspect the roots. Healthy roots are thick and white or pale. Trim any mushy, dark, or rotten roots.
Place a layer of fresh soil in the bottom of the new pot. If you’re adding a support pole, do it now.
Set your Monstera in the center, add more soil around it, and lightly press down. Leave about an inch of space from the top of the pot for watering.
Water thoroughly. Wait a few weeks before adding fertilizer to give the plant time to settle.
What About Those Crazy Aerial Roots?
Monstera aerial roots can sometimes look wild and untamed—but don’t worry! They’re completely natural and help the plant stabilize itself and take in moisture.
You have a few options:
Gently tuck aerial roots into the soil where they can help nourish the plant.
Train them onto a moss pole or bamboo stick.
Trim them back only if necessary (for example, if they’re awkwardly sticking out). Just don’t remove all of them, especially on mature plants.
Do You Really Need a Moss Pole?
A moss pole can help your Monstera grow upwards and mimic its natural climbing habit. However, moss poles can dry out and cause roots to tangle.
If you prefer something simpler, a bamboo stick offers excellent support without the hassle of misting or maintaining moss. Either option works—it’s really about your plant’s size and your aesthetic preference.
How to Propagate a Monstera (And Why You Should!)
Sometimes your Monstera can grow a bit wild—leaves in every direction, stems sprawling all over the place. When this happens, propagation is a great way to shape your plant and create new baby Monstera.
Why Propagate?
Encourage a tidier shape (taller, not just wider).
Create new plants from a single parent.
Boost your plant’s health by stimulating new growth.
How to Propagate (The Water Method):
Identify a stem with at least one node and ideally an aerial root.
Cut below the node using clean, sharp scissors.
Place the cutting in a jar of filtered water, ensuring the node is submerged.
Change the water every few days and keep the cutting in a bright, warm spot.
Once roots have formed (3–6 weeks), plant your new Monstera in soil.
Important: A leaf without a node cannot grow roots. Make sure your cutting includes a node for successful propagation.
Optional: Air Layering for Monstera Propagation
For a more advanced method:
Wrap moist sphagnum moss around a node while the cutting is still attached to the mother plant.
Cover with plastic wrap and secure.
Keep the moss moist until roots develop, then cut and pot the new plant.
Air layering is great for larger, more mature Monstera or when you want to ensure roots form before cutting.
Final Tips for Monstera Success:
Repot in spring to set your plant up for strong growth.
Use a light, breathable soil mix.
Don’t panic if you accidentally cut a root—Monstera are surprisingly resilient.
Keep new cuttings away from drafts or cold snaps.
With the right care, your Monstera will continue to grow into a lush, jungle-like masterpiece. And who knows? With a little propagation, you might end up with a whole Monstera family to love.
Dreaming of having your own stunning Monstera Albo?
Why wait? Grab yours now before they’re gone!
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