Slow Growth in Monstera
The Swiss cheese plant is a stunning tropical houseplant with large, fenestrated leaves
Monstera care requirements
These care conditions are most relevant to slow growth in Monstera. Check each one as a potential cause.
Symptoms to look for in Monstera
New leaves take much longer than usual to unfurl, or the plant produces smaller, less fenestrated (fewer holes/splits) leaves than expected.
Common causes in Monstera
Monstera naturally slows down in low light or outside its 18–30°C growing range. Lack of feeding during the growing season, a root-bound pot, or the plant being too young to produce fenestrated leaves yet (this can take 2–3 years) are also common causes.
How to diagnose slow growth in Monstera
Assess light levels, feeding schedule, and pot size.
How to treat slow growth in Monstera
Move to a brighter spot with bright indirect light, resume monthly feeding in spring/summer with a balanced liquid feed, and check whether the plant needs repotting into a slightly larger container if roots are circling the pot.
Preventing slow growth in Monstera
Provide bright indirect light, feed monthly during the growing season, and repot every 1–2 years as needed to avoid the plant becoming root-bound.