Monstera plants are quickly becoming one of the most popular houseplants. With their large iconic leaves and tropical vibes it’s easy to see why Monsteras like the Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii are so sought-after.
But in order to keep your Monstera healthy and encourage it to grow to its full potential you need to pot it in an appropriate sized container. The pot size affects important factors like soil moisture drainage, and the growth of the plant’s roots.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about picking the ideal pot for your Monstera plant.
Why Pot Size Matters for Monsteras
The size of the pot or planter is one of the most important things to get right when growing Monsteras.
A too-small container will restrict root growth and make it hard for the plant to get enough water and nutrients. Meanwhile, an oversized pot can lead to problems with wet soil, cause stunted growth, and make the plant unstable and top-heavy.
So how do you know what size to choose? Here are some key things to keep in mind:
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The pot should be 2 inches wider than the root ball of the Monstera. This gives the roots some room to expand.
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Don’t size up the pot more than 2 inches at a time when repotting. Too much more space can stress the plant.
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Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
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For climbing or trailing Monsteras, pick a heavy pot that provides stability.
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The material affects moisture retention – plastic holds more water than terracotta.
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Outdoor pots need more drainage and stability than indoor ones.
Getting the pot size right from the start will set your Monstera up for success! Keep reading to learn exactly how to choose the best size pot at every stage of growth.
Pot Size for Monstera Seedlings
Monstera seeds can be tricky to germinate. If you manage to sprout some, you’ll want to transplant the seedlings into their own pots as soon as the first true leaves appear.
For Monstera seedlings, opt for a 3-4 inch nursery pot or starter pod. This small size still gives the tiny root system ample room. Avoid anything larger, as it can lead to overwatering while the plant is still so small.
Make sure the pot has drainage holes. Seed starting mix or a lightweight, sterile potting soil are good choices for newly sprouted Monstera seedlings. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Pot Size for Rooted Monstera Cuttings
Propagating a Monstera from a cutting allows you to create new plants that are identical to the mother plant. Once cuttings develop some roots in water, they can be transferred into soil.
For rooted cuttings, use a pot that’s about 4-6 inches wide. The plant is still small so it doesn’t need much space yet. Select a pot with drainage holes and use a loose, airy potting mix to prevent wet soil.
Potting up Monstera cuttings too soon or putting them in huge pots can spell disaster. Wait until there’s at least 2 inches of roots before moving to soil, and increase the pot size gradually as the plant grows.
How Big of a Pot Does a Small Monstera Need?
Small Monstera plants under 12 inches tall do fine in 6 to 8 inch diameter pots. This gives plenty of room for root growth while still providing the excellent drainage and aeration Monsteras require.
Once the roots have filled out the pot, it’s time to repot into something slightly larger. Move up just 1 or 2 inches at a time to avoid shocking the plant with too much space.
For the best results, choose a planter with drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix amended with perlite or orchid bark. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
What Pot Size Does a Medium Monstera Need?
A medium-sized Monstera that stands about 2-3 feet tall needs a pot in the 8 to 10 inch range. Square, rectangular, or oval planters also work well for giving growing Monstera plants more room.
At this stage, the plant will likely need repotting every 1-2 years. To keep your Monstera thriving, stay diligent about watering when the top few inches of soil become dry and providing bright, indirect light.
Avoid overpotting, even if you want to size up for aesthetic reasons. Too large a container can cause problems. Focus on providing excellent drainage and aeration for healthy roots and growth.
Best Pot Size for a Large Monstera
Mature Monstera deliciosa plants can grow up to 10 feet tall in their native tropical habitats. Even indoor Monsteras can eventually grow quite large.
For these big beauties, you need an equally sizable pot – around 12 to 16 inches wide. Over time, the plant may even outgrow this size and require a giant 20+ inch diameter container.
Large terracotta or ceramic pots are a great choice for big Monsteras. They provide the excellent drainage the plants need while also supplying some weight for stability.
Big Monsteras need repotting less often. But when roots start emerging from the drainage holes or growth stalls, it’s time to size up the pot by a few inches.
Ideal Pot Size for an Outdoor Monstera
Outdoor conditions are very different for Monsteras compared to being grown as houseplants. More light, wind, humidity, and rainfall all impact how the plant grows.
Outdoor Monsteras need pots that are heavier and provide better drainage than indoor containers. Large terracotta or concrete planters work perfectly to keep their roots healthy.
Make sure the potting mix is very well-draining. Adding extra perlite can improve drainage. Fertilize regularly during the growing season and provide some shade if planted in full sun.
Even outdoors, choose a pot size proportional to the plant. Monsteras grown outside need 12 inch diameter containers at minimum, and may need giant 20+ inch planters once fully mature.
Tips for Repotting Monsteras Into Larger Pots
Repotting into a container that’s 2 inches wider is recommended when Monstera roots start crowding the pot. Here are some repotting tips:
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Carefully remove the plant and loosen the root ball. Prune any circled or tangled roots.
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Fill the new pot about 1/3 full with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
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Place the Monstera in the pot. The root crown should sit just above the soil.
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Fill in around the roots with more mix, gently firming it down.
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Water thoroughly after repotting to remove air pockets.
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Stake or trellis top-heavy varieties to provide support.
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Keep the plant slightly dry for a week or so to encourage new root growth.
With the right pot size and excellent drainage, your Monstera will thrive for years to come!
Common Problems Caused by Using the Wrong Pot Size
Picking the wrong planter size is a common mistake when growing Monsteras. Here are some issues that can occur:
Using a Pot That’s Too Small
- Roots become crowded and pot bound
- Plant struggles to get water and nutrients
- Stunted growth and smaller leaves
- Needs frequent repotting into larger containers
Using a Pot That’s Too Large
- Wet soil takes too long to dry out
- Increased risk of root rot due to overwatering
- Slow growth as plant struggles with too much space
- Top heavy plant may become unstable and topple over
Size Guide – What Pot Does My Monstera Need?
Use this handy Monstera pot size guide to help pick the right planter:
Monstera Size – Recommended Minimum Pot Size
- Seedlings – 3 to 4 inches
- Rooted cuttings – 4 to 6 inches
- Small plants under 12 inches tall – 6 to 8 inches
- Medium plants 2-3 feet tall – 8 to 10 inches
- Large plants over 3 feet tall – 12 inches and larger
- Outdoor plants – At least 12 inches, up to 20+ inches
Factors That Affect Monstera Pot Size Needs
Along with the size of the plant itself, a few other factors come into play when choosing a pot for your Monstera:
- Environment – Indoor vs. outdoor plants have different needs
- Growth rate – Faster growing varieties may need larger pots
- Pot material – Terracotta dries out faster than plastic
- Sun exposure – Monsteras in bright light need more water
- High vs low humidity – Dry air causes faster soil moisture loss
- Watering frequency – Pot size affects how often plants need water
Frequently Asked Questions About Monstera Pot Size
Here are answers to some common questions about picking the right pot size for Monstera plants:
What size pot does a Monstera deliciosa need?
A small Monstera deliciosa does well in a 6 to 8 inch pot. Medium sized plants need 8 to 12 inch pots. Mature deliciosa Monsteras require a very large container at least 12 inches wide, or up to 20 inches.
When should I repot my Monstera?
Repot Monsteras when the roots reach the edge of the container or you see them emerging from the drainage holes. This is usually needed every 2 to 3 years.
Can I use a pot without drainage holes for Monstera?
No, Monsteras need excellent drainage. Plant them only in containers with several drainage holes at the bottom to prevent soggy soil.
What pot material is best for Monstera?
Plastic, terracotta, and ceramic pots all work well. For indoor plants, plastic retains more moisture. Terracotta and ceramic provide stability for larger varieties.
Should I put rocks in the bottom of the pot for drainage?
No, adding rocks does not improve drainage. It can actually worsen it by taking up space the roots need. Just ensure your pot has drainage holes.
The Best Pot Sizes for a Healthy Monstera
Picking the right sized plant pot is essential for the health and growth of any Monstera. Follow this guide to choose a container that provides excellent drainage and ample room for your plant to thrive.
With the proper pot size, and some general care like watering and fertilizing, you’ll have a gorgeous, lush Monstera to enjoy for many years to come!
What Size Pot do Monstera Need
Monstera plants are known for their vigorous growth, and they require a pot that can accommodate their expanding root system. As a general rule of thumb, the size of the pot should be one-third to half the size of its spread. This means that if your Monstera has grown to 3 feet in width, you should choose a pot with a diameter between 12-18 inches.
It’s important not to go too big too soon as an oversized pot will hold more soil than necessary and retain excess moisture leading to root rot, disease, or even pest infestations. Instead, gradually increase the size of your plant’s container every time you repot it, which should be about every year if your Monstera is growing at an optimal rate.
When selecting pots for your Monstera, consider both depth and width dimensions. A deep container may encourage downward root growth rather than outward expansion, so make sure to opt for containers with enough space below and around the roots.
Additionally, you’ll need to consider the height of your individual plant. Most Monsteras are vining varieties, and may benefit from a larger container so they can vine out further without toppling the whole pot over.
Ultimately choosing the right size depends on your individual plant and how quickly your plant is growing; inspecting its roots during transplanting helps determine what kind of new home it needs. Always remember that even though Monstera grows quickly doesn’t mean it’s best suited for large pots from day one.
How do I know if my monstera pot is too small?
One way to tell is by observing the plant’s roots. If the roots start growing out of the drainage holes or circling around the bottom of the pot, then it’s time to repot your Monstera into a larger container.
Another sign that your Monstera needs a bigger pot is when its leaves begin drooping or turning yellow. This could indicate that there isn’t enough soil in the current pot to hold sufficient moisture for healthy root growth. This could also be a sign of pests or disease, so use your judgement (and detective skills) to determine what is causing the yellowing. If there are no pests in sight and your plant has otherwise been healthy, it’s likely that it just needs to be up-potted.
Remember: a good rule of thumb is to choose a pot one size up (about 1-2 inches wider and taller) from what you currently have when repotting a Monstera plant.