How Often Should You Water a Monstera?

The short answer: water your Monstera when its potting mix has dried out slightly, not on a set day of the week. Monsteras generally like a little drying time between drinks, and how quickly that happens depends on pot size, soil, light, temperature, humidity and the season.

How often should you water a Monstera?

There's no exact number of days that suits every Monstera. Two plants in the same home can need water at very different times.

Your Monstera may need water more often with:

• More light
• Warmer temperatures
• A smaller pot
• A faster-draining potting mix
• A larger, leafier plant

It may need water less often in:

• Winter or cooler conditions
• Lower light

That's why checking the moisture in the potting mix is far more useful than following a calendar.

How do you know when your Monstera needs water?

The surface of the soil can be misleading. The top few centimetres often look and feel dry while there's still plenty of moisture deeper down, where the roots are.

Signs the mix may be drying out include soil pulling away slightly from the edge of the pot, a lighter-feeling pot, and dryness when you check below the surface. Checking the moisture at root level gives you a much more reliable picture than a quick glance at the top.

Common Monstera watering mistakes

• Watering on a fixed schedule
• Watering again while the potting mix is still wet
• Only checking the surface of the soil
• Giving tiny amounts of water too frequently
• Ignoring changes in light, temperature and season

Can Sustee help with Monstera watering?

Sustee is a simple moisture indicator that sits in your plant's potting mix. It changes colour according to the moisture level around the indicator:

It takes the guesswork out of knowing when to check and water your Monstera, which is especially handy while you're still getting to know your plant's rhythm.

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What if my Monstera is overwatered?

Yellowing leaves, soft or drooping stems, soil that stays soggy for a long time or a musty smell can all be associated with overwatering. Keep in mind these symptoms can have other causes too, such as light, temperature or pests.

Letting the potting mix dry appropriately between waterings helps give the roots access to air as well as water, which supports healthier growth.

The simple way to water your Monstera

Your Monstera doesn't need a strict watering schedule. Check the moisture in the potting mix and water when your plant actually needs it. Easy as that.

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