Why Is My Monstera Not Growing?

The Most Common Reasons for Slow Growth

Monsteras are usually fast-growing, especially in spring and summer. If yours has slowed down, one or more of these factors could be at play:

Low light: Without enough indirect sunlight, photosynthesis slows and energy for new leaves is limited.
Underwatering: Dry soil for long periods stresses roots, halting new growth.
Overwatering: Waterlogged soil suffocates roots, often causing root rot.
Nutrient deficiency: Lack of nitrogen and micronutrients results in smaller, pale leaves and slower development.
Root-bound conditions: When roots run out of space, the plant prioritises survival over new growth.
Seasonal dormancy: In cooler months, Monsteras naturally slow their metabolism and may not produce new leaves.
Temperature stress: Growth slows if conditions are too cold (below 15°C) or too hot and dry.

Understanding which of these applies to your plant makes it easier to fix the problem quickly and get your Monstera thriving again.

Tip: Track light, water, and fertiliser routines for 2–3 weeks—patterns often reveal the cause of slow growth.

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How to Encourage Healthy Growth

Once you’ve identified what’s holding your Monstera back, small adjustments can quickly restore growth. Here’s how to create the best conditions:

Light: Place near a bright, east- or south-facing window with filtered light. Direct sun burns, while dim corners stunt growth.
Water: Water only when the top 5 cm of soil is dry. This balance prevents both dehydration and root rot.
Fertiliser: Use CompleteGrow All Purpose NPK Liquid Plant Food every 2–4 weeks in spring and summer. The balanced nutrients fuel leaf size, colour, and strength.
Repotting: If roots are tangled or soil is compact, move your Monstera into a pot just 2–3 cm larger with fresh soil.
Support: Add a moss pole or stake. Monsteras grow faster when able to climb, mimicking their natural rainforest habitat.
Humidity: Keep humidity at 50–60%. Dry indoor air can slow growth and cause leaf edges to brown.

Growth is not always immediate—sometimes Monsteras invest weeks into developing roots before sending out fresh leaves. Consistency is what drives long-term results.

Tip: Dust leaves monthly—clean leaves photosynthesise more efficiently, giving your Monstera more energy to grow.

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FAQs About Monstera Growth

Why isn’t my Monstera producing split leaves?
Fenestrations appear as the plant matures. Bright light, regular fertiliser, and enough space to grow help encourage larger, split leaves sooner.

How long does it take for a Monstera to push new growth?
During spring and summer, Monsteras often produce a new leaf every 4–6 weeks. Growth is slower in autumn and winter.

Can Monsteras grow in low light?
Yes, but growth will be slow, leaves smaller, and splits minimal. Bright, indirect light is ideal for vigorous development.

Do I need fertiliser to make my Monstera grow?
Yes—indoor soil loses nutrients quickly. CompleteGrow All Purpose NPK Liquid Plant Food restores them, giving Monsteras what they need for steady growth.

Why did my Monstera stop growing after repotting?
A short pause is normal. The plant is focusing energy on root recovery. Growth usually resumes in 2–4 weeks.