How To Fix A Leggy Monstera Deliciosa

Monstera Deliciosa, with its iconic split leaves and tropical charm, has captured the hearts of plant lovers everywhere. But what happens when your Monstera starts looking a bit sparse or "leggy"? This refers to when a plant grows tall and spindly, often with long gaps between leaves, due to inadequate light. It's a common issue, and fortunately, there are ways to bring your Monstera back to its lush self.

In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind legginess in Monstera Deliciosa and the steps you can take to remedy it. From adjusting its environment to pruning and propagation, we'll cover everything you need to know to help your plant thrive. Let's jump right in!

Understanding Why Your Monstera Is Leggy

Before tackling the issue, it's helpful to know why your Monstera might be leggy in the first place. Typically, a leggy Monstera is reaching for more light. In their natural habitat, Monsteras grow under the canopy of trees in rainforests, where they receive dappled sunlight. When kept indoors, they often don't get enough light, leading them to grow taller and sparser as they stretch towards any available light source.

However, insufficient light isn't the only factor. Other environmental stressors like improper watering, temperature fluctuations, and inadequate humidity can also contribute to a leggy appearance. Understanding the root cause is key to nurturing your plant back to health.

Identifying the Signs of a Leggy Monstera

How do you know if your Monstera is leggy? Look for these signs:

• Long, weak stems with few leaves
• Large gaps between leaves on the stem
• Smaller than usual leaves
• Leaves growing towards the light source

Once you've identified that your Monstera is indeed leggy, you can start taking steps to address the issue.

Adjusting Light Conditions

The first and most important step in fixing a leggy Monstera is to ensure it's receiving adequate light. Try placing your plant near a window that gets bright, indirect sunlight. South-facing windows are usually ideal, but if that's not available, you can move it to an east or west-facing window.

If natural light is limited, consider using grow lights. These can provide the necessary light spectrum that your Monstera needs to thrive. Be sure to choose a grow light that offers a full spectrum of light, and place it about 12 to 18 inches above the plant to mimic sunlight without scorching the leaves.

Preventing Light Stress

While adjusting light, it's crucial to avoid causing stress to your plant. Rapid changes in light conditions can shock your Monstera. Instead, gradually introduce it to more light over a week. This approach helps the plant adapt without causing additional stress.

Pruning to Encourage Growth

Pruning is another effective way to address legginess. By trimming back the long, spindly stems, you encourage your Monstera to direct its energy towards new, healthier growth. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make your cuts just above a leaf node, where new growth is most likely to emerge.

Don't be afraid to prune! Removing leggy growth not only improves the plant's appearance but also stimulates the growth of new shoots and leaves. Just be sure not to remove more than a third of the plant at once, as this can stress your Monstera.

Pruning Tips

• Sanitize your tools before pruning to prevent spreading disease.
• Make clean cuts to avoid damaging the plant.
• Remove any yellow or dead leaves to improve overall health.

Pruning is a great way to shape your Monstera and promote bushier growth.

Repotting for Better Growth

Sometimes, a leggy Monstera is a sign that it has outgrown its pot. If roots are circling the bottom of the pot or poking out of the drainage holes, it's time to repot. Choose a pot that's one size larger and has good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally a mix formulated for aroids, which includes ingredients like peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark.

Steps for Repotting

1. Gently remove the Monstera from its current pot.
2. Loosen the roots to encourage outward growth.
3. Place the plant in the new pot, filling in with fresh potting mix.
4. Water thoroughly to help the soil settle.

Repotting gives your Monstera room to grow and thrive, reducing legginess over time.

Ensuring Proper Watering

Watering plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy Monstera. Overwatering or underwatering can both contribute to a leggy appearance. Monsteras prefer evenly moist soil but should never sit in water. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly until excess drains out of the bottom.

Watering Tips

• Adjust watering frequency based on the season, watering less in winter and more during active growth periods in spring and summer.
• Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
• Ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Consistent, proper watering supports healthy growth and reduces the chances of legginess.

Boosting Humidity Levels

Monsteras thrive in humid environments, much like their natural rainforest habitat. If your indoor air is too dry, it can negatively impact your plant's growth. Aim for humidity levels of 60% or higher, especially during the winter months when indoor heating can dry out the air.

Ways to Increase Humidity

• Use a humidifier to maintain consistent humidity levels.
• Place a tray of water near your plant to increase humidity through evaporation.
• Group plants together to create a microclimate with higher humidity.

Higher humidity levels can help your Monstera develop fuller, healthier foliage.

Fertilizing for Healthier Growth

Fertilization provides your Monstera with essential nutrients that promote strong, healthy growth. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to salt buildup in the soil and damage the roots.

Fertilizing Tips

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for dilution and application.
• Flush the soil with water periodically to prevent salt buildup.
• Skip fertilization during the plant's dormant period in the fall and winter.

Proper nutrition supports robust growth and can help reduce the appearance of legginess.

Propagating for a Fuller Plant

Propagation is a fun and rewarding way to turn leggy growth into new plants. By propagating cuttings, you can create new Monsteras that will eventually grow into full, bushy plants. The most common method is water propagation, where you place cuttings in water until roots develop, then plant them in soil.

Steps for Water Propagation

1. Take a cutting with at least one node and a leaf.
2. Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged.
3. Change the water every week to prevent stagnation.
4. Once roots are a few inches long, plant the cutting in soil.

Propagation not only gives you more plants but also encourages a fuller appearance as new growth emerges.

Final Thoughts

By understanding the causes of legginess and taking steps to correct them, you can help your Monstera Deliciosa return to its lush, vibrant self. Adjusting light, pruning, repotting, and ensuring proper care all contribute to a healthier plant.

At Cafe Planta, we're passionate about helping you care for your plants. Whether you're looking for new houseplants or need advice, we're here to assist. Feel free to email us or reach out on Instagram. Let's connect and share the joy of plant parenting together!