How Often Water Monstera

Figuring out how often to water monstera can feel tricky. Getting this right is the single most important thing you can do for your Swiss Cheese Plant’s health. These popular houseplants are surprisingly forgiving, but their watering needs change with the seasons, their environment, and their growth. This guide will give you a clear, simple schedule and teach you how to read your plant’s signals, so you can water with confidence.

Monstera plants, native to tropical rainforests, prefer their soil to dry out a bit between drinks. They don’t like to sit in constantly wet soil. Overwatering is a far more common problem than underwatering. The goal is to mimic the natural cycle of a heavy rain followed by a period of drier soil.

There is no universal answer, like “once a week.” Your home is unique. Instead of a calendar, use a check-in routine. A good starting point is to check the soil moisture every 7-10 days in the warmer, brighter growing season (spring and summer). In the fall and winter, this might stretch to every 14-20 days. Always verify by feeling the soil.

The Best Way to Check for Thirst

Forget the guesswork. Use the finger test or a moisture meter.

The Finger Test: Insert your finger about 2-3 inches into the soil. If the top few inches feel completely dry, it’s time to water. If you feel any dampness or coolness, wait a few more days.
Moisture Meter: This is a helpful tool for beginners. Insert the probe into the root zone. A reading in the “dry” range means go ahead and water.

Signs Your Monstera Needs Water

Your plant will talk to you. Look for these clues:

Drooping or Limp Leaves: The leaves, especially the newer ones, may look sad and droopy.
Dry, Crispy Leaf Edges: While often a sign of low humidity, it can also happen with underwatering.
Lightweight Pot: Lift the pot. If it feels surprisingly light compared to after a watering, the soil is dry.
Soil Pulling Away: The soil may shrink and pull away from the edges of the pot.

Signs You Are Watering Too Much

These symptoms are serious and require immediate action:

Yellowing Leaves: This is the classic sign, usually starting with the lower, older leaves.
Black or Brown Soft Spots: Dark, mushy spots on leaves, often starting at the base or where the leaf meets the stem.
Wilting with Wet Soil: The plant looks droopy, but the soil is still damp. This indicates root rot.
Musty Smell or Fungus Gnats: A foul odor from the soil or tiny flies are a sign of consistently soggy conditions.

How to Water Your Monstera Correctly

When it’s time, water thoroughly. A little splash on the top isn’t enough.

Take it to the Sink or Tub: Place your monstera where water can drain freely.
Water Slowly and Evenly: Pour room-temperature water all around the soil surface until it starts to flow out of the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball gets moisture.
Let it Drain Completely: Leave the plant in the sink for at least 30 minutes to let all excess water escape. Never let it sit in a saucer full of water.
Return to its Spot: Once fully drained, put your monstera back in its decorative pot or saucer.

Factors That Change Watering Frequency

Four main things affect how fast your monstera’s soil dries out:

Light: A plant in bright, indirect light uses water much faster than one in low light. More light = more frequent watering.
Season: Growth slows in winter. Water less often during this dormant period, even if the plant is in the same spot.
Pot Size and Material: A small pot dries out faster than a large one. A porous terracotta pot wicks away moisture, while a plastic or glazed ceramic pot retains it longer.
Humidity and Temperature: Hot, dry air from heaters or air conditioners will dry soil quickly. High humidity can slow drying.

Creating Your Personalized Watering Schedule

Follow these steps to build a routine that works for your home.

Start with the Check: Every Sunday (for example), do the finger test.
Water Only if Dry: If the top 2-3 inches are dry, water thoroughly. If not, note “no water needed” and check again in 2-3 days.
Track it: Keep a simple note on your phone or calendar. After a month or two, you’ll see a clear pattern emerge for your specific conditions.
Adjust for Seasons: When daylight shortens in fall, automatically start checking less frequently until you find the new winter rhythm.

Troubleshooting Common Watering Problems

If you run into issues, here’s what to do:

Suspected Root Rot (Overwatering): Stop watering immediately. Gently remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white. Rotten roots are mushy, brown, or black. Snip off all rotten roots with sterile scissors and repot into fresh, well-draining soil and a clean pot with drainage.
Severely Underwatered Plant: If the soil has become hard and compacted, it may repel water. Try bottom-watering: place the pot in a few inches of water for 30-60 minutes, allowing the soil to soak up moisture from the bottom. Then, let it drain.
Water Runs Straight Through: This means the soil is too dry and compacted, or the roots have filled the pot. Bottom-water as described above, or consider repotting if the plant is root-bound.

FAQ: Your Monstera Watering Questions Answered

Should I mist my monstera?

Misting doesn’t significantly raise humidity and can promote leaf fungus if overdone. For better humidity, use a pebble tray or a humidifier.

What type of water is best?

Room-temperature water is key. If you can, use filtered, rainwater, or leave tap water out overnight to let chlorine evaporate. Monstera can be sensitive to chemicals and minerals in hard tap water.

How do I know if my pot has good drainage?

It must have at least one hole in the bottom. If your decorative pot doesn’t have a hole, keep your monstera in a plain nursery pot inside it, and always remove the inner pot to water and drain.

Is it better to underwater or overwater monstera?

It is generally safer to slightly underwater than to overwater. A thirsty monstera will perk up quickly after a drink. An overwatered one can develop fatal root rot.

Do monsteras like to dry out completely?

They like the top portion of soil to dry out, but not the entire root ball. Letting it get bone-dry all the way through will cause stress and crispy leaves.

Remember, the key to knowing how often to water monstera is observation. Pay attention to your plant and its soil, not the date. By following these simple steps—checking the soil moisture, watering thoroughly, and letting it drain—you’ll provide the perfect environment for your monstera to thrive and grow those beautiful, split leaves. With a little practice, you’ll develop a natural feel for your plant’s needs.