One common issue with Monstera plants is that they can start leaning or tipping to one side if they don’t have enough support from the soil. This can happen if the root ball becomes too large for the pot, or if the plant has been in the same pot for a long time and the soil has become compacted. To prevent your Monstera from leaning, you can follow these steps:
1. Assess the size of the root ball: Check if the root ball has outgrown the current pot. If the roots are tightly packed and there is little soil left, it’s time to repot the plant into a larger container. A general rule of thumb is to choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one.
2. Choose the right pot and soil: Select a pot that has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom. A well-draining potting mix is ideal for Monstera plants. You can either use a pre-mixed potting soil or create your own by combining equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and compost.
3. Prepare the new pot: Place a layer of small rocks or broken pottery pieces at the bottom of the new pot to aid in drainage. Add a layer of fresh potting soil on top.
4. Gently remove the plant from its current pot: Carefully slide the Monstera plant out of its current pot. You may need to tap the sides of the pot or use a gentle twisting motion to loosen the roots if they are tightly packed.
5. Loosen the root ball: Once the plant is out of the pot, use your fingers to gently loosen the root ball. This will help the roots to spread out and establish themselves in the new pot.
6. Place the plant in the new pot: Position the Monstera plant in the center of the new pot, making sure it sits at the same depth it was in the old pot. Fill in the gaps around the root ball with fresh potting soil, gently pressing it down to eliminate any air pockets.
7. Water thoroughly: After repotting, give the plant a thorough watering to help settle the soil and ensure good contact between the roots and the new soil. Allow any excess water to drain out of the bottom of the pot.
8. Provide support if needed: If your Monstera is still leaning even after repotting, you can use plant stakes or bamboo sticks to provide support. Gently tie the stems to the support using soft plant ties or twine. Be careful not to tie them too tightly, as this can damage the stems.
9. Monitor growth and adjust as needed: As your Monstera continues to grow, regularly check the plant’s position and adjust the supports if necessary. You can gradually loosen the ties as the stems become more self-supporting.
By repotting your Monstera plant when needed and providing adequate support, you can prevent it from leaning and promote healthy upright growth. Remember to also provide the plant with proper light, water, and nutrients to ensure overall well-being.
