How Often to Water Monstera So It Thrives for Decades

Keep the leaves of your monstera plant lush with these watering tips.

Monstera ( Monstera deliciosa ) is a popular houseplant that makes an eye-catching addition to any room. Its distinctive split leaves have inspired monstera's common names: Swiss cheese plant and split-leaf philodendron. While monstera is known for being low-maintenance, it requires appropriate and adequate watering so its leaves stay vibrant and healthy. Here's how often to water monstera, according to houseplant experts.

Meet Our Expert

• Lisa Eldred Steinkopf , founder of the Houseplant Guru and author of Houseplants
• Marianne Willburn, author of the award-winning Tropical Plants and How to Love Them
  

Related: How to Care for Monstera—a Popular, Beginner-Friendly Houseplant

How Often to Water Monstera

Generally, you should water monstera when the top few inches of soil feel dry. "I don’t water on a schedule, but I do check the plant on a schedule," says gardening author Lisa Eldred Steinkopf. "Don't give your plant water just because it is Thursday, for example. If it has been a cloudy week, your plant won't need as much water because it isn't photosynthesizing as much. If it is a sunny week and warm, it may need more water than the week before."

Factors to Consider When Watering Monstera

How often you water monstera depends on several factors, including sunlight, soil, container size, temperature, and more.

Soil

Monstera plants prefer soil that is well-draining but also stays slightly moist. A potting soil formulated for tropical plants can work well. Aerated, "chunky" soil often works well. The more aerated the soil, the faster the water will drain, and the more often you'll need to water this plant.

Humidity and Temperature

The humidity and temperature of your home will impact your monstera's watering needs. "Monstera are remarkably adaptive to the drier environment of home conditions but respond to added humidity with increased vigor and vibrancy in their leaves," says Marianne Willburn, author of Tropical Plants and How to Love Them. She notes that monstera thrive in temperatures of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmer and drier your home is, the more you'll need to water your monstera.

Container Size

The size of the container also plays a role in your plant's watering needs. If your monstera plant is in a container that's too large, the soil may have a hard time drying out, which could lead to root rot. The porosity of the container's material also plays a part in how quickly the soil dries out or whether it will stay moist longer.

Sunlight

Monstera plants need indirect sunlight to thrive, but you don’t want to expose the plant to too much direct sunlight. Too much sun can dry out the soil faster, meaning you'll need to water your plant more often.

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How to Water Monstera

There are two ways you can water monstera plants.

• Top watering: This is the most popular method. It involves watering the top of the soil (not the leaves) and allowing the water to settle into the soil and eventually reach the roots. "It needs to be watered until water runs out of the drainage hole," says Steinkopf. "Don't let your plant stand in water; drain the cachepot or saucer after 30 minutes if any excess water remains."
• Bottom watering: Some gardeners prefer bottom watering because it can encourage plants to absorb the water from their roots, creating a strong root system. For this, fill a shallow dish with water and set the monstera plant (in its container) on top of the water.

Warning

Watch for signs that your plant is being inconsistently watered. "The leaves may develop brown spots, edges, or tips," says Steinkopf. “The plant is allowed to dry out and wilt and then is watered. It recovers, but there will be consequences." The key to keeping your plant watered correctly is consistency and checking the potting mix often.

Signs Your Monstera is Being Underwatered

Underwatered monstera plants often have wilted and brown leaves. "If the soil is dry, water it, and your plant should perk up," says Steinkopf. Monitor the leaves and get to know the signs of a plant that needs water. "Don't assume that because the leaves are green and not browned, all is well," says Willburn. Dull or listless leaves can also be a sign more water is needed.

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Signs Your Monstera is Being Overwatered

Overwatering monstera can be as problematic as underwatering because the roots can rot. "If you have been keeping your plant too wet, it may mean your roots have rotted and the plant wilted," says Steinkopf. "If your potting mix is moist, but the plant is wilted, that would be an indication that the roots have rotted." She adds that soft, yellow leaves can also mean the monstera is too wet.