Monsteras are popular houseplants known for their iconic split and hole-filled leaves. Their jungle origins mean monsteras can grow quite large given the right conditions. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about monstera size including:
Typical Mature Monstera Size
In their native jungle habitats, monsteras can grow massive, climbing up trees and spreading 50 feet or more across the forest floor. However, when grown as houseplants, monsteras are typically much smaller.
Height
Indoors, monsteras usually grow to a mature height of 3-4 feet tall. With proper care and support, some varieties may reach up to 6 feet tall at maturity.
Factors Affecting Height
Several factors impact how tall your monstera will grow:
- Variety – Some monstera varieties naturally stay more compact, while others become large vines.
- Light – More light encourages faster, taller growth.
- Support – Trellises and moss poles support larger sizes.
- Pruning & Training – Regular pruning limits height.
Leaf Size
Mature monstera leaves reach an average of 10-35 inches long and 8-25 inches wide depending on the variety.
Factors Affecting Leaf Size
- Age – Leaves increase in size as the plant matures.
- Variety – Some varieties have naturally larger leaves.
- Light & Fertility – Proper light and nutrition produce bigger leaves.
Fun Fact: The iconic holes and splits don’t appear until the leaves mature. Young monsteras have full, heart-shaped leaves.
Achieving Maximum Monstera Size
If you want your monstera to reach its full potential size, provide these ideal growing conditions:
Bright Indirect Sunlight
Monsteras thrive in bright indirect sunlight from an east or west-facing window. Some direct morning sun is fine. Low light leads to small, stunted plants.
Trellis or Moss Pole Support
Use a trellis, moss pole, or other support structure to encourage vertical climbing and larger mature dimensions.
Rich, Well-Draining Potting Mix
Use a quality potting mix that retains some moisture but also drains well to prevent root rot. Add compost or worm castings to enrich nutrition.
Consistent Watering & Fertilization
Water whenever the top few inches become dry. Mist often. Fertilize monthly in spring and summer using a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
Adequate Pot Size
Re-pot in a container only 1-2 inches wider whenever rootbound. A too large pot can stunt growth.
With perfect care, most varieties will reach their genetically typical mature size and leaf dimensions. Proper support can help maximize height. Fast-growing climbers like Monstera deliciosa may take 3-5 years to hit mature size. Compact or slow-growing types will stay much smaller.
“Explore the Exceptional 2023 Monstera Variegata Collection: A Curated Selection of the Rarest and Most Unique Varieties Available.”
Factors Limiting Monstera Size
Several environmental factors can restrict growth and final size:
Insufficient Light
Low light from a north window or distant west window prevents plants from reaching full size. Supplement with a plant light.
Inadequate Water & Nutrition
Underwatering, irregular watering, and poor soil nutrition limits resources for growth. Stick to a consistent watering schedule.
Root Constriction
If a monstera becomes extremely rootbound in a small pot, growth will retard. Repotting encourages size gain.
Excessive Pruning
While light pruning helps shape monsteras, over-pruning removes growth points and restricts size. Only prune when necessary.
Caring for Oversized Monsteras
If allowed to grow unchecked, monsteras transform into massive climbing vines requiring intense pruning and training. Here are some tips for managing overgrown plants:
Routine Pruning
Prune back excess growth every 2-3 months to contain size and encourage bushiness. Avoid removing too much at once.
Support Structures
Add taller trellises and extra poles to support large, vining plants. Use plant velcro or twist ties to train wayward stems.
Dividing Overgrown Plants
Divide congested monsteras by cutting back to smaller sections and re-rooting in water or soil. Plant divisions in separate containers.
With diligent care and training, it is possible to grow monsteras to almost any desired size indoors. Just be sure to provide adequate support and be ready for routine maintenance as these stunning jungle plants mature. Reign in overzealous growers with judicious pruning when needed.
Conclusion
To summarize, monstera size depends on several factors – variety, age, light, and nutrition being the most influential. With perfect growing conditions, most varieties reach heights of 3-6 feet tall indoors and produce leaves 10-35 inches in size. Support tropical monsteras with trellises and poles to maximize height and growth potential. Be prepared to prune back excess growth to keep sprawling monsteras in check. Adjust your care routine to encourage your monstera to grow to its ideal mature stature.
-
by
-
