Monstera Plant Care

Monstera Plant Care: Why Pruning Doesn’t Make It Bushier & Best Tips for Thriving Growth

Introduction: Monstera Plants and Their Unique Growth Patterns

Monsteras are unlike most plants. Most of you will probably know that when you cut the stem of a plant, it normally produces multiple stems in its place. It's a neat little trick to get super bushy plants like jades, pothos, and philodendrons that you can show off to all your friends and family. Just look at my philodendron melanochrysum—I hard-pruned it a few weeks ago, and now it's got more stems than it knows what to do with. Pretty neat, eh?

By the way, I know it's not "melanochrysum"—that's just me poking fun at him for how fussy he is. If you know, you know.

Why Monsteras Don’t Respond to Pruning Like Other Plants

Back to Monsteras—Monsteras do not respond in the same way as my melanochrysum here. Nope, no chance. Sorry to break it to you, but it just won't produce three or four new stems from where you make a cut. It'll just replace like with like.

In fact, you're more likely just hurting your plant. If you have a lovely long stem with big, beautiful fenestrated leaves and lop it off lower down, not only will you only get one stem growing in its place, defeating the purpose of the prune in the first place, but that new growth will most likely revert back to a youngling.

Understanding Monstera Growth Stages

There are two stages in a Monstera's life:

Youngling Stage: During this stage, it grows small, non-fenestrated leaves furiously because it can't wait to become an adult.

Adult Stage: Once it becomes an adult, it tends to chill out and produce big fenestrated leaves slowly.

Cutting it back takes it back in time, essentially resetting it to its youngling stage. If you cut the stem back to where there are leaves with no fenestrations, you're cutting away the adult growth, effectively turning the clock back for the plant.

Personal Experience with Pruning Monsteras

Let me take you back to when I was a newbie plant parent. Yes, hard to believe, but I really was the "newbest" of noobs. This Monstera in my bedroom was actually one of my first plants, so it's a good 10 or so years old at this point.

I loved the plant and desperately wanted it to become bushier so I could get more of those big, beautiful leaves. So, I pruned back a couple of the stems. What happened? Only one stem grew back in their place.

How to Make Monsteras Bushier

If you want a super bushy Monstera, the only way to achieve this is to have multiple plants in the same pot. More plants equal more stems—simple! However, this isn't something I recommend because Monstera roots are thick and can quickly get crowded.

When Should You Behead a Monstera?

There are times when beheading your Monstera is necessary, especially if it's growing unruly. This involves rooting the chopped-off part and starting again with it. The top section cuttings often grow with fenestrated leaves, unlike stems left on the existing plant, which may produce smaller, juvenile leaves initially.

The Importance of Climbing Support for Monsteras

Monsteras are climbers in their natural habitat, growing up along the trunks of nearby trees. Use a support structure like a bamboo trellis to mimic this at home.

Avoiding Common Monstera Problems

Ensure your Monstera is in a pot with proper drainage to prevent root rot or mold. My giant orange pot without drainage holes taught me this lesson the hard way. Always prioritize a well-draining pot for your plant's health.

Final Thoughts

Stick to one plant per pot and focus on its growth rather than worrying about having multiple stems. Provide climbing support, ensure proper drainage, and avoid overwatering for a thriving Monstera.