Monstera Repotting Shock: Potential Problems & 6 Solutions
What is Monstera repotting shock, and how does the shock happen to your houseplant? What should you do to solve this problem?
Repotting is a treatment to improve the plant’s health. However, the sudden change in the environment will accidentally make the Monstera plant suffer.
We will explain the causes of this problem in detail. You can also learn some tips to relieve it. Let’s join us!
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What Is Monstera Repotting Shock?
The Monstera plant does not die after repotting. It’s also an excellent time to check on your Monstera’s health and renew its soil.
Transplanting, on the other hand, is a stressful practice. After this treatment, your houseplant may experience a shock.
If your plants suffer from transplant shock, you can only minimize the intensity of the symptoms; you can’t completely heal them.
You can define the repotting shock by the signs your plants show after this treatment, such as:
Transplant shock
In a good state, houseplants like Monstera deliciosa can proliferate. As a result, you must transfer it from a small to a larger container.
When you repot your plant, it may get startled because of the rapid change in its habitat. In this scenario, the Monstera plant withering after repotting is normal.
The repotted plant is now in shock, maybe due to improper treatment. Examine your plant’s growth rate as well.
Every two to three years, this pot plant will need another pot. When you relocate a fast-growing plant, you may accidentally injure the root. Repotting might deplete its stamina and cause it to droop.
Cold or heat damage
These tropical plants thrive in temperatures ranging from 64 to 86 °F. The temperature beyond this range is not ideal for the plants to grow.
After repotting, you may assume they need sunshine and place them directly in the sun or near a hot side. However, excessive heat can burn the leaves, causing them to wilt.
Another reason for the plant’s drooping is exposure to too much frost. The leaves may become grayish if temperatures drop too low.
Your houseplant is vulnerable to heat and cold damage
Underwatering
Discovering where your plant comes from may tell you a lot about the conditions it requires to thrive.
For example, if you grow a tropical plant from Central America or southern Mexico, give it a humid environment. Dry soil is not pleasant for it.
Underwatering results in dry soil, making the leaves droop. This problem is quite common after repotting.
Overwatering
Overwatering, like underwatering, causes the leaves to droop. Overwatering causes the Swiss cheese plant’s leaves to grow thin and yellow.
You can also characterize overwatering as stinky soil and brown spots on the leaf tips. These problems arise after a few days of repotting.
The odor indicates rot root, which may lead to your plant’s death. Invest in a pot with drainage holes and a new soil mix to prevent such mistakes.
Underwatering and overwatering are both problematic
Root issue
When repotting, a new pot’s space should fit your houseplant. Otherwise, the large container traps too much water in the soil, causing root rot.
Because the water drains via the earth, you may overlook this issue just by looking at the topsoil.
On the other hand, the middle layer soaks up moisture and does not dry as quickly as the upper layer. The leaves may be dropping as a result of this problem.
Dry soil
Another major cause of drooping Monsteras is dry soil. You can check it by pushing your finger through the soil. The plant is thirsty if you can feel the dry soil after the first two inches.
The species is native to Central America’s tropical woods and Mexico’s southern states. It requires a humid habitat to thrive. As a result, the dry, hard soil is not ideal for them.
After transplanting the plants, do not let them dry out. They may wilt as a result of the absence of moisture.
Over-fertilizing
Monstera plants may grow to be pretty tall in their habitat. However, when raised in pots, their height becomes limited.
You must offer adequate nutrients to guarantee that the houseplants develop to their full potential.
On the other hand, adding too much fertilizer too regularly might generate a buildup in the soil mixture, which can cause root toxicity.
If the roots stop working and the plant can’t get the nutrients and water it needs, it will droop.
Moreover, too much fertilizer worsens the soil’s toxicity. The root tips cannot work effectively, leading the plant to fall.
Improper lighting
Monsteras, which come from tropical regions, flourish in indirect sunshine. Exposing them to direct sunlight encourages the growth of dark spots on the foliage and limping.
If your plant is subject to low light, it will become stressed with few leaves and more susceptible to wilting and languishing.
As you can see, your plant’s health and development also depend on the light you supply them.
The houseplant cannot tolerate direct sunshine
Infestation
Illnesses and pests are pretty common in this species. Some of the most severe pests include spider mites and mealybugs.
A constant checkup is the first and most important line of defense. B significant bug infestation can cause the entire plant to lose lots of nutrients and water because of the destruction of the leaves.
Fungal and bacterial infections can also penetrate the leaves through holes. As a result of these diseases, the foliage will fall.
Here are some types of pests that your plants may be suffering from. Check the symptoms to rescue the plants in time.
- Scale insects
Scale creates yellow or white spots on leaves, which might fall off due to the disease.
- Spider mites
The leaves may look sticky and gritty, particularly at the bottom, where they congregate.
They look like little white footballs and grow on the underside of the leaf, forming holes afterward.
- Fungus gnats
When you water the plants, you’ll probably notice fungus gnats creeping on the topsoil or flying out from the pot, leaving a black or white powdery residue.
Lack of support
You’ll know why Monsteras in pots tumble over if you’ve ever seen one in the wild.
Their normal growth tendency is to bind to trees and rise, relying on their roots for support along the way.
When a Monstera is still small, it is lightweight enough to hold on its own. When it grows big enough, though, it has nothing to grip. Then, the stems and leaves will fall to the earth to search for support.
Due to this development pattern, the potted plant may become unstable enough to fall. If the pot can’t support itself, it will collapse too.
Monstera needs support when it gets bigger
How To Repot Monstera?
Every few years, you should repot your houseplant to maintain adequate soil nutrition and space for the fast-growing plant.
The question is, how to repot the plant correctly to minimize the risk of shock? There are some steps to follow:
Choose the right location.
You can keep your houseplant in the dining room, living room, or bedroom. It thrives in indirect illumination but struggles in direct sunlight.
As a result, a place near the west, south, or east-facing windows is perfect. To avoid leaf burn, try to avoid direct sunlight.
Choose potting soil
Monsteras thrive in organic potting soil mixes that are light and airy. These plants can’t thrive in the moist clay soil of your backyard.
To capture air pockets, Monstera potting soil usually contains coco coir, lava rock, peat, perlite, and bark. These elements support soil aeration.
Monstera plants grow best in moist, well-draining soil. They like a slightly acidic pH level of 5.5 to 6.5 in their soil mix.
To maximize the plant’s growth, you should mix one part coco coir or peat moss with one part perlite. Then, add four parts of bark fines to the combination.
Here are some tips for mixing soil:
Choose the pot
Monsteras require a pot that drains well. It should also be large and heavy enough to support the huge leaves when the plant grows.
You may want to try unglazed stoneware and ceramic containers, such as classic terra cotta. These pots come with porous and breathable sides. Their weight is another plus.
For a young Monstera, you should choose a pot that is a few inches wider than the old planting pot.
It’s best to go for one size larger in this case. For example, if the old pot is six inches, the new one should be eight inches.
It will be simpler for your plant to adapt to a new habitat that isn’t substantially bigger than the previous one.
In the same way, the plant can become more prominent thanks to this slight change.
Another thing to consider is the size of your houseplant. The pot should be as wide as the plant after root pruning.
Also, make sure that the container you chose is deep enough to fit a support pole if you wish to stake your plant.
Transparent pots are perfect because you can see your plants’ dirt and roots. They also make it simple to keep track of root conditions and identify rot.
Moreover, transparent containers help you tell when the plant is rootbound and needs a new pot.
On the other hand, terracotta pots may be a great cost-effective combination between aesthetics and price.
They are often less costly than other ceramic containers and are available at most garden centers and hardware stores.
There are some considerations when choosing the pot
Water frequently
Water your houseplant once a week so that the soil has an interval to dry up. Monstera only requires one or two cups of water for each watering.
When you’re exposed to intense light, your eyes are more likely to sweat than when you face dim light. So, instead of watering your houseplant at night, irrigate it in the morning.
If you water it late at night, the excess water will gradually evaporate, making the soil moist for a long time.
Fertilize
Do not fertilize your Monstera for the first few weeks after repotting. The potting soil already has nutrients. It can also assist the plant in adapting to its new environment before being overwhelmed with nutrients.
Feed Monstera once a month using a liquid fertilizer when they are actively growing in the spring. Plant food is a fantastic option for development.
Trim and clean regularly
This Swiss cheese plant may overwhelm its surroundings. In its native habitat, it may reach a height of 10 feet.
The plant grows too tall in the house and reacts well to trimming. Any cuttings can start a new bush.
It’s necessary to prune the houseplant when it is dormant and before the growing phase starts.
The best time for pruning is in early spring when the plant’s dormancy begins. During this time, the days are longer, and the temperature rises. Your houseplant can heal the damaged parts after pruning.
Pruning is necessary for the plant
Conclusion
Repotting involves changes in temperature, humidity, and space. If your houseplant can’t adapt to these adjustments, it will become weaker.
In this case, check for the primary causes. Then, you can find a solution to rescue your plant.
Hopefully, the guide we have shared can help you deal with your Monstera’s repotting problems. If you need any further information about gardening, please feel free to ask.
Thank you for reading!
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