How to Water a Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Reviewed by Kiersten Rankel M.S.
Quick Answer
Water your Monstera every 7 to 10 days when the top inch of soil is dry. Stretch to every 2 to 3 weeks in winter when growth slows. Soggy roots kill faster than dry ones for an aroid like Monstera, so when in doubt, wait another day.
Soak deeply, then empty the saucer. Use room-temperature water — cold water from the tap can slow uptake and stress the roots.
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How Often and How Much to Water
Adjust the sliders below for your pot size, light, and setting. The numbers assume a chunky aroid mix and a pot with drainage.
Setting
Every
9days
Use
1cup
Your Watering Rhythm Across the Year
Soil dries faster in the growing season, which varies by region. Slow down watering in the off-season to avoid overwatering.
Pacific
Mountain
Midwest
Northeast
Southeast
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Growing season
Growing season
9days
Resting season
3–4weeks
How to Water Your Monstera
Soak deeply, drain fully. The steps below keep the rootball hydrated without leaving the roots in standing water.
1
Use room-temperature water at the soil. Cold tap water can slow uptake until the rootball warms up.
2
Pour slowly until water comes out the drainage holes. That tells you the rootball is fully soaked.
3
Empty the saucer after 10 minutes so the roots are not sitting in water.
Should You Water Your Monstera Today?
Always check before you pour. The aerial roots and leaf droop on a Monstera tell you exactly where it stands without lifting the pot.
Hold off
Leaves feel firm and look glossy
Leaves held high on their stems
Aerial roots plump and firm
Soil sits tight against the pot wall
Top inch of soil is damp
Pot feels heavy
Ready for water
Lower leaves droop or curl under
Top leaves look dull and limp
Aerial roots thin or wrinkled
Visible gap between soil and pot wall
Pot feels light
If Something Looks Off
Underwatered and overwatered Monsteras can both look droopy from across the room. The soil and the aerial roots tell you which one you are dealing with.
Underwatered
Soil
Dry an inch down and pulled from the pot wall
Stem
Leaf stems droop and feel limp
Leaves
Crisp edges on older leaves first, then curl inward
Pace
Bounces back within hours of soaking
Next steps
Set the pot in a basin of room-temperature water for 20 to 30 minutes
Drain fully and move out of direct sun while it recovers
Existing crispy edges will not reverse, but the leaves still photosynthesize. Wait for new growth before fertilizing
Overwatered
Soil
Stays dark and damp for days with a sour smell
Stem
Spongy and browning at the soil line
Leaves
Bottom leaves yellow all over with stunted new growth
Pace
Sudden collapse that worsens even after you stop watering
Next steps
Stop watering and move to a bright airy spot
Pop the plant out of the pot and trim any dark mushy roots back to firm pale tissue
Repot in fresh chunky aroid mix and a clean pot with drainage holes
Wait until the top 2 inches of soil are dry before the first watering
Got More Questions?
How long should I wait to water after repotting my Monstera?
Wait 5 to 7 days for roots to settle and any small tears to callous over.
When you do water, soak slowly and drain fully. Light watering for the first 2 weeks helps roots establish without sitting in soggy soil.
Why are my Monstera aerial roots brown and shriveled?
Shriveled aerial roots usually mean the plant is thirsty and the air around the canopy is dry.
Check the soil and water if dry. You can also tuck aerial roots into the soil where they will absorb water and anchor the stem.
Should I water my Monstera differently in winter?
Yes. Active growth slows when light drops, and the rootball stays wet much longer.
Stretch the cadence to every 2 to 3 weeks and check the soil before each watering. Cold soil also slows uptake, so use room-temperature water in winter.
My Monstera has yellow lower leaves. Is that overwatering?
Often yes, especially if the soil is staying damp and the new growth has slowed. Check the rootball — soft dark roots confirm overwatering.
Firm pale roots and damp soil mean the plant is just shedding old leaves to support new ones, which is normal.
Can I water my Monstera with tap water?
Most Monsteras tolerate tap water fine. Crispy edges that resemble salt burn can come from chlorinated tap, but humidity and underwatering cause the same look.
If you are unsure, leave tap water out overnight to let chlorine evaporate, or use filtered water.
How does a moss pole change my Monstera watering?
A moss pole gives aerial roots somewhere to attach and absorb water, but it does not change the cadence of soil watering.
Keep the pole evenly damp by misting or pouring water into the top. The plant pulls extra water through the aerial roots when it needs it.
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About This Article
Kiersten Rankel M.S.
Botanical Data Lead at Greg · Plant Scientist
Editorial Process
Watering guidance verified against Monstera deliciosa growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.
78,398+ Greg users growing this plant
USDA hardiness zones 10a–12b