How Do You Know If A Monstera Plant Needs Water?

Knowing when to water your Monstera can feel like a guessing game — until you learn to read the plant’s signals. Whether you’re nurturing a Monstera deliciosa, adansonii, or Thai constellation, proper watering is one of the most important factors in keeping your plant healthy, lush, and thriving.

Here’s the trick: once you understand the signs, your Monstera will basically tell you when it’s thirsty. Let’s dive into our guide to confidently answering the question: how do you know if a Monstera plant needs water?

Table of Contents

🚩 7 Signs Your Monstera Needs Water

1. The Top Inch or Two of Soil Is Bone Dry

This is your first clue. Dig your finger in halfway—feel for moisture below the surface. If the top 1–2 inches feel dry and dusty, your Monstera is probably ready for a drink.

🌱 Pro tip: You can also use a moisture meter for more accurate results — this is what I recommend to my plant clients.

2. The Leaves Look Droopy or Limp

Monsteras are pretty dramatic when they’re thirsty. If your plant’s leaves are wilting or hanging lower than usual, it’s time to check the soil.

But be careful — drooping can also be a sign of overwatering, so always confirm by touching the soil first.

3. Leaf Edges Are Curling Inward

When a Monstera doesn’t get enough water, it starts conserving moisture. Curling leaf edges are a built-in survival response — kind of like the plant trying to hug itself.

4. Leaves Feel Thin and Papery

Healthy Monstera leaves should feel thick and sturdy. When underwatered, the leaves may feel dry, weak, or even crispy to the touch.

5. Soil Is Pulling Away from the Pot’s Edges

This usually means the soil has dried out completely. You might also notice that water runs straight through the pot — that’s a sign the soil is hydrophobic and needs a good soak.

💧 Soak tip: Try bottom watering for 30 minutes to rehydrate your Monstera more gently.

6. Leaf Tips Are Browning or Crispy

While brown tips can also come from low humidity or salt build-up, they often point to inconsistent watering. If your Monstera’s soil has been dry too long, the tips will let you know.

7. Growth Has Slowed (Outside Winter Dormancy)

If your Monstera stops producing new leaves during the growing season, it may be due to underwatering. A well-hydrated Monstera should regularly push out new growth, especially in spring and summer.

🧪 How to Check If Your Monstera Needs Water

You don’t need to guess. Here are three simple methods to test your soil:

1. The Finger Test

As mentioned, insert your finger into the soil. Dry soil up top? That’s your cue to water.

2. Use a Moisture Meter

A moisture meter gives you a digital reading of soil dampness. Look for a reading between 2 and 4 for Monsteras.

3. Lift the Pot

If your Monstera suddenly feels much lighter than usual, that’s a good indicator the soil has dried out.

🚿 How Often Should You Water a Monstera?

There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule — and that’s okay. Watering depends on several factors:

Season: In spring and summer, Monsteras grow quickly and drink more. Cooler seasons? Ease up on the watering can.

Pot size and type: Terracotta pots dry out faster than plastic.
Humidity levels: Lower humidity = faster evaporation = more frequent watering.
Light exposure: Bright, indirect light means more water use.

🗓 Watering rhythm: Every 7–10 days in summer, every 2–3 weeks once temps drop.

💦 What Happens If You Overwater a Monstera?

Here’s why it matters: Monsteras hate soggy roots. Overwatering is the most common killer of this tropical beauty.

Signs of Overwatering:

Yellowing lower leaves

Mushy or black stems
A sour or musty smell from the soil
Soil that stays wet for more than 5–7 days

If you spot these signs, pause your watering, inspect the roots, and repot if necessary.

🪴 Helpful tool: A chunky, well-draining soil mix is key — Learn how you can fix Monstera drainage problems.

🧠 Mindful Monstera Watering Tips (from a Rare Plant Specialist)

As someone who’s raised dozens of Monsteras over the years, here are a few personal watering mantras:

When in doubt, wait it out. Slight underwatering is safer than overwatering.
Match your watering to the plant’s signals, not your calendar.
Use filtered or rainwater if your tap water has high salts or chlorine.

Let water drain fully. Never let your Monstera sit in a saucer of leftover water.

🌱 Final Thoughts: Your Monstera Is Talking — Are You Listening?

Understanding how to tell if your Monstera needs water is all about tuning in to its natural cues. Once you start observing your plant more mindfully, watering becomes less of a chore and more of a connection.

And remember: your Monstera doesn’t need perfect care — it just needs consistent, thoughtful care. Every leaf it unfurls is a thank-you.

📌 Save this guide or share it with a fellow plant parent who’s always wondering when to water!

Plant Watering Calculator

💡 Watering Tips

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1-2 inches deep. Water when the top inch feels dry. Always use room temperature water and ensure proper drainage.

How Do You Know If a Monstera Plant Needs Water?

🚩 7 Signs Your Monstera Needs Water