What to Do When Monstera Gets Too Big
Is your Monstera outgrowing its space? Learn exactly how to prune, support, and manage a huge Monstera without harming it. Simple steps inside.
If your Monstera is too big, don’t panic—reduce the rootball, repot in a heavier base, and consider pruning or propagating to manage size while keeping your plant healthy and beautiful.
Quick Fixes for an Oversized Monstera
- Trim the rootball to slow growth
- Keep same-size pot, but nest inside a larger, heavy base (sand, rocks)
- Stake or moss pole support to train vines upward
- Chop and propagate top growth if needed
- Move it to a safer spot away from high-traffic areas
Why Is My Monstera Getting So Big?
- Bright, indirect light boosts rapid leaf growth and fenestration
- Large pots encourage more root and leaf development
- Fertilizing too often speeds up vertical and leaf expansion
- No pruning or shaping leads to wild, sprawling vines
- High humidity and warmth mimic jungle conditions = faster growth
→ These aren’t “bad” signs — just proof your plant is thriving. The key is controlling size, not stopping health.
How to Handle a Giant Monstera
If your Monstera is getting too tall, wide, or heavy, here’s how to manage it without sacrificing its beauty:
1. Root Reduction + Heavy Base Pot
Instead of upsizing the Monstera’s main pot, reduce the rootball slightly and place the existing pot inside a larger container weighted with rocks or sand. This prevents tipping without accelerating growth.
2. Keep It Off the Table
A big Monstera can become dangerous on elevated surfaces. If you can’t keep it on the floor, use a strong stand or corner shelf, away from walkways or kids.
3. Chop & Prop (Only If You Must)
Still too large? Prune the top portion with aerial roots and root it in water or moss. The base will regrow (with smaller, juvenile leaves), and you get a second plant.
4. Air Layer Before Cutting
Wrap sphagnum moss around an aerial root near a node, keep it moist, and cut only once white roots grow. This boosts propagation success and avoids growth loss.
5. Let It Climb
Monstera is a vine—it naturally grows up. Add a moss pole or trellis to encourage vertical growth instead of horizontal sprawl.
How to Keep a Monstera Manageable Long-Term
- Use a moss pole or trellis to train upward
- Prune lightly every 2–3 months
- Repot into a smaller container to slow root expansion
- Rotate the plant to even out growth
- Avoid overfeeding (cut fertilizer by ½ strength)
Pro Tip: Controlled care = compact, balanced Monstera that still thrives without taking over your room.
FAQs
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Will cutting Monstera stop new growth?
No. New growth will emerge from another node below the cut.
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Can I plant the cut Monstera top directly in soil?
Yes, if it has aerial roots and has been pre-rooted in water or moss.
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Why not just use a bigger pot?
Larger pots can lead to overwatering issues and explosive leaf growth—manageable size matters.
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How to prune a huge Monstera?
Cut just above a node with aerial roots using clean shears. This ensures new growth continues from the cut and gives you a healthy top cutting to propagate.
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How to support a huge Monstera?
Use a tall moss pole or trellis. Anchor the pole deep in the pot and gently tie stems with soft Velcro or plant tape to encourage upright growth.
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What if I don’t want to chop my Monstera?
Reduce root size and stabilize the current pot inside a larger, weighted one. Move it to a safer area or elevate on a sturdy stand out of the way.
Final Thoughts
A too-big Monstera is a sign you’re doing great—but space, safety, and plant health matter too. Don’t fear pruning or downsizing creatively. Whether you prop it, root-trim it, or share a cutting, you can keep your Monstera beautiful and manageable without regret.
Need help deciding where to cut? Just ask with a photo—we’ll guide you!
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