The popular Monstera deliciosa, known for its distinctive split leaves, is a tropical plant that requires a significant change in care during the winter months. As daylight hours shorten and indoor conditions shift, the plant’s physiological needs decrease dramatically, making the risk of overwatering a major concern. Adapting your watering routine is not about following a calendar date but rather understanding the plant’s reduced metabolic state to prevent common root issues. A successful winter care regimen focuses on allowing the soil to dry out much more thoroughly than during the active growing season.
The Science Behind Reduced Winter Watering
The primary reason a Monstera requires less water in winter is the decline in light availability, which directly affects photosynthesis. Fewer hours of light slow the plant’s energy production, causing its overall metabolism to decrease. Since water transport through the plant via transpiration is driven by light, less light means less water is needed for these cellular functions.
This reduction in metabolic activity means the Monstera enters a period of consequential dormancy, driven by the indoor environment. The plant conserves energy and fortifies its root system, often displaying little to no new growth. Cooler ambient and soil temperatures in the home further slow the rate of moisture evaporation from the potting medium, causing the soil to remain wet for a longer period.
How to Test Soil Moisture Before Watering
Before applying any water, confirm the plant has sufficiently dried out, regardless of the time elapsed since the last watering. The simple “finger test” involves pushing your index finger about two inches deep into the soil near the stem. If the soil feels dry at this depth, it indicates the upper layers have dried, but this method does not confirm the moisture level at the root ball.
For a more accurate reading of the deeper soil, insert a wooden dowel or chopstick all the way to the bottom of the pot, similar to testing a cake. If the stick is pulled out clean and dry, the soil is ready for water. If it comes out damp with dark soil particles clinging to it, the deeper soil is still moist. Electronic moisture meters offer a precise alternative, measuring the water content deep within the pot, with a reading of “3” or “4” on most meters indicating the soil is sufficiently dry to water.
Establishing a Winter Watering Schedule
Wait until the soil is approximately 50 to 75% dry throughout the pot before rewatering the Monstera in winter. Depending on the plant’s size and the environment, this often translates to a frequency of every three to four weeks, a significant reduction from summer watering. Avoid watering on a fixed calendar schedule, always using a physical test to confirm dryness first.
When watering, saturate the soil thoroughly until liquid flows freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures all parts of the root system receive moisture and helps flush out mineral salt buildup. Discard any excess water that collects in the saucer or cachepot within 15 to 20 minutes to prevent the roots from sitting in standing water, which leads to root rot.
Environmental Factors That Affect Winter Thirst
The rate at which the soil dries out is highly variable and depends heavily on the specific environmental conditions within your home. Indoor heating systems, particularly forced air, significantly lower the ambient humidity, which accelerates water loss from the foliage and soil surface. Conversely, placing the Monstera near a drafty window exposes it to cooler temperatures that slow the soil’s drying process, increasing the risk of overwatering.
Proximity to a heat vent will speed up drying, while a humidifier running nearby will slow it down. The material and size of the pot also play a role; a small plant in a large plastic pot will dry much slower than a large plant in a porous terracotta pot. These external factors must be monitored closely, making the soil moisture test the definitive action before watering.