Monstera plants are popular indoor plants, known for their distinctive large, fenestrated leaves. While adaptable, they can develop elongated stems, a common concern. This article explains what causes this stretching, how to address it, and preventative measures for a more compact and healthy plant.
What is a Leggy Monstera?
A “leggy” Monstera has long, stretched stems with noticeable gaps between its leaves. These gaps, called internodes, are significantly longer than in a healthy plant. The foliage appears sparse, lacking the bushy density of a thriving Monstera. This signals the plant is reaching for resources, often light, leading to weak, elongated growth instead of robust leaf development.
Why Your Monstera Has a Long Stem
Insufficient light is the primary reason a Monstera develops long, stretched stems. When light is inadequate, the plant extends its stems and branches to find a brighter environment. This phenomenon, known as phototropism, results in sparse foliage and elongated internodes. Monsteras are native to tropical forests, thriving in bright, indirect light under tree canopies.
Other factors can contribute to leggy growth. Over or under-watering stresses the plant, leading to weaker growth. A lack of essential nutrients can also hinder robust development, causing the plant to prioritize stem length over leaf production. Restricted root space from being pot-bound may also affect stem development.
How to Fix a Leggy Monstera
Fixing a leggy Monstera involves several steps to encourage healthier, more compact growth. Pruning is an effective method to reshape the plant and stimulate new growth. Use sharp, clean shears to cut just below a node, a small bump on the stem where a leaf or aerial root emerges. Remove up to one-third of the plant’s growth, ideally in spring or summer. Pruned sections with nodes can often be propagated in water or moist soil to create new plants.
Providing physical support also improves a leggy Monstera’s appearance and growth. Moss poles, trellises, or stakes mimic natural conditions where Monsteras climb. Securing the plant to these supports encourages aerial roots to attach, promoting upright, stable growth. Moving the plant to a brighter location is also crucial to stop further stretching and aid recovery.
Preventing Leggy Growth in Monstera
Preventing leggy growth centers on providing optimal environmental conditions. Consistent, bright, indirect light is paramount for healthy, compact development. Place the plant near an east, south, or west-facing window for 5-8 hours of filtered light daily. Rotate the plant periodically for even growth and to prevent leaning. If natural light is insufficient, supplemental LED grow lights can provide necessary intensity.
Beyond lighting, consistent care prevents legginess. Water properly by allowing the top two to three inches of soil to dry between waterings, preventing stress. Fertilize during the growing season, every one to two months from spring to fall, for essential nutrients. Maintain appropriate humidity (around 60-70%) and temperature (65-85°F or 18-29°C) to support overall plant health and reduce stretched growth.