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You probably wonder what Monstera Adanosonii is and what it means to be rootbound. If that concerns you, worry not.
Monstera Adonsonii, popularly known as Swiss Cheese Plant, is a common houseplant with delightful foliage for your backyard. However, it grows more exponentially than most houseplants which means it can outgrow its pot faster than expected.
So, does Monstera Adansonii like to be rootbound? Generally, Monstera Adansonii doesn’t like to be root bound. Without the ability to get the water and nutrients into the soil it requires, Monstera Adansonii will not grow to its full potential. Aim to repot young Monstera Adansonii plants once a year, and as they get older, you can repot them every two years.
More importantly, if you don’t take immediate action, your Monstera will rapidly grow, causing severe health concerns for your plant. One of the problems is Monstera becoming rootbound, affecting the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
This article will help you understand this beautiful house plant and answer related questions. But first, let’s talk about what it means for plants to be rootbound.
If you are interested in exploring the differences between Monstera Deliciosa And Borsigiana, I invite you to read this article: Monstera Deliciosa Vs. Borsigiana: What Are The Key Differences?
What Does It Mean To Be Rootbound?
Potbound or rootbound plants are plants that have outgrown their pots, meaning that the roots do not have any more room to stretch. If plant roots outgrow the container they are planted in, they will wrap themselves to form an impenetrable mess, thus leaving no room for air, water, and nutrients to penetrate.
You may notice stunted growth in your plant and eventually death due to a lack of nutrients and water. Monstera adansonii often grows tall in the wild, meaning its rooting system is more valuable than other houseplants. Therefore, it needs an appropriate pot size to thrive; otherwise, you may diminish its magnificence and stifle its growth.
In the wild, Monstera climbs other trees; however, in your house, it melds to the shape of the pot you have planted it in. if you plant it in a small pot for long periods, you could prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Does Monstera Adansonii Like to Be Rootbound?
Without enough space in the pot for roots as the plant continues to grow, your Monstera can become root bound. However, monstera Adansonii does not like to be rootbound.
I know you cannot plant a young seedling in a big pot, but make it a habit to transplant your Monstera plant to a suitable new pot. Since Monstera adansonii plant grows, some households repot it every one to three years.
Rootbound plants perform poorly even under optimal growing conditions. They channel the energy they could have used for growth and showcase lush leaves for survival.
As we will see later in this discussion, one of the most significant signs of rootbound is a lack of new growth, or Monstera leaves not splitting after fresh leaves drop.
Is It Normal For a Monstera Plant To Be Rootbound?
It is not normal for a monstera plant to be rootbound. If the plant grows in the correct pot size, it will not be rootbound. However, if you leave the plant in this condition for an extended period, it will be stressed and look sick.
Why should you grow bad-looking plants? Many people love Monstera Adansonii plants because they grow faster and are easy to care for. But rapid growth also means the roots are growing faster to support their foliage. Failure to repot the plant leads to roots wrapping themselves and becoming bound.
If you wait until your Monstera hits the three-foot mark, it may be challenging to transplant it without affecting its normal growth.
See also: 7 Best Soil For Monstera Deliciosa.
When Do You Know That Your Monstera Adonsonii Is Rootbound?
Since nobody wants their Monstera plants to be rootbound, it is good to know signs pointing to this problem. If you know the signs of rootbound, you can take corrective measures and help your plant thrive.
Consider some common rootbound signs in the Monstera plants.
- The soil dries quickly, and when you water the plant, the water instantly disappears as if nothing happened.
- The plants show frequent signs of dehydration, forcing you to water more often than before.
- Stunted growth and loss of vigor, appearance, and overall health of the plant
- Curling, droopy, and yellowing leaves when underwatering or pest infestation cannot explain the problem
- Pot cracking or expanding to accommodate bulging roots.
- Roots spiral at the bottom or top of the pot.
Note: Remember that some of the above signs could also result from other issues. Therefore, it is essential to check the root balls often and investigate rootbound if other potential problems are not responsible.
But How Do You Check If Your Monstera Adansonii Is Rootbound?
Many houseplant owners ask this question because removing the plant with intact soil without damaging the stem and leaves can be challenging. Fortunately, this guide will help you with the procedure.
- Lay the pot or container by the side while gently supporting the stem and leaves to avoid damage or breakage.
- Gently squeeze the container if you planted the plant in a thin plastic pot to loosen the soil. However, if the pot is heavier, you can use a ruler or stick for the same purpose.
- Gently slide the plant and the root ball out once the soil loosens and pulls it out. You may be forced to break the container if the plant is stuck.
- After removing your Monstera plant from the pot, you can examine its root ball to establish if it is root bound.
Rootbound plants have tangled roots with a small amount of soil between them.
How To Split Rootbound Monstera?
If you realize that your Monstera plants are root bound, the next question you ask is how to separate them so they can grow healthy and reach their full potential.
You can follow these simple steps to split rootbound monster:
- Thoroughly water the plant a day before splitting them to loosen the soil and reduce stress.
- Use a sterile knife and cut through the roots at the junction points while looking for offshoots and natural branches.
- Ensure that each distinct plant you separate has enough leaves and roots to grow. It is okay if you only remain with a few plants.
- Replant your Monstera plants into new larger pots filled with potting mix and slow-release fertilizers if you wish.
- Gently tap the topsoil on the pot to support the plant and anchor the roots.
- Care for the plant by regularly watering, but remember that some leaves may turn yellow as the plant undergoes transplantation shock.
If the growing conditions are ideal, you will likely notice new growth in a few weeks.
How Can I Keep My Monstera Plant From Becoming Rootbound?
You don’t want your beautiful plants to become sickly and experience stunted growth or stress during splitting. So, if there is something you can do to correct matters before it is too late, you will surely do it.
One way to avoid rootbound is to repot the Monstera plants before they outgrow their pot. Repotting on time helps your plant to stay healthy and grow beautiful leaves.
Monstera plants should be repotted once a year. When repotting, you need to regularly water without overwatering and lay down a fertile medium for growth.
Older Monstera plants infrequent repotting; however, you can improve their growth medium every two or three years. It is challenging to repot a four-foot or ten-foot Monstera Adansonii, especially if moss poles or stakes are involved.
Note: Like most houseplants, you can transplant your Monstera plant in the early spring or towards the end of winter, thus reducing its stress levels and increasing its chances of survival.
Should I Add Stakes When Repotting My Monstera Adansonii?
Houseplants enthusiasts want to see their Monstera plants climb and showcase their excellent leaves from above. If you plan to repot your plant to a bigger pot, you could encourage climbing by adding a stake or moss pole to train the plant to grow tall.
In the wild, Monstera Adansonii plants grow next to other trees, thus allowing them to climb up. Therefore, providing your plant with a moss pole to climb keeps them happy and healthy because you are mimicking their natural habitat.
Repotting time is ideal for incorporating stakes or trellis since adding them to an existing plant can damage the roots or leaves. If you want to include a moss pole when repotting your Monstera plant, insert it near the back for easy climbing.
You might also enjoy reading: A Quick Guide to Indoor Plant Support Ideas.
Final Thoughts
Monstera adansonii plant is loved by many people because they are easy to care for and proliferates. However, faster growth means that you should repot them after every year when they are young; otherwise, they will outgrow the pot and become rootbound.
If your Monstera plants become rootbound for an extended period, it will interfere with their ability to absorb water and nutrients, thus leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. If you see roots at the bottom or on the topsoil, or the plant show signs of dehydration, it could be a sign of rootbound.
You can gently separate the plants and replant them in larger pots where they can reach their full potential.
