Large Monstera Deliciosa: Care, Growth, and Maintenance for Oversized Foliage

The large Monstera Deliciosa is a stunning tropical plant renowned for its large, split leaves and vigorous growth. When properly cared for, it can grow massive in size, becoming a striking centerpiece in homes, offices, or outdoor gardens.

This guide covers how to grow, maintain, and manage an extra-large Monstera, ensuring it thrives for years.

How Large Can a Monstera Deliciosa Grow?

Indoor Growth

• Height: Typically reaches 5–10 feet tall.
• Leaf Size: Can grow up to 2–3 feet wide with proper care.
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast-growing under ideal conditions.

Outdoor Growth (USDA Zones 10–12)

• Height: Can climb up to 15 feet tall when provided support.
• Leaf Size: Exceeds 3 feet in width, often developing deeper fenestrations.
• Growth Habit: Naturally climbs trees or sprawls along structures for support.

💡 Tip: Indoors, you can control its height with pruning and structured support such as a moss pole or trellis.

Essential Care for a Large Monstera Deliciosa

1. Light Requirements

• Thrives in bright, indirect light.
• Tolerates low light, but growth slows, and leaves remain smaller.
• Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause leaf burn.

2. Soil Mix for Optimal Growth

• Use a well-draining mix containing peat moss, orchid bark, and perlite.
• Ensures moist roots without waterlogging, preventing root rot.
• Avoid dense or clay-heavy soil, which retains excess moisture.

3. Watering Routine

• Water every 7–10 days, allowing the top 2 inches of soil to dry before rewatering.
• Reduce watering in winter, as Monstera growth slows.
• Use room-temperature water to prevent root shock.

4. Temperature & Humidity Needs

• Ideal Temperature: 65–85°F (18–29°C).
• Humidity: Prefers 60%+ humidity use a humidifier or mist occasionally.
• Avoid cold drafts, heating vents, or sudden temperature fluctuations.

5. Fertilization

• Feed every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
• Stop fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows.

💡 Tip: Regularly wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, allowing better light absorption.

How to Support an Extra-Large Monstera Deliciosa

As Monstera plants grow, they develop thick stems and aerial roots, requiring support to maintain structure and prevent drooping.

Best Support Methods

• Moss Pole: Encourages vertical growth and allows aerial roots to attach naturally.
• Trellis or Bamboo Stakes: Provides stability for wider plants.
• Soft Plant Ties: Prevents heavy stems from bending or snapping.

Training Your Monstera to Climb

1. Insert a moss pole or trellis deeply into the pot.
2. Secure the stems gently with soft ties.
3. Mist the moss pole regularly to encourage aerial root attachment.

💡 Tip: Without support, Monstera will spread outward giving it a climbing structure keeps it upright and compact.

Managing an Overgrown Monstera Deliciosa

A large Monstera can quickly outgrow its space. Here’s how to manage its size effectively:

1. Pruning for Size Control

• Trim overgrown, damaged, or yellowing leaves to maintain shape.
• Cut back long, leggy stems to promote bushier growth.
• Use sharp, sanitized pruning shears to prevent infections.

2. Repotting a Large Monstera

• Repot every 2–3 years to prevent root binding.
• Choose a pot 2 inches larger than the current one.
• Ensure adequate drainage to prevent root rot.

3. Root Pruning (Alternative to Repotting)

• If the Monstera is too large to repot, trim 10–15% of its roots.
• Refresh the top 2 inches of soil annually to replenish nutrients.

💡 Tip: If repotting is not an option, consider air-layering propagation to grow new plants from existing stems.

Common Problems & How to Fix Them

Yellow Leaves

• Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage.
• Solution: Let the soil dry slightly before rewatering.

Brown Leaf Edges

• Cause: Low humidity.
• Solution: Mist the leaves or use a humidifier.

Leggy Growth

• Cause: Insufficient light.
• Solution: Move it closer to a bright, indirect light source.

Drooping Stems

• Cause: Lack of support.
• Solution: Provide a moss pole or stake for vertical growth.

💡 Tip: Monsteras are low-maintenance, but regular pruning, cleaning, and structured support keep them in top condition.

Why Grow a Large Monstera Deliciosa?

• Air Purification: Filters toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
• Tropical Aesthetic: Creates a bold, jungle-like atmosphere.
• Low Maintenance: Thrives with minimal care.
• Adaptable Growth: Can be trained to climb or sprawl naturally.

💡 Tip: With proper care, a Monstera can live for decades, making it a long-term investment in greenery.

FAQs

What is the large Monstera called?

The Monstera Deliciosa is the largest variety, often referred to as the Swiss Cheese Plant due to its fenestrations (leaf holes).

How big do Monstera Deliciosa get?

• Indoors: Reaches 5–10 feet tall with leaves up to 3 feet wide.
• Outdoors: Can climb up to 15 feet, with even larger leaves.

What to do with a very large Monstera?

• Support it with a moss pole or trellis.
• Prune back overgrown or leggy stems.
• Repot when root-bound or refresh the soil if too large to move.

How do you care for an extra-large Monstera Deliciosa?

• Provide bright, indirect light.
• Use well-draining soil (peat moss, orchid bark, and perlite).
• Water when the topsoil is dry, but avoid overwatering.
• Maintain high humidity for lush, healthy leaves.

A large Monstera Deliciosa is a visually stunning, low-maintenance plant that thrives with proper care, pruning, and structured support. Whether you’re growing it indoors or outdoors, training it to climb, or managing its size, these expert tips will keep your Monstera healthy and thriving for years.