How To Keep Monstera Alive In Winter

You can keep your monstera alive in winter by giving it bright indirect light, letting the soil dry out more between waterings, and keeping it away from cold drafts.
 
If you’re wondering how to keep monstera alive in winter, the good news is that this popular houseplant is pretty resilient.
 
But winter brings shorter days, drier air, and chilly windowsills, all of which can stress your monstera.
 
The key to keeping monstera alive in winter is mimicking its natural tropical environment as much as possible indoors.
 
In this post, we’ll cover how to keep monstera alive in winter with practical tips on light, water, humidity, and temperature.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How to Keep Monstera Alive in Winter

The simplest way to keep a monstera alive in winter is to adjust your care routine before the cold weather hits.
 
Monsteras go into a slower growth phase during winter, so they need less water and less fertilizer than they do in summer.
 
Here are the main things to focus on when learning how to keep monstera alive in winter.
 

1. Give It Bright, Indirect Light

Winter sunlight is weaker and days are shorter, so your monstera will appreciate the brightest spot you can find.
 
A spot near an east or south-facing window is usually perfect for keeping monstera alive in winter.
 
Just make sure the leaves don’t touch the cold glass because that can cause frost damage.
 
If you don’t have enough natural light, a grow light can work wonders for how to keep monstera alive in winter.
 

2. Water Less Often

Overwatering is the number one way people lose monsteras in winter.
 
Since your monstera is growing slowly, it won’t drink as much water as it did during the growing season.
 
To keep your monstera alive in winter, wait until the top two inches of soil feel dry before watering.
 
Stick your finger in the soil, and if it’s still damp, hold off for a few more days.
 
When you do water, make sure it drains completely and never let the pot sit in standing water.
 

3. Boost Humidity Around the Plant

Winter heating dries out indoor air, and monstera leaves can develop crispy brown edges when humidity drops.
 
One of the best ways to keep monstera alive in winter is to increase humidity around the plant.
 
You can use a small humidifier, place a tray of pebbles with water under the pot, or group your monstera with other plants.
 
Misting helps a little, but it’s not a long-term solution for raising humidity.
 

4. Keep Temperatures Steady and Warm

Monsteras are tropical plants, so they prefer temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
 
Keeping monstera alive in winter means avoiding sudden temperature swings and cold drafts.
 
Don’t place your plant near a frequently opened door, drafty window, or directly above a heating vent.
 
Also, keep it away from radiators and fireplaces, as the dry heat can be just as damaging as cold air.
 

5. Hold Off on Fertilizer

Fertilizing in winter can actually harm your monstera because it’s not actively growing.
 
When you’re focused on how to keep monstera alive in winter, pause feeding from late fall until early spring.
 
This lets the plant rest naturally and prevents salt buildup in the soil.
 
Resume fertilizing once you see new growth emerging in spring.
 

Common Mistakes That Make It Harder to Keep Monstera Alive in Winter

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes that threaten your monstera during the colder months.
 
Knowing these pitfalls will help you keep monstera alive in winter with less guesswork.
 

1. Watering on a Fixed Schedule

Watering your monstera every week just because that’s what you did in summer is a recipe for root rot.
 
Instead, always check the soil moisture before watering.
 
This simple habit is what keeping monstera alive in winter really comes down to.
 

2. Moving the Plant Too Much

Monsteras don’t love being moved around, especially in winter.
 
Find a good spot and try to leave it there.
 
Frequent moves can shock the plant and cause leaf drop, which makes it harder to keep monstera alive in winter.
 

3. Ignoring Pests

Pests like spider mites and mealybugs thrive in dry indoor winter air.
 
Check the undersides of leaves regularly and wipe them down with a damp cloth.
 
Catching pests early is a huge part of how to keep monstera alive in winter successfully.
 

How to Keep Monstera Alive in Winter: A Simple Routine

If you want a no-stress approach to keeping monstera alive in winter, follow this simple weekly routine.
 
Once a week, check the soil moisture and water only when the top two inches are dry.
 
Once a week, dust the leaves gently with a soft cloth so they can absorb as much light as possible.
 
Every couple of weeks, rotate the pot a quarter turn so the plant grows evenly.
 
And every day, just look at your monstera.
 
Plants tell you what they need, and noticing changes early is the best way to keep monstera alive in winter.
 

So, How to Keep Monstera Alive in Winter?

You can keep your monstera alive in winter by giving it bright indirect light, watering less, boosting humidity, and keeping it away from cold drafts.
 
That’s the honest answer to how to keep monstera alive in winter, and it’s simpler than you might think.
 
Remember to hold off on fertilizer, check for pests, and keep the temperature stable.
 
Your monstera will slow down and maybe drop an older leaf or two, but that’s normal.
 
Follow these tips on how to keep monstera alive in winter, and your plant will be ready to push out new growth when spring returns.