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Should monsteras dry out before watering?
Yes, monsteras should dry out before watering, and this is actually one of the most important rules for keeping your plant healthy.
When you let the soil dry out between waterings, you mimic the natural conditions monsteras experience in their native rainforest habitats, where they grow as epiphytes on trees with roots that dry out between rain showers.
Overwatering is the number one killer of monstera plants, and letting the soil dry out before watering is the simplest way to avoid root rot and other moisture-related issues.
In this post, we’ll explore exactly why monsteras should dry out before watering, how to check if your soil is dry enough, and the best watering schedule for your monstera.
Let’s dive in.
Why Monsteras Should Dry Out Before Watering
Monsteras should dry out before watering because their roots are highly susceptible to rot when they sit in constantly moist soil.
In the wild, monstera plants cling to trees and receive water that quickly drains away, so their roots are used to alternating between wet and dry periods.
When you water a monstera while the soil is still damp, you trap water around the roots, and this creates the perfect environment for harmful bacteria and fungi to thrive.
Letting your monstera dry out before watering also encourages stronger root growth, as roots will reach deeper into the pot in search of moisture.
1. Root Rot Prevention
The main reason monsteras should dry out before watering is to prevent root rot, which is a fatal condition if left untreated.
Root rot happens when roots sit in waterlogged soil for too long, and they begin to turn brown, mushy, and eventually die.
Once root rot sets in, it spreads quickly, and you’ll notice your monstera’s leaves turning yellow and drooping even though you’re giving it plenty of water.
By allowing the soil to dry out before watering, you give the roots the oxygen they need to stay healthy and firm.
So, whenever you ask yourself if monsteras should dry out before watering, just think about root rot prevention as your top priority.
2. Mimics Natural Habitat Conditions
Monsteras should dry out before watering because this matches what happens in their natural environment.
These plants grow on the forest floor or on tree trunks where rain comes in heavy bursts followed by dry spells.
The roots of a monstera in the wild are exposed to air and dry out quickly after each rainfall, so they’ve evolved to handle periods of drought.
When you keep the soil consistently moist, you disrupt this natural cycle, and your monstera can’t function the way it’s supposed to.
That’s why letting your monstera dry out before watering is not just beneficial, it’s essential for mimicking the plant’s native rhythm.
3. Prevents Pest Infestations
Another reason monsteras should dry out before watering is that overly moist soil attracts pests like fungus gnats.
Fungus gnats lay their eggs in damp soil, and the larvae feed on organic matter and root hairs, which can weaken your monstera over time.
By allowing the top layer of soil to dry out before watering, you make the environment less appealing to these pests.
So if you’ve been dealing with tiny flies buzzing around your monstera, the solution might be as simple as letting your monstera dry out before watering more consistently.
How to Tell If Your Monstera Should Dry Out Before Watering
Now that you know monsteras should dry out before watering, you need to learn how to check if the soil is actually dry enough.
There are a few easy methods to test soil moisture, and you can use one or all of them to make sure you’re watering at the right time.
Here’s how to tell when your monstera should dry out before watering:
1. The Finger Test
The simplest way to check if your monstera should dry out before watering is to stick your finger about two inches into the soil.
If the soil feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water, if it feels damp or cool, wait a few more days.
This method is reliable because it gives you a direct sense of the moisture level near the roots, where it matters most.
Make it a habit to do the finger test every few days, and you’ll quickly learn your monstera’s watering rhythm.
2. Use a Moisture Meter
If you want a more precise reading, you can buy a moisture meter, which is a simple device that measures soil moisture levels.
Insert the probe into the soil, and the meter will tell you if the soil is wet, moist, or dry.
Monsteras should dry out before watering, so you’ll want to wait until the meter reads “dry” before you add water.
This takes the guesswork out of the process and is especially helpful if you’re new to caring for monsteras.
3. Check the Pot Weight
Another trick is to lift your monstera’s pot and feel its weight right after watering, then compare it to how it feels when the soil is dry.
A pot with dry soil will feel noticeably lighter than one with wet soil, so this can be a quick and easy way to tell if your monstera should dry out before watering.
Once you get a feel for the weight difference, you’ll know exactly when it’s time to water without even touching the soil.
Best Watering Schedule for Monsteras
So, how often should you water your monstera if monsteras should dry out before watering?
The answer depends on several factors like the size of your pot, the type of soil, the humidity in your home, and the season.
In general, you’ll probably water your monstera every one to two weeks, but you should always check the soil before watering.
Monsteras should dry out before watering, so the schedule is less about a fixed number of days and more about consistent soil checks.
1. Watering in Spring and Summer
During the growing season in spring and summer, your monstera will need more frequent watering because it’s actively producing new leaves.
However, monsteras should dry out before watering even during these active months, so don’t be tempted to water on a strict schedule.
Check the soil every few days, and water only when the top two inches feel dry.
With brighter light and warmer temperatures, the soil will dry out faster, so you might find yourself watering about once a week.
2. Watering in Fall and Winter
In fall and winter, your monstera enters a period of slower growth, and it will need much less water.
Monsteras should dry out before watering even more so in the winter because the soil takes longer to dry in cooler, lower-light conditions.
You can often stretch watering to every two or three weeks, but again, always check the soil first.
Overwatering in winter is especially dangerous because the plant isn’t using as much water, so the roots stay wet for longer.
3. Adjusting for Pot and Soil Type
The type of pot and soil you use also affects how quickly your monstera dries out.
A well-draining potting mix that includes perlite or orchid bark will dry out faster than heavy, dense soil, which is exactly what you want.
Terra cotta pots are porous and allow moisture to evaporate more quickly, while plastic pots retain moisture longer.
Regardless of your setup, monsteras should dry out before watering, so adjust your watering frequency based on how fast the soil actually dries.
So, Should Monsteras Dry Out Before Watering?
Yes, monsteras should dry out before watering, and this simple practice will keep your plant thriving for years to come.
By allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, you prevent root rot, mimic natural conditions, and reduce the risk of pests.
Remember to check the soil with the finger test, a moisture meter, or by lifting the pot to ensure you’re not watering too soon.
Monsteras should dry out before watering because their roots need oxygen and a break from constant moisture.
So the next time you reach for your watering can, pause and ask yourself if your monstera should dry out before watering, and if the soil isn’t dry yet, just wait a few more days.
Your monstera will thank you with lush, vibrant leaves and steady new growth.
Happy planting.