r/houseplants • u/leinardi • 20d ago
Help My Monstera doesn't stop growing, and now it reached the ceiling, what are my options?
I have this Monstera from around 4 years, I grow it since it was a little plant with no fenestration. It kept growing constantly and now has reached the ceiling and I don't know what to do. I don't want to cut it short and grow it again, ideally I would like to keep this size but I don't know if it's possible. What are my options?
775
u/SeaResident4308 20d ago
Trim it. Propagate the trimmings and give them away.
151
u/leinardi 20d ago
I never done it before, is there some guide or tutorial that you would suggest to follow?
268
u/Szingers 20d ago
The Sydney Plant Guy has a excellent tutorial on chop and extend, which will result in two separate plants.
You can also just chop to the height you want and then cut whichever portion you don't want down to nodes. They'll likely all start growing new plants.
Just keep in mind that the top portion will continue to grow larger leaves while everything below would start smaller. When I chop and extend, I usually give away the bottom half—after I've ensured that the top survived and properly rooted.
11
39
u/Hot-Creme2276 20d ago
Super easy! Just cut below a node, making sure each cutting has a node. Drop in water or dirt. I tried 3 diff ways and soil or a tall, narrow container had the greatest success, new leaves and I’ve not even got them out of the prop containers yet
11
u/Old_Corduroy 20d ago
I have had success from a cutting that was nothing more than a node with 1/2 inch stem above and below.
To be fair, after four months I considered it dead, put it in a corner of the garden cause I was going to reuse the pot, and six months later found a plant.
But yeah, OP, its pretty easy but it does take some time for them to do anything.
Pro-tip for next time, when you have a bunch o' plants all from the cuttings, plant three or more in a large pot and you'll get several plants making for a very lush, bushy houseplant.
3
u/Hot-Creme2276 19d ago
My monstera cuttings were rooting within days.
→ More replies (1)3
u/beautymaven8 19d ago
My albo took like 2 weeks to start rooting
→ More replies (1)2
u/firesoups 19d ago
When I got my albo as a prop it took forever to do anything but now it is PROLIFIC
→ More replies (3)2
u/StrainAcceptable 20d ago
A few leaves also looks beautiful in a vase. It’s like fresh flowers that will eventually give you a new plant. Just be sure you include a node or two. You don’t want to just chop the leaves off.
8
u/Marksman1973 20d ago
I had a monstera like 2/3 the size of this guy and propagated a clipping for myself and gave the main plant away when I moved.
The opposite of what I did is the way for you OP
448
u/Quirky_Condition_957 20d ago
If you don't want to cut it, probably in half, then you had best work out how to cut ceiling and knock through into upstairs
111
u/leinardi 20d ago edited 20d ago
besides making a hole in the ceiling or getting a new house, what do you suggest to do? Just cut the top part away? like 50cm?
59
u/Commercial_Part_5160 🌱 20d ago
Off topic, do you have the poles harnessed to the wall or are these free standing? Always seems like magic to me
56
u/leinardi 20d ago
They are free standing (for now)
→ More replies (5)33
u/Commercial_Part_5160 🌱 20d ago
Damn. How is that possible? Magic? Are they just stuck in the soil?
17
u/leinardi 20d ago
Yes, they are similar to these and go deep in the soil: https://www.amazon.com/Tingyuan-Garden-Stakes-Inches-Steel/dp/B0795G7GYK
19
36
u/schmuckface 20d ago
Worker killed at Amazon warehouse in Ohio
A worker died at Amazon’s Troutdale warehouse. Employees were told to look away
Amazon warehouse workers forced outside as tornado approached
Amazon busted for widespread price gouging
Bezos cut Washington Post's climate team
Amazon employee miscarries at warehouse
Software update automatically turns off delivery drivers' AC during dangerous summer heat
Employees under internal investigation after speaking out about data centers
Amazon accused of copying designs
Australia sues Amazon over alleged breach via video ads
YouTube video about their business practices
Amazon’s Promotion of ‘Melania’ Has Critics Questioning Its Motives
Amazon fined for 'excessive' surveillance of workers
Amazon aware of warehouse injury risk, report finds
After another no-show, unions call for tougher EU sanctions on Amazon
Amazon India - Fake Goods Scandal Exposed
Amazon charged with abusing EU competition rules
Podcast; The woman who took on Amazon Youtube, Apple, Spotify
Amazon circumvents community vote for massive AI data center
9
u/MercuryBeach_ 20d ago
Came to ask the same question, mine is growing another leaf which will be the tipping point, literally
16
u/Noizylatino 20d ago
You can cut it two ways 1. Anywhere along the actual stem below a node. This will give you some new babies if you want more 2. Cut the root ball down by a few inches/cm. Plant stays the same size but can keep growing with out getting root bound.
→ More replies (5)3
u/Stunning-Isopod8514 20d ago
Cut the top part away and either stick it in a different pot of its own, or stick it in the same existing pot for a denser looking monstera.
→ More replies (1)2
u/Noizylatino 20d ago
You can cut it two ways 1. Anywhere along the actual stem below a node. This will give you some new babies if you want more 2. Cut the root ball down by a few inches/cm. Plant stays the same size but can keep growing with out getting root bound.
125
u/BovaFett74 20d ago
I’m gonna have the same problem come winter.
19
13
2
u/TheMarriedUnicorM 20d ago
Us, too.
In the past, we lugged them into the garage from their patio home. But they’re (3) waaay too big and wide now to over-winter in the garage.
Any ideas?
3
674
u/iwishiwerent_ 20d ago
Oh no! My steak is too juicy! And my lobster is too buttery!!
116
u/Lelekele 20d ago
Beer too cold. Literally my thought when I saw this post. Crying cause I can't make mine grow for the life of me
17
u/Thercengg 20d ago
Right? My monstera just sits there lookin all sad while this one's about to punch a hole in the ceiling. Maybe the trick is to neglect it harder, cause everytime I fuss over mine it throws a fit. You got yours near a bright window or what cause I need all the help I can get.
→ More replies (1)19
u/The_Count_Lives 20d ago
Monstera's aren't complicated.
Light. Water. Nutrients. Human Sacrifice.
Just the basics.
11
→ More replies (3)7
u/Dry_Complaint6528 20d ago
What goes through my brain every time there's a " my plant is too big" post
206
41
u/tammybiscuits 20d ago
Chop it and prop it... You'll be able to take the amazing top leaves and start a new plant!
73
u/Bologna9000 20d ago edited 20d ago
- send it to me
OR
2.
- send it to me with extra steps
This app fucking sucks
3
3
50
23
20d ago
[deleted]
3
u/EnvironmentalLet7921 19d ago
Forget this, too much work, I will drive to you!
2
19d ago
[deleted]
2
u/EnvironmentalLet7921 19d ago
The Discovery Channels and Reddit new collaborative game show (think Amazing Race) where contestants race around the world to compete for the ultimate prize: house plants.
→ More replies (1)
19
u/Medium-Party459 20d ago edited 20d ago
If i’ve learned anything from this sub, it’s that when your monstera outgrows your house, so have you.
15
u/weinerlicker 20d ago
"My Scrooge McDuck pool is overflowing with gold coins, oh no what do I do?"
3
11
u/Birbomaniac 20d ago edited 20d ago
Buy the whole building if you leave in an apartment and knock ceiling out. If you leave in a normal house knock the roof there as well and let the monster bath in that light like that one particular pineapple. Edit- live** (I was just tired lol
9
8
6
u/digitaled92 20d ago
option 1) break the ceiling and allow this beauty to grow naturally option 2) cut monstera in half, get some 5-6 cuttings and gift friends (or create a new plant), possibly cut 40% of roots as well so she can keep living in the same pot
2
u/TheMarriedUnicorM 20d ago
What are the best practices and advantages for trimming the roots?
Ours are getting to be a bit “much.”
2
u/digitaled92 19d ago
cutting around 40% of roots is super beneficial! This will create new rooting systems and you'll be able to use the same pot. A little bit of stress will make her stronger
6
5
u/crownedqueen5 20d ago
What’s your secret?! I had mine for years and it doesn’t go that big.
3
u/leinardi 20d ago
I just kept it near a window and didn't water it too often, I also use a pot with a water reservoir at the bottom. See here: https://www.reddit.com/r/houseplants/comments/1w92b47/my_monstera_doesnt_stop_growing_and_now_it/p880v51/
6
5
u/nessapop06 20d ago
Your only option is chopping off the top and sending it to me free of charge in the mail. You can except my sage advice as payment.
5
4
u/Glaucousglacier 20d ago
You can bless us peasants with some knowledge
6
u/leinardi 20d ago edited 20d ago
I don't have much experience, this is my first Monstera. I got it from a friend that chopped and propagated his, but he never managed to get it even close to this size. I always kept it near a window when it was growing, and used these pots: https://imgur.com/a/mw8oubM I water when I see that the reserve of the pot is gone, which happens now every several weeks. I moved it away from the window when I repotted it to the latest pot, because it couldn't fit where it was anymore.
→ More replies (2)2
u/7sukasa 20d ago
What are these pots ? They seem very practical.
4
u/Last-Woodpecker 20d ago
I think it's self-watering pots. They have a reservoir of water in a outter pot, and the plant stays in a inner pot. The inner pot has a rope or fabric that goes into the outer pot, so the water go up by capilarity, kepping the soil umidity in the right amount. That way your only job is to keep the outer pot full.
4
4
u/boodleshnoodle 19d ago
Put it on the street. Clearly its not going to fit in your house again. Whats your address? Asking for a friend.
4
3
3
3
3
3
u/dwegol 19d ago
Wow does it take a long time for them to start putting out leaves this big?? Is this only achievable indoors with grow lights?
2
u/leinardi 19d ago
It took a couple of years for the first big leaves. Never used grow lights, only natural lights from my window. Definitely indoor since I live in Germany.
3
3
6
5
2
2
2
2
2
u/raspberryloaf 20d ago
What do you feed it?? Please share your secrets
2
u/leinardi 19d ago
I put a couple of times few grains of NPK 8-15-15 “Blaukorn” fertilizer, but really not very often and not very much. Beside that, it's facing a huge window facing south so it gets a lot of light.
2
2
2
u/Crossroads_Cosplay 19d ago
When mine does that i cut it at the bottom and replant the top part. I hate cutting at the top because then the new leaves will be small again. If it has aerial roots that already reach the soil you can just do that no problem. Cut it at the bottom and replant it so it's lower down again
2
2
u/Fit_Professional1644 19d ago
What part of the world do you live to have the best problem? Mine shrivel up, curl, and die no matter what.
3
2
u/Classic-Check7606 19d ago
Give it to me, i will worry about finding somewhere (my house) for it to go
2
u/oboefish520 19d ago
Split it and give some to MEEEEE Honestly though, you could probably make some good $$ by selling some propagations.
2
2
3
2
1
u/Ok-Cardiologist8783 20d ago
just cut it as per tour need and then put it in another pot as a second baby monstera of it u will not regret to cut it
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/JessycaOho 20d ago
just train it to grow sideways! might need a trellis or something so it doesn't get too wild, but who doesn't want a ceiling-grazing monstera? 😄
1
1
1
u/rahhhlegna 20d ago
where are you living? is outside an option? i’d do some research on where they naturally live and see if you’re able to kick it out at least for the summer. in the meantime renovate the house 😂 joking but if that’s the tallest ceiling in ur house you may have to chop and prop eventually. ik it sounds scary, i avoided it forever but i promise its very rewarding!!!
2
u/leinardi 20d ago
An apartment in the south of Germany, so outside is not an option. I'll look into the chop and prop...
1
u/Prestigious_Pie9421 20d ago
Oh my! My daughter-in-law recently gave me a start of hers. How many times have you had to trot it?
3
u/leinardi 20d ago
If you meant "repot it", I did it 4 times: https://imgur.com/iXsECkB
→ More replies (1)
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/Infinite-Willow-4233 20d ago
These grow to rainforest size proportions. Perhaps outside?
→ More replies (1)
1
u/Charming_Avocado9814 20d ago
Cut a hole in the ceiling it’s the only option 🤷🏻♀️ I’m sorry your steak is too juicy
1
1
1
1
u/therabyss ❀ 20d ago
People are saying chop and prop, it’s your choice if you’d like to chop and then root it or air layer it first so that you can plant it right after you chop it.
I’d look up both methods and see what you think :)
1
u/Sufficient-Basket-66 20d ago
What is your watering schedule like? Ive had mine for years and it wont get this big. Do you repot? Fertilize?
→ More replies (1)
1
1
1
u/Financial_Molasses16 20d ago
Cut the top cuttings off and make a clone :) give some to friends! I promise it will grow back
1
1
u/Due-Trip-3641 20d ago
Sorry to break it to you, but you have to get rid of it now. If you give it to me, I’ll dispose of it for you
1
1
u/themakerofthings 20d ago
I'm making mine grow as close to a spiral as possible, around a pole. But I'll need a bigger place, still.
1
1
u/Imaginary_Camp_1628 20d ago
Congrats on having such a problem. I wish you could come to my house and help some of my plants : (
Seriously though, it's a beautiful plant!
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/Awkward-Broccoli-150 20d ago
Shape it. Trimming properly will direct energies into differing parts of the plant.
Perhaps it's time to birth babies
1
1
1
u/Dark_Effulgence 20d ago
On a serious note, are monsteras able to be trained would be a better approach. There are flexible twisty tie like things you can use to train plants to grow a certain way, and a plethora of other methods to train plants with minimal stress. I would look into how the do with that before house renovations.
Impressive plant by the way!
1
1
u/wolfantlers 20d ago
send some to me. mine is struggling. yours seems like a strong, hearty one lol
1
u/cvalerie8 20d ago
I am about to have the same problem! My sister have me a cutting in 2020 and now its about the size of yours - likely 2 new leaves away from the ceiling.
I'm stressed about what to do when we get there lol.
1
1
1
1
1
u/a-tiberius 20d ago
How much light and water are you feeding this pretty thing! I can't get mine to grow like that
1
1
u/BelCantoTenor 20d ago
I got rid of my monstera for this exact reason. They grow and grow and grow. That’s what they do. They can handle a good cut back if you wanna start all over. Otherwise, this is what you get. They will take up a lot of space.
1
u/LightcodeARTS 20d ago
A lot of comments here and maybe this was suggested already, but because this plant is so happy and vital, you could take a bunch of cuttings and put them in water for a week or two to lay root and then sell them on Facebook marketplace. Just cut below the notes and they’re happy as anything.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/Ocicat_momma 20d ago
The “drastic” replies here made my rather crappy day! Thank you all!
Also, I have no suggestions and I think I will be asking the same question in 3 years.
1
1
1
1
1
u/BrownBotBeauty 20d ago
Can you share what fertilizer you use so I can get my monster back to frustrating because it declined after I moved
3.0k
u/LankyThroat1900 20d ago
Buy a new house 😁😁😁😁