Can You Plant 2 Monsteras In One Pot

Monstera deliciosa is beloved by indoor plant enthusiasts for the tropical ambiance it can add to a room, air purification benefits, and more. In their natural environments of Central and South American rainforests, monsteras can grow up to 60 feet tall. When grown in containers, monsteras can grow up to 8 feet tall depending on space and growing conditions. Many monstera lovers want to know: can you plant two monsteras in one pot?  

Yes, you can plant two monsteras in one pot, but other factors are involved. If considering planting two monsteras together in a pot, you must ensure the container is large enough to allow the plants proper root development and spacing to thrive. In addition, the pot must be an appropriate size to allow both plants to retain enough water.

Ideal potting conditions for two monsteras in one container are covered in the next section.  

Monstera Potting

In ideal indoor growing conditions, an individual monstera plant can grow one to two feet in height per year. As the plant grows in height, it will also expand widthwise, requiring significant space for the plant and its roots.

Repotting monsteras periodically, but not too frequently, helps to support the plant’s growth. A young monstera can survive happily in a 6 to 8-inch diameter container but a mature monstera will require a pot that is at least 24 inches in diameter.

Starting two monstera plants in a pot together when young and then continuing to repot them together as they grow can make it more likely that two monsteras will live well together in one container but less likely that they will reach maximum size.  

Root Development / Proper Spacing 

When planting two monsteras together, you can ensure proper space for their roots, branches, and leaves to develop by using a pot at least 1 ½ times the regular recommended pot diameter size.

So two young monsteras potted together should be in a container with a diameter of 9 – 12 inches. Two mature monsteras in the same pot will most thrive in a container of at least 36 inches diameter.  

Water Retention

To ensure appropriate water retention for monstera plants, use a pot and soil that is well draining to avoid root rot. When two monsteras are planted together in one container, the pot will retain less moisture for each individual plant, which can lead to dehydration. If growing two monsteras together, it’s recommended to monitor the soil moisture frequently at first to determine what watering schedule is best for your cohabitating plants.  

Monstera Care

As monstera deliciosas develop into mature plants, they will grow healthiest and happiest in a large, freestanding container. A trellis or climbing pole can help maintain the space the monstera takes up and mimic the trees they climb in the wild. In addition to space, there are several other care factors to consider when growing monsteras.  

Light

When growing in the rainforest, monstera deliciosa climbs up the trunks and branches of trees, which gives the plant a combination of light and dark depending on the movement of the tree canopies and the sun. Because of this, monsteras will thrive the most with a balance of sun and shade.

Replicating this lighting scenario indoors can be challenging without a grow light. While indoor grow lights have become quite accessible to at-home gardeners and may be of interest, another option is to simply keep the monstera near a well-lit window, providing it with consistent indirect light throughout the day.

In many growing environments, monsteras can grow happily outdoors in the shade during summer when the low is above 60 degrees F.  

Water

Monsteras are healthiest when watered regularly, but not too frequently. Some gardeners say once a week, and others may say once every two weeks. The best test is to periodically check your soil to determine the frequency at which it is drying out. Then water the monstera plant when the soil is close to, but not entirely, dry.  

Temperature & Humidity

Due to their tropical origins, monstera deliciosas prefer temperate and humid environments. Temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees F are ideal. While a home or office may not be near the humidity of a rainforest, standard indoor humidity will typically be fine for monsters.

If your indoor environment gets significantly dry in the winter or summer months, you may consider a humidifier at these times to provide consistent moisture to the plant.  

Soil & Nutrients

Monstera deliciosa will have optimum root growth and hydration with well-draining soil. Potting mixes that include pebbly or airy components such as perlite or peat moss help to move moisture and air more easily through the soil.

As with many house plants, monsteras will usually grow healthily without additional nutrients, but if fertilizing is desired or appears needed, any regular indoor plant fertilizer will suffice. Fertilizing every two weeks or monthly can increase the growth pace of the plant during the spring and summer months.

Pruning

It is now well known that monstera deliciosa is not lacking in size as it reaches maturity. Depending on your growing environment, periodic pruning may be necessary. Pruning can slow the growth of the plant and the need for repotting.

The best pruning practice for monsteras is to trim some or all new growth and any leaves that have turned yellow or wilted. Healthy new growth that has been pruned off a monstera can be placed in jars or vases of water and used as home or office decorations for some time.  

Final Fact Monstera Deliciosa

An interesting fact about monstera deliciosa that has yet to be shared is that they produce delicious fruit when grown in the wild. Monstera’s fruit appears similar to corn on the cob, but its skin has a scaly green honeycomb pattern.

The taste of monstera’s fruit is comparable to a jackfruit or pineapple. Although one can describe the flavor of this fruit as mouth-watering, it is only safe to eat when fully ripened. Unripened monstera fruit, as well as the plant’s branches and leaves, can be toxic to humans and animals.

Consider this toxicity and any potential at-risk family members before deciding to grow monstera in your home. Hopefully, you’ll someday have the opportunity to enjoy the taste of a fully ripened monstera fruit.