Plant Care

Small Monstera Leaves: How to Get Bigger Growth

Last updated: January 13, 2026

Frustrated with small monstera leaves? Insufficient light is usually the culprit—here's how to encourage larger, more impressive foliage growth.

JJessica Chen

January 13, 2026

Large monstera leaves with fenestrations showing proper growth near bright window — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Monstera small leaves usually indicate insufficient light or lack of climbing support. Move to brighter indirect light and install a moss pole for dramatic size improvement.

TL;DR

Small monstera leaves typically result from insufficient light, lack of climbing support, or being rootbound. Move your plant closer to a bright window, install a moss pole, and repot if rootbound. Mature plants with proper support can produce leaves 12-18 inches wide with dramatic fenestrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my monstera leaves getting smaller instead of bigger?

Decreasing leaf size typically indicates worsening growing conditions, most commonly insufficient light or developing root problems. Move your plant closer to a bright window and check for rootbound conditions or overwatering issues. Plants prioritize energy conservation when stressed, resulting in progressively smaller leaves.

How long does it take for monstera leaves to get bigger with proper care?

With optimal light, support, and nutrition, you should see new leaves 20-30% larger within 2-3 months. Dramatic improvements with fenestrations typically occur within 6-12 months for plants receiving proper climbing support and bright indirect light.

Should I cut off small monstera leaves to encourage bigger growth?

Never cut healthy leaves, even if they're smaller than desired. Each leaf contributes energy through photosynthesis that fuels new growth. Only remove yellow, brown, or obviously damaged leaves. Focus on improving growing conditions rather than removing functional foliage.

Do grow lights help monstera leaves get bigger?

Yes, quality grow lights significantly improve leaf size when natural light is insufficient. Position full-spectrum LED grow lights 12-18 inches above your plant, providing 200-400 foot-candles of supplemental lighting for 12+ hours daily during growing season.

Will fertilizer make my monstera leaves bigger immediately?

Fertilizer supports larger leaf development but results appear gradually over 4-8 weeks. Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer provides nutrients for cellular expansion, but light and support remain more critical factors for dramatic size improvements.

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Tagged with

#monstera care #small leaves #leaf size #plant growth #houseplant problems #monstera deliciosa #fenestrations #moss pole #grow lights #plant support #indoor gardening #tropical plants

Written By

Jessica Chen

Jessica transformed her small Brooklyn balcony into a thriving container garden after moving to New York City. What started as a pandemic hobby turned into a plant care consulting business serving urban apartment dwellers across the city. She specializes in small-space gardening, indoor plant troubleshooting, and helping clients keep houseplants alive in less-than-ideal conditions (dim light, dry heat, tiny spaces). Jessica completed a home gardening certificate program and shares her plant wins and failures on her modest Instagram following. Her partner, Maya, jokes that their apartment is now 40% plants, 60% living space. Jessica's passionate about making plant care accessible to renters who think they don't have room to garden.