If you have a monstera plant, then you may be wondering how long it takes for the leaves to unfurl. This can be a tricky question to answer, as there are many different factors that can influence the process.
In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the things that can affect how long it takes for monstera leaves to unfurl. We will also provide some tips on how to help them along!
How Long Do Monstera Leaves Take To Unfurl?
While it varies depending on the individual plant, most monstera plants will unfurl their leaves within 10-14 days. However, some slower-growing varieties may take up to a month to fully unfurl their leaves. The time can also vary depending on the plant’s age, size, and growing conditions.
For example, young plants or those that are grown in cooler temperatures may take longer to unfurl their leaves. On the other hand, older plants or those that are grown in warmer climates may do so more quickly.
Waiting for this to happen can be a bit of a process, but it is definitely worth it when you see those beautiful leaves! In fact, some people even call the monstera plant the “Swiss cheese plant” because of all of the holes that appear in its leaves.
How to Make Monstera Unfurl Quicker?
The easiest and quickest way to make monstera leaves unfurl quicker is to simply provide more humidity. As tropical plants, monsters thrive in humid environments that have at least 60% humidity.
One way to do this is to mist the leaves with water regularly. You can also place the plant in a bathroom where it can benefit from the steam of a hot shower. Or, if you have a humidifier, you can place it near the plant to help speed up the process.
Humidifiers are great! you can even set timers, control the mist, turn off when you leave the house, and more. This is the one we recommend for those with a monstera that is struggling to unfurl its leaves, but most should work.
Another method is to provide more warmth. Monstera plants love warm temperatures, so placing them in a sunny spot will help speed up the process. Just make sure not to put them in an area that gets too hot, as this can damage the leaves.
Finally, make sure that you are giving the plant enough water. Monstera plants need lots of moisture, so be sure to water them regularly. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to give your plant a drink!
Why Won’t My Monstera Leaf Unfurl?
The most common reason is a lack of humidity. Monstera plants thrive in humid environments, so if the air around your plant is too dry, it may struggle to unfurl its leaves.
To fix this, you can try misting your plant with water or placing it on a pebble tray filled with water. You can also try moving it to a more humid room in your house, such as the bathroom.
Using a humidifier is the best way to add moisture to the air and can help your monstera plant unfurl its leaves quicker. This humidifier is my top pick and will help your plant thrive!
Another reason why your plant may be struggling to unfurl its leaves is that it is too cold. Monstera plants prefer warm temperatures and will struggle in cooler environments.
If you think this may be the case, try moving your plant to a warmer spot in your home or placing it near a heat source. You can also try covering it with a clear plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse.
Should I Manually Unfurl Monstera Leaf?
No, you should not manually unfurl the leaves of your monstera plant. This can damage the plant and prevent it from being able to properly unfurl its leaves in the future.
In fact, I’ve tried to manually unfurl a leaf of my monstera before and it was a huge mistake! The leaf just stopped unfurling and stayed there, half-opened, for weeks. I had to wait until it finally decided to unfurl on its own.
So, if you’re patient, the best thing to do is just wait for your plant to unfurl its leaves naturally. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Will Monstera Leaves Split After Unfurling?
No, the splits occur before the leaves unfurl. Once the leaves have unfurled, they will not usually split anymore.
This means that what you see is what you get! If a leaf has already split, it will likely stay that way and not split any further.
However, if you are concerned about a lack of splits in your monstera leaves, check out this article on fenestrated monsters reverting back to solid leaves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for monstera leaves to unfurl. However, there are several things you can do to speed up the process, such as increased humidity or providing more warmth. Just be sure not to manually unfurl the leaves, as this can damage the plant.
Do you have any tips on how to make monstera leaves unfurl quicker? Share them in the comments below!
Tim is an avid gardener from the UK. He was the founder of PlantCarer.com from 2021 to Sep 2023. He sold PlantCarer.com to Aaron. He has since started his own business called Seed To Supper, which provides new gardeners all the materials you need in a box (pots, seeds, compost and instructions) to grow your own delicious and nutritious vegetables and herbs from start to finish – no garden required.
