---
title: "I am a monstera newb. Is this normal or is something up? The pot has…"
description: "I am a monstera newb. Is this normal or is something up? The pot has drainage and some leca at the bottom of the pot. I water and fertilize according to the…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/64ed92f9b9ec6291ce266bbc"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Moe"
published: "2023-08-29T06:40:57.525Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/BCTSUwszwleM2g4PL0pdMDWsaBQP-7PoVRqQ_rr4KGY/df891a76e87240b88eba9395638ec5a8.webp?size=large"
---

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# I am a monstera newb. Is this normal or is something up? The pot has…

_Posted by Moe on 2023-08-29_

I am a monstera newb. Is this normal or is something up? The pot has drainage and some leca at the bottom of the pot. I water and fertilize according to the app… it’s near a window that gets partial sun in the afternoon. I have 3 new growths coming in but they look a little… thin?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/BCTSUwszwleM2g4PL0pdMDWsaBQP-7PoVRqQ_rr4KGY/df891a76e87240b88eba9395638ec5a8.webp?size=large)

## 6 comments

### Kirsty commented on 2023-08-29

The app is notorious for recommending watering far more often than is necessary. Use a wooden chopstick or a water meter to check if it actually needs watering when Planta tells you to. If the soil hasn’t dried out, skip the watering.

### Bigredamazon commented on 2023-08-29

Think of the app as a suggestion or a notice to check if water is needed.

#### Moe replied on 2023-08-29

I check the top inch of soil to see if it’s wet or dry before actually watering but should I do the chopstick method the Kirsty recommended?

#### Bigredamazon replied on 2023-09-06

Yes. It’s very similar to the toothpick test when baking. I use a knitting needle since my monstera is in a big pot. I usually go about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way down in the summer and 1/2 to 3/4 in the winter.

### FriendofVeg commented on 2023-08-29

Apparently adding a drainage layer in the bottom can inhibit drainage (it’s called perching). I learned this after reporting most of my plants with one🙃

#### Moe replied on 2023-08-29

Oh! Good to know… I guess I know what I’ll be doing later today 😏

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