--- title: "First time monstera owner..I bought her from Walmart and immediately…" description: "First time monstera owner..I bought her from Walmart and immediately repotted. She has been limp since then and idk what I did wrong. There was a leaf growing…" url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/JlJQiVeV8YpPeoJ5cRnSsI" community: "Anything about plants" author: "Kate" published: "2026-07-27T14:39:37.704879Z" language: "en" image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/0AkUGmsdDbD8D2iS_ZQ7fKALRZhiHoBx89BXPn3ydtE/8YawI3xQRj-tOHczOME41Q.webp?size=large" --- [Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Anything about plants](https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg.md) # First time monstera owner..I bought her from Walmart and immediately… _Posted by Kate on 2026-07-27_ First time monstera owner..I bought her from Walmart and immediately repotted. She has been limp since then and idk what I did wrong. There was a leaf growing but it’s stalled. I have it hooked up to a trellis right now until my moss pole comes in. Any advice or tips would help. TIA ![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/0AkUGmsdDbD8D2iS_ZQ7fKALRZhiHoBx89BXPn3ydtE/8YawI3xQRj-tOHczOME41Q.webp?size=large) ## 11 comments ### SuccySuccy commented on 2026-07-27 Also a first timer so FWIW I think you have her affixed to the trellis incorrectly. From what I understand, you only want to tie the big “backbone” not the petioles. I would cut that twine and start over with just that part tied to the trellis. Then give it a few days/week and see if she’s happier. I tied mine up and she put out an aerial root literally overnight! Apparently once they shift their center of gravity with the pole, they secrete some crazy growth hormones? Idk but best of luck!! #### Kate replied on 2026-07-27 If I only tie the backbone she’s gonna be even more limp😭 #### Plantz replied on 2026-07-29 Get some leaf stakes for each individual leaf they have an open circle at the top I think Home D has them in the garden center ### Sarah commented on 2026-07-27 From my knowledge, it may be that the plant is still acclimating to its new home. On top of that it’s dealing with having been repotted. I’d give it time to bounce back. If it’s in a window make sure the “backbone” is facing you and the leaves towards the windows. The plant will expend its energy trying to get its leaves face the light #### Kate replied on 2026-07-27 Yeah I guess I’m just impatient lol. Her backbone is always facing towards me, just did it for the pic :) ### McKenzie commented on 2026-07-27 What kind of soil was it potted into? Monsteras love a real thick chunky mix for aeration so if it’s too dense it could be the reason she’s looking limp. Also, did you water after you repotted? #### Kate replied on 2026-07-27 Yeah she’s in a basic soil mix right now. Also waiting on my order for the chunky soil. I’m just scared to repot her again bc she’s gonna be even more shocked. I did water after I repotted #### McKenzie replied on 2026-07-27 It could just be that the mix is too dense, which is compounding the stress from the move and repot. If you don’t have any chunky mix it should be alright for a little while so long as you pay close attention to the root health and monitor for changes. I’ve had monsteras I had to chop all the leaves off and they bounced back fine they are pretty hardy. I make my own mix at home with horticultural charcoal, orchid bark, grade 2/3 perlite, and coco chips with only a small part soil and they love it. #### Kate replied on 2026-07-27 Where would you chop at? All the way down to the root? #### McKenzie replied on 2026-07-27 I typically chop an inch or two below the leaf if there’s enough damage and leave the sheath if it’s healthy so new leaves can come in. I had to do it with my thai constellation because it got nasty cold damage on it. Your plant likely doesn’t need a chop unless the leaves start turning black. Here’s an example of what I leave ![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/YA3Sk67Adi5xc6ttcdpTAdJiNvUVt-lLxx54IAQIHSA/1SB33KfuR1uxXDtnOM_KlQ.webp?size=large) #### McKenzie replied on 2026-07-27 Here’s a few months later ![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/YA3Sk67Adi5xc6ttcdpTAdJiNvUVt-lLxx54IAQIHSA/J4lJJDoQTyi40qzuKjzxRg.webp?size=large) --- _Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_