The monstera plant, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is a popular houseplant known for its large, showy, heart-shaped leaves with intricate holes and fenestrations. With the right care and growing conditions, the monstera can grow into an impressive centerpiece plant in any indoor space. Here are some helpful tips for successfully growing monsteras.
Light Requirements
Monsteras prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Too little light can cause leggy growth and fewer fenestrations in the leaves while too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. The ideal conditions include:
Bright Indirect Light
Place your monstera near a south or west facing window where it will get lots of indirect sunlight for 4-6 hours per day. Sheer curtains can filter harsh afternoon sun.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, will damage the monstera’s leaves. Keep it out of midday sun beams hitting the leaves directly.
Supplement with Grow Lights
If natural light is limited, supplement with full spectrum LED grow lights to prevent leggy growth. Place lights 6-12 inches above the plant for 12-14 hours per day.
Watering Best Practices
Proper watering helps monsteras thrive. Too little water causes dropping leaves while overwatering rots the roots. Follow these tips for watering success:
Water When Top Soil is Dry
Check the top 1-2 inches of soil before watering and only water when it’s dry. Monsteras prefer their soil to dry out a bit between waterings.
Water Thoroughly
When watering monstera, thoroughly soak the entire root ball until water drains from the bottom of the pot. This encourages deep root growth.
Adjust for Seasons
In winter when growth slows, monsteras need less frequent watering. In summer, check soil moisture more often and water as needed to keep soil consistently damp but not soggy.
Humidity Preferences
Native to tropical environments, monsteras thrive in average room humidity levels of 60-80%. Lack of adequate moisture causes dry, crispy leaf edges while too much humidity encourages fungal diseases.
Use a Humidifier
Run a humidifier nearby your monstera to maintain healthy humidity levels around the plant.
Group Houseplants Together
The transpiration of several houseplants in one space contributes ambient humidity to benefit the monstera.
Mist Frequently
Misting the monstera’s leaves every few days boosts moisture levels temporarily when humidity is lacking.
Fertilizer Needs
While monsteras grow fairly vigorously without fertilizer under ideal conditions, adding plant food enhances healthy development.
Use Balanced Liquid Fertilizer
Look for houseplant fertilizers where the three numbers on the label are equal, indicating a balanced ratio of key nutrients. Dilute to half strength and apply monthly during active growth.
Fertilize More in Spring and Summer
As plant processes speed up in the warmer months, monsteras can utilize more fertilizer. Feed every 2-3 weeks from spring until fall. Discontinue in winter.
Flush Soil of Buildup
Every few months, do a thorough watering without fertilizer to prevent potential salt accumulation from plant food. Allow lots of drainage.
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Supporting the Vining Growth
As large, vining plants, monsteras require support structures as their stems can reach lengths of 20 feet or more over time.
Use Moisture-Retentive Poles
Insert sturdy plant support sticks, moss poles, or coconut coir poles into the pot for the monstera’s aerial roots to adhere to.
Add Support Lines
Tie stems loosely to wooden or metal stakes with soft ties or garden twine. Don’t tie too tightly or you may damage or constrict expanding growth.
Consider Trellises
Install wall-mounted or free standing wire, wood, or metal trellises that allow you to gently train the monstera’s stems in the desired upward direction.
Propagation for More Plants
One of the best things about growing monsteras is propagating new plants from cuttings to expand your collection. They propagate readily in water or soil.
Take Stem Cuttings
Use a clean, sharp knife or pruners to take 4-6 inch stem cuttings below a node. Remove lower leaves and place in water or potting mix. New roots will sprout at the nodes in a few weeks.
Air Layer Stems
Choose a section of stem to propagate while still attached to the mother plant by wounding and wrapping in damp sphagnum moss. When roots form in the moss, detach below the new root ball.
Divide Root Balls
If your plant becomes overcrowded or rootbound, divide the root ball using a knife to separate plants and repot divisions individually. Water well and stake for support.
Conclusion
Caring for a monstera doesn’t have to be complicated. Providing adequate sunlight, moisture, humidity, fertilizer, support, and propagation methods will keep your monstera healthy and lush. Consistency is key when it comes to monstera plant care. Be observant of your plant’s needs and make appropriate adjustments as the seasons change or growth phases shift. With the right care, your monstera can grow for decades to come.
See more 5 Facts About Monstera Toxicity: Is Your Plant Safe?
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Can you tell me a little about the soil needs for this beautiful plant?
Monstera plants, known for their unique and attractive leaves, have specific soil requirements to thrive. These requirements include:
Well-Draining Soil: The most crucial aspect of the soil mix for Monstera plants is good drainage. They do not like to sit in waterlogged soil, as this can lead to root rot. A mix that allows water to pass through easily while retaining some moisture is ideal.
Aeration: The roots of Monstera plants appreciate oxygen-rich soil. Incorporating elements like perlite or coarse sand can improve aeration in the soil.
Organic Matter: Adding organic materials like peat moss or coco coir helps to retain just the right amount of moisture and provides nutrients to the plant.
pH Level: Monstera plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, typically between 5.5 and 7.0. This pH range supports nutrient uptake and overall plant health.
Nutrient-Rich: While Monsteras are not heavy feeders, they do benefit from soil that contains essential nutrients. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be mixed into the soil or applied according to the product’s instructions.
For the best results, you can either buy a pre-made potting mix designed for aroids (the family to which Monstera belongs) or create your own mix. A common homemade mix might include regular potting soil, perlite, and peat moss in equal parts. Always ensure that the pot you use for your Monstera has adequate drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
Thanks for the info.
I have a Swiss cheese plant and I really like it; however, I think I overwatered it. One leaf has turned significantly brown and is even leaking brown liquid, and another is starting to do the same. Should I cut these leaves off?
Also, how ofter should I repot it?
It does sound like you’ve overwatered your Swiss cheese plant (also known as Monstera deliciosa). Here’s what to do:
1. Assess the Damage:
How many leaves are affected? If it’s just one or two, that’s not a huge problem. More than that, and you might need to take further action.
Check the roots: Gently take the plant out of its pot and examine the roots. Healthy roots should be white or light brown and firm. Mushy, dark brown or black roots indicate root rot.
2. Dealing with the Leaves:
Yes, you should cut off the affected leaves. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the leaves off at the base of the stem. This prevents the plant from wasting energy trying to save those leaves and potentially spreading any rot.
3. Addressing Overwatering:
Let the soil dry out completely: Don’t water your plant again until the top few inches of soil are dry. You can stick your finger in the soil to check.
Improve drainage: If the soil stays wet for a long time, you might need to repot your plant with fresh, well-draining soil. A mix that includes perlite or bark chips is ideal for Monsteras. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
4. Repotting:
How often to repot: Monsteras generally need repotting every 1-2 years, or when they become root-bound (you’ll see roots circling the bottom of the pot or growing out of the drainage holes).
Best time to repot: Spring is the ideal time to repot, as the plant is actively growing.
Extra Tips:
Watering technique: When you do water, water thoroughly until water drains out of the bottom, then let the soil dry out before watering again.
Light: Monsteras like bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves.
Humidity: They appreciate higher humidity, so you could consider misting the leaves occasionally or placing a humidifier nearby.
If you see signs of root rot (mushy, dark roots), you’ll need to take further steps to save your plant. This involves trimming away the affected roots and repotting in fresh soil.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.