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Monstera Deliciosa Care Tips




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Got this plant as a cutting with smaller juvenile leaves and one mature leaf with only one side having fenestrations.

Monsteras are one of my top houseplants. A lot of plants have come and gone before we got a Monstera Deliciosa, but this specific one has definitely given me a deeper and real connection with our indoor Jumanji. Seeing it develop from smaller leaves into larger ones (note: not yet massive) gave me that sense of fulfillment in making something not only survive, but thrive. Thus, my inner crazy but nurturing plant lady was awakened. 

In my experience, there have been some plant parent mistakes. I have to say, Monsteras have been among my toughest and most forgiving plants. Grown in the wild, these aroids can get HUGE. Their domesticated versions also grow huge to an extent.

It is one of the easiest plants as they will surely let you know if it's happy with your care or not. However, no matter how many care guides we read or watch it all boils down one thing - the condition it is in. Your home might be warmer, darker, or more humid than others. Some houses might have more windows and light sources while others have less. That's where you try to tailor your care. Remember, observation is key.

Every plant and every living space is different, so you might want to read on some general care points to make this hobby more enjoyable for you and your plants. Don't be afraid to switch up your care routine if you find that it doesn't make your plant happy. Plant parents, it is a continuous learning process. Let's enjoy it as we go.



💡 LIGHTING

Monsteras can survive low lighting situations but ultimately thrive in medium to bright indirect sunlight. Keep it a few meters away from your window, especially a west facing one as direct contact with sun rays will scorch their foliage. Sun burnt leaves will present dry, bleached or slowly browning spots although the rest of the plant appears healthy.

When taking your Monstera outdoors during the sunny season, start out by putting it in a shady area and gradually introducing it to brighter indirect light. The variegated forms of Monsteras have higher lighting requirements and at the same time are more sensitive to sun burn and other problems.

Gradually put the plant back inside during the fall season before it starts getting cold to avoid shock. If your space generally has low light, invest in a good grow light especially during the winter season. Monsteras tolerate less than its required lighting but will grow slowly.


💧 WATERING

Watering is an essential part of plant care, but that's not all there is to it. A plant's watering needs co-depend on its lighting conditions. If you live in a hot and dry location, you watering schedule may be more frequent than those living in cold, darker, more humid areas. The same concept applies to when a plant is placed by the window with more sun exposure as compared to one that is a few feet away from direct sun rays. Water evaporation is quicker in hotter areas. 

It is best to let the soil partly dry for a bit before watering because Monsteras are prone to root rot. You can use your finger by simply sticking it into the soil and check its moisture. Investing in a moisture meter is worth it especially if you have a tendency to overwater. Do not water your plant "every Saturday" or something like that, assess the soil first and don't hesitate to skip watering it if the soil is still moist. 

Pot size also affects watering frequency. You might notice that all your other 4" pot plants dry up faster. Always remember that the bigger the pot, the longer the soil dries out. In some occasions, the top soil may look too dried out but the bottom portion is still moist. That's where the moisture meter comes in handy!

When the leaves get brown and soggy due to overwatering, fear not. There are still ways to save it. It is better to err on the side of underwatering as it is quick to bounce back from thirst.


🌱 SOIL

Monsteras, as well as other aroids, love a well-draining soil mix with a lot of aeration. I personally started using about 20-30% of potting soil (and other additives such as worm casting or compost if I have it handy) and about 70-80% of bark, perlite or vermiculite, and horticultural charcoal to add to aeration. This lessens the likelihood of leaving the roots in soggy soil. Use whatever you have available but just make sure that your soil is airy and chunky.

This plant can also thrive in soil-less medium. I have had a chance to put one of my cuttings in semi-hydroponics, with LECA balls as the replacement for soil. This method allows more oxygen to reach the roots, which in turn grow noticeably fast and strong. 



🌫️ HUMIDITY

Aroids love moderate to high humidity. Monsteras may be able to tolerate a little less humidity than usual, but be mindful when it tells you otherwise. If you see leaf tips starting to brown and dry up, you know it's time to put the humidity up. Be careful with putting plants close to heating vents, radiators, and other appliances that produce dry heat as it can cause the tips to brown (eventually, a majority of the affected leaf will die off if not relocated or rehabilitated).

A humidifier will be beneficial, but in areas with less dry heat, a pebble tray will suffice. Take whatever tray or wide, shallow container you have and fill it with rocks or pebbles. Fill the tray with water but leave the top portion of the pebbles dry. Never let the bottom of your pot sit in water. This method may not work well in mosquito-prone areas. Keeping it close to other plants will also increase their natural humidity.

Be warned that when using a humidifier, be sure have adequate air circulation and lighting as it can cause molds or soggy roots due to retained and unevaporated moisture.


🍄 FERTILIZER

In the growing season, I fertilize approximately once every two weeks and less frequently in the winter months. Always read the instructions about your fertilizer strength as it can burn the roots if it is too potent.

The semi-hydro nutrient water gets flushed and replaced every week or two.  The ratio of the N-P-K nutrients I put in the water is measured and the pH level is tested as well. (I believe) Stale water can cause plant roots to rot.



🕷️ PESTS

The best way to inspect your plants is when you water or clean them. I wipe my plants maybe once a month (lazy) with diluted neem oil. It has double purpose: cleans the dirt off of your leaves and repels pests. Otherwise, simply hose down with a lot of water pressure that your plant can tolerate to remove pests that cling to the leaves. Use a systemic solution on your soil to kill those damn eggs. It's a whole different ballgame when your plants are outdoors. 

In my experience, I have seen how Monsteras can be prone to thrips, scales, and fungus gnats. Be sure to research on how to handle and spot different signs of pest infestations. Act quickly! Isolate right away as an infestation may spread faster than you know.

🌳 FENESTRATIONS

When I first received our Monstera, I was frustrated at how the juvenile leaves have no holes. After all, that's one of the reasons why I was drawn to it in the first place. Too impatient and uninformed, I didn't realize how plants grow at their own pace and in the right conditions. I asked other people and they advised to put a pole and train the plant to climb. Recreating their natural habitat and letting them grow like they naturally do as climbers will encourage fenestrations on mature leaves.

I took their advice and the next thing leaf that unfurled had bigger leaves and more fenestrations! 

Lately, I have noticed that our plant has outgrown its pole but I took no action. The next leaf was about to unfurl but that portion of the plant had to pole to cling on. When the new leaf unfurled, it was slightly smaller than the most current one and had ZERO fenestrations. Therefore, I stand by this idea.

Take a stick (make sure there are no critters), gently tie your plant to the pole and let it do its thing. Do not tie the stem too tightly, it will damage the next leaf! Use a soft non-abrasive material. Having a pole for them to climb on works wonders.


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