Growing plants indoors is one of my favorite hobbies.
I love bringing nature indoors and decorating my home with splashes of color. Not only does having plants inside help with the air quality, but it really brightens my day.
Today, I’m showcasing an elegant plant that is quite possibly my favorite in my entire collection!
My monstera. Each plant is beautiful for its reason, but the Monstera is genuinely a sight to behold! I absolutely love the stunning leaves. You can see how small she was when I first got her here.
My goal is to grow her big! I want her leaves to get bigger and I want her to climb to almost reach my ceiling. This post will show you everything I know about caring for your monstera and helping her grow and thrive.
Monstera plants are a popular choice for indoor greenery, known for their stunning split leaves and relatively easy maintenance. With a few simple steps, you can ensure that your monstera thrives in your home.
Let’s dive into the different types of monstera, care tips, and how to troubleshoot common problems.
What Types of Monstera Are There?
Monstera Deliciosa: The most common and recognizable type. It’s famous for its large, dramatic leaves that develop fenestrations (splits and holes) as they mature.
Monstera Adansonii: A smaller version of the deliciosa, with more delicate, heart-shaped leaves and a lacy appearance due to many holes.
Monstera Obliqua: Rarer and more fragile, this type has thin, papery leaves with larger perforations.
Monstera Dubia: Known for its shingling habit, this plant has small, heart-shaped leaves that cling to a surface as it grows.
What’s the Best Type to Have in Your Home?
For most indoor spaces, Monstera Deliciosa is the best option. It’s relatively easy to care for and can grow into a stunning focal point. If you prefer something smaller, Monstera Adansonii is ideal, as it requires less space but still gives that iconic tropical look.
Where Should You Place Your Monstera?
Monstera plants love bright, indirect sunlight. Place yours near a window where it can receive plenty of natural light, but avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. If your home doesn’t get much natural light, they can tolerate low light but may grow slower.
Ideal locations:
Next to a north- or east-facing window.
Away from cold drafts or heating vents.
In a space with enough room for the plant to grow (as monsteras can get quite large!).
How Often Should It Be Watered?
Watering a monstera is all about balance. They prefer to dry out slightly between waterings, so the key is to wait until the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. As a rule of thumb, water your monstera about once a week, but this will vary depending on the season and your home's humidity.
In winter, when the plant’s growth slows down, you may need to water less frequently. Always check the soil before watering to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Diagnosing Common Problems
Yellowing Leaves: This often indicates overwatering. Check the soil and let it dry out before watering again.
Brown Leaf Edges: Could be a sign of underwatering or low humidity. Ensure consistent watering and consider misting your plant or using a humidifier.
Drooping Leaves: This can be caused by underwatering, overwatering, or low light. Inspect the soil and lighting conditions to diagnose the issue.
Lack of Fenestrations (Holes in Leaves): If your monstera’s leaves aren’t developing splits, it might not be getting enough light. Move it to a brighter spot.
How to Stake and Grow Monstera Plants
Monsteras are natural climbers, and as they grow, they benefit from support. You can stake them with a moss pole or trellis to encourage upward growth and give the aerial roots something to cling to.
Steps to stake your monstera:
Choose a support structure like a moss pole or bamboo stake. I use this specific moss pole as my plant has grown bigger. When she was smaller, I started out with this one.
Insert the stake into the pot, being careful not to damage the plant’s roots.
Gently tie the stems to the stake using plant ties or soft twine. Don’t tie too tightly—leave room for growth.
As the plant grows, continue to tie new growth to the support.
Staking not only helps your monstera grow tall and strong, but it can also make the plant look more organized and tidy, especially as it matures.
Related Reading: 5 best plants to attract money according to Feng Shui
10 Additional Care Tips to help your monstera thrive
Monsteras are resilient and easygoing plants, but giving them a little extra care can take them from healthy to absolutely flourishing. Here are ten essential tips to ensure your monstera grows strong and vibrant.
1. Increase Humidity Around the Plant
As tropical plants, monsteras love humidity. Aim for around 60% humidity if possible. You can increase humidity by misting the leaves lightly, using a humidifier, or placing the plant near other plants to create a micro-humid environment.
2. Fertilize During the Growing Season
To keep your monstera healthy and lush, feed it a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer. I use this very specific fertilizer because it has the essential vitamins plants need.
Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil and damage the roots. Avoid fertilizing in winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.
3. Choose a Well-Draining Potting Mix
Monsteras prefer soil that retains moisture but drains well. A good mix for monstera includes:
Standard potting soil
Orchid bark
Perlite or pumice These additions help mimic the plant’s natural environment and prevent waterlogged soil.
4. Dust the Leaves for Better Photosynthesis
Monsteras’ large leaves can collect dust, which blocks light and hampers photosynthesis. To keep them healthy and vibrant, wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth every month. This will not only make the plant look fresher but also improve its ability to absorb light.
5. Rotate the Pot Every Few Weeks
Monsteras naturally grow toward light, so if you leave them in the same position, they may start leaning in one direction. Rotate the pot every 2-3 weeks to ensure even growth and a more balanced appearance.
6. Use a Moss Pole or Trellis for Support
As monstera plants grow, they can benefit from support. Adding a moss pole or trellis encourages vertical growth and helps support the plant’s weight. Over time, the monstera’s aerial roots will attach to the moss pole, which can keep the plant looking tidy and enhance its natural climbing habit.
7. Watch for Pests and Take Action Quickly
Common pests like spider mites, scale, and mealybugs can harm monstera plants. Inspect the leaves regularly, especially the undersides, for any signs of pests. If you notice any, treat the plant immediately with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Catching pests early can prevent them from spreading to other houseplants.
8. Repot Every 1-2 Years
Monsteras are fast growers, especially when they’re young, and they can outgrow their pots quickly. Repot your monstera every 1-2 years or whenever you see roots poking out of the drainage holes. Choose a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one to give the roots room to grow.
9. Prune Regularly to Encourage New Growth
Pruning isn’t just for tidying up—regularly trimming your monstera encourages new growth and helps maintain its shape. If your monstera is getting too large or has leaves that are yellowing or damaged, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut those parts back at the base of the stem. Pruning can also stimulate the plant to produce new leaves and keep it looking full and vibrant.
Pruning in spring or early summer is ideal since the plant is in its active growing season, allowing it to recover and fill out faster.
10. Propagating the Plant
The Monstera is more than just a one-hit wonder. It can create offspring, and you can propagate your plant to grow more (or share the wealth with some friends or family – it makes a great gift!).
Monsteras are relatively easy to propagate, especially through stem cuttings.
Here’s how to propagate your monstera properly:
1. Gather Your Materials
You’ll need:
A healthy, mature monstera plant
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears
A jar or glass of water (or pot with soil if you prefer soil propagation)
Rooting hormone (optional but can speed up the rooting process)
2. Choose the Right Stem to Cut
Look for a healthy stem with at least one leaf and one visible node. The node is the knobby, brownish part of the stem where the leaf meets the main stem, and it’s where new roots will grow. Ideally, your cutting should have both a node and an aerial root, if possible.
3. Make the Cut
Using your clean scissors or shears, make a clean cut just below the node. A healthy cutting should have:
A node
At least one leaf
(Optional) An aerial root attached to the node, which can encourage faster growth.
4. Prepare the Cutting for Rooting
To encourage root growth, you can dip the node end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder or gel, though this step is optional.
5. Place the Cutting in Water or Soil
Water Method: Fill a glass or jar with room-temperature water and place the cutting inside, ensuring the node is submerged in water, but keep the leaves above the water level to avoid rot.
Soil Method: Use a well-draining potting mix, burying the node and any aerial roots in the soil, but leave the leaves exposed.
6. Find the Right Environment for Rooting
Monsteras root best in bright, indirect light and warm, humid conditions. Place your cutting near a window but out of direct sunlight to avoid stressing the cutting.
7. Monitor the Roots and Change Water Regularly
If you’re propagating in water, change the water every 5-7 days to keep it fresh. Within 2-4 weeks, you should see small roots beginning to grow from the node. Wait until the roots are at least 2-3 inches long before transferring to soil.
8. Pot the Cutting (For Water-Propagated Cuttings)
Once the roots have grown to a healthy length, you can transplant your cutting into a pot with well-draining soil. Place it gently in the soil, cover the roots, and water lightly.
9. Care for Your New Monstera Plant
Keep your newly propagated monstera in a warm, bright spot with indirect light, and continue watering as you would a mature monstera—letting the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out between waterings.
Tips for Success
Be patient! It can take a few weeks for roots to develop.
Avoid moving the cutting too much, as this can disrupt root growth.
Keep the soil or water clean to prevent bacteria that can harm the cutting.
Propagating a monstera is a wonderful way to multiply your plant family or create thoughtful gifts for friends. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well on your way to growing new, beautiful monsteras in no time!
Caring for a monstera can be a rewarding experience, especially as you watch it transform from a small plant into a statement piece in your home. With the right care—proper watering, a good light source, and occasional staking—your monstera will thrive and continue to impress with its unique and beautiful foliage.
p.s. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. I am so grateful for your support.
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