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Monstera plants (Swiss Cheese Plant) are beautiful and unique houseplants that can be a great addition to any home. They are easy to care for, but there are a few things you need to know in order to keep them healthy and thriving. In this guide, we will discuss the basics of Monstera plant care, including soil requirements, watering needs, sunlight needs, common diseases and pests, and more!
If you’re looking for an interesting and exotic plant to add to your home or garden, then you should consider a Monstera. These plants are beautiful and easy to care for, but they do require some special care. In this guide, we will teach you everything you need to know about how to grow and care for Monstera plants. We’ll discuss the ideal soil conditions, watering needs, sun requirements, common diseases and pests, and much more! So if you’re ready to add a little bit of tropical flair to your life, then keep reading!
Photo by Severin Candrian on Unsplash
I have a Monstera Deliciosa plant in my home office where there’s a lot of sun and a nice temperature. The Monstera is a tropical plant after all, and you should put in on a spot in your house where you can mimic the tropics as much as possible.
I get why this plant is one of the most popular plants in 2022 (and in previous year as well), the dark green leaves are stunning ans it’s actually a plant that’s quite easy to care for.
Monstera care: complete guide
Origins of the Monstera plant
Monstera plants are native to tropical rainforests in Central and South America. They can be found in areas that have hot, humid weather and plenty of rainfall.
Make sure to give them a humid and sunny environment in your house. They love gentle sunlight.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Varieties Monstera
What varieties are there of the famous Monstera plant?
There are a few different varieties of Monstera plants, but the most common one is called Monstra. This plant has large, green leaves with deep furrows that run along the length of the leaf. The leaves can grow up to two feet long, and the plant can reach a height of six feet or more.
Other varieties of Monstera include:
-Monstera deliciosa – This plant is also called the Swiss Cheese Plant due to its distinctive, cheese-like leaves. The leaves of this plant are smaller than those of Monstra, and they have a more delicate texture. This is the most popular Monstera variety.
-Monstera obliqua – This plant has narrower leaves with less pronounced furrows than Monstra.
-Monstera adansonii – This plant has the largest leaves of any Monstera variety, and they can grow up to four feet long. The leaves are also very deeply furrowed.
Soil:
Monstera plants prefer a rich, moist soil that is well-draining. A potting mix that is specifically designed for tropical plants will work well, or you can make your own mixture by combining equal parts potting soil, compost, and sand.
Most Monstera plants will do best in a soil that is rich in organic matter. A potting mix that is specifically designed for orchids or bromeliads will work well, or you can create your own mix by combining equal parts potting soil, peat moss, and perlite.
Water:
Water regularly but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. The best way to water a Monstera is to wait until the top of the soil feels dry to the touch and then give it a good watering.
They like to dry out in between watering because it’s a epiphyte with aerial roots.
Use this as a rule of thumb: once the top 3 inches of the soil is dry to the touch, you can water it.
Make sure to keep the soil moist but not wet. Monstera plants do not like soggy soil!
Sun:
Monstera plants need plenty of sunlight in order to thrive. They will do best if they are placed in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
Do make sure to rotate your Monstera!
Humidity:
Monstera plants love high humidity, so it’s important to provide them with a humid environment. You can do this by placing the pot on a tray of wet pebbles or by misting the leaves regularly.
Common diseases and pests:
One of the most common problems that Monstera plants experience is leaf spot, which is caused by a fungus. This disease causes dark spots to form on the leaves and can eventually lead to leaf loss.
The best way to prevent leaf spot is to water your plant properly and keep the soil moist but not wet. You can also use a fungicide to treat the plant if it becomes infected.
Another common disease that Monstera plants can experience is root rot, which is caused by too much water. The best way to prevent this is to make sure that the soil drains well and to avoid over watering.
Aphids are also a common pest of Monstera plants. These tiny insects can cause leaf damage and distortion, as well as honeydew deposits which can lead to sooty mold.
The best way to deal with aphids is to spray them with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Monstera plants are susceptible to a number of diseases and pests, including root rot, leaf spot, aphids, mealybugs, and scale. If your plant appears to be diseased or infested, take steps to treat the problem as soon as possible.
Dust your Monstera
Dust your Monstera with a damp cloth every week to help keep pests and diseases at bay. It also helps the plant to photosynthetiseze.
Fertilizer:
Monstera plants do not require much fertilizer, but you can give them a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer months.
Monstera leaves are turning yellow
What could be the problem?
One possible problem that can cause yellow leaves on a Monstera plant is overwatering. If the plant is being kept in a moist environment and it doesn’t have enough time to dry out between waterings, the roots will start to rot and the leaves will turn yellow.
Another possibility is that the plant is not getting enough sunlight. Monstera plants need plenty of light in order to stay healthy, so if it’s not being placed in a spot that gets direct sun, the leaves will start to turn yellow.
A third possibility is that the plant is experiencing nutrient deficiencies. If the soil is not rich enough or if the plant isn’t getting enough fertilization, it may start to show signs of nutrient deficiencies in the form of yellow leaves.
Monstera plants are climbers
Monstera is a climbing plant that needs a sturdy trellis or pole to grow on.
How tall does a Monstera grow? Height
The leaves of Monstera can be up to two feet long, and the plant can reach a height of six feet or more.
How to know if my Monstera is under watered?
If the leaves of your Monstera plant start to droop, it may be a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. Another indication that the plant needs watering is if the soil feels dry to the touch. If you’re not sure whether or not your plant needs water, use this rule of thumb: once the top 3 inches of the soil is dry to the touch, you can water it.
How to know if my Monstera is over watered?
If the leaves of your Monstera plant start to turn brown or wilt, it may be a sign that the plant is being over watered. Another indication that the plant has been given too much water is if the soil feels wet and muddy. If you’re not sure whether or not your plant needs water, use this rule of thumb: once the top 3 inches of the soil is wet, you can stop watering it.
My Monstera is becoming leggy
If your Monstera plant is growing too tall or if it’s becoming leggy, you can prune it to help keep it in check. Simply cut off the stem at any point below a leaf node. New leaves will grow from the node, and the plant will stay healthy and compact.
Monstera plants are beautiful, easy-to-care-for houseplants that are perfect for any home. With a little bit of TLC, your Monstera will thrive and bring beauty to your space for years to come!
How to prune my Monstera?
Prune your Monstera by removing any dead or damaged leaves. You can also cut back any of the vines that are growing too long. Just be careful not to damage the stem of the plant while doing so.
Is the Monstera plant a tropical plant?
Monstera is a tropical plant that needs warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight to thrive. It cannot tolerate cold weather, so it should be brought inside during the winter months.
In what USDA zones can I keep a Monstera plant?
Monstera can be grown in USDA zones 11 and 12. If you live in a colder climate, you can keep the plant indoors during the winter months.
What is the best way to propagate a Monstera?
The best way to propagate a Monstera is by taking cuttings from an existing plant. Cut off a stem from the plant at a leaf node and place it in water until it roots. Once the stem has rooted, you can transplant it into soil.
What is the scientific name for Monstera?
Monstera is scientifically known as Monstera deliciosa.
Can you grow a Monstera outside?
Yes, you can grow a Monstera outside. The plant needs warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight to thrive, and it cannot tolerate cold weather. It depends on where you live and what the weather conditions in your area are.
My Monstera is too big, what can I do?
If your Monstera plant is getting too big, you can prune it to keep it in check. Simply cut off the stem at any point below a leaf node. New leaves will grow from the node, and the plant will stay healthy and compact.
How often should I fertilize my Monstera?
Fertilize your Monstera plant every two weeks in Spring and Summer with a balanced fertilizer.
Is the Monstera poisonous?
The leaves of the Monstera plant are not poisonous, but the fruit is. If eaten, the fruit can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
The leaves of my Monstera are turning brown
If the leaves of your Monstera plant are turning brown, it may be a sign of a nutrient deficiency. Check the soil to see if it is deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium and correct accordingly.
My Monstera has aphids, what can I do?
Aphids are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can cause damage to plants. If your Monstera plant has aphids, you can treat them with an insecticidal soap spray.
My Monstera doesn’t have any holes in the leaf, what to do?
If your Monstera doesn’t have any holes in the leaves (fenestrations), it may be a sign that the plant is not getting enough sunlight. Monstera plants need plenty of sunlight to grow healthy and strong. Move your plant to a spot where it will receive more direct sunlight, and see if that helps. If it does, make sure to keep it in that spot!
When should I repot my Monstera plant?
Repot your Monstera plant every two years in Spring using a pot that is one size larger than the current pot. Use a soil mix specifically for houseplants, and make sure to water the plant well after repotting.
If your plant is growing much faster, you should do this sooner. Always check your plant and give it the care it needs in stead of following general guidelines.
What type of light does a Monstera need?
Monstera plants need plenty of sunlight to grow healthy and strong. They can tolerate direct sun, but should be moved to a spot where they will receive more indirect sunlight if the leaves start to turn brown or wilt.
Do I have to cut the aerial roots?
No, you do not have to cut the aerial roots. They are perfectly normal and help the plant absorb nutrients from the soil.
What type of pot should I use for my Monstera?
Monstera plants like well-draining soil and a pot with plenty of room to grow. A pot that is at least 12 inches wide is ideal.
Make sure there is a watering hole in your pot or use a terracotta pot with a dish underneath.
Goes well with
How can you combine this stunning plant?
Monstera plants go well with other houseplants, and can be used to create a lush, green, urban jungle effect. They also look great in hanging baskets or terrariums.
Looks great with Philodendrons, Ferns or a Chinese Money plant.
Monstera plants are beautiful, easy-to-care-for houseplants that are perfect for any home. With a little bit of TLC, your Monstera will thrive and bring beauty to your space for years to come.