House of Monstera

Monsteras are the go-to plant for that instant jungle feel in your space. They are very easy to care for within the home environment. There are three popular Monstera species that are currently uber-popular with houseplant enthusiasts. Monstera deliciosa with its beautiful deep fenestrations and massive leaves, Monstera adansonii, is a definite climber with smaller leaves than its bigger cousin. Then there is Monstera peru also a climber with more corrugated leaves.

All Monsteras are native to the new world tropics of South America. Where they can be found scrambling across the forest floor and engulfing twenty-meter-high trees.

In recent years we have seen the highly coveted variegated form of Monstera deliciosa racking up small fortunes in online auctions. Thankfully a slow wave of democratization seems to be pushing through houseplant markets with more growers bringing in imports from the east and selling them at slightly cheaper prices.

Photo by Thimo van Leeuwen on Unsplash

Monstera deliciosa has the most iconic leaves in the genus. These fenestrations serve a practical purpose too, they help reduce wind damage by providing readymade funnels for the wind to pass through the leaves instead of ripping them to shreds. I saw this firsthand when I owned a home close to the coast and had beautiful mature Monstera deliciosas in the beds of my backyard, they could withstand the howling coastal winds with ease, but my Musa dwarf cavendish was a different story…

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Provide bright, indirect light: Monsteras prefer bright, indirect light and will do best in a location that gets several hours of indirect sunlight each day. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can cause their leaves to yellow.

Keep the soil evenly moist: Monsteras prefer evenly moist soil, but be careful not to overwater them. Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out before watering again.

Photo by Yusuf Evli on Unsplash

Fertilize during the growing season: To ensure that your Monstera has all the nutrients it needs to grow, use a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).

Repot when necessary: As your Monstera grows, it may outgrow its current pot. When this happens, repot it into a larger pot or container with fresh soil. Monstera deliciosa can become really large when grown in adequate light.

Photo by Huy Phan on Unsplash

Prune off any dead or yellowing leaves: To keep your Monstera looking its best, make sure to remove any dead or yellowing leaves regularly.

Photo by Brina Blum on Unsplash

There are a few different ways to propagate Monsteras, including the following methods:

1. Stem cuttings: To propagate Monsteras from stem cuttings, start by taking a healthy stem cutting that includes a few leaves and a couple of inches of stem. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone. Plant the stem cutting in a well-draining soil mixture and water it well. Keep the soil evenly moist and provide bright, indirect light. In a few weeks, you should start to see new growth, which indicates that the cutting has rooted.
2. Air layering: To propagate Monsteras through air layering, start by selecting a healthy stem that is at least a few inches long. Using a sharp knife, make a small cut through the stem, about an inch below a leaf node. Dust the cut with rooting hormone and wrap it in a moistened piece of sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap and secure it in place with a rubber band. Keep the moss moist and provide bright, indirect light. In a few weeks, you should see new roots forming. Once the roots are well-established, you can cut the stem below the rooted section and pot it up in soil.
3. Seed propagation: Monsteras can also be propagated from seeds, although this method can be more challenging and may take longer to produce a mature plant. To propagate Monsteras from seeds, start by soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours. Plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture and keep the soil evenly moist. Provide bright, indirect light and keep the temperature around 70–75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can take several weeks for the seeds to germinate, and it may take several years for the resulting plants to reach maturity.

Photo by Firdaus Roslan on Unsplash

Like any plant, Monsteras are susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are a few common issues to watch out for:

1. Mealybugs: These small, white, cottony insects feed on plant juices and can cause yellowing and distortion of new growth. To get rid of mealybugs, wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or use an insecticidal soap.
2. Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects can also cause yellowing and distortion of new growth. To get rid of aphids, wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or use an insecticidal soap.
3. Root rot: This is a common disease that can be caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting, and a rotten smell coming from the soil. To prevent root rot, make sure to provide well-draining soil and only water your plant when the top inch or so of soil is dry.
4. Spider mites: These tiny insects can cause stippling or yellowing on the leaves of your monstera. To get rid of spider mites, wipe the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or use an insecticidal soap.

By keeping an eye out for these pests and diseases and taking appropriate action, you can help keep your Monstera healthy and thriving.

I hope this post will help you to keep your Monstera happy and thriving for years to come!

Corbin