The most beautiful, unusual and exotic plants often make for the best house-plants. Monsteras are very unique tropical plants but you do need to introduce specific measures to ensure their growth and keep them healthy in colder environments such as the UK. However with a little knowledge these plants are extremely low-maintenance. The plants are beginner friendly and have very flexible light requirements making them ideal for growing indoors.
If you are considering adding a Monstera to your home you may find yourself wondering, “how do I care for this plant?” In this article we will cover everything you need to know about looking after Monstera plants Indoors.
The Monstera's History
The Monstera plant is a native of Central and South America, where it grows as an epiphyte in the rainforest canopy. It was first introduced to Europe in the 18th century, and has been a popular houseplant ever since growing in popularity vastly in the 19th and 20th century.
The Monstera is sometimes called the Swiss Cheese Plant or split-leaf philodendron, due to the distinctive holes that appear in its leaves as it matures. It is a fast-growing plant that can grow extremely tall in its natural habitat, but when grown indoors it will usually only reach 2-3 feet; however it is possible for this plant to reach 10 to 15 feet tall indoors and stretch 8 feet wide.
The Monstera is easy to care for and makes an excellent houseplant for beginners. It is tolerant of neglect and can even survive periods of drought, making it a perfect plant for busy people or those who forget to water their plants regularly.
Getting to know your Monstera
There are about 22 species of Monstera, the plants are normally sold in the UK under the following names Swiss Cheese Plant, Monstera Deliciosa, Split Leaf Philodendron, Mexican breadfruit and Hurricane Plant. If you have recently bought a Monstera its always fun to identify the type of plant.
Monstera Deliciosa
The monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant is the most popular monstera among buyers. When mature and given ample light, the massive heart-shaped leaves develop many large holes down the central vein and along the outer edge of the leaf.
Monstera Adansonii
Monstera adansonii has very distinct leaves because the leaves don’t split along the outer edge. The holes are always located inside the leaf margins, rather than on the outer edge.
Monstera Obliqua
The Monstera Obliqua is a rare plant, and isn’t found for sale in the UK often, however mislabeled plants are common. The Monstera Obliqua is similar to Monstera adansonii than other plants of the same genus and can be identified by its narrower and thinner leaves and the greater number of holes found on its leaves.
How To Care For A Monstera
Monsteras are a type of tropical plant that is known for its large, split leaves. The most common type of monstera is the Monstera deliciosa. If you’re thinking about adding a monstera to your home, there are a few things you should know about how to care for them. We will take a look at a few tips that will help you care for a Monstera plant indoors and then jump into more details about each section.
Firstly Monsteras need bright, indirect light to thrive. They can handle some direct sun, but too much will scorch their leaves. If your monstera is getting too much sun, you’ll notice the leaves start to turn yellow.
Monsteras like to be kept moist, but not wet. Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out between waterings. Over-watering can cause root rot, which will kill your plant.
Monsteras need room to grow. When they’re pot-bound, their growth will slow down. Once a year, repot your monstera into a pot that’s one size larger. Be careful not to damage the roots when you’re repotting.
Light Requirements for Monstera Plants
Monstera prefers bright, indirect sunlight. This is a tropical plant that thrives in areas with the same light conditions of its native environment. In nature, the Monstera grows on the ground under large trees with very sunny weather, so this plant loves bright, indirect sunlight. Make sure to avoid too much direct sunlight in summer because this could cause burn marks on leaves. As the Monstera is near the ground in nature, it can tolerate low light but this will make it grow much slower than usual. The Monstera needs light to be able to grow. If you place the Monstera in an area that’s too dark, its leaves will gradually turn yellow as a warning sign that you should move to a better-lit environment. For the best growing conditions, place your monstera in a spot where it will get bright, indirect light such as a south- or west-facing window with partial shade.
Best Environment for Monstera
Water
When it comes to watering your monstera, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, let the top layer of soil dry out before watering again. This will help prevent root rot. Second, water your plant with room temperature water. Cold water can shock the roots and cause leaf drop. Lastly, be sure the drainage holes in the pot are clear so that water can drain freely. If you are unsure when to water the monstera plant we advise doing a thumb test, simply place your thumb into the soil about 2 inches below the topsoil if the soil is dry then its time to water.
Humidity
Monsteras thrive in humid houses as the plant is use to growing in high humidity areas in its native environment. A great way to keep them happy is by spraying them with water every day, make sure to mist the leaves rather than soak them. If you have a humidifier in your house, this will also provide enough humidity for your plant.
Temperature
When looking after a Monstera indirect sunlight and humidity are the main areas of importance. The plant will thrive in normal temperatures found in UK households. Just remember to move the plant away from any drafts or places prone to cold temperatures as this could shock the Monstera, and ultimately kill the plant.
Feeding your Monstera
When it comes to feeding your monstera, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, monsteras are typically heavy feeders, so you’ll need to fertilize them regularly. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize them every two weeks during the growing season, and every month during the winter.
Secondly, it’s important to choose the right fertilizer for your monstera. Look for a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus, as this will help encourage healthy growth.
Finally, remember that over-fertilizing can be just as harmful as under-fertilizing, so be sure to follow the directions on your fertilizer label carefully. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to give your monstera the nutrients it needs to thrive indoors!
If you are looking for an all round plant food that works perfectly for Monstera Plants then we do advise Growlands Home Plant Food. Our Home plant food has been scientifically designed to work with a number of house plants and meets all the requirements for Monstera Plants. You can purchase our Home Plant Food in our webstore found at the top of the page.
Whats Next
Now that you know how to care for a monstera, it’s time to learn about what’s next. In this blog section, we’ll cover topics such as repotting, propagating, and common problems that you may encounter while caring for your plant. Stay tuned for more tips on how to keep your monstera healthy and happy!
Repotting your Monstera
It’s important to repot your monstera every 1-2 years to ensure that it has enough room to grow. You’ll know it’s time to repot when you see roots coming out of the drainage holes in the pot.
To repot, gently remove your plant from its current pot and loosen any compacted soil around the roots. Place the plant in a new pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one, and fill with fresh potting mix. Water well and allow the plant to drain before putting it back in its place.
Propagating your Monstera
Looking to propagate your monstera? Here are some tips on how to do it indoors.
First, you’ll need to choose a healthy, leafy cutting from your plant. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a node (the point where leaves emerge).
Next, fill a pot with well-draining soil and place your cutting in it. Water the soil thoroughly and then place the pot in a warm, bright spot. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and in time, you should see new growth emerge from your cutting.
How to Find and Fix Common Problems
This plant is generally pest-free and easy to care for. Treat any pests as soon as they appear with weekly sprays of neem oil and regular wipe-downs.
SYMPTOM: The Leaves start turning brown and appear crispy at the edges
CAUSE: This suggests the plant is underwatered or has excessive salt build up. To fix water the plant with filtered water or rain water.
SYMPTOM: The plant starts wilting or the potting mix appears dry
CAUSE: The plant is underwatered or has become pot bound, replace the plant into a larger pot and rewater.
SYMPTOM: The leaves start turning yellowing and you notice black stems
CAUSE: The plant is overwatered let the plant dry out you may need to replant if the soil is too wet and soggy.
Conclusion
The Monstera is a beginner-friendly plant, but it does take some getting used to for people who come from succulents or cacti. You can care for this plant by following the tips in this article and you’ll be able to enjoy this plant for years and grow it as large as you want.