Monsteras are one of the most popular houseplants and for good reason. These tropical plants are rather low maintenance, easy to care for, and have interesting foliage. They can tolerate some less than desirable conditions, though you should still strive to give the plant its ideal growing conditions.
The Monstera plant care guide is vital in ensuring you provide the best care for this tropical houseplant. Temperature, lighting, soil, water, and diseases are just a few of the sections you will find in the Monstera plant care guide.
The best way to care for Monstera plants is to try to recreate their native habitat. That doesn’t mean you have to bring the tropics into your home, but you will need to ensure the room where the Monstera plant is living in has bright light, warm temperatures, and higher levels of humidity.
One way to increase the humidity levels without having a major effect on the humidity in the rest of your home is to set the Monstera plant on a drip tray. These shallow trays are filled with small pebbles, and when the water runs out of the plant’s pot, it collects in the tray. This excess water then naturally evaporates into the air, and increases the humidity level around the Monstera plant.
Another thing to remember is to make sure the Monstera plant isn’t set in an area where it will experience extreme temperature fluctuations. Areas such as near exterior doors, drafty windows, or next to vents will cause the temperature in that general area to go up and down drastically. This can cause the Monstera plant to go into shock, which will stunt growth, result in leaf drop, and can even kill the plant.
Other Names Of Monstera Plant
Plants are typically known by more than one name. In fact, some plants have a plethora of names, many of which vary depending on the region where the plant is growing.
Monstera is most known by its nickname, the Swiss cheese plant. This is because of the holes that naturally occur in the plants’ foliage. It is also called hurricane plant, Mexican breadfruit, and split-leaf philodendron.
Frost Tolerance And USDA Hardiness Zones Of Monstera Plant
Monstera plants are one of the most commonly grown houseplants, and you typically won’t find them outdoors. That doesn’t mean they can’t grow outside, however.
Monstera plants are not frost tolerant or cold hardy. They can only grow outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10b to 12. Freezing temperatures will quickly kill the plant, and even temps that fall below 55 degrees will put the plant’s life in danger.
The Monstera grows best in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees. They also like it a bit more humid, so aim for a humidity level of around 65 percent. A drip tray or humidifier can help increase the humidity level in the room where the Monstera plant is growing. You can also take the plant into the bathroom during showers to help give it a boost of humidity.
How Many Hours Of Sunlight Does Monstera Plant Need?
Most people are aware that plants need sunlight in order to live. But did you know that the amount of sunlight needed can vary from one species of plants to another? Let’s look at how much sunlight the Monstera plant needs.
Monstera plants need between 5 and 8 hours of sunlight every day. If, however, you have a variegated variety, you will need to increase this amount to ensure the plant has enough sunlight to keep that variegation.
The ideal growing location for Monstera plants is near a window that faces east. This will allow the plant to get that bright and indirect sunlight that it craves. Monstera plants can grow near other windows as well, just make sure that the plant is not in direct light.
Monstera Plant Needs Direct Or Indirect Sunlight?
Whether the plant needs direct or indirect sunlight is an important part of the Monstera plant care guide that you need to know before growing this plant.
Monstera plants need indirect sunlight, and you should avoid placing them in an area where they are subjected to direct light. While Monsteras can tolerate some low light conditions, it will inhibit their growth and could even reverse the variegation of variegated varieties.
Always at least try to give the Monstera plant the ideal lighting requirements. While this plant can handle a little less light, it doesn’t mean that’s the best choice for the Monstera plant. Giving the Monstera its ideal growing conditions will help to keep it strong and healthy.
Is Monstera Plant An Indoor Plant, Outdoor Plant Or Both?
As with most other plants, Monsteras can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Although you will need to live in an area that doesn’t get low temps or experienced frost in order to grow this plant outside.
For most people, you will only be able to grow the Monstera plant indoors. If, however, you live in USDA plant hardiness zones 10b to 12, you can plant the Monstera directly in the ground.
Even if your Monstera plant is growing indoors, it can still benefit from taking it outside on warm spring and summer days. Ensure the plant is protected from direct sunlight and harsh weather while outside. And don’t forget to bring the plant indoors before the temperature starts to dip below 65 degrees.
What Are The Indoor Lighting Requirements?
The lighting requirement of Monstera plants are about the same to most other tropical houseplants. This makes adding the Monstera to your indoor garden much smoother than if they had different lighting needs.
Indoor Monstera plants need indirect sunlight that is bright and plentyfull. If possible, place the plant near an east-facing window where it can get that bright morning sun.
What Are The Outdoor Lighting Requirements?
For most gardeners, the Monstera plant will have to be grown indoors. If, however, you live in the right region, you can grow this plant outside.
Monstera plants that are grown outdoors need the same bright and indirect sunlight that indoor Monstera plants require. A location where it can get dapple sunlight is ideal. Just make sure you are in hardiness zones 10b to 12 if you want to grow this plant outside.
What Soil Requirements Does Monstera Plant Need?
Monstera plants are like most other plants. They need soil that drains well and let’s their roots stretch. This light and airy soil is vital for the life of the plant. Trying to grow the Monstera in compact soil will make the plant more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Monstera plants need soil that drains well and is rich in organic matter. Aim for a soil that has a pH level between 5 and 7.5. A good homemade mixture containing 1 part horticultural charcoal, 1 part sphagnum moss, 1 part perlite, and 3 parts orchid bark is typically a good choice for this plant.
There are specialty soil mixes designed for tropical houseplants that work well for Monstera plants. If, however, you already have potting soil, you can add soil admements to it to create the perfect growing medium for Monsteras.
How Much Water Does Monstera Plant Need?
One of the quickest ways to ensure your Monstera plant goes down hill fast is to incorrectly water it. Too much water as well as too little water will have a direct effect on the overall health of the plant.
Monstera plants typically need watering every 1 to 2 weeks. Keep in mind, however, that this is simply a guide and various factors can affect how often the plant will actually need water. The best thing to do is wait until the top 2 inches of soil dries before giving the plant something to drink.
Some gardeners prefer to use distilled water or filtered water to hydrate their Monstera plants. If you would rather use tap water, allow the water to sit out for about 24 hours to allow for the chlorine to dissipate from the water.
The type of water you decide to use is purely personal preferences. This is because each cities tap water is different and can contain different minerals and additives. Most garderns recommend trying different types of water to see which one works better for your plant.
Is My Monstera Plant Overwatered, What Are The Symptoms?
Overwatering any plant can lead to serious consequences and gardeners need to take heed to not overwater their plants.
When a Monstera is overwateted, its leaves will start to turn yellow and brown spots will appear. The leaves will also droop and may even fall off the plant. Unfortunately, once symptoms start to show, it may be too late to save the plant.
Allowing the Monstera plant to sit in soggy soil will eventually cause fungal problems, such as root rot. Once root rot has developed, the chances of saving the Monstera are slim, and most gardeners make the tough decision to discard the diseased plant.
Is My Monstera Plant Underwatered, What Are The Symptoms?
An underwatered Monstera plant is not a good thing, but isn’t something that you can’t fix. So if you have underwatered the plant, don’t fret! You can save the plant in a matter of minutes.
The main symptom of an underwatered Monstera plant is dry leaves that feel crispy. You may also notice that the plant’s soil is dry and the leaves are falling off the plant. Some gardeners have also experienced dry leaf spots covering the foliage instead of the entire leaf being dry.
If your Monstera was just underwatered a few times, you can simply just increase the amount of watering for this plant. Extremely underwatered Monstera plants, however, will need to be soaked in water. Fill a bucket or container large enough to hold the Monstera plant’s pot with water. Submerge the entire pot in water and let the plant soak for 30 minutes. After the allotted time has passed, lift the Monstera plant out of the water and let the excess water drain out of the pot. Set the plant back in its location.
How Much Fertilizer Does Monstera Plant Need? What Kind?
Most plants can benefit from a little fertilizer every now and again, and the Monstera plant is no different. But there is such a thing as too much fertilizer.
Monsteras are not heavy feeders, but applying a balanced and slow-release fertilizer designed for tropical houseplants like the Monstera will go a long way to encouraging growth. The fertilizer should be applied once a month only during the plant’s active growing period.
Another way to increase the organic matter of the Monstera’s soil is to utilize compost and add to the top of the soil.
If you do use commercially available fertilizer, make sure to read and follow the application instructions found on the bottle. And never use more than directed as this can cause serious problems for the plant.
Monstera Plant Diseases To Be Aware Of
Monstera plants are fairly easy to care for and doesn’t require much maintenance. These tropical plants also don’t have many problems, but you should know what to look for just in case.
Monsteras are fairly easy-going plants with few diseases. The most common disease that indoor gardeners face when growing Monstera plants, however, is root rot. The good news is that this disease is easily preventable, but once it occurs, trying to save the plant can be difficult.
Root rot is directly caused by poor drainage and/or overwatering. Most plants don’t like their roots sitting in water or soggy soil, and the monster is no different. When the soil is just too wet, the fungus that causes root rot will start to form. Unlike a lot of other fungal diseases, root rot cannot be treated with fungicide and the only thing a gardener can do is to remove all the soil from the plant and repot the Monstera in fresh soil and a sanitized pot.
Another potential disease that Monstera plants can get is bacterial leaf spot. This disease causes dark spots with a necrotic appearance to form on its leaves. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease. Some gardeners will merely pick off the affected leaves, but if the entire plant is showing signs, then you may have to discard that Monstera. You can, however, help to reduce the chance of infection by lowering the humidity level, increasing air circulation near the plant, and not allowing the leaves to get wet.
Anthracnose is another common fungal disease that can attack various plants, such as Monstera. Signs of this disease typically presents itself in the plant’s foliage, which can develop spots, start to curl or cup, and even drop off the plant. To help control the disease, remove and destroy infected leaves and apply a fungicide designed for anthracnose.
Another potential problem for all indoor houseplants is sap sucking insects. While these insects won’t just attack Monstera plants, they can feed on the foliage and stems of this plant. The good news is that, except for extreme infestations, these pests are more of an annoying than serious threat. A healthy Monstera plant will quickly snap back from sap sucking insects but you should still treat the plant with horticultural oil if you see these pests in your plants.
No matter what disease or pest is affecting your Monstera plant, it is a good idea to quarantine the infected plant until the problem is corrected. This goes for any houseplants. It is common for diseases and pests to spread from one houseplant to another, especially if they are in close quarters with one another.
Are There Different Types Of Monstera Plant?
When shopping for Monstera plants, you should first familiarize yourself with the different varieties and types that are available. While most Monsteras have the same care requirements, you can buy some that grow smaller than others and even ones with variegated leaves.
There are a wide array of Monstera plants available and they each of their own appearance. While most of these plants feature the unusual split leaves, there are a few that don’t produce the attribute that give the Monstera its Swiss cheese appearance.
Most Monsteras that you see in nurseries and garden centers, however, do have these holey leaves.
Monstera deliciosa is the most common Monstera available, found in thousands of homes and stores. This type of Monstera plants features those iconic large Swiss cheese foliage that everyone has come to love.
Variegated Monsteras are another popular option, but they can be a little more difficult because any deviation from the required care can cause the plant to lose its variegation. Despite this, variegated Monsteras are much sought after due to its creamy, light green, white, or yellow variegation on its leaves.
How To Propagate Monstera Plant
Propagating Monstera plants is a great way to increase the number of houseplants you are currently growing. These young plants also make great gifts that you can give to friends and family members.
Monstera propagation is done via the stem cutting method, which means cutting a 4 to 6 inch piece of stem off the plant. Select a stem that has a few healthy leaves on it and, at the very least, 1 node. Using a pair of sharp pruning shears, cut off the selected stem.
Once you have cut the stem off the main plant, remove the bottom leaves and then dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone. The rooting hormone step isn’t a requirement and you can plant the cutting without it. It does, however, help speed up the rooting process.
Plant the cutting into the same type of potting soil as the main plant is growing in and set in an area where it will receive indirect sunlight. Create a greenhouse-type atmosphere by covering the cutting and its pot with a white plastic bag, and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Roots should begin to form after a few weeks.
Is Monstera Plant Toxic To Humans?
While most adults don’t go around chewing on houseplants, you cannot say the same thing about babies and toddlers. Like pets, children can get themselves into sticky situations that can pose a serious risk to their health. One such risk is houseplants. It’s hard to believe that the seemingly innocent plant sitting in the corner of your living room could harm your children. The truth is there is an abundance of plants that are toxic to humans.
All plants in the Monstera family are labeled as mildly toxic to humans. The leaves and fruit of this plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which cause irritation and pain in lips, tongue, mouth and throat when ingested.
Thankfully, the amount of Monstera plants that would need to be ingested to pose a serious risk is typically more than a child would consume. But they can still experience painful burning on their lips, tongue, mouth, and throat. They can also have gastrointestinal distress.
If the person who ingested the Monstera plant has difficulty breathing, immediately get them medical attention. This is also true if any of the other symptoms are severe or last for longer than 24 hours.
We at Plants To Trees first published this article on August 25, 2022. Copyright protected.
Is Monstera Plant Toxic To Dogs?
While you may not think anything of allowing your dog to chew on your plants, you may actually be putting their health in jeopardy. Many of the most common and beloved houseplants pose a serious risk to dogs. That is why it is important to find out whether or not the houseplant is dangerous to dogs before you decide to start growing it.
Monstera plants are toxic to dogs, and you should take great care to keep your pooch away from this plant. The toxic element is calcium oxalate crystals and is found in the leaves and fruit of the Monstera plant.
If your dog chews or ingests the Monstera plant, these crystals will irritate the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat, causing a painful burning sensation. They may also start to drool excessively, have difficulty breathing, and vomit. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if your dog ingests any part of the plant.
Is Monstera Plant Toxic To Cats?
The old saying ‘curiosity killed the cat’ didn’t just come about because someone wanted to start rumors about felines. It’s because cats are curious animals, and sometimes their curiosity can get them into harmful situations. So it’s no surprise that when you bring in a houseplant your kitty will want to investigate. While this may not seem like a big deal, when you start to realize that a lot of popular houseplants are actually dangerous to cats, you will understand why you need to be wary before bringing a houseplant into your home.
Monstera plants are toxic to cats and dogs. If you let your cat chew, nibble, and ingest the leaves or fruit of this plant, they can experience a wide array of painful symptoms.
The article owner is Plants To Trees dot Com and this article was first published on August 25, 2022.
Symptoms of Monstera poisoning include pain and irritation in the lips, tongue, mouth, and throat. Excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting can also occur. If you think your cat has ingested any part of a Monstera plant, immediately seek medical attention or call poison control.
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PlantsToTrees.com is the owner of this article and we first published this on August 25, 2022.