How To Care for A Monstera deliciosa
If you are considering getting a Monstera deliciosa as a houseplant or already have one, you need to remember that it will need proper care for it to thrive and look picture perfect. Let's learn some solid care tips for your Monstera plant.
Humidity
Monstera deliciosa plants love humid conditions. It will also grow well in average room humidity. However, you should consider using a humidifier or a fine mist to increase moistness indoors.
Temperature
Like most houseplants, monstera also grows well in 18°C-30°C (65°F-85°F). You need to make sure the temperature never goes below 15°C (60°F) as it can be prone to poor health.
Light
This evergreen houseplant admires bright indirect light. Excessive direct sunlight, especially in the warmer season, can burn the foliage of your plant. However, you need to place your plant in natural light at least once every year to boost rich growth. If set outdoors, your monstera deliciosa plant can thrive well in full shade if in deep woodlands and semi-shade in light woodlands.
Soil
Monstera deliciosa, when placed indoors in a container, requires peat-based soil. It fits medium loamy, light sandy and heavy clay with neutral or acidic pH as an outdoor plant. Even so, this plant grows well in well-draining and moderately damp soil.
Water
Water your houseplant regularly, especially in its growing period. Make sure the soil is dry before watering it again. In winter and fall, try to water in a reduced amount. To enhance humidity levels indoors, mist the plant's foliage with a spray bottle containing rainwater or demineralised water.
Fertilizer
Whenever your plant requires it, use a balanced quantity of liquid fertiliser once every few weeks, especially in the growing phase of your houseplant.
Common pests/diseases
Use a moist sponge to gently wipe out the dust or debris from your houseplant to keep it free of any pests. Common plant pests include aphids, mealybugs, scale, spider mites and thrips. If you notice any insects on your plant's foliage, spray with a direct water stream or wash your plant's leaves with insecticidal soap.
Pruning
Unlike some houseplants, Monstera deliciosa's roots don't damage the entire surface. However, you can trim the aerial roots they seem to push out from time to time or you can tuck them back into the soil.
Propagation
Air layering is the best way to propagate Monstera deliciosa. You will need sharp pruning shears, sphagnum or floral moss, twist ties and a plastic bag in this method. Firstly, you need to search for a leaf growing outside of the stem with a short root or a node. Cut one-third of that stem's width beneath the root or node. This little incision will encourage the plant to later push out roots where the node is. Then wrap that portion with one layer of sphagnum moss. Wet the moss by using a water spray and wrap it in a plastic bag. Twist ties can then be used to secure it. Once roots form (this will usually take over a week), you can then cut that stem and put the new plant in the soil. Another method is by using a plant propagation station.
Outdoor caring tips
USDA hardiness zone of Monstera deliciosa is 10 through 12, so it can grow year-round in humid and warm weather. If you are planting it outdoors, place it in part-shade and well-draining potting soil. If the soil is naturally salty, you must move your plant to the patio or indoors. Always use a balanced fertiliser at least three or four times every year to let your plant grow about 10 feet tall or even more.