The perennial Monstera flower blooms every year. They are frequently referred to as heritage plants because they can live for more than 40 years. The plants’ lengthy lifespan, however, is highly reliant on their ability to thrive and be properly taken care of.
The ability of Monstera plants to experience periods of dormancy is one of the factors contributing to their lengthy longevity. The plant will halt its growth when circumstances are not optimal and wait for things to get better. This enables the plant to preserve energy and prolong its lifespan.
The Araceae family includes the roughly 50 different species of Monstera plants. The Monstera deliciosa, sometimes referred to as the Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron, is the most prevalent variety.
These plants are extremely hardy and durable due to their adaptation to the harsh jungle environment, which may extend their lifespans. When there are strong gusts or heavy rains, the plant benefits from the well-known holes in its leaves that keep the leaf surface from ripping.
They are also substantial and rather huge. Monstera plants can grow up to 70 feet long when left outside. However, you may anticipate your Monstera plant to grow to a height of around 6 feet indoors.
A Monstera can grow for how long?
Monsteras can grow to enormous heights in their natural tropical habitat because to aerial roots. Aerial roots, which anchor plants to trees, buildings, and other above-ground surfaces instead of the plant’s normal roots, allow the plant to climb.
Despite not growing to jungle heights in your home, monsteras still develop in the same manner. Create a moss pole to sustain the ambitions of your monstera. Your monstera’s aerial roots will develop into the moss and anchor it as it soars.
With the proper care and support, Monstera deliciosa are long-lived plants that may reach heights of 10 to 15 feet indoors, spread out over an area of 8 feet, and have leaves that are at least 18 inches broad.
1 Indoors, variegated monstera rarely grow to that large and develop considerably more slowly.
Expect the leaf splits and holes to change considerably as your monstera gets older. Leaf holes can develop into pronounced split leaves depending on the plant’s kind and growing environment. Proper lighting levels are particularly crucial. Splits and holes are inhibited by low light. 3
Are Monstera plants simple to maintain?
One of the most well-known indoor plants is Monstera deliciosa, and its reputation is well-earned. It has a distinctive appearance and may blend in beautifully with many different interior design trends. One indoor plant that develops quickly is this one. A Monstera plant can develop into a stunning showpiece in your house with a few years of good maintenance.
Is it simple to take care of Monstera deliciosa? Yes! One of the simpler houseplants to maintain is the monstera. Their primary needs include ample sunshine and proper watering. These two aspects are the most crucial for having a healthy Monstera deliciosa, however they do have some additional preferences.
This is a fantastic indoor plant for those who want something big-growing but don’t want the hassle of some of the more demanding selections. A Monstera deliciosa can give the impression that you have a green thumb even if you are new to houseplants. Nobody needs to know how low-maintenance this plant actually is, though!
How are Monstera plants maintained?
Scientists have proposed the following theories as to why Monstera leaves have holes: The ability to capture sunlight on the rainforest floor is increased, according to one idea, by this puncture. According to the other theory, it allows tropical downpours to pass through the leaves, preventing harm to the plant. This explains Hurricane Plant, another name for Monstera.
Note that some of our favorite indoor plants are native to the tropics. Check out Tropical Plants 101: A Guide to Planting, Care & Design for more information. More ideas for indoor plants can be found at:
How long do houseplants last?
Indoor plants should typically last between two and five years. But a lot depends on the kind of houseplants you have and how dedicated you are to taking care of them. Some indoor plant species can live up to 20 years without dying!
Early indoor plant deaths are typically caused by a few common issues. Let’s examine the potential causes of plant mortality and how you might lengthen the life of your plant by avoiding these common blunders.
Underwatering: If a houseplant doesn’t receive enough water, it wilts and may quickly perish. This is frequently the leading cause of death among plant owners who are newer.
Overwatering is another issue, particularly for plants that don’t necessarily need as much moisture. Maintain a consistent schedule and pay attention to some of the advice we cover in more detail below to avoid overwatering.
Too Much Sun: Indoor plants that just require a few hours of direct sunshine a day will suffer if they are put in a windowsill with excessive quantities of indirect sunlight. Be sure to know what kind of plant you have and how much sunlight it needs.
Lack of Sun: Some plants don’t receive enough light, which is similar to receiving too much sun. This is particularly valid for plants that are kept in gloomy spaces for an extended period of time. Make sure your plant receives enough sunlight for photosynthesis and to remain healthy.
Wrong Soil: The incorrect kind of soil can also hasten a plant’s demise. Some plants like soil that drains easily, while others need soil that is consistently damp. The kind of plant will have a total impact on this.
Overfertilization: Your indoor plant could burn if it receives too much fertilizer. As a result, you’ll notice that the leaves are becoming brittle and crisp. If you fertilize your plant, be sure to apply the precise amount recommended by the fertilizer manufacturer.
How can you tell whether your Monstera is content?
How can you prevent your Monstera from drowning? We’ve discussed a little bit about how to avoid overwatering it. Once you get to know your Monstera and understand all of its behaviors, you’ll notice lots of indicators that it needs water. Some of them may not come as a surprise because the indications that a Monstera needs watering are also quite similar to those that other plants exhibit.
Your Monstera’s Soil Is Dry
The primary indication that a Monstera needs watering is dry soil. A Monstera deliciosa shouldn’t thrive in arid conditions, despite the fact that it’s vital to allow the soil dry up a little bit between waterings. Although too-dry soil won’t immediately kill a plant, it will hinder its capacity to grow effectively.
Since every plant and indoor environment is unique and can necessitate a different amount of time between waterings, routinely testing the soil will enable you to determine when your Monstera needs to be watered. Using your finger is the simplest method for doing this!
If the soil is dry after sticking your finger in it for about an inch, water the plant. Don’t water your Monstera just yet if it’s moist or still wet.
Your Monstera is Leaning Over
Although it is an unusual indicator, I have observed a leaning Monstera in my collection. An underwatered Monstera will begin to sag in a manner that causes the leaves to droop, which is similar to wilting. On a little Monstera, this is much simpler to see, although it can be seen on bigger plants as well.
Always examine the soil before watering because leaning plants might occasionally be an indication of a different problem, such as overwatering. Never add more water when the earth is damp; dry soil indicates that it is time to water.
Your Monstera should bounce back within a few days after receiving a thorough watering if the cause of drooping is too little water. As much stress as possible should be avoided allowing the Monstera to become this dry as it will stunt the plant’s growth.
Your Monstera’s Leaves are Curling
Leaf curling is just another sign that a Monstera needs watering. The leaves of a Monstera that needs water will start to curl inward, making them appear smaller and less wide.
This is a temporary problem that almost always goes away with some time and some good watering! If the soil is dry, check it and give it a nice, thorough watering. Within a few days, the leaves ought to resume their regular state.
If they don’t, there might be another problem going on. Before watering once more, take some time to run a diagnostic.
Your Monstera’s Leaves are Brown, Yellow, or Dead
An alarming sign may be the yellowing of your Monstera’s leaves. Dark green, waxy leaves are present on a healthy, happy Monstera (though younger plants or new leaves may be lighter green).
Some discoloration is expected because older Monstera leaves gradually turn yellow and drop off as they become older. However, you have an issue if you notice many sections of the plant with yellow, brown, or dead leaves or new leaves.
In addition to underwatering, additional issues that might cause leaf discoloration include overwatering, excessive or insufficient sunshine, or parasites. Don’t water the plant right away; instead, take the time to inspect it for any signs of these issues.
Although older growth will occasionally die off, you should take immediate action if any leaf loss is accompanied by other symptoms like drooping or discolouration. The soil’s moisture content should always be checked as the initial step. Water the soil deeply if it is dry. Look for indications that your plant may have been overwatered if the soil is wet.
Your Monstera Isn’t Putting Out Fenestrated Leaves
With adult Monsteras that haven’t started fenestrating or that produce leaves with holes in them, a lack of fenestration can become a problem. Fenestrations are nearly always a sign that the plant is not receiving enough light.
This can occasionally be brought on by inadequate sunlight. Examine the surroundings of the plant to rule that out. Monsteras require six to twelve hours a day of bright indirect sunlight. Try transplanting the plant to a brighter location if it isn’t receiving this much light.
Set a smart alarm to remind you to inspect the soil if lighting isn’t the issue and you think your Monstera needs extra water. This will assist you in forming the practice of routine plant maintenance. You can establish the ideal watering balance by making sure the soil is moist enough many times per week. Be careful not to overwater, though!
When was my Monstera born?
To begin with, the age of the plant affects the shape of Monstera leaves. You might observe that the splits emerge on the newest leaves if your monstera has some leaves with fenestrations and some leaves without. When the Monstera is old and content enough to produce mature leaves with splits, fenestrations start to form.
When a Monstera matures and forms its first fenestrations, it will be between one and three years old. When my Monsteras, which thrive in strong light conditions, generate 5–6 tiny leaves on the same stem, they usually obtain their initial split leaves. The precise quantity will change depending on your growing environment. In our article, you can read more about the ideal lighting for Monstera.
Last but not least, huge Monsteras that are 3 years or older to a few decades old can produce massive leaves. Even more fenestrations, which appear as extra rows of holes inside the splits, may arise.
It was probably propagated from a top cutting if you notice a monstera plant with enormous split leaves and no tiny baby leaves (learn more about propagating monstera in our ultimate guide). By doing this, the new plant was able to advance the maturity of its leaves.
Does Monstera prefer large pots?
Unquestionably, one of the most well-known indoor plants in history is the monstera deliciosa. The characteristic leaves are frequently seen in movies, video games, and printed on at least three pillows at your neighborhood home goods store. In addition to being a true fashion classic, it is also a very resilient and adaptable plant. We delve into the requirements for caring for this plant in this article.
Other names for Monstera deliciosa include “fruit salad plant,” “elephant ear plant,” and “swiss cheese plant.”
When should I water my Monstera deliciosa?
During the warmer months of the year, wait until the soil has dried to at least 50% of its depth. Allow the soil to totally dry up before watering in the winter.
How much light does a Monstera need?
Although they can withstand medium to low light, monstera prefer bright light. A space with enough light to read a book by is a good measure. They will develop more quickly and larger the more light they receive.
When should I fertilize my Monstera?
Mid-Spring to mid-Autumn, apply a liquid fertilizer every other time you water. You can fertilize your plants every time you water them if they are growing quickly in the summer. Fertilize not during the winter.
Should I re-pot my Monstera?
The majority of indoor plants are content to grow in small containers and will even profit from being somewhat root-bound. There is never a rush to increase the size of your pot until all the soil has had roots grow through it, just an inch or two.
Light
It is preferable to place your Monstera in the brightest area possible when it is cultivated indoors. A excellent place to start is with enough natural light to comfortably read a book. Make sure your plant doesn’t receive too much afternoon sun in the summer to avoid burning it. Even while a location may be ideal throughout the year, on a day with a temperature of +40°C, the heat and light may be too much for the plant to take.
Monstera may thrive in low-light conditions, however the smaller the leaves are, the less fenestration there will be to grow.
Fenestration refers to the distinctive holes that make a monstera leaf so simple to recognize. Faster growth, bigger leaves, and more fenestration will occur as a result of increased light levels.
Watering
The majority of indoor plants are vulnerable to overwatering. During warm weather, we advise you to water this plant just after the top half of the soil has dried out. Try to let the soil dry up almost completely over the winter.
Depending on the time of year, the location of the plant, and the flow of air, this will take two to four weeks. Please be aware that this is the shortest length of time you can wait; especially in the winter, you can wait much longer!
In severe circumstances, overwatering this plant can cause root rot, darkened leaf tips, and even plant death. However, if you skip watering for a week or two, the plant may not even notice or may simply wilt, giving you a very clear indication that it’s time to water.
Fertiliser
As a plant with a potential for rapid growth, monstera will undoubtedly profit from routine applications of liquid fertilizer. Every second cycle of watering throughout the warmer months of the year—spring and summer—can include some fertilizer. If your plant continues to develop during the winter, you could consider reducing the intensity of your fertilizer and using it less frequently.
Although products made from seaweed, like Seasol, are low in the essential elements for development (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), they are excellent soil conditioners and helpful for avoiding hydrophobia and pot shock.
Repotting
Monstera enjoy being crammed within their containers. Regardless of the size of the pot, they will grow enormous. Your monstera won’t grow any bigger or faster if you put it in a big pot; most likely, all the extra damp soil will cause root rot, or your monstera will focus more energy on growing roots than leaves. It is preferable to concentrate more on a pot that complements your aesthetic while repotting and to use that pot for a few years.
It’s better to repot during the warmer months of the year if you do decide to do so. Be cautious to plant it in a container with sufficient drainage (at least one big drainage hole). The soil may dry up a little bit quicker if you choose to use a porous terracotta pot, which can be quite beneficial in preventing over-watering. A premium potting mix is an excellent place to start, but a cacti/succulent mix or even chunky orchid mix works great to help with drainage. Monstera flourish in a well-draining potting mix.
Propagation
After a year or two, Monstera deliciosa’s size as a vine can become painfully obvious. This plant will spread across the ground and climb trees in the wild. You might need to stake the plant as it gets bigger in order to sustain this sprawling epiphyte and keep it standing erect. You can take a clip from the lead portion of the stem if you think the plant is getting too long. This will stop the stem’s growth and promote new shoots to emerge from the lowest parts of the plant.
The cutting can either be submerged in water or planted in wet ground. A node should be present on the stem of your stem cutting for about one inch. If the cutting already has an aerial root, it will grow considerably more quickly. Don’t worry if your cutting loses its leaves; they are not at all necessary because the stems can photosynthesise.
Common Problems
Overwatering is the most frequent problem that you may encounter. This will result in wilting, root rot, blackened leaf tips, and frequently white mold on the soil. Check to see if your pot is emptying and if you are watering excessively. Once it is dried, stop watering it again! In extreme circumstances, you might replace the moist soil with dry soil or move the plant outside into a covered area to hasten the drying process. Simply wait. Although this plant is unbreakable, it will take some time. A lot of good airflow will be quite beneficial.
If your plant isn’t getting enough light, it will grow long, lanky, and floppy to help it reach a potential light source. The internodes will be longer and the leaves will be more sparse. Stake the plant and/or relocate it to a more sunny area. It must be a permanent shift; periodically moving the plant into a light area would not work.
The most frequent pests are mealybugs, scale, and gnat flies, but I have never found M. deliciosa to be particularly vulnerable to insect invasion. The best course of action is to manually remove them to halt the spread right away, and then obtain a solution like neem oil, which will eradicate a variety of unpleasant creatures while being extremely safe and non-toxic.
Outdoors Care
When Monstera is outdoors, it is ideal to keep it in a semi-sheltered area. Try to locate a location where they are protected from the wind, frost, and hot afternoon sun. It should be mentioned that Monstera deliciosado does not need warm temperatures or high humidity. Although they will develop more quickly in the warmth, they can stay outside throughout winter in Melbourne. They will benefit much from the morning sun, which is completely OK.
This is the ideal place to start if you’re looking for a plant for your balcony or courtyard. This plant will grow quickly thanks to the additional bright light and the great airflow. Increased airflow around the plant will help to lower the risk of overwatering and the likelihood that viruses may infect the plants. I’ve discovered that in this posture, the leaves will also grow bigger and have more fenestration. You’re welcome to plant one right away in a garden bed!