One of the popular houseplants you can’t miss if you’re getting into the houseplant hobby is Monstera Deliciosa, often known as the Swiss Cheese Plant. What more could a houseplant enthusiast want for? They have magnificent, recognizable leaves that can get as big as your head and just have that lovely potential to take over half a room. These plants can be grown from seed, which is surprising but really excellent news, and it’s also not too difficult if you have the fundamentals down pat!
Getting the Seeds to Grow:
You may or may not have read my very first blog entry on this site, How to Grow Houseplants from Seed, which outlines the essential requirements for the majority of houseplants to germinate.
The optimal arrangement is a miniature greenhouse with a heat pad and grow lights because light, humidity, and warmth are necessary for growing Monsteras as well as most other houseplants. The seeds should be kept in an area that is regularly between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit if you don’t have a heat pad, and if you don’t have grow lights, you should maintain them in a location that receives bright but indirect light (an east, west or north-facing window out of direct sunlight can work).
Following completion of the fundamental setup, follow these instructions for actually preparing and planting the seeds:
1) Seed care: Germination of Monstera Deliciosa seeds is actually the simple part; the challenging part is keeping the seeds fresh and healthy. When it comes to Monsteras, freshness is important; the freshest seeds are hard and green, yellow, or light brown in color. They are difficult to maintain fresh since you can’t let them acquire too much moisture or let them dry out. They can be kept fresh and at a good moisture level by storing them in sphagnum moss in the refrigerator until you’re ready to plant them. I often advise planting the seeds a week after getting them to reduce the likelihood that they may lose viability.
It’s typically okay if the seeds are a bit dried out, but if they start to shrivel up and look predominantly tan or brown, they may not have much time left. However, even a little wrinkling doesn’t significantly affect viability.
2) Pre-soak: If the seeds are exceptionally fresh, pre-soaking is advised but not necessary. To prepare the seeds for planting, fill a container with hot or warm water, add the seeds, and let them soak there for 24 to 48 hours. This will assist in removing the outer coating to facilitate seed germination and, if necessary, rehydrate any dried-out seeds.
3. Set-up: You can go to this page I have here on houseplant seed set-ups for information on several set-up techniques that will work for Monstera Deliciosa seeds. The paper towel method is the best if you want to observe the seeds grow, but the ziploc bag or little greenhouse setup would also work well. I’ll keep using the tiny greenhouse approach.
Use a peat-based potting mix that has been saturated with warm distilled water or rainwater when planting seeds in soil, whether you are planting them directly into the ground or after they have already started to sprout.
Plant the seeds with just a thin layer of dirt covering them, then cover the planter with a dome, whether it be a greenhouse dome, a glass dome, or even just a ziploc baggie. If there is condensation inside the dome, the setup is likely at a good temperature and humidity level.
4) Maintenance: Keep the soil moist and in a bright, warm location, and keep an eye out for any signs of mold or fungus growth (never soggy). Within a month, and within two weeks under the ideal circumstances, the seeds should begin to sprout. Dig around in the dirt to see if you can find the seeds if you don’t observe any activity during that period. In general, seeds will germinate more quickly in warmer climates.
You can start taking care of your happy Monstera seedlings as you would an adult plant now that they are on their way to developing their first leaves with fenestrations. Here are some essential maintenance tips for Monstera Deliciosa.
Care for Monstera Deliciosa Plants:
Light: If you’re growing your Monstera indoors, give it bright, indirect light. If you’re growing it outdoors, give it shade. The leaves might become burned by too much direct sunlight.
Temperature: You should generally keep them between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in either range, but you should try to limit temperature swings.
Water: During the growing season, give them a weekly drink to give the soil time to dry up. Water them less frequently in the cooler months when their growth slows. Occasionally spraying them or placing a humidifier near them can also be beneficial.
Fertilizing: Since they often don’t require much, limit your fertilization to two or three times each week during the growing season.
That concludes basic seed germination and Monstera Deliciosa care! I hope this article was helpful; if so, please leave a comment or get in touch with me directly.
How difficult is it to start a Monstera plant from seed?
A Monstera can also be grown from seed. If you’re lucky and have a Monstera that is in bloom, you can use the flower’s seed after the fruit has finished ripening. Otherwise, buy it from a shop. Although Monstera seeds are quite simple to obtain, they don’t have a long shelf life, so the sooner you plant them, the better.
First, let the seeds soak in lukewarm water for 12 hours. The seeds ought to slightly swell. Next, bury the seed in a thin layer of soil and maintain soil moisture. Although you don’t need much light, it helps to accomplish this in a warm environment, so keep it out of direct sunshine. A young Monstera initially begins to swell toward the night. A little sapling will grow from the ground in 10 to 3 weeks. Before it obtains the typical fenestrated leaves, it will take some time.
How much time does a Monstera plant need to grow?
How Long Does a Monstera Take to Grow to Its Full Size? Most monstera plants mature and reach their peak size in 2 to 3 years on average.
How are Monstera seeds cared for?
As soon as your seeds arrive, you must hasten their germination. The Monstera seeds have already been stressed and dried out during transportation, and they don’t have a very long shelf life.
Before deciding on my germination techniques, I conducted A LOT of research. I experimented with how each of my two batches of seeds germinated.
Soaking Method
The soaking approach is the first technique. To begin the germination process, you only need to immerse your seeds in water for 12 to 24 hours.
Use a small container filled with warm tap water and several seeds to carry out this procedure.
The seeds will slightly swell. You can plant your seeds in a tiny pot after 12 to 24 hours (but no more than 48!). Seeds can drown if you keep them in the water for more than 48 hours.
A quick approach to get the germination process going is by soaking. The fact that the seeds have often not yet sprouted makes planting them a little simpler.
My seeds were steeped for 24 hours before being planted in a peat pot inside a miniature greenhouse.
Paper Towel Germination
The paper towel approach is the second technique. I liked this approach better than soaking. It was simple to do, and I was able to monitor the development of the sprouts. I wasn’t sure if I had soaked the seeds for enough time using the soaking procedure. It appears that there is a lot more room for error.
You will need paper towels, monstera seeds, a spray bottle filled with water, and a plate to perform the paper towel method.
- On the paper towel, spread the seeds in a single layer.
- Till the seeds are gently covered by two pieces of paper towel, overlap the paper towels over them.
- Spray the paper towel and seeds on a dish in order to get them both wet.
- Place the plate in a well-lit area and keep it out of the sun for as long as possible.
- Every day, check the seeds and mist the paper towel. Within 2-4 days, seeds need to grow.
The seeds must be planted after they sprout. In my investigation, I discovered that some people dislike the paper towel method because they worry the roots will penetrate the paper towel. In contrast to what I experienced, the seeds easily grew and could be removed from the paper towel and planted in pots.
Do monstera plants have seeds?
It’s possible that the Monstera plant you have won’t ever reach the stage where it produces fruits from which you can harvest seeds. Wild Monstera plants, on the other hand, produce fruits that resemble corn cobs or pine cones.
The flavor of this fruit is comparable to that of other tropical fruits like pineapples and bananas.
The pulp of these fruits contains Monstera seeds, which are present. Harvesting the Monstera fruit before it is fully mature is a frequent error.
The fruit’s texture is similar to that of a honeycomb, making it simple to separate and gather the seeds.
You can naturally grow Monstera and gather its fruits from your own yard if you reside in a USDA 10–12 zone, which includes Florida and Hawaii.
You can still get seeds online from reputable suppliers even if you don’t reside in a region where Monsteras are common.
What is the growth rate of Monstera Deliciosa?
Every year, monstera plants gain about 12 feet. Further broken down, that indicates that the plant will expand by at least a third of an inch daily. The wild cousins of Monstera are responsible for its abundant growth. These clinging plants can reach lofty heights of up to 70 feet!
Monstera Albo Borsigiana
Despite some claims to the contrary, Monstera Deliciosa and Borsigiana belong to the same species.
One of the most well-known Monstera variegata has grown in popularity as a result of Instagram.
Large white patches will appear on the foliage of M. Albo Borsigiana due to a spontaneous mutation that causes the variegation. These spots are erratic and prone to become green again.
Depending on how many leaves it has, a single Monstera Albo Borsigiana cutting is worth approximately $250, while a rooted plant can range in price from $400 to $1,000.
Monstera Thai Constellation
This common house plant was created using plant tissue culture in a lab in Thailand and has undergone artificial mutation.
It is one of the most desired plants due to its lovely variation in sectoral and marble patterns. As a plant that was grown in tissue culture, the variegation is quite stable and will be passed on to new leaves as they develop.
Although a rooted Monstera Thai Constellation can cost anywhere between $250 and $350, I’ve never seen Thai Constellation advertised as a cutting.
Monstera Deliciosa Aurea
The yellow variegation of Monstera Deliciosa Aurea, also called Monstera Marmorata, gives it the look of a Golden Pothos.
It also needs regular maintenance to keep its sectoral pattern variegation. To maintain the variegation, immediately cut any leaves that have turned green.
Because it is so uncommon, Monstera Deliciosa’s Aurea variant commands a high price. Costs for rooted plants range from $2,000 to $3,000.
Is It Possible for Regular Monstera to Develop Variegation?
Regular Monstera can eventually show variegation, though it is rare. One of my friend’s Monstera Deliciosa cuttings was fortunate enough to begin displaying Albo variegation.
Only one in 100,000 plants will randomly produce a variegated Monstera. This means that in order to obtain a variegated Monstera, you would need to propagate 100,000 cuttings and hope that one of them would show the trait.
How is Monstera grown quickly?
If you use each of these care suggestions separately, your Monstera will grow more quickly; however, if you use them all at once, it will grow so quickly that you will be living in a jungle in a matter of weeks.
You can make Monstera grow faster by giving them more light
For your monstera to produce energy and grow, it needs light. More light is beneficial in that regard.
But as you are surely aware, the sun burns you because it is a really hot substance. Since I reside in the UK and my Monstera leaves were in an east-facing window, I’ve never had a burning issue.
The optimum window for growth is one that faces south or west and has either textured glass or a sheer curtain.
I prefer east-facing rooms and the odd afternoon sunbath outside, although such are not for the timid because they can attract bugs.
The white parts of a variegated Monstera are more vulnerable to burning, thus mine is located in a west-facing room but a few feet away from the window. I often get anxious about it, yet I still adore it.
Grow lights can significantly accelerate development and reduce the risk of burning your variegated Monstera.
This MarsHydro light is amazing.
It significantly accelerates plant growth, however since it’s a professional grow light, hanging it from the ceiling can be a hassle if you don’t want to install a hook. My current setup is as follows:
Naturally, my Monsteras are not underneath it as I keep them in a fish tank (not submerged). like you do.
Grow lights don’t just provide light; they also generate some warmth, which can hasten growth and enable year-round growth.
How long does it take Monstera to spread?
It takes patience to propagate. After 3-5 weeks, the roots from your cuttings should start to grow. The new roots should be at least an inch long; this is the primary thing you want to check for. Your cutting is prepared to be planted into a pot once it develops several roots that size.