I’ve received a lot of urgent inquiries from folks regarding cultivating Monstera deliciosa, so I’m here to help! I’ve prepared solutions to 14 urgent, frequently asked questions that will prevent your plant from dying and promote the growth of your Monstera!
Aerial roots, growth issues, and diverse leaf flaws are just a few of the topics covered. You might discover the solution to one of your queries if you continue reading!
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Can Monstera deliciosa live in water?
Hydroponically, virtually any plant can be grown. But you require more than simply water. A complete fertilizer, such as Dyna-Gro Grow, should be added.
This fertilizer can be used for foliar feeding, hydroponics, and watering your soil. The packaging advises adding 1 teaspoon of Dyna-Gro Grow to a gallon of water for non-recirculating systems for hydroponically growing plants.
They advise using 2-3 tablespoons per gallon if you have a sophisticated system that circulates the water.
Does Monstera need a lot of light?
You shouldn’t typically anticipate your plant to thrive if it is not placed right in front of a window. The better, the larger the window. Additionally, the better, the closer to the window.
Mine is positioned as near to my window as it can get without the leaves brushing the glass. When you move merely one or two steps away, the light intensity decreases suddenly.
A window’s proximity can make a significant difference. These naturally thrive in shaded or filtered light, while some sun is acceptable.
However, I wouldn’t put these plants in direct sunlight. My enormous Eastern window is operating flawlessly. Western exposure is also acceptable.
If your window is a good size, north will also be effective. You might need to use blinds to block off the light from southern exposure because it might be too much sun.
However, it’s crucial to keep your plant as near a window as you can without touching it.
How can I make Monstera grow faster?
I’ve been asked by a lot of people why their plants aren’t flourishing, and the answer is LIGHT.
The care of plants cannot be rushed. Place your Monstera in a bright area for the quickest growth—it must be directly in front of a window!
Warm temperatures, a great, well-drained potting media, and excellent fertilizer are additional requirements.
For a complete list of the conditions that these plants require, including a fantastic potting soil formulation to speed up growth, see my Monstera deliciosa care post. I also cover repotting and how to use my unique support system to help your Monstera deliciosa.
The fertilizer Dyna-Gro Grow comes highly recommended. It is my go-to all-purpose, premium fertilizer and I use it on all of my tropical plants. You won’t be let down!
Check out my comprehensive piece that will address your issues if your Monstera is simply not growing: Why Your Monstera Isn’t Growing: 9 Vital Factors.
Can you cut Monstera air roots off?
In the wild, Monsteras may scale trees using their aerial roots. Over time, you’ll notice that your plant will grow a lot of air roots.
I’d advise leaving them alone if at all possible unless they are a big pain in the neck or are blocking your path. If some of the roots are getting in the way, they can be cut back.
You can also try to reroute the aerial roots so that they might begin to establish themselves in the ground.
Give it time if your plant lacks aerial roots. They won’t start to show up till a specific age of the plant.
Check read my post on Monstera Aerial Roots for a thorough explanation of the subject and the answers to many frequently asked questions.
Inconsistent Soil Moisture
Your leaves may be turning brown at the very tips if the soil is drying out too much overall or if it is being watered inconsistently and improperly.
Never allow the soil to entirely dry out. And when you do water, be sure to water deeply to prevent any soil patches from drying out. This is very significant!
There are additional causes for brown tips, so be sure to read my comprehensive page on Monstera brown tips, which covers a number of causes and remedies.
Fungus Issues
Brown patches on the leaves of your plant with a yellow “halo around the brown spot” are a classic sign of a fungus.
The Instagram user who posted the image above recently bought her plant from a big-box hardware shop. When she bought the plant, she had stated that it was extremely damp.
Long-term, overly damp circumstances, especially when combined with poor air circulation, are conducive to fungus growth. If you’re buying a plant from a nursery that doesn’t take good care of its plants, proceed with extreme caution.
It is preferable if you identify any fungal leaf spots on your plant early and remove any affected leaves. To be safe, avoid misting the foliage for a time.
There are other potential causes for your plant’s brown, crispy leaves in addition to these two primary causes.
Searching for a Monstera to buy? Visit Etsy to see the Monstera assortment (link to Etsy). On Etsy, you can pretty much find any kind of plant, making it a fantastic one-stop store for plants.
How often should I water Monstera deliciosa?
One of the most frequent inquiries I receive is this one. “How frequently should I water [fill in any plant]?
For a plant that is growing in soil, the answer is… it depends! Because it all depends on your circumstances, I am unable to tell you how frequently.
Should I prune the Monstera’s brown tips?
Your Monstera should have any damaged leaves removed. Trimming dead leaves helps your plant’s health in addition to improving its appearance.
- Unable to photosynthesize are dead leaves. Any brown or black areas on your Monstera’s leaves are no longer able to supply the plant with energy.
- Dead leaf sections have no protection against rot and infection in comparison to healthy leaves. Dead plant cells provide nutrients that are consumed by bacteria and fungi. For instance, you can notice mold growing on dead leaves that have been left on the plant or in the soil. To help defend the remainder of the plant against these diseases, remove any dark or damaged tissue.
It is possible that only the ripped edge of a leaf will become brown to seal a cut if there is only very minimal damage, such as accidently ripping or torn a portion of the leaf. Leave minor imperfections alone if they don’t affect other parts of the plant or interfere with your pleasure of the plant’s aesthetics.
Monstera damage to the roots and stems can be more serious than damage to the leaves because it prevents the plant from transporting water and nutrients. Visit our soon-to-be-available guides on stem damage and root rot.
Why are my Monstera deliciosa’s tips browning?
When the water needs of Monstera leaves are not sufficiently addressed, the tips of the leaves turn brown. These plants like it when the soil is completely dry between waterings, but you still need to water them on a regular schedule.
Ideally, you should bury your finger about 2 inches deep in the ground to determine if it is fully dry or damp. Only when the soil seems dry must you water it.
Every one to two weeks, Monstera prefers a robust beverage, nevertheless. But how much water is ingested much depends on how much light is there. You must water your Monstera once a week if it is located close to a window and receives 4+ hours a day of bright indirect sunshine.
Until you see the water draining out of the bottom, water it thoroughly. This guarantees that the root ball is completely moist. Your monster will cheer up as a result!
When a Monstera variety needs water the most, the leaves may curl.
But what if your Monstera is receiving enough light and the root ball is not extremely dry, but the tips of the leaves are continuing to turn brown? I advise you to investigate Suspect Number 3.
Why are the fresh Monstera leaves on my plant browning?
If Monstera Deliciosa is not cultivated under ideal circumstances, its leaves will become brown. On a Monstera Deliciosa, brown leaves may indicate overwatering or inadequate light. Overwatering can be dangerous for your Monstera because it can lead to subsequent difficulties such as root rot. Low humidity, underwatering, or illnesses are additional causes of brown leaves.
How frequently should a Monstera be watered?
Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii are the two varieties of Monstera that are grown as indoor plants. In addition to having entirely enclosed leaf holes, Monstera adansonii differs from M. deliciosa by having longer, tapering leaves. Leaf holes on Monstera deliciosa eventually mature, move toward the edge, and then open up.
Though they hardly ever flower or produce edible fruit inside, they are one of the few aroids that produce edible fruit, especially Monstera deliciosa, which is a member of the Araceae, the Aroid Family. Although the indigenous peoples of Central America had been familiar with monsteras for a very long time, the botanical community only became publicly aware of them in the early 20th century, like many aroids.
thrives in direct light that is bright to medium. Although it cannot tolerate strong, direct sunlight, it can become accustomed to it.
Water every one to two weeks, letting the soil dry out in between applications. In brighter light, water more frequently, and in less-bright light, less frequently. Pro tip: Water that has been filtered or set out overnight before use is beneficial for monsteras.
Although normal room humidity will do, humid circumstances are preferred. Use a fine-mist mister or humidifier to increase the humidity level in the room.
Most houseplants enjoy temperatures between 65F and 85F. (18C-30C). It’s ideal to keep the temperature above 60F. (15C).
Use a potting mix that drains effectively. As needed, include elements like perlite or lava rocks to improve soil aeration.
The Monstera is a calm and often pest-free plant. Treat pests as soon as they show up by wiping down the plant frequently and weekly applications of a natural insecticide like neem oil.
SYMPTOM: Edges of leaves that are turning brown and crunchy. CAUSE: Overwatered, thirsty, or high salt buildup
Is the sun getting too much on my Monstera?
- Balance the sun’s and the shade’s intensity. The leaves of Monstera become yellow when exposed to excessive sunlight. The plant will display a condition known as negative phototropism, in which new leaves develop toward the darkness rather than the light, if kept in the dark. (It’s a really cunning trick: in the jungle, nighttime indicates the presence of a taller tree that Monstera can scale to reach the sun.) Indirect sunlight is preferable because this isn’t attainable in a living room.
- Water Monstera once a week, evenly and moderately. Prior to adding more water, allow the soil to become somewhat dry. Keep in a relatively humid setting.
- Avoid repotting too frequently and trim regularly by pinching off new growth to control excessive growth.
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 can overwatered monstera be fixed?
If the monstera delicosa or adansonii has not experienced serious root rot, it may be feasible to revive it. The most crucial step is to remove excess water from the soil and allow plenty of time for your pots to dry.
If you want to restore our plant to optimal health, you may need to take into account the potential consequences of overwatering a monstera.
Here’s how to save a monstera that’s been overwatered:
Withhold watering and drain the potting soil
It’s important to wait to water your plant until you’re certain that the extra water has been drained.
At least twice a week, give your Monstera adansonii some water (depending on the climate in your area). Make sure the top layer of the potting has dried out completely before providing water to your plant (about 1-2 inches).
Check for root rot indicators
A negative effect of overwatering is root rot. Drooping leaves, a bad smell, and the sight of dark brown spots inside your plant’s roots are a few of the typical signs of root rot.
In order to stop the infection from spreading to other sections of the plant, it is essential to replace the potting soil and remove any rotting roots. To help inhibit the spread of disease, use a fungicide (and eradicate the fungi from your soil).
Make sure you stick to your watering schedule, and check on the health of your plant frequently.
Change potting medium
By altering the potting medium, you can prevent waterlogging, root rot, and other consequences of over watering. In addition, monstera are often enormous plants that may occasionally need to have their growing containers changed to allow a growth in size.
A potting mix of well-moisturized, well-drained soils with a relative pH range of 5.5-6.5 is ideal for growing monstera. Additionally, you can choose to mix pine bark fines with peat moss in a 1:4 ratio.
Selecting the best potting medium enables you to regulate temperature and water retention while also giving your plant a secure foundation.
Change the growing container
Selecting the right growth container for your monstera adansonii or delicosa is essential. When choosing a high-quality pot, you may need to take the plant’s size into account as well as drainage options and the pot’s material. The spacing on either side of a healthy growing pot should be about one and a half inches.
Before adding any potting material, always make sure your roots fit within the pot securely. While some monstera plants have aerial roots that may cling to the surface, the majority of them will fit inside the container.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to pick a pot with drainage holes so that excess water can run off. Another choice is double potting, which might be advantageous if you have growing containers that don’t fit inside your home.
Do I need to spray my Monstera?
Monstera Deliciosas may tolerate low to high levels of indirect, dappled light. Their leaves may burn and scorch if exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time. Low light conditions will inhibit growth.
Make sure your Variegated Monstera Deliciosa gets enough of bright indirect light if you have one.
Water
You should spritz your Monstera Deliciosa frequently and water it once a week. In the winter, when you may only need to water your plant every two weeks, let the soil dry up in between waterings.
Humidity
Because Monstera Deliciosa prefers a humid atmosphere, we advise often wetting its leaves. To boost the humidity of the air around your plant, you might also place it close to other plants.
Additional care information
From a stem and leaf cutting, you may quickly reproduce your monstera deliciosa in water. Make sure to make the cut just below a stem node.
The Monstera Deliciosa’s huge leaves are readily covered in dust over time. Use a moist towel to routinely wipe them.
Troubleshooting
Yellowing leaves may indicate that your Monstera Deliciosa has experienced moisture shock or has received too much light.
Browning leaves are a sign that your plant has been receiving insufficient light or has been exposed to low humidity.