Monsteras, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, are easily recognised by their huge, characteristic leaves, which frequently have a few holes in them. Their emerald to forest green plant has made them a famous tropical houseplant. These creepers were initially found in Central American rainforests. Most growers consider monsters to be houseplants. It is the ideal focal point for dining rooms and coffee tables.
You can grow these lovely plants in your front garden too. Outside, monsteras grow to fifty feet, and their leaves are two feet long. Because of the size, variety, and amount of light provided in the space, they grow considerably smaller indoors. Here's how to take proper care of your houseplant monstera.
Know How To Care For Monstera Plants
After seeing these breathtaking beauties from around the world's rainforests, one popular question is, "how to take care of a monstera." Take a look:
Sunlight
The absorption of light by Monstera deliciosa is one of its most important maintenance aspects. As was previously said, because of its natural habitat in rainforests with dense canopy, this plant can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight. As a result, it is more tolerant of light that has been filtered so that it doesn't burn its leaves.
The plant can be placed back in the shade after spending about an hour or so in direct sunlight. Window sills that receive bright, indirect sunlight indoors are among the greatest locations for this plant to be planted. It could also be kept outside in a partially shaded area. The first step towards seeing flourishing growth is to meet the needs of the monstera plant!
Repotting
The monstera plant is one of those uncommon beauties with aerial and underground root systems. These aerial roots may occasionally peek out from the nodes to process more water for the plant. One may chop out some of these roots to preserve the plant's appearance, although doing so too frequently may cause the plant to eventually rot.
Read More: 9 Perfect Plants For Areas With Low Sunlight
Additionally, it is recommended that this plant be propagated in uniformly sized plastic pots because, in larger floor planters, the plant will concentrate all of its energy on root growth rather than leaf growth! Grow it in a container that enhances its look.
Water
One of the main issues with their care is how often monstera plants are watered. Since it is an epiphyte that grows by climbing on other plants, it will not tolerate excessively wet soil. Thus, the monstera watering schedules ought to be the outcome of a thorough analysis of the soil's dryness.
Give this plant lots of water to ensure enough hydration, then let it dry out for a few days before giving it more water. The plant is adamant about not being overwatered and feels happiest in ceramic pots with holes for drainage.
Soil
The plants use soil to obtain enough moisture and nutrients. Like most others, the monstera plant needs well-draining soil supplemented with vermiculite, cocopeat, garden manure, and other vital nutrients.
These extra nutrients enrich the soil with beneficial microbes and enhance soil conditions, promoting better plant growth. Beneficial elements such as perlite guarantee that the plant's surroundings stay wet, allow for good drainage and provide enough airflow for the plant's roots.
Temperature
The monstera plant, native to tropical rainforests across the world, is drawn to the warm, humid weather of its native habitat. While the plant is happy in any tropical setting, higher humidity levels are ideal for its growth.
If you mist the plant once a week, you can mimic its natural humidity needs when growing it indoors. You can also position a humidifier close to the plant and allow it to enjoy the benefits of humidity!
Trimming
When planted in the right conditions, monstera plants develop at a rabbit's pace, meaning they can reach heights of several feet in just a few months. To give the plant a well-groomed and regulated appearance, it is advised to trim the aerial roots that begin to show through the stems and nodes.
With regular pruning, the plant can eliminate unhealthy growths and make room for new ones. Trimming some types will help determine how long this plant will trail, as some can trail like a vine when planted in hanging planters.