Monstera is a popular ornamental foliage plant that is easily recognized by its large, glossy leaves with oval slits and holes, and also heart-shaped leaves. Monstera occurs naturally in the tropical forest. In nature, monstera grows tall and creeping, attaching itself to stems and branches, and supporting itself above the ground with long aerial roots.
This monstera tropical plant was kept as a houseplant. Monstera is easy for houseplants to maintain. It is growing so fast. It tolerates dry air and semi-shade. This plant is not difficult to care for, but it still needs to be kept healthy and beautiful. A simple way you need to take care of Monstera is to maintain the light, the soil, fertilizer, watering, and much more.
Light
Monstera will grow better and produce nice leaves in indirect sunlight. Monstera can do well in low light. This plant requires shade, placing the monstera not too far from light but not too much light either.
Soil
When planted in a pot, monstera requires a peat-based planting medium. When outdoors, monstera prefers light sandy, medium loam, and heavy clay soils with an acidic or neutral pH. Monstera will thrive in soil with good drainage and moisture.
Fertilizer
Monstera needs nutrients to grow bigger, new leaves, and beautiful color. Monstera doesn’t need high fertilization. Fertilize the plants during spring and summer, this will make the plants grow better and faster. The main nutrients for plants to grow are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Choose a balanced liquid 20-20-20 fertilizer to feed the plant every few weeks. It’s important to choose a formulation fertilizer that supports ornamental leaf plants. Also use foliar fertilizer, to help the leaves grow better.
Water
Monstera doesn’t need a lot of water. Monstera plants can neither be too wet nor too dry. Monitor the condition of the soil, do not water until the soil is soaked. Don’t let the monstera dry out, water the plant when it looks a little dry, you should water when the soil feels moist one inch below the surface. You can check with a finger test, poke a stick method, or use a moisture meter.
Temperature & Humidity
Monstera is a plant that is quite tolerant of various conditions. However, monstera prefers warm room temperatures. Though Monsters don’t like excessive watering, they like high humidity. If your area has a dry climate, try to keep the monstera moist, such as placing the pot on gravel.
Pruning
Monstera plants that are indoors need to be pruned. Pruning aims to ensure that the plant is not too overgrown so that it does not take up space in the room. Don’t worry, pruning is used to regulate new growth on the plant.
Potting & Repotting
Monsteras can be grown in pots with good drainage. Use a pot with drainage holes and enough depth to add a pole or support for the plant to climb. Provide tree bark or firm support covering the moss sunk into the pot so the aerial roots can attach. You can report every two years or so. Monstera will grow better according to the size of the pot.
Propagating
When the monstera plant has grown large, start by propagating it through stem cuttings. Propagating stem cuttings is an easy method for those of you who are just starting to grow monstera plants. Cut the stem at the bud eye with a size of 4 to 6 inches, and apply a hormone that stimulates root growth at the bottom of the stem. Then plant in damp media. Take care of the new plant until you change the pot so that the plant is strong.
So, those are some simple ways to care for and plant monstera. Don’t be afraid to start or afraid of making mistakes, you will understand the monstera plant well by planting it.