Is it difficult to grow Monstera for beginners? This question is on the tongue amongst most newbies. They see a huge green plant with gigantic leaves and they think this is above them. It’s a bit like looking at a giant head to toe and thinking you have no chance.
If you are one of those… you do not need to be fearful. These tropical plants are a lot more simple and friendly than you think.
Stay with me here, and I will help you learn how to grow, care for, and maintain these exceptional plants.
Let’s dive in.
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Benefits of the Monstera plant
Monstera is one of the most popular houseplants currently out there. Funny enough, despite its fame, it is still an upcoming trend on multiple social media platforms.
And there are several reasons for this:
Simple to grow
Monstera originates from tropical rainforests. Hence, growing them indoors is ideal as they favour humid, warmer conditions.
They are tough plants that do not need a lot of attention. Just make sure the environment is suitable and they will not disappoint.
Hence, if you are a newbie, listen to my advice- Monstera are a good option for beginners.
A fascinating decorative element
Modern-day room designs love plants. And recently, Monstera has been the number one choice. This does not surprise me.
Their glossy, swiss cheese-like leaves bring attractiveness and can brighten up any room. Their unique style makes them universal- they can fit into any room regardless of design or style.
Health benefits
Monstera is one of the most effective plants in reducing air pollution. Many studies have shown it to remove carcinogens- such as benzene from the air. It also helps to purify the air, but not at any substantial rate to make a visible difference.
The houseplant has shown to increase humidity in the air. Studies emphasise how its prescence improves mental health and increases one’s capacity to concentrate.
How to care for Monstera
Monstera does not require much care. But like anything out there living, there are a couple of things that you will have to consider or be careful of:
Where to place Monstera plant/ where do Monstera plants grow
Place your plant in a well-lit area and aim to give around 4-6 hours of bright light. The leaves can withstand direct sunlight for a short period, but prefer indirect sunlight.
Hence, avoid direct sunlight for long periods. This will burn the leaves and their colour will turn brown or yellow.
When is the best time to water
Water your plant every 1-2 weeks. This range of 1-2 weeks depends on the sun. Water more often in periods of sunlight and reduce when there is less sun.
You can use the soak and dry method- put your finger in the top part of the soil and check if it is dry or buy a moisture meter to check if the plant requires water.
Good Tip!
Filtered water or distilled are also suitable options. If you cannot get the above, leave tap water overnight and use it the next day to water.
What soil to use
Use soil that drains well. Succulent potting mix is a great example of soil you can buy that has good drainage.
For those who want to make their soil, I would recommend adding compost as a top layer. Grit, perlite and lava rocks are all extra materials to add to improve drainage and soil aeration.
Does Monstera like humidity
The room humidity should be okay for monstera unless you prefer to stay cold indoors *wink*.
For best growth, monstera prefers humid conditions. Investing in a humidifier or fine mist mister helps to increase humidity levels indoors.
Temperature
Monstera originates from tropical regions. They prefer the heat, hence, aim for a temperature at around 18-30 degrees Celsius. Try to avoid temperatures dropping below 15 degrees Celsius.
Growing your Monstera indoors is ideal as room temperature comes under this range.
Note- If you are a beginner, why not try growing home comforting indoor succulents too? Or, if you want a change, there are some simple outdoor succulents you can grow too.
Fertilizers
Monstera are big plants. For them to grow to their gigantic potential, they will require a lot of nutrients. Fertilisers are perfect as they make vital nutrients readily available for a plant.
Good Tip!
Good Tip! Fertilize your plant every month. Make sure not to use too much as this can burn the foliage.
Common problems
Monstera is one of the simpler plants to start with especially for beginners. But, problems can pop up time to time. Some of the common problems with Monstera include:
Dusty monstera leaves
The big swiss cheese-like leaves attract dust. This makes your plants look unclean and can block off sunlight reaching the leaves.
Wipe down the leaves once a week. Use a slightly wet cloth or invest in microfiber dusting gloves to wipe away dust with your fingers or palms.
Toxic to animals
The plant can be poisonous for humans and animals. Hence, if you have kids or pets in the house, this is a red alert.
A good idea is to place your plants away or high up to avoid consumption.
Leaves change colour
Leaves can turn yellow for several reasons. Hence, review your care of the plant and figure out why.
Some of the common reasons leaves can change colour include:
Plant damage
Check to see if there is any damage to the plant leaves or stem.
Over-watering
Monstera prefer to be kept slightly moist. Try to water less if you feel like the soil is moist when you put a finger in to check. Also, water the plant less in winter.
Poor drainage
Try to use a pot with holes to get rid of excess moisture. I would add perlite or grit to increase the drainage properties of the soil.
Low light
Make sure the plant receives good bright light for 4-6 hours of a day. Placing your plant in shady areas can make your plant suffer and it will turn yellow.
Pests
The big leaves attract a lot of pests. They drain the plant’s sap or gnaw at its roots. Rub some neem oil or rubbing alcohol on the leaves to eradicate them.
All the problems above are also responsible for Monstera leaves curling, drooping, and drying. Hence, you must stay on top of your plant to prevent any of the above.
Repotting Monstera
Younger plants grow quicker and it is best to re-pot them annually. This encourages them to grow and keeps the soil fresh.
Good Tip!
Most people have a pot they like for their Monstera to be grown in. However, this can be too big for the plant while it is still growing. Go up a container size when you repot until you get to the pot size you want.
For plants that are fully grown, a common mistake most Monstera beginners make is repotting too often. Monstera does not like constant repotting. Hence, it is best to repot every 2-3 years or when it is root-bound. Do not be too rash when you see Monstera plant roots growing out of the pot. It is not an emergency to re-pot immediately hence, you can re-pot a week or so after when it is convenient for you.
It is important to care for your plant post potting. This is just as crucial as plants can die if they are not treated properly after fresh potting.
How to prune Monstera
This tip is vital for all Monstera beginners to understand. Pruning your Monstera will help to prevent common problems such as dead, dying and decaying leaves.
In basic terms, pruning is the removal of dry or dead leaves from the plant. You are giving your plant a ‘trim’.
You can do this every couple of months to keep the plant neat. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to cut dead or dry leaves. They are also strong enough to cut thick branches that may grow out on a Monstera plant.
Remember, if you do not prune, not only will the plant look messy, but essential nutrients will go to waste. When leaves grow out from every angle! Hence, it is important to cut off any excess branches or leaves.
Ultimately, this will help keep your monstera plant neat and styled.
How to propagate Monstera
Propagation is when you take cuttings from a parent plant to generate newer plants. You can make an abundant collection of plants literally from one plant.
I love it!
Check out some benefits below:
- An inexpensive way to add to your collection of plants. There is no need to buy when you can take cuttings.
- Great way to gift plants to family or friends.
- We can cut dying plants to generate new and healthy plants.
Steps to propagate Monstera
Step 1- Locate an aerial root and cut an inch under it. Use sharp pruning scissors or a knife.
Step 2- Place the cutting in a clear jar and add water. Submerge the aerial root fully under water.
Step 3- Place the cutting in an area where they can receive bright but indirect sunlight.
Step 4- Top up the water frequently as water evaporates over time. If aerial root comes above the water, then add more water until it submerges under.
Step 5- Roots should come out within 5-14 days.
Step 6- Once the roots are 2-4 inches long, they are ready to be planted in soil. This can take up to 4-6 weeks or even longer.
Step 7- Use a container large enough for roots to fit but make sure it is not too big. Also, make sure the container has drainage holes.
Step 8- Add monstera potting mix soil to the bottom of the container. Fill up a third of the container.
Step 9- Add the cutting and cushion the roots into the soil.
Step 10- Add the rest of the soil. Fill up to about an inch of the top.
Step 11- Aerial roots will stick out. Trim them out or place them back into the soil.
Step 12- Water to allow the soil and roots to merge.
A lot of you may be beginners who want to to grow Monstera for design or to care and see them grow. You may have not thought much about ideas such as propagating your plant. I have mentioned it on here but it is not something you have to do.
BUT, overtime… if a family member or a friend wants your plant, or you start to see dying leaves or you think the plant is starting to look messy, then propagation is an exciting option.
Final words
Monstera is one of the most beautiful plants out there. Their Swiss cheese-like enormous leaves make them suitable for any modern interior design.
If you grow them for no design-related purpose, but because you love plants- then you can’t go wrong!
These plants survive with neglect. Their maintenance is low but, there are a few things to be careful of. Give bright but indirect light, prune often and make sure to allow good drainage.
Do not let their appearance faze you. They may look big and difficult, but they are super easy. Ultimately, Monstera for beginners is a perfect combination!
