It’s no secret that Monstera Deliciosa is one of my favorite houseplants and I think it has alot to do with the fact that, I just get them. After turning 2 Monstera Deliciosa to 10 in less than a year (via propagation), I’m extremely comfortable with giving advice on how to care for this unique plant.
The key to successfully maintaining a particular plant and it actually thriving in your home is replicating it’s native conditions. For this plant, that would be replicating the tropical forests of southern Mexico, south to Panama. Now, I don’t expect you to go full on rainforest, but you can implement some simple techniques to get the same feel plus this plant is quite forgiving so you have at least that on your side.
For reference purposes, Lets get into some details. This variety of monstera is an epiphyte (a plant that grows on another plant but is not in a parasitic manner) which like mentioned above, is native to southern Mexico. It prefers a support so much that as a young seedling, it will travel/grow towards the nearest tree to attach then grow up. It is characterized with large heart shaped glossy leaves that will have fenestrations (holes) as the plant matures.
It’s name literally means “delicious monster” referring it “monstrous” leaves and “delicious” fruit. The fruit is widely enjoyed throughout Mexico. As an indoor plant, you don’t have to worry about the fruit.
This plant adapts well to a range of environment and care which includes:
SOIL – loose all purpose soil
LIGHT – indirect & bright
WATER – keep soil slightly moist but it can go up to 10 days between watering
FERTILIZER – responds well to earth worm castings and fish emulsion
TROUBLESHOOTING
- Black spots on it’s leaf can be signs of overwatering
- prone to spider mites and thrips
- Small leaf output can be a sign of not enough light as well as leggy, stretched stems
SUPPORT
Because this plant can grow large, support is necessary to prevent breakage and it can be aesthetically (and functionally necessary) appeasing. Staking also proves to help this plant produce larger leaves. Types of support include:
Also, It enjoys humidity and doesn’t mind being root bound for a while. As with any plant, keeping these factors in mind while gauging this plant’s needs in YOUR home is key to its success. Any plant care tips should be used as a guide to merely assist with learning the needs of your specific plant. Also, a lot of plants don’t make it. That’s okay as well.
Louise
Thank you for this article. I have a Deliciosa and 3 Monsteras. The Monsteras are really struggling and my Deliciosa is showing yellowing leaves. After reading I see they need brighter light, more humidity and possibly smaller pots.