5 easy Ways to Grow and Repotting for Monstera Deliciosa Plant

How to take Care of Monstera Deliciosa Plant: The enormous Monstera deliciosa plant, which is native to Central American jungles, is also known as the “split-leaf philodendron.” Due to its “wow” aspect, this easy-to-grow climbing evergreen can be seen in many designer spaces.

The plant can grow between one and two feet taller indoors at a modest growth rate. Large, naturally glossy, heart-shaped leaves on it have a distinctive split. Additionally, you’ll see complex aerial roots emerging from the ground that serve the plant by supporting stems that bear leaves that can get as tall as three feet long.

Common Names	Split-leaf philodendron, Swiss cheese plant, window leaf, ceriman
Botanical Name	Monstera deliciosa
Family	Araceae
Plant Type	Climbing evergreen
Mature Size	3 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. spread
Sun Exposure	Bright indirect sunlight, partial shade
Soil Type	Peat-based potting soil, well-drained
Soil pH	Acid or neutral
Bloom Time	Mid-summer
Flower Color	Cream/tan
Hardiness Zones	10-12 (USDA)
Native Area	Central America
Toxicity	Toxic to cats and dogs

Care of Monstera Deliciosa Plant

Monstera deliciosa flourishes all year long. Establish it in part-shade in well-draining soil when growing outside. If the soil is naturally salty where you live, move it inside or to a patio. The plant may reach a height of 10 feet or more if balanced fertilizer is applied three or four times annually. Choose a deep pot with plenty of drainage holes if it will be used as a houseplant.

Light

This evergreen requires bright, indirect light with constant temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In the warmer months, too much direct sunshine risked burning the foliage. However, to promote lush development, place indoor plants outside in direct sunshine at least once a year.

Outside, the Swiss cheese plant can flourish in both the full and partial shade of dense and light forests.

Soil

It demands peat-based potting material when it is established in a container. Light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with an acidic or neutral pH are good for use outdoors. But even so, it does best in soil that is well-drained and fairly damp.

Water

During the growing season, give the plant regular waterings every one to two weeks. until any surplus water drains through the drainage holes. The plant has consumed all of the water it needs, so do not refill the container with extra water. A small amount of soil evaporation is required between waterings. In the fall and winter, very occasionally use water. Use a spray bottle with demineralized water or rainfall to spritz the plants to improve humidity indoors.

Fertilizer

During the growing season, choose a balanced liquid 20-20-20 fertilizer to feed the plant every few weeks. Mix one gallon of water with half a teaspoon of the fertilizer. As an alternative to routine watering, use diluted fertilizer. Pour the mixture into the ground until drainage holes start to fill with liquid. The plant has consumed what it needs and cannot use the extra fertilizer that drains off, therefore discard the surplus diluted fertilizer.

Pruning

Although tucking them back into the pot is recommended, you can trim aerial roots if they get too wild for the area. Their roots do not etch surfaces like those of some other houseplants. Trimming works well on stems and leaves, and you can utilize them for propagation.

Propagating Monstera Deliciosa Plant

Stem cuttings from pruning make for simple propagation of the Monstera Deliciosa Plant. However, air layering is the most common technique for growing Monstera Deliciosa Plant. Here are the procedures for both approaches:

To grow plants from stem cuttings:

1. Cut off a stem that has at least two leaves and a node (a small bump from which the roots will grow) using a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears.
2. On the mother plant where you made the cut, sprinkle a small amount of ground cinnamon, a common spice that you can get at the grocery store. This will help the wound heal by preventing any disease from getting into the cut.
3. A glass of water should contain the cutting. every three to five changes of water
4. In a glass of water, place the cutting. Every three to five days, change the water, and whenever possible, choose filtered water or rainfall over tap water.
5. In a few months, a clump of roots will start to grow. After that, you may place your new plant in a pot with new soil and give it water so it can grow in its new location.

Grow plant through air layering:

Because you don’t cut the mother plant until the baby is prepared to be placed in a container with its new roots, air layering is a recommended low-risk technique. Even if the mother plant might not initially be visually appealing, it is worthwhile to get a healthy replacement plant. Twist ties, flowery or sphagnum moss, a plastic bag, or plastic wrap, and these materials are required for this technique.

1. Locate a stem with a few nodes (where the roots will grow). Alternatively, locate a leaf that is emerging from a stem and has a tiny aerial root coming from it.
2. Just below that root, make a little notch about one-third the breadth of the stem.
3. Sphagnum moss should be encircled with a 1-inch layer at the place where the leaf meets the stem.
4. To add moisture and cover the moss in plastic, mist it with water. Secure it with twist ties (it may look a little messy, which is okay).
5. As the roots grow, make sure the moss can stay moist.
6. When the roots appear in a few months, you can cut the stem just below the roots (using a clean, sharp tool) and plant the young plant with its roots in a new pot of soil.
7. Never overlook applying ground cinnamon to the wound made on the mother plant. This will help the wound heal by preventing any disease from getting into the cut.

Monstera Deliciosa Plant repotting and potting

The Swiss cheese plant will probably outgrow its pot every two years or so. To allow for growth, transplant into a pot that is a few inches broader and deeper. Because they enjoy ventilation and drainage, this plant favors well-draining porous pots made of terracotta or clay, although any container made of a material with drainage holes will do. Use these easy steps to pot the plant:

• Peaty potting soil ought to make up the bottom third of a pot.
• Set up a gentle stake for the stem to climb.
• Put the container with the roots inside. Around the roots, cover with earth.
• Use plant ties to firmly round the stake with soil before securing the stem.

Common Pests of Monstera Deliciosa Plant

The plant will stay clean and free of pests if you use a damp sponge or paper towel to wipe dust or debris off the leaves. However, mealybugs, aphids, thrips, scales, and spider mites are typical pests that can attack the plant. Spray the plant with a direct stream of water if any are discovered on the leaf. Insecticide soap can also be used to wash leaves.

Common Monstera Deliciosa Plant issues

The Swiss cheese plant can give you a few problems despite being a rather easy-going houseplant. Your plant can recover well after you identify the reason why it appears a little sickly, though.

Leaves turn brown

The soil may be dry, or you may need to water the plant frequently and routinely to keep it moist if the tips of the leaves are becoming brown. Eliminate the damaged leaves.

Your plant has become infected with a fungus if the brown dots or points have a yellow halo. Overwatering or leaving the plant in extremely wet soil for an extended period of time is likely how the fungus got there. Before watering the plant, remove the harmed leaves and let the plant somewhat dry out.

Leaves turn yellow

The presence of yellowing leaves indicates dry soil. The plant’s oldest leaves will turn yellow first. Eliminate the damaged leaves. If the soil is completely dry, check it and water it well.

Weakened Leaves

If you notice withering leaves, there may also be a watering problem. Either the plant is underwater or it is overwatered. The plant may get root rot if it has been overwatered. To examine the roots, try removing the plant from the pot. Clean up the roots, remove any mushy areas, and repot them in fresh soil.

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