Cultivation methods and precautions of Monstera

The leaves of Monstera are shaped like tortoise shells, and the stems are like bamboo stems. The leaves are peculiar in shape, dark green, and shiny, with cracks in the holes, which look very much like a tortoise's back. It is a very popular foliage plant at home and abroad.

How to grow Monstera

1. Lighting

Monstera prefers a warm and humid environment, avoids drought and direct sunlight. Otherwise, it is easy to cause dead leaves. In summer, it should be placed indoors or under a shade shed, not on the balcony where the sun is too strong. In winter, when the temperature drops to 6℃, it should be moved indoors to keep warm.

2. Watering

Monstera needs enough water, and the culture soil must be kept moist at all times. Water it once in the morning and evening in summer to keep the air and leaves bright. Water it once every 3-4 days in winter. Water it daily, once a day.

3. Fertilization

Monstera prefers fertilizer, so it needs to be fertilized appropriately. Apply diluted liquid fertilizer twice a month from April to September. Sufficient fertilizer will make the leaves look nice.

4. Pests and diseases

Scale insects are prone to appear on the stems and leaves of Monstera, so they should be prevented and treated in time. You can use an old toothbrush to clean it and then spray it with 1000 times diluted 40% omethoate.

5. Repotting

Monstera needs to be repotted once a year, preferably between March and April.

Things to note when growing Monstera

Likes warmth and dislikes severe cold

Monstera prefers a warm environment and avoids freezing weather. It will not be damaged by freezing when the temperature is above 5℃, and grows well when the temperature is above 12℃.

Prefers shade and avoids strong light

Monstera has strong shade tolerance, grows rapidly and vigorously, has well-developed aerial roots, and has large leaves with bright dark green color.

Likes moisture and dislikes waterlogging

Monstera prefers a humid environment. There is a lot of rain in the south, and if waterlogging lasts too long, the roots, stems and leaves will rot.

Prefers fertile soil and dislikes lean soil

Monstera likes fertile soil, especially fertile sandy loam. Although it can grow on lean red-yellow soil, its growth will be weaker, the tree posture will be deformed, the leaves will become smaller, and the leaf color will become lighter, affecting the ornamental effect.

Prefers soil fertilizer and dislikes chemical fertilizer

Monstera is often fertilized with organic fertilizers, such as cake fertilizer, artificial organic fertilizer, livestock and poultry manure, and soil fertilizer. The tree is strong, its leaves are as big as plates, the leaves are thick, the leaf color is dark green and shiny, and the tortoise shell pattern is especially clearer.