MONSTERA
Monstera are one of the most well-known and beloved houseplants that not only include the deliciosa or fruit salad plant that can grow large fenestrated leaves, but also the Monkey Mask, Swiss Cheese Vine, Standleyana and lately the more easily accessible Dubia and Esqueleto. They originate from the tropics and are all vines sending out aerial roots to support themselves as they climb trees in the wild.
Light
While most Monsteras can tolerate medium light, they thrive more in bright indirect light growing faster and larger leaves.
Water
All Monsteras need to try out completely between waterings. It is better for them to leave the watering a day or two late than water too early and potentially cause root rot.
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Their leaves can get a bit floppy when they are thirsty which is an indication that watering is required.
Soil
The soil should be loose and not densely packed to allow for free water drainage and oxygen supply to the roots. We recommend a cacti and succulent mix with added orchid bark and coarse pumice for your Monstera.
Temperature
Monsteras best thrive in temperatures above 18°C but can tolerate low temperatures for short periods of time during to the colder months of the year.
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In winter keep them away from log burners or away from the path of the airflow from your heat pump.
Humidity
Any average household humidity level is fine for Monsteras and generally no additional humidity is required.
Fertiliser
Along with the rest of your houseplants, your Monsteras should be regularly
fed with a well-balanced fertiliser.
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During spring and summer this should be on a fortnightly basis while in winter when the plants are going into dormancy or are dormant once a month at half strength.
Propagation
Monsteras can be propagated from leaf stem cutting but a node must be present to grow a leaf stem cutting successfully into a plant.
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They are quite easy to propagate with most propagation techniques including water, straight into soil or in fern fibre.
