Have you ever dreamed of nurturing a slice of tropical paradise right in your own living room?
Monstera, with its luscious, Swiss-cheese-like leaves, offers just that—a dash of exotic magic that adds charm to any space it inhabits.
Some of our articles may include affiliate links which means we get a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
As we start this plant-growing journey, it’s natural to question the nature of Monstera seeds.
Are they just as fascinating and tropical as the mature plant? Are they small seeds, ready to grow into a vibrant plant? And most importantly, is it easy to grow a Monstera from a seed?
Some people might think it’s very easy, while others might worry that it’s extremely difficult. As we’re about to learn, the truth is somewhere in the middle.
Growing a Monstera plant from a seed can be challenging but also very rewarding. Let’s look into the process of growing a Monstera plant from a seed, and learn more about the wonders of these small seeds.
Growing Monstera from Seed
The question many houseplant enthusiasts have is, “Can you grow Monstera from seed?” The short answer is yes, you absolutely can grow Monstera plants from seeds.
This fascinating process, which involves planting your seeds in a damp medium and later transferring them to sphagnum moss or another aroid-suitable substrate, allows you to experience the entire life cycle of this beautiful tropical plant.
The journey from seed to full-grown Monstera can be a rewarding and educational experience for both novice and expert gardeners alike.
Planting a Monstera seed and watching it bloom into a leafy wonder is not only feasible, but it also paints a heartwarming picture of growth and resilience.
Growing Monstera from seed may take some patience, as germination can take anywhere from 10 days to a few weeks.
However, by maintaining the right conditions, such as a warm temperature between 60°F and 85°F, high humidity, and proper lighting, you’ll soon be on your way to nurturing a stunning monstera plant of your very own.
Finding the Right Seeds
When considering growing Monstera deliciosa, selecting the correct seed is crucial. Make sure you purchase high-quality Monstera seeds, preferably from a reputable supplier.
You should also choose seeds that are suited to your desired Monstera variety, such as variegated or non-variegated plants.
Planting and Germination
To promote successful germination, follow these steps:
- Soak the seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours to soften their outer shell and promote germination.
- Prepare a well-draining soil mix, preferably with a soil mix that’s suitable for aroids.
- Fill a small pot with the prepared soil mix and sow the seeds 1-2 cm deep.
- Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, humid, and well-lit area, away from direct sunlight.
Germination usually occurs within two weeks, with a temperature between 760-85°F.
Check out this detailed video on how to grow Monstera Deliciosa seeds.
Caring for Seedlings
Once your Monstera seeds have germinated and sprouted, it’s essential to care for the seedlings to ensure healthy growth:
- Maintain a warm and humid environment, as Monstera plants are native to tropical climates.
- Water the seedlings regularly and ensure the soil remains moist, but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Fertilize the seedlings with a balanced houseplant fertilizer, following the manufacturer’s directions.
- As the seedlings grow, provide support structures such as stakes or a moss pole to help them climb and develop their characteristic split leaves.
By following these guidelines, you should be able to successfully grow Monstera plants from seed, and with proper care, your Monstera will thrive as a stunning houseplant.
Proper Light and Temperature
Monstera plants thrive in bright, indirect light and should receive at least 5+ hours of it daily.
However, they can also do well in medium to low light conditions. Avoid placing your Monstera in direct sunlight, as this can lead to burnt leaves.
A good spot for your plant is a few feet away from a south-facing, east-facing, or west-facing window.
If you’re starting your Monstera from seed, it’s crucial to maintain a warm and humid environment during the germination process.
Monstera seeds prefer temperatures between 6o-7=85 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity levels. To achieve these conditions, place your seed container in a warm spot with indirect sunlight. This could be near a window or even under grow lights.
Check out this full spectrum extendable tripod grow lights on Amazon.
In addition to the proper light and temperature, it’s essential to maintain adequate moisture for your seeds.
One method to ensure this is by covering your seed container with plastic wrap. If you try this method, sprouts and leaves should appear within a month.
As your Monstera plant grows, continue monitoring the light and temperature conditions to ensure its ongoing success. Remember, even indoor plants can benefit from some time outside each year.
If you’re growing them indoor under grow lights, placing your plant in direct sunlight at least once a year can encourage more lush growth, provided that it’s not during the warmer months, as this can damage the foliage.
Soil and Water Requirements
When growing Monstera from seed, it’s essential to provide the ideal soil and water conditions to ensure healthy germination and growth.
Monstera plants thrive in well-draining soil, and you can achieve this by creating a soil mix that retains moisture while allowing excess water to drain away. A good soil mix consists of:
- 75% peat moss or coco coir
- 20% perlite
- 5% horticultural grade charcoal
Alternatively, you can use peat pods, which are pre-made biodegradable containers filled with peat moss, to plant your Monstera seeds. Peat pods can help maintain moisture levels and provide a stable environment for seed germination.
Watering your Monstera seedlings is crucial for their development; however, it’s important not to overwater them.
The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not soggy. A good rule of thumb is to water the seedlings when the top 1-inch layer of the soil mix feels dry to the touch.
Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues that can hinder the growth of your Monstera plant.
Storing and Harvesting Monstera Seeds
To harvest Monstera seeds, you’ll first need to locate a semi-ripe fruit. A ripe Monstera fruit will have a distinct sweet smell and the individual fruit sections, called hexagonal plates, will begin to lift slightly. At this stage, the seeds inside the fruit are ready for harvest.
When handling Monstera fruit, it’s essential to be cautious as it contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause skin irritation.
It’s recommended to wear gloves or use a cloth to hold the fruit. Here are the steps to harvest Monstera seeds from the fruit:
- Carefully remove the hexagonal plates from the fruit, revealing the seed chamber inside.
- Use a spoon or a small tool to scoop out the seeds.
- Rinse the seeds under running water to remove any remaining fruit pulp.
Once you have harvested the seeds, they need to be stored properly before planting. To store Monstera seeds, follow these guidelines:
- Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to maintain their viability. A ziplock bag or an airtight container will work well for storage.
- Label the storage container with the date of harvest, as seeds have a limited shelf life and will lose their viability over time.
When you are ready to plant your Monstera seeds, it’s a good idea to soak them in lukewarm water for at least 12 hours. This will help to soften the seed coat and improve the germination process.
Once soaked, you can plant the seeds according to the recommended germination techniques.
Check out this video below on harvesting Monstera seeds.
Growing Variegated Monstera from Seed
Variegated Monstera plants are striking and highly sought after for their beautiful, unique patterns. However, when it comes to growing a variegated Monstera from seed, the task can be quite challenging.
The reason behind this difficulty is that variegation in Monstera plants is a result of a recessive gene.
Growing a plant from seed with this gene is quite unlikely, as the chances are extremely slim. In fact, the chances of a Monstera seed producing a variegated plant are estimated to be around 100,000:1.
Furthermore, it’s important to be aware of potential scams when looking for variegated Monstera seeds.
If you come across online ads claiming to sell these seeds, be cautious, as the seeds may not produce a variegated plant, or they may not be genuine Monstera seeds at all. Thus, variegated Monstera seeds for sale are often scams.
If you’re still keen on trying to grow a variegated Monstera, here are some alternative methods:
- Purchase a small variegated Monstera plant from a well-stocked nursery.
- Keep an eye out for nurseries that offer a waiting list for variegated Monstera plants.
Growing Monstera from seed is a challenging but rewarding process. While it can take several years to see the plant reach maturity, starting from seed allows for more control over the plant’s growth and can result in unique and healthy specimens.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that Monstera seeds can be difficult to come by, and not all seeds will germinate successfully.
Additionally, it’s important to provide the right growing conditions, including proper soil, humidity, and light.
With patience, attention to detail, and a bit of luck, growing Monstera from seed can be a fulfilling and satisfying experience for any plant enthusiast.
If you want to know more about growing Monstera plants, here are some great reads:
