When it comes to indoor plants, the Monstera Deliciosa is a popular choice due to its lush, verdant appeal and iconic fenestrated leaves.
But achieving a perfectly healthy Monstera can be a complex dance of light, water, and love.
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Here are seven non-traditional hacks for keeping your Monstera not just alive, but thriving.
1. Try the Ice Cube Watering Technique
Watering your Monstera correctly is crucial, but it can be tricky to get right. Instead of watering with a can, try using ice cubes.
Place a few on the top of the soil and let them melt slowly. This gives the plant a slow and steady hydration, mimicking the natural rainfall it would receive in the wild.
The ice cube watering technique reduces the risk of overwatering and root rot. Don’t worry, the cold water won’t hurt your plant.
2. Create a DIY Humidity Tent
Monsteras thrive in humid environments, but what if you live in a dry area?
No problem! You can simply place them in the shower every few days to absorb the humidity.
Another options is to create a DIY humidity tent using a clear plastic bag and some bamboo sticks.
The sticks keep the plastic away from the leaves, while the bag traps moisture, creating a mini tropical environment.
Just make sure to open the bag every now and then to let fresh air in and prevent the buildup of mold or fungus.
To learn more about humidity and desired temperatures, read here: 5 Key Ways Humidity Boosts Your Monstera’s Health
3. Use a Shower to Mimic Rainforest Conditions
Give your Monstera a “tropical rain shower” every once in a while.
The process is simple: put it in your shower and gently run water over the leaves.
This not only hydrates the plant but also helps to clean the dust off the leaves, improving photosynthesis.
Remember to let the plant drain thoroughly after its shower to prevent waterlogging.
4. Employ a Smart Plant Monitor
In the era of smart homes, why not make your Monstera smart too? Use a smart plant monitor to keep track of your Monstera’s needs.
These devices measure soil moisture, sunlight, temperature, and fertilizer levels, and send alerts to your phone when something needs your attention.
It’s like having a personal plant advisor at your fingertips.
View this plant monitor on Amazon.
5. Establish a Pruning Schedule
Pruning is a crucial aspect of Monstera Deliciosa care as it not only helps control the size and shape of the plant but also promotes its overall health.
Regularly removing dead or yellowing leaves can stimulate growth and allow more energy to be directed towards the development of new leaves.
This process also helps prevent the spread of diseases and pests, which can quickly spread throughout the plant if not addressed promptly.
Typically, pruning should be done every six months, but this may vary depending on the plant’s size and growth rate.
Before pruning, sterilize your tools with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution to ensure that they are free of any harmful bacteria or fungi to prevent disease transmission.
Focus on removing any dead or dying leaves, as well as any leaves that are blocking light from reaching the lower parts of the plant. Additionally, you can cut back any long stems to encourage bushier growth.
It is important to note that over-pruning can be detrimental to the health of your Monstera Deliciosa.
Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant’s foliage at a time, as this can cause stress and slow down growth.
For proper Monstera pruning techniques, read here: Monstera Pruning Guide: Easy Steps for Lush Growth
Read this before pruning your Monstera: What’s The Right Time To Prune Your Monstera?
6. Experiment with Epiphytic Mounting
Epiphytic mounting is a great way to replicate the natural habitat of plants like the Monstera deliciosa.
They often grow as epiphytes on other trees in their natural environment.
To experiment with epiphytic mounting at home, you can try mounting your Monstera on a piece of bark or a moss pole.
This provides a surface for the aerial roots to grasp onto, promoting vertical growth and giving your Monstera a more authentic, jungle-like appearance.
By providing a suitable surface for your Monstera to climb on, you can also create a unique and visually appealing display in your home.
Additionally, epiphytic mounting can help prevent root rot by allowing excess water to drain away from the roots.
7. Practice Leaf Dusting with a brush
Keeping the leaves of your Monstera clean is crucial for its health, as dust can block light absorption and hinder photosynthesis.
While many plant owners wipe their leaves with a damp cloth, try using a soft paintbrush instead.
This method is gentler and can reach the small nooks and crannies that a cloth might miss.
Replicating Monstera’s Natural Habitat
With these unique and innovative hacks, you can elevate your Monstera care routine and create an optimal environment for your plant to thrive.
These tips are meant to replicate, as closely as possible, the natural rainforest conditions that Monsteras are accustomed to, while also leveraging modern tools and techniques for plant care.
Remember, every Monstera Deliciosa has its own personality, so feel free to experiment and find out what works best for your green friend.
Would you like to see how the Monsteras live out in the wild? Read here: Unveiling The Giants: The Discovery of The World’s Largest Monstera Plants
