In the first installment of this series, we broke down the surprising relationships between Monsteras and four plants that might seem like great companions but are actually best kept apart.
Now, hold onto your plant pots because we’re back with PART TWO of this enlightening series!
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We’ve got a brand new list of common plants that might not play nice with your Monstera, and the reasons behind these unexpected plant feuds.
Despite being a robust and adaptable houseplant, there are certain species that can inhibit the growth or even cause harm to Monsteras when placed nearby.
In the first part of this series, we explored a list of four plants that should not be grown near your Monstera.
Read here for part 1: 4 Plants Not To Grow Near Your Monstera
Now we present to you PART TWO of the list and we’ve got five more additional plants that you should know about!
Plants That are Not Monstera-friendly
Companion planting has long been a favored technique among gardeners to create a balanced and thriving plant environment.
This means pairing plants that benefit each other by improving soil, deterring pests, or providing other essential factors for each other’s growth.
Read more here: 5 Reasons To Pair Your Monstera With Companion Plants
However, when it comes to finding the right companion for your Monstera, the options are not as straightforward as one might think.
Plants that compete for resources, excrete harmful substances, or attract specific pests should be avoided in close proximity to Monsteras.
It may come as a surprise that some common and popular houseplants are on this list, as we may not always think about the potential impact one plant can have on another.
Continuing on this theme, we present the second installment with a whole new list of plants to be wary of.
1. Eucalyptus
These tall, fast-growing trees are native to Australia and are well known for their aromatic leaves and oil.
The leaves of Eucalyptus are toxic and can pose a risk to pets and small children.
Furthermore, Eucalyptus trees tend to have very aggressive root systems that can quickly outcompete nearby plants for water and nutrients.
Eucalyptus trees are also heavy feeders, meaning they take up a significant amount of water and nutrients from the soil, leaving little for nearby plants like the Monstera.
Additionally, their large size and dense foliage can shade out the Monstera, preventing it from receiving the light it needs to grow.
If planted near a Monstera, the Eucalyptus tree will likely overshadow and stifle the growth of the Monstera.
2. Bamboo
Bamboo, a member of the grass family, is a fast-growing plant that has been used for centuries in many parts of the world for its versatility.
While bamboo has its uses, it can be an invasive species if not kept under control.
The main reason bamboo should not be grown near a Monstera is that it can spread quickly through underground rhizomes. This can potentially choke out the Monstera’s roots.
The fast growth of bamboo means that it can quickly outcompete the Monstera for nutrients and space.
Moreover, bamboo releases allelopathic chemicals that can inhibit the growth of surrounding plants, including Monsteras.
These chemicals affect germination, growth, and development of nearby plants, making it challenging for the Monstera to thrive.
3. Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)
Sorrel is a perennial herb that grows well in a wide range of conditions.
Although it has attractive foliage and can be used in cooking, sorrel should not be grown near a Monstera.
Sorrel has a deep root system and can be quite aggressive. It can easily take up space and nutrients that the Monstera needs.
Additionally, sorrel leaves contain oxalic acid, which can be harmful in large quantities, especially to pets.
The oxalic acid can leach into the soil and inhibit the uptake of calcium by other plants, including the Monstera.
A deficiency of calcium in Monsteras can result in weak, underdeveloped leaves and poor overall growth.
4. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Although the Golden Pothos is a popular houseplant known for its ability to purify air, it can be problematic if grown near a Monstera.
Both plants have similar growing conditions. And while they might seem like a good match, Golden Pothos can grow quite aggressively.
It can compete with the Monstera for light, space, and nutrients.
The vines of Golden Pothos can also become entwined with the Monstera. This makes it difficult to care for and prune each plant separately.
Over time, this competition can result in both plants becoming stressed and unhealthy.
5. Agave
Agave is a succulent plant that is well known for its spiky appearance and use in making tequila.
However, agave plants have a shallow root system that can compete with the Monstera for water and nutrients.
Additionally, the spiky leaves of the agave can pose a risk to the broad, delicate leaves of the Monstera.
Moreover, agaves are adapted to arid conditions and require less water than Monsteras.
If planted together, the differing water needs can result in one plant being overwatered or the other being underwatered. This can lead to stress and potential health issues for both plants.
Choosing the Best Companions for Your Monstera
Monstera is a an easy-to-care-for houseplant and can thrive well in most environments with other indoor plants.
However, it’s still essential to choose the plants you grow near it or plant with it in the same space.
Be sure to avoid the plants listed above and the ones mentioned in our Part One series. Doing so ensures your Monstera grows strong and healthy.
Stay tuned for more gardening tips and plant insights!
To learn more about plants that go well with your Monstera, read here: 10 Companion Plants To Pair With Your Monstera For A Gorgeous Indoor Jungle
