Among the green-thumbed content creators making a splash on Tiktok, we came across @tannertheplanter who addressed a prevalent issue faced by many indoor gardeners — how to deal with a top-heavy Monstera.
This condition occurs when the plant grows larger on top, causing instability and potentially leading to damage or even the toppling of the plant.
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If not appropriately managed, it can lead to mechanical stress and strain, impairing the plant’s overall health and hindering growth.
In one of his recent videos, attracting over 2.4 million views, Tanner focuses on managing what he calls a ‘Monstera gone wild.’
Let’s look at how he transforms a top-heavy Monstera into a more manageable indoor marvel in this video below.
@tannertheplanter Monstera are some of the easiest care plants- as long as you have proper light! Monstera can survive medium light, but they won’t do well long-term in medium light. It’s important to remember the closer you get to proper light, the more room for error you have in other areas of houseplant care. The pole I used here is made out of PVC pipe and Coco fiber. #monstera #planttips #plantsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Tanner Mitchell
The Out-of-Control Monstera
Tanner begins by addressing a common problem many Monstera parents face—overgrowth.
According to him, the first step to tackling this issue is carefully removing the plant from its pot.
Step One: Clean Your Pot
After safely uprooting the Monstera, Tanner emphasizes cleaning out all the residual soil from the pot.
This ensures no harmful bacteria or insects remain, providing a fresh start for your plant.
After sweeping out the soil, he recommends spraying the pot with isopropyl alcohol. This disinfectant step eliminates any remaining pests and diseases, ensuring your plant’s safety upon re-potting.
Step Two: Offer Support
Monstera, known for their iconic split leaves, often tend to grow upward and outward.
To encourage this upward growth, Tanner suggests using a moss pole, a popular indoor plant support tool.
Position the pole in the middle of the pot before moving to the next step.
Amazon has a great selection of moss poles if you don’t already have them.
See these moss poles on Amazon.
Read more about moss poles here: How To Choose The Best Moss Pole For Your Monstera
Step Three: Re-Pot and Backfill
With the pole firmly in place, it’s time to re-pot your Monstera. Carefully place it back in the pot, ensuring the roots spread out evenly.
Backfilling involves adding fresh soil, packing it down to remove any air pockets that could damage the roots.
Step Four: Tie the Stems
The last step involves securing the plant to the moss pole. However, Tanner advises against tying the petioles, as they rotate to follow the sun.
Restricting this movement could lead to your plant not getting enough light. Instead, only the stems should be tied.
Community Insights and Queries
Tanner’s practical advice was met with appreciation and a flurry of questions from his audience.
User @rinr420 thanked Tanner for his tip on not tying the petioles, while @extraordinary_xo stated they were awaiting their support pole delivery to help their flopping Monstera.
Meanwhile, @lentilthesquirrel inquired about the appropriate pot size for Monsteras. If you want to know the answer to this question, read here: Monstera Potting And Repotting Guide
Many viewers share these concerns, and Tanner’s continuous educational videos provide a valuable resource for navigating the thrilling, sometimes confusing world of indoor plant care.
Repotting a Monstera is Not That Complicated
Tanner’s engaging and educational TikTok content proves that plant care can be simplified without compromising the plant’s health.
His hands-on approach to caring for Monstera offers viewers a comprehensive guide, with insights applicable to a wide range of indoor plants.
If your Monstera starts to grow a bit wild, remember Tanner’s four simple steps: Clean the pot, provide support, re-pot and backfill, and finally, tie the stems, not the petioles!
For more detailed Monstera reportting tips, read here:
5 Signs It’s Time to Repot Your Monstera: Key Indicators for a Healthy Plant
Choosing the Right Pot For Your Monstera: Cracking The Code
