Do you yearn for your Monstera to sport its iconic, split-leaf jungle vibe, yet somehow it seems to be stuck in a rut?
You’ve given it water, sunlight, love, and even talked to it (let’s admit, we’ve all done it), but still, it’s not quite hitting that tropical lushness you dream of.
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Yes, watering, pruning, and fertilizing are the basics, but to truly unlock your Monstera’s full potential, you need to venture off the beaten path and discover techniques that you haven’t tried yet.
Let’s dive into these four lesser-known, yet transformative tricks to help your Monstera thrive like never before.
1. Light Layering
In their native tropical rainforest environment, Monsteras are often found on the forest floor, sheltered by layers of foliage above.
This unique positioning provides the plants with a light condition known as “dappled” or “filtered” light – a scattered pattern of sunlight that makes its way through the overhead canopy.
This light is softer and more dispersed than direct sunlight, providing the Monstera with just the right amount of light it needs to grow without causing leaf scorch.
To recreate this lighting condition indoors, it’s all about finding the right balance and the right tools.
Here’s how you can achieve light layering for your indoor Monstera:
Use of Sheer Curtains or Blinds
Sheer curtains or blinds can act as a wonderful tool to mimic the dappled light conditions Monsteras love.
Check out this 84-inches 2-panel sheer curtains on Amazon.
By allowing sunlight to pass through the thin, translucent fabric or adjustable slats, these window treatments can help filter and soften harsh direct sunlight.
This prevents leaf scorch while providing your Monstera with the bright, indirect light it craves.
Positioning
Experiment with different positions in your home to find a spot where your Monstera seems happiest.
A north or east-facing window is often ideal for achieving the right light conditions.
If this isn’t an option, consider placing your Monstera a few feet away from a south or west-facing window. This can often help to offset any harsh afternoon sunlight.
Use of Indoor Lighting
Sometimes, natural light isn’t enough, especially during the winter months or if you live in a home with limited sunlight. In such cases, consider supplementing with artificial lighting.
Grow lights, especially those with a full spectrum, can provide the right kind of light that Monsteras need.
Check out this full-spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Position the grow light above your Monstera and adjust the distance and duration of exposure as needed.
Remember, the goal is to mimic the scattered, gentle light of the rainforest, not to overwhelm your plant with direct, intense light.
Reflective Surfaces
Reflective surfaces can also aid in achieving light layering.
By bouncing off light, surfaces like mirrors, white walls, or even shiny furniture can help create a more diffused light environment, which can benefit your Monstera.
2. Creating A Humidity Haven
Monstera deliciosa, native to the tropical rainforests of Central America, thrives in a high humidity environment.
In their natural habitat, the humidity level can often reach up to 88%.
While it’s challenging to replicate such conditions in most indoor settings, there are several strategies you can employ to increase the humidity and create a more comfortable environment for your Monstera.
Here’s how:
Pebble Tray
One simple and cost-effective method is to use a pebble tray.
Fill a shallow tray or dish with pebbles and then add water until it’s about halfway up the pebbles.
Place your Monstera’s pot on top of the pebbles, making sure the bottom of the pot isn’t in direct contact with the water.
As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity in the immediate vicinity of your plant.
Humidifier
Investing in a humidifier is another effective strategy, especially during the drier winter months or if you live in a dry climate.
Check out this 3L cool mist humidifier on Amazon.
A humidifier can help maintain a consistent humidity level in your plant’s environment.
Depending on the size of your space and the number of plants you have, you might want to consider a whole-room humidifier or a small personal humidifier positioned near your plant.
Grouping Plants
Plants naturally transpire by releasing moisture into the air from their leaves.
By grouping your Monstera with other plants, you can create a small microclimate with increased humidity.
This method is particularly effective if you have several humidity-loving plants.
Misting
Misting your Monstera’s leaves can help increase the humidity level. Use a spray bottle to mist your plant’s leaves every few days.
However, keep in mind that this method only provides temporary relief and can sometimes lead to leaf issues like fungal growth if overdone.
Bathroom or Kitchen Placement
Consider placing your Monstera in a naturally humid room like the bathroom or kitchen, as long as the light conditions are suitable.
The natural humidity from showers or cooking can benefit your plant.
Use of a Hygrometer
A hygrometer is a tool that measures the amount of humidity in the air.
Get this 3-pack hygrometer on Amazon.
Using one can help you monitor your indoor humidity levels to ensure they’re optimal for your Monstera.
3. Epsom Salt Treatment
Epsom salt, scientifically known as magnesium sulfate, is indeed beneficial for plants, including Monstera.
Magnesium is an essential component of chlorophyll, which gives plants their green color and plays a crucial role in the process of photosynthesis.
For Monsteras, a magnesium boost can help promote lush and larger leaves, as well as overall healthier growth.
BUT, it is important to note however, to never give Monstera epsom salt unless it is showing visible signs of magnesium deficiency such as pale-colored leaves.
To use Epsom salt, mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt in 1 gallon of water and spray this solution once a month on the Monstera’s foliage.
Check out this epsom salt plant food on Amazon.
This foliar application can help produce larger and healthier leaves.
Additionally, you can mix a pinch of Epsom salt with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer before feeding the plant
4. Leaf Dusting
If this isn’t part of your regular Monstera care routine, it’s high time to add it.
Leaf dusting is an essential part of plant care, particularly for plants with large leaves such as the Monstera.
Dust accumulation can interfere with photosynthesis and overall plant health.
Here are steps and tips to perform this task effectively:
- Choose the Right Cloth: Use a soft cloth that is gentle on the plant leaves. A microfiber cloth is a good choice because it can effectively pick up dust without scratching the leaf surface.
- Prepare the Cloth: Dampen the cloth with lukewarm water. It should be just damp, not soaking wet. You can also add a tiny drop of gentle dish soap to the water, but make sure to rinse it off the leaves afterward.
- Wipe Gently: Gently wipe the leaves from the base to the tip. Always wipe in the direction of the leaf veins to avoid damaging them. Remember, Monsteras are tropical plants and in nature, these leaves would be washed by rain, so a gentle washing is beneficial.
- Repeat for Each Leaf: Take your time to gently clean each leaf. This is also a good opportunity to inspect the plant for pests or diseases, as you’ve mentioned.
- Dry the Leaves: After cleaning, let the leaves air dry. However, if your home is particularly dusty, you may want to gently dry the leaves with a soft, dry cloth to prevent dust particles from sticking to the damp leaves.
The frequency of leaf dusting depends on how dusty your environment is.
Typically, doing this once a month should be sufficient, but you might need to do it more often if your home is particularly dusty.
If your Monstera plant is very large, you might consider using a soft-bristle paintbrush or a feather duster to dust the leaves.
These tools can be particularly useful for reaching the upper leaves of tall plants.
Remember that while cleaning your Monstera’s leaves, it’s a great time to check for other potential issues such as yellowing or browning leaves, spots, pests, or other signs of distress.
Regularly dusting and inspecting your Monstera can ensure it stays healthy and vibrant.
Going the Extra Mile for Your Monstera
So, there you have it—four key tricks that can unlock your Monstera’s full potential.
Remember, Monstera care is not just about the basics; it’s about going the extra mile to understand and cater to the plant’s needs.
Still, the best plant care routine is one that’s tailored to your plant’s specific needs.
Pay attention to your Monstera’s signals and adjust your care routine as necessary.
Happy planting!
For more Monstera planting hacks, check out these articles:
11 Simple Hacks for Caring for Your Monstera Plant
The Ultimate Guide to Monstera Pests: Prevention and Treatment Hacks
