Monstera at home. Proper care of the monstera at home

All lovers of indoor plants are well acquainted with this large and unusual flower - monstera. The plant is unpretentious, so caring for it is quite simple. Many people love Monstera for her large leaves bizarre shape, especially flower lovers large sizes, so this plant is widespread in our country.
Monstera is a houseplant with eerie, eccentric huge leaves, which, most likely, gave it its name. The plant is grown in city apartments without problems and difficulties, because it is unpretentious flower. The main thing is to observe the standard conditions for growing indoor plants.
Monstera flower growers stand out due to their huge openwork leaves. In addition, this home plant- an excellent air ionizer, therefore it brings great benefits to the health of residents and decorates their home.

At what temperature should monstera be grown?

As mentioned above, monstera does not belong to too fastidious houseplants, therefore it is not very demanding on temperature regime in the room in which it grows. If you decide to grow a monstera in your apartment, keep in mind that with relatively high temperature indoor air, the flower begins to grow and develop more intensively.

Unusual appearance of monstera leaves.

Standard temperature in spring-autumn periods year, as florists recommend, is 22 ± 3 ° C, and in winter period for monstera, the optimum air temperature is 17 ± 1 ° С. Of course the plant will survive winter temperature and at +10°С, but at the same time it does not grow and develop. In addition, it is desirable to protect home flower from a draft in the cold season, because drafts have a detrimental effect on the plant.

What kind of lighting is needed for monstera?

Even for a picky monstera, it is necessary to observe a certain lighting regime. Do not place the plant near windows or on window sills facing north side- there it will not receive enough light, which will affect the intensity of its growth.

If you decide to place the monstera on south side- near the window or on the windowsill, protect the plant from bright sun rays – better flower will grow if shaded.

If you decide to grow a monstera in your apartment, you should be aware that this eccentric plant will grow well in bright but diffused lighting, so most optimal location are okra facing east or west.

With the right lighting, the plant will thank its owner - it will have large leaves with unusual cuts. The lack of light will affect the leaves of the monstera, which will become small, and the aerial roots will become thin.

Humidity settings that suit monstera

Large monstera leaves must be sprayed regularly, as they have large area evaporation. positively affects the growth, development and general condition of the plant.

Care and spraying of monstera leaves.

The procedure is carried out with settled water room temperature. Also, be on the lookout for leaves that can collect dust - collect it using a damp, soft cloth.

How to properly water a plant

This indoor plant loves water, especially in spring and summer period of the year. At this time, water the monstera abundantly - do not let the soil layer dry out too much. The water used is separated and soft.

In autumn, you need to reduce the frequency and abundance of watering, and in winter time the flower can be watered on the third day after the soil layer dries. When watering the monstera, observe moderation, because the plant is equally badly affected by excessive and insufficient soil moisture.

If you notice the appearance of spots on the leaves of the plant, then the soil is waterlogged, which can also cause root rot.

What is the best way to feed a monstera?

All home plants need mandatory feeding, and monstera is no exception to the rule. In order for adult flowers not to slow down their growth, holding spring and summer activities feeding should be done twice a month. Feed the plant with minerals and organic fertilizers. Young plants do not need to be fed.

Monstera can be considered a liana, therefore, in addition to top dressing, it is necessary to support it, and pull the leaves with a rope. You can also prune if the growth of an old plant stops. After pruning, you will see how actively the side shoots will grow.

A distinctive feature of monstera are aerial roots that grow from each leaf, but they are not recommended to be cut. According to the recommendations of florists, it is better to lower the aerial roots into the pot in which the flower grows, or install an additional container next to this pot in which to place the nutrient soil.

Thanks to the air roots, the plant receives additional nutrition. When the roots are not long enough, cannot reach the ground and are poorly developed, wrap them with wet moss or dip the tips in a bottle of water.

How to transplant a plant?

Young plants are recommended to be replanted every year. If the monstera grows for 3-4 years, transplantation is carried out once every two years, and five-year-olds and older plants should be transplanted no more than once every four years. And adding fresh substrate must be done every year.

The young monstera likes neutral and slightly acidic soils mixed with humus, peat and sod. Adult plants are transplanted into the soil, which includes humus, peat, sand, hardwood and turf.

Monster care rules.

Monster transplant mixtures are purchased ready-made (they are sold in specialized stores), or they are prepared by hand.

Monstera needs to be planted in fairly large pots, in which there must be high-quality drainage.

Does monstera flower?

Monsters growing in their natural environment bloom annually, but indoor plants bloom very rarely.

When the room monstera receives sufficient nutrition and when the plant is provided with proper care, when it reaches two years old, it can form large cob inflorescences, which then bloom with snow-white or cream flowers. And on next year after flowering, the plant will ripen a fruit that has a banana-pineapple taste.

How does a plant reproduce?

Monstera can be propagated different ways- by using:

Cherenkov. Propagation by cuttings is carried out as follows: you need to take a segment of the stem that has two buds and put it on the ground so that the bud touches the soil. It is not recommended to sprinkle the kidney with earth or drop it in. Then it is necessary to carry out regular spraying and watering the cuttings. From above, it is covered with a film, which must be periodically removed so that the sprout is ventilated. Planting the cuttings in the soil is done after the roots appear.

Leaves. This method is not always successful. The leaf of the plant is placed in a container with water. it is necessary to wait for the roots to appear, and then plant the plant in the soil.

Aerial roots. Propagating monstera with aerial roots is quite troublesome, but most reliable. Choose shoots that have the strongest aerial roots, which are provided with additional moisture, for which they are tied with moistened moss or lowered into water. When the roots get stronger, the shoot on which they appeared must be separated from the common stem and planted in a separate pot.

Monstera diseases

Under the wrong conditions, indoor monstera can get sick. In low light, the leaves of the plant begin to shrink and fall off, the stem curls. If the soil is waterlogged, the leaves of the flower will turn yellow and rot, droplets of water will appear on them.

Insufficient watering affects the color of the monstera leaves - they become brownish and dry. From insufficient nutrition, slits do not form on the leaves of the plant. In addition, the leaves begin to turn yellow.

There are not only diseases, but also pests that can affect indoor monstera. These include aphids and scale insects.

Florists and experienced growers we are convinced that caring for a monstera is not particularly difficult, given the possibility of its growth - a flower can grow up to several meters. For this reason, it is better to grow it in a spacious and cool room - offices, foyers, front doors, winter gardens.

Young plant - annually, adult - once every 2-3 years 10-20, from late spring to autumn - 20-25, When the top layer of soil has dried out by 5-7 cm At low air humidity 12 hour daylight Should not be kept in the bedroom and nursery

Lighting

Contrary to popular belief, this creeper does not like the dark corners of the rooms, where it is often placed. It is comfortable for her to be in a bright room near the window.

On the other hand, you should avoid placing the plant in bright sun, because the leaves can get burned.

In conditions low light the leaf of the plant becomes smaller, becomes whole, without indentation and holes, the plant stops growing new shoots. It is worth noting that competent illumination with fluorescent or LED allows you to grow a vine even in the complete absence of sunlight.

Source artificial lighting placed no further than 40-60 cm from monstera leaves while choosing lamps designed specifically for growing plants. The light interval is set within a 12-hour day, allowing the plant to breathe at night and approaching the natural rhythm of life.

Temperature

Being a native of the tropics, Monstera nevertheless feels great at rather moderate temperatures from +10 ° C to +20 ° C. Moreover, such a temperature interval in winter, when the lack of light is especially acute, is optimal for the plant.

Starting in spring, the plant should be placed in more warm room(from +20 °С to +25 °С), while increasing the frequency of watering.

Watering

The plant is adapted to life with sufficient moisture. Therefore, rare or poor watering leads to leaf shredding, loss of turgor in them, and the appearance of yellow-brown marginal spots.

How to water monstera: water abundantly only when the top layer has dried up by 5-7 cm, allowing the roots to breathe. Watering often, but in small quantities, is not recommended, because it is easy to “fill in” the plant.

In this case, the vine wilts, dark brown spots appear on the leaves, and a fungal infection of the stem may begin.

With low humidity, which is typical for our apartments, you often need to spray the aerial roots of the plant, or direct them into vessels with water.

The soil

For planting, monsters use a mixture of garden soil with peat, sand and compost.(3:1:1:1). Sand can be replaced with vermiculite or perlite. Be sure to lay a layer of drainage (expanded clay) on the bottom of the container.

Other earth mixtures can also be used for planting a plant. It is important that they are sufficiently nutritious, loose and retain moisture well. Nice results gives a mixture of garden soil humus, sand and peat in equal parts. And here is another suitable soil composition for the plant in a ratio of 3: 1: 1: 1: 1:

• Sod land;
• Leaf land;
• Humus;
• Peat;
• Baking powder.

This article is often read:

The easiest way to purchase soil for this plant in specialized stores. There you can always find earth mixture for the monster, which includes all the components necessary for the growth and development of this vine.

Fertilizer

Plant nutrition is necessary to ensure intensive growth and spectacular view leaves.

In summer, the plant is fed 2 times a month. using liquid complex fertilizers For ornamental plants.

She will also respond with rapid growth to watering with a solution of mullein, with which you can pamper the beauty 2 times a season.

With the onset of autumn, they observe the plant and, in the case of active vegetation, continue to feed once a month.

If the wintering temperature decreases, then the monstera reduces the frequency of watering and excludes the application of fertilizers.

Humidity

If it is possible to increase the humidity of the air, the plant will thank with powerful beautiful foliage.

Moreover, it will actively absorb air moisture with numerous adventitious roots.

To preserve moisture, the monstera support is wrapped with a thick layer of moss.(sphagnum) and installed next to the plant, fixing the "ropes" of the roots on it.

Moss perfectly retains moisture and releases it gradually. The option with coconut fiber is less successful, since its water-holding capacity is lower.

Peculiarities

All varieties of monstera have similar recognizable features:

Monster should not be kept in the bedroom.

Trimming / Support / Garter

How to cut monstera at home? Pruning the plant is not difficult. If the plant grows quickly and produces new shoots, then it does not need pruning.

But it happens that the vine greatly slows down growth. Then the tops of long shoots must be cut off to stimulate branching and the emergence of new shoots. They cut off only the very top of the shoot, without affecting the aerial roots that the monstera lets up near each leaf.

Monstera - climbing liana. Only at a very young age, she does not need support. Usually the support is placed in the center of the pot during regular plant transplantation. It can be a regular or bamboo stick, which is wrapped with sphagnum moss on top. Such a coating absorbs moisture, stimulates the growth and formation of aerial roots. You can also buy a special support in a flower shop.

The stem of the plant can be leaned against a support. But in order for the vine to hold well on it, it is better to tie it up. Fix the plant with a thick twine. It is attached to a support, not tightly winding the shoots.

In the future, with the growth of the vine, the support during transplantation can be changed to a higher one.

Diseases

Monstera is affected by bacterial and fungal origin. Most often, the bacteria cause stem rot and leaf spot.

When the trunk rots, its affected parts become soft and watery, acquire the smell of rotten fish. With spotting, black spots appear on the leaves of the plant, surrounded by a yellow rim. Plants heal copper-containing preparations (Bordeaux mixture, solution blue vitriol). All affected parts must be removed.

Diseases caused by pathogenic fungi are dangerous for the plant. The most common of them:

• Anthracnose;
• Fusarium;
• Late blight.

With anthracnose, the leaves of the plant become covered with dark spots, surrounded by brown and bright yellow halos. Fusarium causes rotting of the trunk with the appearance of red spherical formations on it. Late blight causes rotting of the root system and trunk.

For treatment, antifungal drugs are used, with which the plant is treated until the symptoms of the disease disappear. Affected areas of the plant must be removed to healthy tissue.

Often harmful insects breed on the vine. She is amazed spider mite, mealybug, scale insect. Insecticides are used to kill pests.

Problems

It happens lower leaves plants begin to grow brown spots and fall away. This is often associated with overflow.

It is worth transplanting the plant into fresh soil by putting 1-3 tablets of Gamair fungicide into the planting hole or shedding the vine with Fitosporin solution. Rotten roots must be cut off, processing sections with crushed coal.

Often the tips of the monstera leaves dry up. This may happen according to different reasons. It is most likely that the plant is in a draft. Also, necrosis of the tips of the leaves can occur due to a sharp decrease in temperature or very dry air in the room.

Monstera does not tolerate watering with hard water. Because of this, its leaves can be deformed, and the growth rate of the plant itself is significantly reduced.

Sometimes dry brown spots appear on the leaves of the vine if it is in direct sun. These are sunburns. You need to put the flower further from the window.

In the absence of a regular transplant, the plant begins to lose the lower leaves. If the liana is not transplanted into a spacious container with fresh soil, then it will lose its decorative effect, and may eventually die.

reproduction

Monstera by sowing seeds and vegetatively.

There are several vegetative methods monstera breeding:

• The division of the rhizome;
• cuttings;
• Reproduction by layering.

Reproduction by seeds at home is practically not used. The plant rarely produces seeds home cultivation, and it is not advisable to buy them, as they quickly lose their germination capacity.

In the presence of fresh monstera seeds, they are germinated in wet sphagnum under a film before planting. The temperature should not be below 25ºС. After 35-60 days, sprouts appear, which are planted in the ground. They develop very slowly.

By dividing the rhizome, only adult overgrown vines with many growth points propagate. The procedure is carried out during the spring transplant of the plant. The rhizome is cut into several parts. Each division should have a growth point. All sections are sprinkled with crushed activated carbon and dry for 2-3 hours. Then each part is planted in a separate pot.

When cuttings in spring or summer, the adult shoot of the monstera is cut into pieces. Each fragment must have 1 node with a powerful intact leaf. The cuttings are dried for 1 hour, and then rooted in boiled water with a temperature of about 25°C. They take root within a few weeks. After the formation of roots, the cuttings are planted in separate pots.

Aerial roots form on each shoot of monstera. It is enough to dig such an escape in a separate pot or container to get layering. When it is well rooted, it must be separated from the mother plant.

Transfer

Monstera transplantation at home is carried out in the spring in mid-April. Young plants need to be replanted annually. Creepers aged 3-5 years need to be transplanted every 2 years. Large adult plants need to be transplanted every 5 years.

Plant by way of transshipment. Before transplanting, it should be watered so that the earthen ball does not crumble. A day after watering, the flower is carefully removed from the pot.

Before transplanting a monstera, you need to choose the right pot.

When choosing, you should not take too spacious. It is enough if its diameter is 2-3 cm larger than the diameter of the previous pot. Drainage is poured into the bottom with a layer of 4 cm, and a little fresh soil is on top.

The plant is placed in the center of the new pot.. The empty spaces between the earthen clod and the walls are filled with fresh soil, which is lightly tamped with a long stick or pencil. No more than 2 cm of new soil mixture can be poured over the old earthen clod. This flower after transplantation should be well watered.

In order for the vine to take root better, it is removed from the windowsill in partial shade for a week.

During the first week after transplanting, it is not watered. Then gradually resume the normal watering regimen for this plant.

Description of the species and varieties of plants

Several types of monstera are grown in room culture. The most popular of them:

• Monstera oblique;
• Monstera broken.

- the most common species grown in enclosed spaces. This variety was so named because of the delicious berries that are eaten in its homeland. It has long flexible shoots reaching several meters in length. Its leaves are round and large, they have a diameter of up to 50 cm and are strongly dissected.

Monstera oblique- smaller and more compact plant. Her leaves reach a diameter of 30 cm. They are not so strongly dissected and have a more elegant pattern.

Monstera pierced- not a common sight. It can only be found among lovers of tropical vines. The leaves of this variety are elongated, with a pointed tip, have oval holes. different sizes sometimes quite large. This form of leaves gives the plant a very elegant and unusual look.

Many housewives know how to care for a monstera at home, but not all. Before starting a plant at home, it is useful to know what it is. Monstera is a large South American tropical plant with large, up to 30 cm wide, round leaves, a frequent guest of our apartments and houses.

Translated from the Latin "monstera" means "bizarre", the liana received this name for its appearance. It's pretty fast growing plant, in 5 years can reach a height of 6 meters. Monstera flowers look like a cream-colored cob. From it, a berry with a pineapple flavor later ripens. The plant is very unpretentious and takes root well at home.

Useful properties of plants and varieties suitable for breeding at home

Monstera has a lot useful features:

• actively releases oxygen daytime;
• maintains a humid microclimate in the room due to the moisture evaporating from the surface of large sheets;
• absorbs electromagnetic radiation from household appliances;
• absorbs from the air chemical toxins emitted by furniture (formaldehyde resin, dyes);
• ionizes the air around;
• has a good energy field that has a beneficial effect on a person: calms nervous system, relieves indecision;
• has a therapeutic effect on the body: strengthens the immune system, improves brain activity.

Monstera pots are good to keep in office space, office, library.

Along with the positive, the plant has several negative properties:

1. At night, it absorbs oxygen, releasing carbon dioxide into gas, and therefore the flower should not be placed in the bedroom.
2. The sap of the plant is poisonous and can cause burns and allergic dermatitis. All trimming and care work must be carried out with gloves and goggles. Leaves and flowers should be protected from accidental consumption by children.

There are many varieties of monstera suitable for breeding at home:

1. Delicacy or beautiful- the largest type of creeper, up to 12 m in height, with thick stems, has heart-shaped leaves of dark green or variegated color. It flowers well and bears fruit, the fruits are edible.
2. Borziga refers to the type of monstera delicacy, but more compact and thin. It grows more often in Mexico.
3. adanson lives in the tropics of Costa Rica and Brazil. It grows up to 8 m in height, elliptical leaves reach 50 cm in length. Blooms on very rare occasions.
4. oblique. Habitat - tropics of South America. With oblong stripes on small, up to 25 cm long, oval leaves, tapering towards the bottom, with small flowers (up to 4 cm).
5. pierced or full of holes— curly look South American creeper, pale green leaves various shapes, with holes, flower cob up to 10 cm in length.
6. Marble or motley in nature lives on the Indian and South American mainland. The leaves and stems of the plant are strewn with bright beige spots.

Care for monsters at home

For plants such as monstera, home care provides for the creation of a climate close to the natural habitat - the rainforest.

The light is bright but diffused. With a lack of sunlight, the leaves decrease in size, lose their bizarre shapes and colored spots, and aerial roots become thin and unsuitable for reproduction.

Humidity and temperature

In summer, the room should be + 20 ... + 25ºС, in winter - at least + 16ºС. In winter, the plant should be periodically sprayed with water, and the leaves should be wiped with a cloth moistened with water. Pots with plants should be placed away from heating appliances.

The soil is chosen loose, with a neutral reaction. You can prepare the soil base yourself: 3 parts of turf are mixed with 1 part of garden humus, peat and sand are added in equal amounts. You can also purchase ready-made soil for aroid plants.

Watering is carried out once every 2 weeks in winter, and in spring and summer, the frequency increases. If the soil is waterlogged, the roots can rot, then the plant will die.

Very important for feeding plants. Feeding is done 2 times a month from April to August. Are used universal fertilizers with a complex of minerals. Requires replenishment with organic matter - humus garden leaves. Top dressing is carried out root and foliar.

Support for the flower is necessary, as it climbing liana, grows up, the trunk may not hold large heavy leaves and break. In nature, they are supported by other trees. AT room conditions supports are installed in the pots in the form of strong sticks, plastic tubes, or strong cords are pulled.

To give shine to the leaves, they are polished. special aerosols or milk diluted in water (proportion 1:1).

How to make a flower bloom

Monsters at home bloom extremely rarely. Therefore, it is important to know how to properly create an atmosphere favorable for flowering in the apartment.

Of all the types of indoor monstera, delicacy can bloom under home breeding conditions. The inflorescence in the form of a corncob at the beginning of flowering is light cream in color. It forms a fruit, which, ripening, acquires purple hue. The fruit tastes like pineapple and is edible.

For monstera to bloom, the conditions should be as close as possible to the climate of the rainforest:

• strong lighting with a diffuse effect;
• high humidity, frequent spraying of the plant warm water;
• support of soil fertility and friability;
• the pot must be selected large and deep, in cramped conditions the roots stop growing and there will be no flowers;
• an increase in temperature contributes to the accelerated growth of the flower;
• aerial roots provide additional nutrition with various substances contained in the air, so they cannot be cut off during the flowering period.

Plant propagation

Monstera can breed in 3 ways:

1. seed method. Seeds are first germinated for 14-30 days in special containers in a peat-sand mixture, in a lighted place at a temperature of + 20 ... + 25ºС. After the appearance of 1-2 true leaves, the sprout is picked. In the future, as the plant grows, it is transplanted into a large pot. However this way reproduction in artificial breeding is rarely used, since the plant in the room practically does not bloom and seed material is not easy to find.
2. Reproduction through lateral processes. Monstera can be bred through shoots that grow on the sides of the trunk, the procedure is carried out in the spring. Shoots are carefully cut, processed charcoal and planted in small containers with specially prepared soil - drainage is poured into the bottom of the pot, then layers of peat or humus, sand. The planted cuttings are covered with cellophane film and covered with a glass jar. Keep the pots indoors at a temperature of + 20 ... + 25ºС. Sprouts are periodically sprayed with warm water.
3. Reproduction through stem cuttings(aerial roots). In an adult liana, aerial roots grow along with the leaves on the sides of the stems, through which the plant can be propagated. To do this, the following activities are carried out. Aerial roots in the upper part of the trunk are wrapped in moistened peat moss, tied with gauze on top. The resulting ball is often sprayed, drafts must be avoided. After the formation of small roots in the form of a washcloth on the air root upper part the stems are cut and transplanted into a pot, placing the regrown roots deep into the ground.

In the absence of peat moss, air roots can be placed in small glasses of water with the addition of 1-2 activated charcoal tablets. The water in the tank is changed every week. After planting the cutting in a pot, care becomes normal, as for an adult plant.

Plant transplant

Indoor plant periodically need to be transplanted into fresh soil. The first monstera transplant is carried out at a young age. Then transplantation for 4-5 years is carried out annually in the spring. Older creepers (after 5 years) are enough to transplant 1 time in 3-4 years.

Before transplanting the monstera, prepare the soil. To do this, mix humus, peat and soddy soil in equal amounts.

So that the plant does not die from diseases and pests, it is periodically washed with soapy water. When symptoms appear harmful insects or fungi, the plant is treated with special sprayers - insecticides or acaricides, depending on the type of pests. It is necessary to monitor the level of soil moisture and maintain its fertility, periodically feeding the plant with fertilizers. A beautiful, well-groomed plant will bring aesthetic pleasure and serve as a worthy decoration for your home, will take care of your well-being and good mood hosts.

And other indoor giants, in comparison with the monster, do not seem so big. It is possible to grow such a plant in a small apartment, but for this you will have to sacrifice a decent piece of living space. Monstera, a flower for spacious rooms, and it is there that it looks not only harmonious, but also develops much better, which means it looks more beautiful.

Although caring for a monstera at home is not particularly difficult and the plant is considered unpretentious, but if you have a room even with a football field, without knowing the basic rules of maintenance, grow beautiful plant is unlikely to succeed.

Monstera: home care

Lighting

This plant requires a lot of light. I often had to see monsters growing "one-sided", in one direction. Of course, this side was the source of light. While the plant is small, it is not particularly difficult to provide it with uniform lighting. When the monstera grows, then find for her appropriate place it's getting harder. A great place for monstera is the corner between two windows. There it will receive relatively uniform lighting and at the same time will be protected from direct sunlight. It is believed that Monstera can grow in partial shade. It can really grow. But in order for the leaves of the monstera to find their unique “perforation”, enough light is required. You need to decide on a place for the plant immediately. And if not forever, then at least for a long time. It doesn't like changes. Lack of light also stops the growth of leaves, they grow small. Monstera aerial roots react the same way. They become thin and stunted.

Temperature

Temperature has no less effect on the beauty of monstera leaves. This creeper simply loves the elevated temperature in the room. However, temperature drops (short-term) do not harm it at all. Optimum temperature for monstera, it is considered + 22-25 degrees in the warm season. In winter it can be a little lower. During this period, it is desirable to give her a little rest. When the temperature drops, even to +18 degrees, the monstera stops growing.

Watering and humidity

Monstera is very moisture-loving flower. AT warm months water it abundantly. But at the same time, the earth should not be damp. Allow the soil in the pot to dry slightly between waterings. The regularity of watering is determined, first of all, by the air temperature, the size of the plant and the amount of soil in the pot. Therefore, it can only be determined empirically. In winter, watering is reduced, but also depends on the air temperature. In any case, even if the temperature in the room where the monstera is standing is constant in winter and summer, make the breaks between waterings in winter a little longer.

Possible difficulties in growing

Most frequently asked question, which occurs in an amateur grower - “Monstera leaves turn yellow. What to do?". If this does not take on a mass scale, and so - one leaf per year or two, then this phenomenon is natural. But if the leaves of the monstera began to take on a yellowish tint, then this indicates that you are very carried away by watering and there is excess moisture in the ground. It happens that the leaf begins to turn yellow, starting from the tip, this indicates a lack nutrients. Feed her. It is much more serious if the monstera leaves begin to become covered with yellow and even brown spots. Most likely, excess moisture has passed into a critical phase and an urgent transplant may be needed.

The second trouble that can happen to a monster is dropping leaves and exposing the trunk. Together with the thinning of the aerial roots, this is most likely a lack of light. Choose a more suitable place for the plant.

Of the pests, thrips may appear. The greatest probability of their occurrence at a high temperature content. It's not hard to deal with them. In addition to special insecticides, you can apply the usual washing with soap and water followed by a warm shower.

Did you notice a mistake in the text?

Select it with the mouse and press Ctrl+Enter

4 Comments on Monstera at home

Site search

Sections of the site

Recent Articles

Fresh comments, questions and answers to them

• Svetlana onFor the past March 8, a hyacinth with an onion was presented. O…
• EvgenonThe most common pests of flower decor ...
• Uncle Cactus onSure, not a problem! Succulents get along well with each other ...
• Vladislav onGood day to all! Tell me please,…
• Uncle Cactus onMost likely your Money Tree shield hit...

About the plant

Monstera is a tropical plant found in eastern India and South America. They can be giant size, the leaves alone grow up to a meter in diameter, while the plant blooms and bears fruit.

Home monstera is much more modest in size, although large for indoors, does not bear fruit and very rarely blooms. There are two types of monstera: attractive with large leathery leaves of dark green color with cuts, sometimes with light stripes or spots; unequal (oblique) with asymmetrical leaves.

Watering

Monstera tropical plant, requires high humidity and abundant watering, but in everything there should be moderation. There should also be no swamp, otherwise the leaves will become covered with dark spots or rot.

Water should be boiled or settled. In winter and autumn, the plant should be watered moderately, the soil should have time to dry out, in summer and spring - much more often. Also, the leaves must be moistened all year round.

Lighting

Monstera does not tolerate excessive shading, but the light should be diffused.

The ideal option would be rooms with windows facing west or east. Also, the plant cannot be constantly moved from corner to corner, from this it will wither. The location must be permanent.

Temperature

Monstera endures small temperature drops with firmness, but it should not be allowed to drop below 15-16 ° in the cold season, optimally in the room should be about 25 °.

Humidity

Like any other tropical plant, monstera needs additional moisture at home. Therefore, the plant must be sprayed regularly, otherwise the leaves will dry out. In this case, the air temperature must be sufficiently high. In winter, it is better to refrain from additional moisture.

Fertilizer

Young monsters do not need to be fed, adults are fertilized every 2 weeks from late April to August. Without top dressing, the monstera will stop growing normally, the leaves will lose their bright and juicy color.

In addition to the timely application of fertilizers, the stems of an adult monstera need to be propped up or tied. Usually sticks or special decorative props are used for this.

How and when to transplant monstera

Young plants grow actively and are transplanted annually. The soil is prepared from turf, sand, humus and peat (2:1:1:1). Mature plants do not need to be repotted frequently if the topsoil changes every year. Monstera is planted in large containers "with a margin", often tubs or buckets are used for this.

During transplantation, aerial roots that extract additional moisture from environment, tied up towards the ground, so that over time they give new shoots.

Reproduction methods

Reproduction by seeds

The method is unpopular due to the high laboriousness and complexity. The sown seeds are kept warm, with good lighting.

The first shoots will appear within a month. After that, the seedlings are transplanted into a larger container, and transplanted every year.

Reproduction by cuttings

Propagation by cuttings is usually carried out in the spring. Lateral processes are separated from the mother plant from the lower part of the stem or the top of the stem with one or two leaves.

The cuttings are planted in prepared pots, in which drainage must be laid out in advance and sprinkled with soil (peat with sand). To create a greenhouse effect, the plant can be covered with a film or a jar until the roots grow.

Young plants are kept at temperatures close to 25° and watered twice a day. As soon as the cuttings germinate, they will need to be transplanted into a larger container. In the future, transplantation is carried out once a year, an adult plant needs it once every 4 years.

Diseases and pests

With proper care, suitable temperature conditions, regular watering and optimal humidity monstera is not sick. But, like any plant, it can become a victim of pests.

• spider mite appears when the air becomes too dry, destroying the leaves. To get rid of it, the leaves must be washed with soapy water, treated with an insecticide after drying and regularly moistened.
• thrips invisible to the human eye. Their colonies settle on the reverse side of the leaf, feed on its juices, which leads to a color change from yellow to gray. In such cases, the leaves are also treated with an insecticide.
• Shchitovki spoil the leaves, they lose color and fall off. To control these insects, each leaf is washed with soapy water and treated with an aqueous solution of insecticide.
• Mealybug. It feeds on the juice of the plant, which leads to the fall of the leaves. Control methods are standard - treatment with soapy water, after which the leaves are sprayed with an insecticide.

Popular Growing Problems

Monstera feels great indoors, but it must be spacious, with enough light and suitable temperature conditions.

Drops of a clear liquid resembling tears may appear on monstera leaves. This is a normal phenomenon, the so-called harbinger of rain.

Leaf problems are always associated with a violation of the conditions of detention or pest damage. If they dry, then there is not enough fertilizer, humidity or the temperature in the room is above normal. Withering leaves are a sign of pest damage, rotting due to high humidity or non-compliance with the temperature regime.

Monstera is a surprisingly beautiful plant, but at the same time it is capricious and requires constant attention. Contrary to popular myths, the plant is not poisonous to humans and pets.