The “Monk Plant” commonly refers to Monstera deliciosa. This tropical vine, known for its distinctive foliage, is a beloved indoor companion. This article guides understanding and caring for this plant, exploring its features, care practices, propagation, and common challenges.
Identifying the “Monk Plant”
The “Monk Plant,” or Monstera deliciosa, is recognized by its large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that develop unique splits and holes, known as fenestrations, as they mature. These perforations become more pronounced with age and adequate light.
This plant exhibits a vining growth habit, extending stems and producing aerial roots. These roots emerge from the stem, helping the plant anchor itself to surfaces in its native habitat for climbing. Indoors, these roots can be guided onto a moss pole to encourage upright growth and larger leaf development.
“Monk Plant” Care
Light
Monstera deliciosa thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural rainforest environment beneath a tree canopy. Placing your plant near an east or west-facing window is ideal, providing filtered sunlight. Direct, harsh sunlight, especially during strong afternoon hours, can scorch leaves, leading to brown patches. Insufficient light results in slower growth, smaller leaves, and a lack of fenestrations. If natural light is limited, supplemental grow lights provide necessary intensity.
Water
Allow the top two to three inches of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Watering frequency varies based on pot size, soil composition, and ambient temperature and humidity. When watering, ensure water drains thoroughly from the pot’s drainage holes, and promptly empty any excess from the saucer to avoid standing water.
Soil
A soil mix for Monstera deliciosa is well-draining, aerated, and rich in organic matter, promoting healthy root development and preventing waterlogging. A common blend combines standard potting mix with amendments like perlite, orchid bark, or pumice. These additions improve drainage and provide aeration to the roots, preventing root rot. Sphagnum peat moss or coconut coir can also enhance moisture retention while allowing good drainage.
Temperature and Humidity
Monstera deliciosa prefers warm, consistent temperatures, ranging between 65°F and 85°F (18°C-29°C). Temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can cause damage and slow growth; avoid placing the plant near cold drafts or windows in cooler months. As a tropical plant, it benefits from high humidity, around 60%. To increase humidity, consider a humidifier, placing the pot on a pebble tray, or grouping plants to create a microclimate. Misting provides temporary relief but is not a long-term solution.
Fertilizer
During its active growing season in spring and summer, Monstera deliciosa benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid fertilizer, often with an NPK ratio around 3-1-2 or 2-1-1, is suitable for foliage growth. Apply fertilizer every two to four weeks during warmer months, following dilution instructions. Water the plant thoroughly before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn. During fall and winter, when growth slows, reduce or cease fertilization.
Repotting Your “Monk Plant”
Repotting Monstera deliciosa is necessary every one to three years, particularly for younger, faster-growing plants, or when signs of being root-bound appear. Indicators include roots emerging from drainage holes or visible on the soil surface, and the soil drying out quickly after watering. Spring is the best time for repotting, as the plant enters its active growth phase, allowing quick recovery.
When repotting, select a new pot one size larger than the current one, typically two inches wider. Gently remove the plant from its old container, loosening any circling roots. Place fresh, well-draining soil mix at the bottom of the new pot, then center the plant and fill around the root ball with more soil, leaving about an inch from the rim. Water deeply after repotting to settle the soil and reduce transplant shock.
Propagating Your “Monk Plant”
Propagating Monstera deliciosa is commonly achieved through stem cuttings in water or soil. Each cutting must include at least one node, a small bump on the stem where a leaf or aerial root emerges. Cuttings without a node will not develop new roots.
To propagate in water, take a cutting with one or two leaves and at least one node, cutting about half an inch below the node. Place the cutting in a clear container of filtered water, ensuring the node is submerged. Change the water every few days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Roots typically emerge within weeks to a couple of months; once well-established (several inches long), the cutting can be transplanted into soil.
For soil propagation, prepare a pot with a well-draining, airy potting mix. Take a stem cutting with a node and at least one leaf, optionally dipping the cut end in rooting hormone for faster development. Plant the cutting directly into the moist soil, ensuring the node is buried. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Root development and new leaf growth may take longer in soil than in water.
Troubleshooting Common “Monk Plant” Problems
Yellowing leaves on Monstera deliciosa often indicate improper soil moisture. Overwatering leads to yellowing, especially on lower leaves, and can be accompanied by brown or black spots. Underwatering also causes yellowing, often with leaves becoming limp or crispy at the edges. Adjusting watering practices to allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings can resolve this.
Brown leaf tips or edges signal low humidity or insufficient watering. Increasing ambient humidity through humidifiers or pebble trays helps, as does ensuring thorough watering when needed. A lack of fenestrations on new leaves points to insufficient light or plant immaturity, as mature leaves develop these splits with adequate light. Moving the plant to a brighter, indirect light location encourages fenestration development.
Pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips can affect Monstera deliciosa. Symptoms vary from webbing and stippling (spider mites) to cotton-like clusters (mealybugs) or distorted growth. Isolating the affected plant immediately prevents spread. Treatment often involves wiping leaves with a damp cloth, applying insecticidal soap, or using neem oil. Regular inspection and maintaining overall plant health significantly reduce pest occurrences.
Safety Considerations
Monstera deliciosa plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation if ingested. All parts of the plant, except for the fully ripe fruit (which rarely develops indoors), are toxic. Contact with the sap can also cause skin irritation, so wearing gloves when handling or pruning is advisable.
If ingested by humans or pets, these crystals can cause oral irritation, pain, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips, leading to symptoms like drooling, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing. Keep Monstera deliciosa out of reach of children and pets. In case of ingestion, contact a doctor or veterinarian for guidance.