Healthy Monstera: Secrets to Growing at Home

If you…

have lost hope in growing a healthy Monstera and have found yourself encouraging your plant out loud but all you get back is lousy-looking foliage….fear not!

Here I will spill the tea on some Monstera growing secrets to get your plant looking like the show stunner you know it is on the inside!

Secrets for Maintaining a Healthy Monstera Plant

When it comes to growing a healthy Monstera there are some secrets that are not widely known. So keep these to yourself and see how they work with your indoor jungle!

4 Secrets for Growing a Healthy Monstera Plant Indoors

• Use Epsom Salt And Banana Peel For Fertilizers
• Leaf Baths
• Water With Rainwater
• Encourage Aerial Roots

How to Use Natural Fertilizers like Epsom Salt And Banana Peels for Monstera

Instead of spending money on store-bought fertilizers full of chemicals you can make your own!

Take some banana peels and soak them in water for a few days. This will create a nutrient-rich water fertilizer for your Monstera. It’s high in potassium which helps improve leaf health and overall development, though all we care about are those big gorgeous leaves!

Additionally, you can dissolve a teaspoon of Epsom salt into a gallon of water and use this fertilizer to water your plants or combine it with the banana peel water. This solution is rich in magnesium which helps improve leaf color and overall health making your plant look and feel full of life!

Leaf Baths

This is my favorite Monstera secret growing hack!

Fill your sink, bathtub, or a big bucket with lukewarm water. Lukewarm is important here as cold will shock your plant and hot water will burn it. Then dunk your plant leaves into the lukewarm water letting them soak in there for a few minutes. This leaf bath will help remove any dust buildup, bugs, or dehydration. The after-effects are fantastic as this leaf bath helps in promoting better photosynthesis.

Finally, finish by gently wiping your plant leaves off with a soft clean towel for that to-die for glossy finish!

Water With Rainwater

Rainwater is what Monstera plants thrive on in their natural environment. So it would only make sense that it is very beneficial. The next time it rains collect some rainwater in a bucket and use it to water your Monstera. The slightly acidic pH in rainwater will lead to healthier roots which your tropical plant will love! It’s also great as it’s free of any chemicals unlike in tap water.

Encourage Aerial Roots

A lot of people tend to trim off long-hanging aerial roots but this can harm the growth of your plant. Furthermore, aerial roots are there to help absorb more nutrients for your Monstera plant, and by cutting them you are cutting off access to nutrients. If you have a climbing pole for your plant like a moss pole, guide these aerial roots around it by gently securing them to the pole with plant ties or soft string. This will help mimic the natural growing conditions for your plant and will lead to healthier fuller growth.

Alternatively, if your aerial roots are long enough you can guide them back into the soil to grow new roots for a stronger plant.

These hacks will no doubt bring your monstera back to life and help with new growth, better root development, fuller greener leaves, and overall health and beauty!

Signs of a Healthy Monstera: How to Assess Your Plant’s Condition

Knowing what signs to look for is a great way to assess the health of your plant.

• No Wilting or Drooping
• Leaf Splitting
• Aerial Roots
• New Growth
• Strong, Stable Growth
• No Leaf Discoloration
• Vibrant, Green Leaves
• Balanced Soil Moisture
• No Bugs or Diseases

How to Create the Ideal Environment for Healthy Monstera

Creating a thriving growing environment for your Monstera is easier than you think. There are a few important aspects but they are easy to nail.

• Provide Bright, Indirect Light
• Keep Temperatures Warm and Consistent
• Choose the Right Pot and Soil
• Regularly Clean the Leaves
• Maintain High Humidity Levels
• Provide a Sturdy Support Structure
• Proper Air Circulation
• Monitor and Adjust Watering Based on the Season

Native tropical plants like Monsteras need humidity between %40-%60, warm temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C), clean leaves to improve photosynthesis, enough room for root development, and consistent air circulation to help keep bugs and diseases away.

For more help with Monstera Care click here.

Best Soil Mix for Healthy Monstera Growth: What You Need to Know

Making the perfect soil blend is vital for root health, enough oxygen, and new growth.

For a more detailed post on soil mix blend click here!

• Choose a Well-Draining Base
• Include Orchid Bark for Structure
• Mix in Coco Coir or Peat Moss for Moisture Retention
• Optional: Add Worm Castings for Natural Nutrients
• Add Perlite for Aeration

Your Monstera’s roots are going to need a balanced soil blend. This includes a balance of moisture, air, and nutrients.

Start with a high-quality potting mix. Mix in equal parts orchid bark, coco coir, peat moss, and perlite. Creating this soil blend will provide great structure, aeration, and avoid using heavy garden soil. This will retain too much moisture and will lead to root rot and other health issues as garden soil is too dense for your Monstera plant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing a Healthy Monstera

Growing a healthy Monstera is so rewarding as a plant lover. Mistakes to avoid with indoor Monstera plants:

• Overwatering
• Failing to Repot When Needed
• Using the Wrong Type of Soil
• Placing in Direct Sunlight
• Skipping Regular Leaf Cleaning
• Ignoring Humidity Needs
• Not Providing a Climbing Support
• Ignoring Pest Control

Avoid these common mistakes so you can skip any disease parts of your Monsteras life! For example, by cleaning regularly, having the right soil mix, and consistent watering you can grow a healthy Monstera.

FAQ Healthy Monstera

How do you know if Monstera is healthy?

Growing a healthy Monstera comes with easy-to-spot signs. These include glossy, vibrant green leaves, with no browning, yellowing, or spots. Stems are sturdy with new growth.

What does an unhealthy Monstera plant look like?

When leaves start turning yellow with brown spots and its stems are limp and drooping it’s a sign that your Monstera is struggling. Mold can also surface along with roots becoming mushy and black.

What does a dehydrated Monstera look like?

Monsteras will start drooping if there dehydrated. Their leaves get limp and can fall off. Check your soil and if it’s dry give it enough water so some drains out the bottom.

How to tell if your Monstera plant is thriving?

A happy and healthy Monstera will have lovely deep green, waxy leaves with splits. New growth, sturdy stems, and well-developed aerial roots will also appear. Big leaves are also another sign you’re growing a healthy monstera.

Put these secrets to the test and show us your results in the comments!