Monstera: [Cultivation, Irrigation, Care, Pests and Diseases]

The monstera, also known as Adam’s rib , is one of the easiest plants to grow because it has a high adaptability.

Its location is preferable indoors, where in addition to serving as a natural source of oxygen, it will help in terms of decoration.

Since it is a species with a tropical air, it is preferred by many people who want to enjoy an environment with these characteristics.

What are the ideal conditions to plant the monstera? It is just the topic that we will talk about next, so do not miss it.

Important points when planting monstera

• When? Between spring and summer.
• Where? Preferably indoors.
• How do we prepare the land? Mixing garden soil with decomposed manure.
• How should we water? With the help of a watering can.
• How often do you have to water? 2 or 3 times a week depending on the time of year.
• What care do you need? Protect the aerial roots it produces, avoiding excessive growth by pinching the tips.
• What pests and diseases does it have? Red spider, cochineal, rot caused by fungi or bacteria.

When to plant a monstera?

The sowing of the monstera can be carried out in the period that goes from spring to summer , taking care that the days are not excessively hot.

Where to plant a monstera?

The monstera is a plant that is preferably used indoors, so it is not very demanding about the container to use to get it to produce roots.

In the event that it is done outside, it is a good plan to choose an area near a tree with a pronounced trunk that can be used as a support. In addition, it is important that it is protected from direct sunlight, especially during the summer days.

How to prepare the land?

The land must be adequate with a good amount of nutrients so that the plant can prosper better.

In case it is planted in a pot, it is best to make a mixture of garden soil and special soil for pots with a little organic matter such as manure.

If it is outdoors, it will be necessary to enrich the garden soil with organic matter such as enough manure in the selected area, stirring decisively.This process is best done a couple of weeks before transplanting to ensure that the nutrients have penetrated the soil.

How do we water the monstera?

Irrigation will be carried out with the help of a gardening watering can that facilitates regulating the flow of water and the correct direction.

This should be oriented towards the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the stem, aerial roots and leaves so that rot does not occur.

As for the amount of water, it should be moderate , always assessing first the state of the land.Logically, in winter this water flow should be reduced because the water evaporation process will be slower and we don’t want to drown the roots.

How often do we water the monstera?

It is normal to water 2 to 3 times a week since at an average temperature of 20º C the soil will take about 2 days to dry.When the winter season arrives, it is better to reduce this frequency as the soil will take much longer to dry.

How to plant monstera step by step?

The planting of the monstera is recommended to be done in a pot in the first phase to ensure that it generates roots properly .Later, if you decide so, you can move to the chosen area of ​​the garden.So, the procedure will be like this:

1. Select a pot that has a capacity of approximately 3 litres. It should be perforated at the bottom to help the irrigation liquid flow and facilitate root growth.
2. Cover the bottom of the pot with pebbles to facilitate the drainage of irrigation water.
3. Fill the rest of the pot with the soil selected for this purpose.
4. Water the substrate so that it absorbs a good amount of moisture before sowing the seeds.
5. Spread the seeds and keep the pot in a lighted space with relative humidity. In a period of a month the first leaves will begin to come out.

What care does the monstera need?

One of the main considerations regarding the monstera is the care of its stems when the roots begin to appear.

These, being aerial, can generate some discomfort in people who are unaware of the behavior of the species.

However, it is important to note that they should not be cut , but can be gently pinched at the tips to stop growth.

Monstera does not usually flower indoors , but it does flower outdoors, where it is capable of behaving like a vine using supporting trunks.

This flowering produces fruits and, unlike other plant species, for it to be carried out actively it does not need the support of fertilizers.In the case of pruning, it should be done on spring days.

What pests and diseases affect monstera?

Being a plant that preferentially develops indoors, it has very little chance of being attacked by pests or diseases.

In any case, very dry environments can be attractive to pests such as mealybugs or red spiders.These will be easily combated by increasing humidity.

On the contrary, if the humidity is excessive, especially in the case of excessive irrigation or the application of water to the leaves, they can turn yellow.It is not a disease in itself, but it is clearly a condition that must be treated to prevent further damage.

If the plant is not transplanted at the proper time and the roots feel cramped in the pot it is in, the leaves may turn dark.When there is rot in one or several areas of the plants, it may be due to fungal or bacterial diseases.

The good news is that there are different natural remedies that are applied to the plant itself to improve its condition and do not generate adverse effects.If it is about choosing a noble plant to decorate the interior of the house, the use of the monstera is one of the favorites when all its benefits are known.