What is a Big Monstera?
A big monstera, often called Monstera deliciosa, is a beautiful tropical plant known for its large, glossy leaves with unique holes, also known as fenestrations. Native to Central America, this plant thrives in warm, humid environments. While it can grow quite large in the wild, a big monstera usually remains more compact indoors, making it a great choice for home decor enthusiasts.
In this guide, you will learn how to properly care for your big monstera, ensuring it stays healthy and continues to thrive in your space.
Why Choose a Big Monstera for Your Home?
Choosing a big monstera as your indoor plant offers several benefits. Its bold leaves are not only visually striking but also bring a tropical vibe to any room. The plant’s ability to adapt to indoor conditions makes it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners, while still satisfying the needs of experienced plant owners.
A big monstera’s adaptability to indirect light and easy maintenance make it a low-maintenance, high-reward plant. With the right care, this stunning plant can grow into a lush centerpiece in your home.
Essential Care Tips for a Big Monstera
The Right Soil for a Big Monstera
The first step in caring for a big monstera is choosing the right soil. A well-draining potting mix is crucial for this plant’s health. Look for a peat-based mix that includes perlite or orchid bark to ensure proper water drainage and airflow to the roots. Overly compacted soil can lead to root rot, so ensure your pot provides the space for roots to spread.
When selecting a pot for your big monstera, choose one that’s large enough to accommodate its growing root system and has drainage holes. This helps maintain healthy root development by preventing water from collecting at the bottom of the pot.
Watering Tips for Your Big Monstera
A key aspect of big monstera care is watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to let the top layer of soil dry out between waterings. Water your plant about once a week, but always check the soil before adding more water. If it still feels moist, wait a few more days.
In drier conditions, such as during winter, the plant’s growth may slow, and you might find that it requires less frequent watering. However, it will still benefit from the occasional misting to increase humidity, especially in dry indoor environments.
How Much Light Does a Big Monstera Need?
Big monsteras thrive in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing them to become discolored or damaged. For optimal growth, place your monstera near a window where it can receive filtered sunlight throughout the day.
If your monstera isn’t getting enough light, its growth will slow down, and it may not develop the signature holes in its leaves. Be mindful of placing it in a spot with consistent indirect light to support its overall health and encourage the natural fenestration process.
Fertilizing Your Big Monstera for Healthy Growth
To support your big monstera’s growth, fertilizing is essential, especially during the growing season (spring and summer). A balanced liquid fertilizer is best, with a focus on nitrogen to promote healthy leaf growth. Feed your monstera every 4-6 weeks during the active growing period. In fall and winter, when growth slows, reduce fertilization or stop completely.
Always dilute your fertilizer to half strength to avoid overfeeding, which can harm the plant. Regular fertilizing ensures your big monstera receives the necessary nutrients to stay lush and healthy.
Repotting Your Big Monstera
As your monstera grows, it may outgrow its pot. When this happens, it’s time to repot. If you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes or the plant becoming top-heavy, these are signs that it needs more space.
Repot your monstera every 1-2 years, or when it seems cramped in its current pot. Choose a container that’s 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one and provide fresh, well-draining soil. Repotting not only gives the roots more space to grow but also refreshes the soil and provides a healthier environment for your plant.
Supporting Growth and Managing Size
Since monstera plants are climbing vines, they naturally grow upwards. Providing a support structure, such as a moss pole or trellis, encourages your big monstera to grow tall and straight, preventing it from becoming too sprawling. This support also allows the plant’s aerial roots to latch onto something, simulating its natural environment.
For those with limited space, regular pruning is an option to keep the plant at a manageable size. Simply trim the longer vines, which can also be used for propagation to grow new plants.
Common Problems with a Big Monstera
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves on a monstera are usually a sign of overwatering, too much direct sunlight, or nutrient deficiencies. If the leaves start to yellow, first check your watering routine. If you’re watering too frequently, reduce it and let the soil dry out between waterings. If the plant is exposed to direct sunlight, move it to a spot with indirect light to prevent damage.
Brown Leaf Tips
Brown leaf tips are often caused by low humidity or inconsistent watering. If the air is too dry, consider using a humidifier or misting the plant to maintain a higher moisture level. Additionally, ensure you’re not underwatering or overwatering your monstera, as both can contribute to leaf issues.
Displaying Your Big Monstera
A big monstera makes a statement piece in any room, whether placed in a corner to fill out a space or on a decorative stand to elevate its beauty. Its large, perforated leaves create a tropical aesthetic that can transform any interior. Place it near windows where it can benefit from indirect light, or use it as an accent plant to complement other houseplants.
Clearing Up Confusion: FAQs About Big Monstera Care
How often should I water my big monstera?
Water your monstera when the top inch of soil feels dry. Generally, once a week is enough, but this may vary depending on your home’s humidity and temperature.
Can a big monstera grow in low light?
While a big monstera can survive in low light, it will grow slower and may not develop its signature fenestrations. Bright, indirect light is ideal for optimal growth.
Is my big monstera toxic to pets?
Yes, Monstera deliciosa is toxic to pets, especially if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets to avoid potential harm.
Why isn’t my big monstera developing holes in its leaves?
If your monstera isn’t developing holes, it may not be receiving enough light. Ensure it’s getting bright, indirect light and that it’s not in a low-light spot.
For more insights and expert advice, keep an eye on Homify Magazine. Stay inspired, stay informed!