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“Monstera plant” refers to a series of popular indoor houseplants best known for their gorgeous, sweeping green leaves. While the Monstera may look intimidating, this plant’s hardiness makes it suitable for botany beginners. This low-maintenance plant has become a home decor staple due partly to its ability to grow well indoors.
Learn more about how to care for your Monstera and help it thrive with our guide.
This large, easy-to-grow houseplant is perfect for beginners or experienced gardeners alike. It includes a four-inch pot and requires only moderate watering to reach its full potential. This monstera plant is also great for purifying air levels inside your home.
The Monstera deliciosa also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant is a popular tropical houseplant admired for its iconic split leaves and vining growth habit. However, Monstera plants go through distinct growth phases before reaching maturity. As a plant parent, understanding these baby Monstera growth stages is key to providing proper care and enabling your plant to thrive.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different stages of a Monstera plant’s development from seed to maturity
Stage 1: Germination
Germination marks the very first stage of growth when the seed sprouts and begins forming its first roots. This process usually takes 1-4 weeks. Factors like temperature, moisture, soil quality impact germination.
To encourage successful germination:
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Plant seeds in well-draining potting mix. Peat moss and perlite provide ideal aeration.
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Maintain temperatures of 65°F – 80°F.
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Keep soil moist but not soaked.
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Place pot in bright, indirect light.
Once sprouted, the baby Monstera is extremely delicate and requires diligent care.
Stage 2: Seedling
In this stage, the baby Monstera focuses on root and leaf growth. The seedling emerges with its stubby embryonic leaves called cotyledons. Next, it develops its first pair of smooth, heart-shaped leaves.
For robust seedling development:
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Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Don’t oversaturate.
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Gradually acclimate to more direct light.
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Maintain temperatures between 70°F – 85°F.
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Consider a heat mat to encourage growth.
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Increase humidity with a pebble tray.
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Wait a few weeks before fertilizing with diluted liquid fertilizer.
With attentive care, the seedling will become established in 2-4 months.
Stage 3: Juvenile
This stage marks the transition from seedling to young plant. As the Monstera matures, its leaves get bigger and develop characteristic slits and fenestrations. But the holes are generally smaller and less frequent than in mature plants.
In the juvenile stage:
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Provide ample warmth, humidity and indirect sunlight.
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Allow soil to partly dry out between waterings.
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Stake or trellis the growing stem.
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Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during growing season.
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Monitor for pests like spider mites.
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Consider propagating with stem cuttings.
With optimal care, the juvenile stage lasts 1-2 years.
Stage 4: Mature
In maturity, the Monstera reaches its full size potential with the iconic split leaves. Mature height is typically 6-10 feet indoors. Leaves can grow up to 3 feet long and 2 feet wide.
Caring for a mature Monstera:
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Provide bright, indirect light or a few hours of morning sun.
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Water thoroughly when top 2 inches of soil dry.
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Increase humidity to 40-50% range.
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Stake and prune to manage growth habit.
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Propagate by taking stem cuttings.
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Repot every 2 years in spring, if rootbound.
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Watch for pests like thrips, scale and mealybugs.
With good care, a Monstera can live up to 50 years in captivity!
Common Questions
How long does each growth stage last?
- Germination: 1-4 weeks
- Seedling: 2-4 months
- Juvenile: 1-2 years
- Mature: Indefinitely with proper care
What causes slow growth in baby Monsteras?
Insufficient light, low temperatures, underwatering, overwatering, and lack of nutrients can all inhibit growth.
Why won’t my Monstera produce split leaves?
Monsteras need maturity, proper care and time before exhibiting split leaves. Provide bright indirect light, climbable support, good drainage and adequate humidity.
How can I encourage faster growth in my Monstera?
Optimizing conditions like light, temperature, nutrition and using pruning techniques helps Monsteras grow vigorously.
Is my Monstera dying if leaves are turning yellow?
Not necessarily. Some yellowing leaves can be normal. But significant yellowing can indicate issues like overwatering, pests, aging lower leaves etc. Address the underlying cause.
Conclusion
Understanding the unique phases of development in a Monstera’s life cycle enables us to be better plant parents. With attentive care tailored to each growth stage, we can help our Monstera flourish from seedling to maturity. Recognition of these phases also prevents common issues like slow growth and lack of fenestrations. Equipped with this comprehensive guide, you now have the knowledge to raise a happy, healthy Monstera plant.
Fast Facts on Monstera Plants
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Common name |
Monstera plant, Split-leaf plant, Swiss cheese plant, Split-leaf philodendron |
|---|---|
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Plant family |
Araceae |
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Native climate |
Central America, Mexico |
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Light level |
Bright, indirect sunlight |
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Average mature height (indoor) |
3 feet |
|
Soil type |
Well-draining, peat-based potting soil |
|
Frequency of watering |
Once every one to two weeks during the growing season |
|
Toxicity |
Toxic to both dogs and cats |
|
Ideal humidity level |
Above 50%, high humidity |
|
Common variations |
Monstera adansonii (Adanson’s monstera), Monstera variegata, Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant, Mexican breadfruit) |
Is Monstera a good indoor plant?
Monstera plants make great indoor houseplants and can thrive in various interior temperature and humidity levels. The Monstera deliciosa plant, in particular, thrives in indoor spaces, as its hardy nature means you won’t need to invest a lot of time into delicate plant care.