Growing Monstera in Hanging Baskets can be a cakewalk, given you follow these tips with absolute precision!
Typically growing tall, clinging, and climbing up support structures, Monstera deliciosas are known for their large, glossy, perforated leaves. But some varieties are more petite, with a trailing habit, making them well-suited to grow in hanging pots and baskets. Let’s explore.
Growing Monstera in Hanging Baskets
Native to Central American rainforests, these houseplants add plenty of sophistication to your indoors. From leaves that split at the edges to ones with closed ridges, Monsteras comprise several varieties. We help you pick the best ones to grow in hanging baskets!
1. Choose the Right Variety
Tethering themselves to humongous trees in their natural rainforest habitat, these low-maintenance indoor plants appear in different forms and sizes.
The most favorite one is classic Monstera deliciosa, however, it’s not one of the best types to grow in hanging planters!
Cute Monstera varieties with tender, flexible vines, and a compact habit are easier to grow in hanging baskets.
- Monstera adansonii is an ideal pick for hanging baskets. Sporting smaller leaves with closed fenestrations, M.adansonii has pliable vines and trains easier than the fuller, thicker Monstera deliciosa.
- More options for hanging baskets are Monstera dubia, Monstera obliqua, or you can try mini Monstera or Rhaphidophora tetrasperma. This variety resembles Monstera deliciosa but is tinier and, thus, more manageable.
- With delicate, lance-shaped silver and white variegated leaves, Monstera siltepecana is also perfect for cascading from a hanging pot. As it matures, it may lose its silver hue for a deeper green and develop fenestrations in place.
2. Pick the Right Basket
The perfect basket is functional without compromising on aesthetics. A tropical beauty like Monstera needs a home that can live up to its stunning foliage! Pick a pot with a width and depth of 8 to 12 inches, allowing enough room for roots to grow and spread. The exact size depends on the size of your plant!
Go for a basket slightly bigger than the root ball, so there’s room for potential growth. We suggest a macrame holder for your pot, as its creamy details sit well with the contrasting deep, textured foliage of Monsteras—and they hang well! You can also DIY that.
Punch ample drainage holes in your container so the soil doesn’t get soggy and trigger root rot.
3. Hang It in a Good Spot
Mimicking its jungle home where this epiphytic vine enjoys shaded light filtering through forest canopies, hang your Monstera in a spot that receives dappled sunshine. Too much sun will burn its luscious leaves, and too little will lead to leggy growth.
A few feet away from a south or east-facing window is perfect. Monstera also loves humidity, so pick a cozy corner that is not exposed to hot and cold drafts. Here are the best places you can keep a Monstera at home!
4. Set a Watering Schedule
When growing Monstera in hanging baskets, pay attention to the watering. Hanging baskets are usually smaller and dry quickly, so it’s better to check on the soil and water it when it feels dry. If you give it too much or too little, you’ll damage your Monstera.
If the top inch of the soil feels dry, water deeply until it drains out from the bottom. This plant can get quite thirsty in the growing season—water once a week. However, pull back on hydration in winter, as its H2O needs decrease. Here are watering tricks for Monstera.
5. Fertilize it Properly
Since hanging baskets often contain limited soil, nutrients deplete faster. Fertilize your Monstera plant every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. Pick a balanced liquid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 to nourish the medium and the plant.
For the best results, dilute 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of the fertilizer in a gallon (3-4 liters) of water and use it to water your plant. Remember to stop fertilizing during winter and avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to root burn. Periodically, every 2-3 months, you can flush the soil with water to remove salt buildup!
6. Prune Your Monstera
Pruning will help you keep Monstera’s growth manageable—crucial when growing in hanging baskets. Trim back leggy or unruly vines to help it fit the hanging basket. Additionally, remove damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy and attractive.
If aerial roots begin to pop out, tuck them back into the pot or give them a slight snip. With pruning, the stems and leaves will grow fuller, and you can always use the cuttings to grow more Monsteras. Here’s how to prune a Monstera the right way!
