Are you a lover of large, detailed tropical foliage? Here are Things to Do to Make Monstera Lusher bigger and bushier!
Ever wanted a Monstera deliciosa that looks like it stepped straight out of a rainforest? Then, apart from following the tips shared below, provide ample humidity of around 60 percent and sufficient filtered sunlight with the warmth of your home.
Things to Do to Make Monstera Lusher
1. Tie it to a Moss Pole
Why a moss pole? It’s all in the plant’s nature. Monsteras are natural climbers and grow in rainforests on large trees with the help of their aerial roots. Providing a moss pole to your plant will encourage aerial roots to latch onto it and help it grow upward.
The process is easy—wrap a sturdy pole with sphagnum moss and secure it with garden wire. Then, insert it into the soil and gently tie the stems of your plant to it using plastic ties. That’s it!
Pro Tip: Mist the moss pole occasionally, and remember to add diluted liquid fertilizer to deliver nutrients directly to the aerial roots.
2. Use Aquarium Water
This is another out-of-the-box thing you can do to make your Monstera lusher. Fish tank water contains beneficial nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that promote healthy growth.
You can replace your usual watering routine with aquarium water every 2-3 weeks, but ensure the water is not overly dirty or treated with chemicals. To avoid shocking the roots, allow the water to reach room temperature before using it.
You can also try this super hack to boost your Monstera’s growth!
3. Rotate and Prune Strategically
Use strategic pruning and plant rotation to set your split-leaf philodendron up for success. This can be a game-changer for the foliage. Pruning helps redirect the plant’s energy into new growth, and rotating ensures even exposure to light and prevents leggy growth.
Trim leggy or older stems to encourage branching at the nodes, and rotate the plant 90 degrees once a week so all sides receive equal light.
Pro Tip: You can propagate the pruned cuttings to create new plants or plant them back into the same pot for a denser look.
4. Water with Banana Peel Tea
Here’s another DIY homemade kitchen hack for your luscious foliage—banana peel tea! A sustainable and nutrient-rich fertilizer, banana peels are packed with potassium, which promotes strong growth and rich leaf color.
This is especially important for plants like Monsteras, which produce large, showy leaves. Banana peels also contain other beneficial nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
To make this tea, soak banana peels in water for 2-3 days and strain the liquid. Once the straining is done, dilute the liquid with water in a 1:1 ratio and use it to water your Monstera. Once every 2-3 weeks is enough. You can also use banana peels this way!
5. Activated Charcoal Snack
Add activated charcoal to the potting mix when planting or repotting, as it is adept at absorbing all the nasty stuff in the soil!
It can soak up excess fertilizer, harmful chemicals, and toxins that can build up in the soil over time—this helps keep the roots happy and healthy!
Plus, activated charcoal can improve drainage. Its absorbency helps prevent the soil from becoming too soggy, which can rot Monstera’s roots.
6. Clean the Leaves Regularly
This is an easy cosmetic way to make the monstera plant look lush and beautiful. Monsteras have large leaves that should be cleaned to keep them shining and looking their best. This also improves its ability to photosynthesize!
To enhance the leaves’ appearance and protect them from pests and dust buildup, you can with them with an equal solution of milk and water.
Sometimes, when you notice pests like spider mites or mealybugs, mix a teaspoon of neem oil in a liter of water, add a few drops of liquid dish soap, and use it.
Gently wipe each leaf with a soft cloth using the mixture. Avoid applying the solution during direct sunlight exposure to prevent leaf burn.
Well, what are you waiting for? Time to try these out for your Monstera! Whatever you do, do not make these mistakes—they can kill your plant!
