How to care for Xian Dong Monstera
Let me tell you about how to care for Xian Dong Monstera and the related knowledge of Xian Dong Monstera cultivation techniques. Let's learn about it together.
Monstera is a very unique plant with peculiar leaves, cracked and patterned like a turtle's back. Monstera is a master climber, with very developed aerial roots and strong adaptability. I remember seeing large Monstera in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, which could even climb trees.
Monstera prefers a warm and humid environment to grow, tolerant of shade but not of direct sunlight. I once had a pot of it, and because the growing environment was a bit dark, it grew very fast and became leggy. Once I moved it to the terrace to care for it, it got sunburned. In summer, it should never be exposed to direct sunlight. In warm southern regions, it can be cultivated outdoors, usually under the shade of large trees.
The most common problems with Monstera: 1. Not opening the back 2. Leggy growth, prone to falling over 3. Leaves getting smaller and smaller 4. Root rot can also occur.
The main reason for not opening the back is that the plant is too small and not yet ready. It is very normal for young Monstera not to open the back. Don't worry, it will naturally open as it grows. Insufficient light can also lead to not opening the back. Many plant enthusiasts think that Monstera is shade-tolerant and place it in very dark places, which can lead to poor growth. Therefore, not opening the back is normal. As long as the plant grows vigorously, there is no problem with opening the back. It is best to care for it in a place with diffused light, brightness, and good ventilation.
Monstera grows rapidly, so regular watering and fertilizing are necessary. Generally, there won't be a problem with not opening the back. When cultivating, it is recommended to apply some base fertilizer at the bottom of the pot because Monstera grows very fast and requires a lot of fertilizer. Unless you bought a fake Monstera, haha! The滴水观音 (Dī Shuǐ Guān Yīn) doesn't open the back.
How to care for Xian Dong Monstera
Leggy growth and falling over are mainly caused by an overly dark environment and poor ventilation. Changing the environment can solve the problem. Leaves getting smaller and smaller can be caused by two reasons: the environmental factors mentioned earlier, or a lack of fertilizer or not changing the pot for a long time. Don't lack fertilizer during the growing season, and if a plant has been growing in the same pot for over a year, it can be repotted.
Root rot is rare but can happen, mainly due to excessive watering and积水 around the roots. Monstera prefers moisture but积水 can prevent the roots from breathing, leading to yellow leaves and root rot over time. Watering should follow the "soak and dry" method, and the soil should be breathable and water-permeable.
In summary, Monstera is still relatively easy to care for and is one of the potted plants suitable for indoor cultivation. Monstera is not cold-tolerant, so it should be cared for in an environment where the temperature does not drop below 5 degrees Celsius in winter. Watering should be controlled appropriately, and it can be exposed to more sunlight in winter. In spring and autumn, it can be placed in a place with diffused light and brightness. That's all for today, if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment. Thank you all.
Here is the complete introduction to how to care for Xian Dong Monstera and its cultivation techniques for everyone to learn and understand!