New monstera plant owner … bought this monstera at Costco about the 1st week of March. Transplanted it to a bigger pot about 1 week later. I understand there are three(?) plants in this one pot but I wanted to keep them together for a thicker foliage look. The roots were tight but definitely not horribly rootbound.
Since re-potting it has grown at least five new leaves, with more coming, and seems to have grown up to 5 more inches in height (no exaggeration!), so it’s growing very fast (at least at the moment). I turn it about every 4 days .. the “back” of the plant can be clearly seen in the pics but the gap closes once it is turned to the window again. Time to turn now hence the bigger gap. I might consider adding a grow light but for now turning is fine.
My questions are:
-does this look like a normal growing plant? Is it too crowded?
-Should I add a moss pole (or poles) for support ? Would adding two poles give the plant overall structure and upward support but the bigger question is what is the best option? I’ve researched and am at a dead end, there are way too many options to choose from. What would you recommend?
-second question is that quite a few of the original leaves are damaged and they were like that when I bought it (im guessing it’s from from overcrowding at the nursery or at the Costco warehouse). Should the damaged leaves be cut off? Water does come off the leaves in the morning and they are viable but they crooked, jagged, gnarly, etc. Should they be left alone or cut off?
Thank you for any feedback .. this sub has been a great help, I’ve never tried growing a monstera and am loving it but would appreciate any thoughts or advice, thank you!
by floothecoop
3 Comments
Leave the leaves till they just come off when you tug them. It definitely needs a pole or a sturdier tomato stand type stand. The pole could be moss but personally I avoid moss because of mold issues in our area.
They are BEAUTIFUL 😍💚 this video may help https://youtu.be/HkOYD_7Bkwg?si=vdk7wZ4ldMEd8tuB
**-does this look like a normal growing plant? Is it too crowded?**
It looks like a plant fresh from a big box store. You’ll absolutely need to separate it into a few pots. That’s a large form monstera.. you’ll only want two vines max per pot. Here’s a picture i drew for someone else on how to orient two vines on poles. The overlap will make for a nice lush presentation
https://preview.redd.it/xm407a8143wg1.jpeg?width=1439&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe4a46c000c1a56576c7f59925b874367c67193f
**-Should I add a moss pole (or poles) for support ?**
Moss poles (NOT COCO COIR POLES) are awesome. They’re also more work/maintenance, and are absolutely not a necessity to grow a big beautiful plant. For a first monstera, I’d recommend going with a plank/dowel/trellis/ladder 🪜
**-second question Should the damaged leaves be cut off? Water does come off the leaves in the morning and they are viable but they crooked, jagged, gnarly, etc.**
Do I look like a genie that doesn’t know how to count? This is at least your third question.. 😜.
Don’t cut leaves off. The plant will eject then when it no longer wants them.