Monstera Acuminata Care InfographicMonstera acuminata is an easy-to-care-for houseplant that is a delight for any garden space. In this detailed plant care guide, our experts give you tips and tricks on how you can grow this plant at home or in your office.
We give you information on caring for this plant without any hassle as well as how you can propagate new offsets. Keep reading to learn all there is to know about Monstera acuminata.
What Is a Monstera Acuminata?
Monstera acuminata is a type of monstera plant that is characterized by large leaves. It is a rare plant and is native to Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico and Honduras. People love the plant due to its durability and charm. Coupled with this is its ease of care, which makes it sought after by beginner-level gardeners.
Monstera Acuminata Care
Caring for this monstera plant will not take up much of your time and effort. If you want a stress-free garden, then including this plant is an absolute must. All you need to do is pay heed to a few essential aspects to witness its lush, green growth. Read the section below to understand the specific care requirements of this plant.
Give it bright indirect light and well-draining, aerated soil and your plant will definitely love your for it.
Since this is a tropical plant, it will need moderately high temperatures of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as high humidity levels of 60 percent and above to grow happy and healthy.
Use a balanced fertilizer once a month and make sure that you do not overwater it for best results. Provide these environmental needs and watch your plant thrive!
– Water Requirements
Slightly moist soil is all that the monstera acuminata needs. Thus, be careful not to overwater or underwater the plant. Let the topsoil dry out at least two inches between watering sessions. Push your finger about an inch into the monstera acuminata soil to check the level of moisture before you decide to add in more.
Water once a week during the growing seasons such as spring and summer and once every two weeks during fall and winter. Additionally, use tap water at room temperature to water the plant. Leave the water overnight before use, so that the chlorine in the water will evaporate.
– Light Requirements
Monstera acuminata grows well in bright yet indirect light. Keep the plant away from direct sunlight as this can cause substantial harm to it in the form of sunburns. Similarly, low light conditions result in stunted growth of the plant as well as yellow leaves.
As much as the plant adapts well in a range of light conditions if indoors, avoid placing it in dingy corners or dark, damp spots. If you do not have enough light, place an artificial grow lamp over it. Try keeping the plant near an east or west-facing window where it can receive the maximum light throughout the day.
– Soil Requirements
Monstera acuminata requires well-draining, aerated soil. The soil needs to be slightly acidic to neutral between a pH range of 5.5. to 7.5.
Keep the potting mix rich in organic matter, mixing in a bit of perlite and peat moss. This will bring in aeration and will also drain excess moisture fast. An additional option will be to mix sphagnum moss, orchid bark or pumice in the potting soil.
– Temperature Requirements
Being a tropical plant, the monstera acuminata thrives well in a warm place. The ideal temperature for the plant is between 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, keep the plant away from extreme cold and icy winds. The plant is sensitive to sudden temperature spikes or drops and will easily wilt in temperatures beyond the ideal range.
– Humidity Requirements
Monstera acuminata plant prefers moderate to high humidity levels of above 60 percent. Under low humidity conditions, the plant bears a wilted look and the leaves will curl inwards with crispy brown tips.
Mist the plant frequently in hot and dry months to bring in some moisture around it. If indoors, use a humidifier to maintain the right level of humidity. You can also place a pebble tray filled with water below the plant container to kick in some moisture.
– Pruning
The acuminata plant does not require much pruning. However, regularly snipping out dead, damaged and diseased leaves will encourage fresh growth and keep the plant healthy. The plant will also look neat and in shape when regularly pruned.
The right season to prune the plant is in spring and early summer. Before pruning, sterilize your tools with a diluted solution of alcohol. This will prevent the spread of any fungal infestations.
– Fertilizing Requirements
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month for the monstera acuminata. The right time to feed them is during their growing season in spring and summer. Do not fertilize in fall and winter when the plant enters a state of dormancy. Additionally, you can use a slow-release formula in spring until the early weeks of summer.
Propagation
Propagate Monstera acuminata easily with the details that we have listed below. There are various ways to do it and you can choose the one that is best suited to you. Here is all the information that you need to know.
– Right Season To Propagate
Propagate the monstera acuminata in the spring or summer seasons when the weather outside is warm. These seasons are the growing months when the plant can thrive and pick up health faster in comparison to fall and winter.
Besides, doing it in the warmer seasons helps to develop healthy and strong roots and thriving foliage. The plant tends to stay in a state of dormancy in the colder months so just let them rest.
– Tools Required
Before you begin the propagation process, keep all the necessary tools ready. This will make your job easy and hassle-free.
- A sharp garden pruner or propagation knife: To sterilize it, use an alcohol solution before you place any cuts to prevent the spread of bacterial infections.
- A light potting soil to place the plant in
- A container, pot or shallow tray with well-draining drainage holes
- A plastic sheet or wrap with tiny holes or a glass container with breathable openings
– Propagation Method
You can propagate the Monstera acuminata using air layering, seeds or stem cuttings in soil or water. The process is easy and you will not be required to have any expert gardening skills for this. Here are the steps involved in the process.
– Stem Cutting in Soil or Water
Propagating using a stem in soil or water is quicker in comparison to using seeds and is more successful as well. Follow these simple steps:
- Gently cut a section of the stem from a mature and healthy plant with the help of a sterilized garden pruner or shears.
- Make sure you pick a stem with a few leaves and at least two nodes intact.
- Plant this cutting in a container of organic potting mix with peat moss and perlite. Additionally, include some sphagnum moss to keep the soil aerated.
- You can also place it in a container with water. However, do remember to change the water every day. Water the stem cutting to keep the soil lightly moist. Place in a warm area where it receives partial sun.
- In a week to ten days, the cutting will begin to root and in a month it will develop new leaves.
- You can now choose to transplant the stem cutting from water into the potting mix.
– Propagate Through Air Layering
Air layering involves rooting a section of the plant without removing it from the main plant.
- Pick a healthy stem section of a mature plant with young leaves and a node intact.
- With the help of a clean and sterile pruner, place a small cut in the stem about half an inch above the node.
- Dab a little rooting powder on the cut with the help of a cotton ball.
- Take some sphagnum moss and wrap it around the cut, followed by a plastic wrap and secure it firmly with a string.
- Place a container over this section with holes for ventilation if you are trying to propagate it in a dry zone. Covering the plant will increase the humidity around it. However, monitor the condition and remove the cover if you find excessive water droplets on its walls.
- In a month or so, you will find roots growing from the cut. Once they grow an inch long, snip the stem along with the roots and plant it in the soil.
- Do not repot the plant often as this will put the delicate roots of the plant under stress. Schedule repotting once every two or three years or when you notice roots emerging out of the pot’s drainage holes.
– Propagate With Seeds
Using seeds to propagate a new plant takes much longer in comparison to other methods. From germination until the first mature leaves appear, the process can be a daunting wait, so be patient.
- Collecting seeds from the monstera acuminata can be quite a challenge, so purchasing quality ones from a reputable store can give you a higher success rate. Make sure that the seeds are not more than a year old.
- Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for twelve hours before you sow them. This will break their hard shells and allow germination to happen faster.
- Place the seeds at a distance of an inch between each of them in a shallow tray filled with potting mix.
- Provide humidity and warmth between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and keep the soil lightly moist.
- It will take around ten to fourteen days for the seeds to germinate.
- Once you notice tiny seedlings sprout, cover them with a plastic sheet with tiny holes to increase humidity around them.
- It will take several more months for these young saplings to grow into healthy adult plants.
Problems
As much as the plant is easy to care for in comparison to its counterparts, you will still encounter a few common gardening problems. In the section below, we address the issues and provide tips to tackle them.
– Yellow Leaves
An overwatered or an underwatered monstera acuminata will result in yellow leaves. Maintain a proper watering schedule to rectify this issue and get the plant back to health.
– Brown Leaf Edges
Being a tropical plant, monstera acuminata requires moderate to high levels of humidity. Under low humidity conditions, the leaves can turn brown and brittle at the edges. Mist the plant frequently if the air around it is dry.
Ensure you keep the plant away from air-conditioner vents and room heaters as these appliances can quickly freeze, burn or dry out the sensitive leaves. If growing it indoors, an artificial grow light over it is more than enough to keep the foliage green. Use a humidifier to bring in more moisture in the air.
– Pests
Pests such as mealy bugs, aphids and spider mites can infect the plant, making it go weak and limp. As soon as you spot the pests, isolate the plant and spray the bugs with a jet of water. Prepare an organic soapy insecticide and apply it all over the plant. Additionally, you can also use neem oil to repel the insects from the plant.
For heavy pest infestations, use horticulture oils available in most gardening stores.
– Root Rot
Root rot is a classic condition caused by overwatering of the plant. With excess water pooling at the base of the plant, the roots remain damp. This prevents aerial roots from taking in oxygen, thereby leading to rot. Early signs of root rot are leaf drop, stunted or poor growth or wilted leaves and stems.
Tackle root rot by gently removing the plant from the soil. Inspect for blackened sections and gently snip them away with a pruner. Replant in fresh soil. Prevent root rot by monitoring your water schedule and ensuring the soil is aerated and well-draining.
– Mold on the Soil Surface
Do you notice mold growing on the surface of your plant’s soil? This is another indication that you are overwatering your plant. Scale back on the watering and schedule it only when the topsoil is dry by two inches.
– Smaller Leaves
If your monstera acuminata has smaller than normal leaves, it could be due to a lack of adequate sunlight for the plant. In such a condition, move the plant to a spot where it can receive indirect and partial sunlight.
If placed indoors, keep it under artificial light or near a window where it can receive maximum morning light.
To protect the plant from direct light, create a greenhouse or place a garden cloth over it. If it is placed indoors, install blinds or use sheer curtains to give it diffused light.
– Droopy Leaves
Droopy leaves are a result of shock to the plant. It could be due to repotting, transplantation, overwatering or underwatering of the plant. An easy way to maintain humidity is to group your monster acuminata along with other plants. This will increase the humidity around it due to the collective respiration of all the plants.
If you have recently repotted or transplanted your plant, give it a few days to pick up its health. Monitor the plant and give it the care it requires as per the details mentioned in our earlier sections.
– Curling Leaves
If the leaves of your acuminata are curling inwards or upwards, it is a sign that your plant is thirsty. Water the plant immediately to keep the soil evenly moist. Keep the plant away from dry conditions by misting the air around the plant.
As a tropical plant, it requires moderate to high humidity and temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Move the plant inside during cold weather and away from chilly winds and frost.
– Monstera Acuminata Does Not Have Holes
Your monstera acuminata may not have holes if the leaves are still juvenile. As the plant grows, its holes become prominent and deep. Along with this, they require an environment close to their tropical native for leaf fenestrations to manifest well.
FAQ
Is Monstera Acuminata a hybrid?
Yes, Monstera Acuminata is a hybrid of Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Borsigiana.
Does Monstera Acuminata like its leaves wet?
No, Monstera Acuminata prefers its soil to be moist but not waterlogged, avoid getting its leaves wet.
Should I water Monstera Acuminata daily?
No, watering Monstera Acuminata daily can lead to overwatering and root rot. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Conclusion
You have now learned how the Monstera acuminata can be easily cared for and propagated. In this section, we will summarize our learnings from this care guide:
- Monstera acuminate has climbing and slender stems that are a delight in any garden space and requires moderate and indirect light to grow healthy foliage. The temperatures need to be warm and the soil well-draining for this plant to grow well.
- This plant is a light feeder, thus fertilizing once a month during the growing season is enough to keep it healthy and thriving.
- To maintain humidity around the plant, mist the plant regularly or place a dish with pebbles and water below the pot.
- You can propagate the plant using a healthy section of a stem or leaf.
- Most problems of the plant can be tackled by maintaining a proper watering schedule and keeping pests at bay.
Having read our detailed guide, you now know that growing Monstera acuminata will not take up much of your time and effort. Plant these delightful plants indoors or outdoors and see them charm your space with their foliage.
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