Monstera Sierrana Care InfographicMonstera sierrana is an indigenous and gorgeous houseplant that is well-loved by hobbyists and gardeners all over the world. If you are looking for attractive plants for your garden, then this article is just the one for you.
In this detailed guide, our experts list some easy tips and techniques to grow and care for the monstera sierrana. So wait no longer and dive straight in for some interesting information about this plant.
What Is a Monstera Sierrana?
Monstera sierrana is an exotic variant of the monstera deliciosa plant and a native of South American countries. This plant is also referred to as monstera Brazilian sierrana and a favorite for home decorators and plant lovers due to its heart-shaped leaves and deep slits straight to the midrib.
Monstera Sierrana Care
Monstera sierrana thrives in a similar environment as other monstera variants. In this section, we are going to give you all the details and specifications that will help you obtain healthy, thriving foliage. As much as the plant is easy to care for, paying heed to these aspects brings the best out of your plant.
Make sure to grow this plant in bright, indirect light and aerated, well-draining soil. Water it once a week and provide a temperature range between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
This plant loves humidity and will need at least 50 percent around it at all times.
Make sure to provide your plant with these ideal conditions and watch it grow happy and healthy.
– Water Requirements
The plant requires just a mild level of saturation, thus schedule watering only when you find two or three inches of the topsoil dry. You can additionally do a simple test by pushing your finger two inches deep into the soil to judge the level of moisture in it.
The ideal frequency is to water the plant once a week in the spring and summer season and bi-weekly when the temperature drops. Refrain from overwatering as this may result in root rot and wilting of the plant. At the same time, an underwatered monstera makes the leaves curl inwards and the plant droopy.
– Light Requirements
Monstera sierrana can tolerate and grow in a range of light conditions. The ideal condition is growing it in bright yet indirect light. Avoid placing the plant in excessive and direct sunlight as this can scorch its leaves. At the same time, low light conditions can hamper its growth drastically.
When indoors, place the plant under artificial grow lights or move it near an eastern-facing window where it can receive adequate morning sunlight.
– Soil Requirements
The plant requires slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 . It should be well-drained and aerated. Thus the ideal composition will be a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark. You can also throw in some worm castings or compost to increase the organic matter in the soil.
– Temperature Requirements
Monstera sierrana is a tropical plant and thus loves warm and humid climatic conditions. The ideal temperature needs to be in the range of 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Move the plant indoors in winters away from frost and chilly winds. The plant may not show signs of growth in the season, but will still survive under artificial grow lights.
– Humidity Requirements
This monstera variant requires a highly humid environment with at least 50 percent humidity around it. Moreover, mist the plant regularly if you are living in a low humidity zone.
To help increase humidity, place a pebble tray filled with water below the plant container or pot. As the water in the tray evaporates, it will increase the humidity around the plant.
If placed indoors, use a humidifier or group plants together to collectively increase the moisture levels around them.
– Pruning
Prune monstera sierrana to control its size and keep it looking neat. The right time to undertake this activity is during the months of spring or summer, which will also encourage fresh growth.
With the help of sterile garden shears or pruners, gently snip away any dead or diseased leaves and stems. Always sterilize garden shears or pruners before use to prevent the spread of diseases.
– Fertilizing Requirements
Monstera sierrana are medium feeders and do well with a balanced liquid formula. Fertilize once a month during the growing seasons of spring and summer. Scale back in winter when the plant remains in a state of dormancy, as this could lead to fertilizer burn.
Propagation
Propagate Monstera sierrana without any hassle using one or more of the methods shown below. You don’t have to have expert gardening skills to propagate this plant, you just need a few tools and you are good to go. Find the details of the procedure listed below.
– Right Season To Propagate
The right season to propagate the monstera sierrana is in the warm spring and summer months with the sun shining bright. These months are the growing phase of the plant when the growth rate is higher in comparison to the cooler months.
In fall and winter, the plant may enter a state of dormancy and with the lack of adequate sunlight, propagating healthy offsets becomes bleak. So get those tools out and initiate propagation in the warm seasons.
– Tools Required
Keep your tools handy before you begin your process. It makes propagation a lot easier.
- A handy sharp knife or pruner: Sterilize it before using with isopropyl alcohol to prevent any bacterial infections.
- A suitable potting mix for the plant
- A shallow tray for sowing seeds or a deep container for planting cuttings
- A plastic sheet or wrap with tiny holes or a glass container with breathable openings
– Propagation Method
Monstera sierrana growth rate is slow, thereby making the plant expensive and rare. You can propagate this exotic and rare plant through stem cuttings in water or soil and seeds. You can choose whichever way you prefer, though stem cuttings in water will deliver faster results.
Read the section below to understand the procedure
– Propagate Through Stem Cuttings in Water or Soil
This method is the easiest and fastest way to propagate and develop new offsets. Here is how to go about it.
- Pick a healthy and mature adult plant and snip a section of the stem with at least one node and one leaf intact. Do note that a section without a node will not propagate.
- Wash the cut section gently in water and allow it to dry for a day or form a callus.
- Place the stem section directly in potting soil or a container with water and let it rest for a few days.
- If you are rooting in water, remember to change the water every day.
- Place the container with the section in partial light, ensuring there is enough humidity around it. You can keep it indoors as well near an east-facing window where it can receive morning light.
- Opt to cover this with a plastic sheet or glass case to increase humidity around it. This is beneficial especially when you are in a dry zone.
- In around ten days, you will begin to notice the first few delicate roots sprouting from the stem section. This is the time you can transplant it to a bigger pot or container, making sure not to overwater the sapling.
- Wait for a month to see the plant develop fresh leaflets.
– Propagation Through Seeds
Propagating through seeds comes with its challenges of having to wait a long time for the plant to grow and thrive into green foliage, plus the low success rate associated with germination.
- Collect white or green colored seeds from the hexagonal berries of the monstera plant. The seed from the monstera fruit is easy to obtain, however it does not have a long shelf life, so sow them as soon as you extract them from the fruit.
- Alternatively, you can purchase quality seeds from a store, though you need to ensure the seeds are not older than a year.
- Soak the seeds in warm water for a day or two to enable the hard coat of the seed to break open. This will speed up the germination process.
- In a shallow tray, take a well-draining potting mix. Mix in some perlite to increase aeration. Lightly moisten it and gently press the seeds into the soil.
- Keep this in a well-lit and ventilated place. Additionally, keep it covered with a plastic sheet with holes for ventilation to increase humidity if you are in a dry zone.
- The seeds will begin to germinate in a couple of weeks. Once you notice the seedlings develop into more sturdy saplings, consider transplanting them into a larger pot or container.
- It may take several more months for this sapling to grow into a thriving, mature adult plant.
Problems
The monstera sierrana plant is not devoid of any problems. However, they are easy to tackle, provided you catch them early. Find the list of the common issues and techniques to handle them easily in the section below.
– Overwatered or Underwatered Plant
An incorrect watering schedule is one of the main reasons why the plant will not pick up health and can wilt and die. Monstera sierrana is not a thirsty plant, so stay away from overwatering it. At the same time, do not let the soil go completely dry.
Take care of these two aspects and your plant will look green and healthy.
– Dry Air
Monstera variants are tropical plants and prefer highly humid weather. Dryness in the air can make their leaves brittle and yellow. The best way to tackle dryness in the air is to mist the plant frequently or place a tray with pebbles and water below it. As the water evaporates, it will kick in some humidity around the plant.
Ensure the environment around it is humid and the soil is evenly watered. Never overdo the misting or the watering as both can create excessive moisture conditions for the plant.
Also, keep the plant away from air conditioner vents or heaters when indoors as these dry up the foliage, making the plant wilt or turn brown.
– Insect Infestations
Pests such as spider mites, mealybugs and aphids feast on the leaves and suck the sap off the stems of your plants. Such infestations make the plant look weak and wilted.
The first thing you need to do as soon as you spot any one of these pests is to isolate the plant to prevent any further spread. Snip away sections where the infestation is huge and treat the plant with an organic soapy insecticide or neem oil to repel the pests.
You can prevent pest infestations by keeping the foliage clean and dust-free and regularly looking for signs of webbing on the plant.
– Leaves Turning Yellow
If you spot your monstera sierrana leaves turning yellow, then it could be because of exposure to excessive light. Do note that too much light causes the chlorophyll to break down, resulting in yellow leaves. So move the plant to a spot with bright yet partial or indirect sunlight and see them develop lush green foliage.
You will need to find a balance between light and shade. While the plant requires bright light, too much of it can scorch its leaves. Use a garden sheet or greenhouse to provide it with partial and diffused light.
– Leaves Turning Brown
Too much exposure to heat is the prime reason why the leaves of the plant can turn brown. To ensure the foliage remains healthy and green, keep the plant in a warm place within the ideal temperature range. Never place them under direct sun heat, near a room heater, air conditioner vent or even a television.
Moreover, overwatering can be another reason for the browning of leaves. When water pools up at the roots, the plant will be unable to cope, resulting in browning. Scale back on the water immediately in such situations and let the soil dry out before you add in more water.
– Limp and Wilting Plant
Another outcome of excess moisture in the soil is wilting of the plant. Monstera sierrana will not thrive in soggy soil. You have to keep the soil lightly moist and not with water pools at the roots.
If you notice wilting, check your watering routine. Scale back on adding in more and poke tiny holes on the soil’s surface to permit circulation of air. This will dry up the soil and the plant should spring back to life soon.
– Root Rot
Root rot is when bacterial and fungal growth appears on moist roots as a result of overwatering. In such a condition, the plant will bear a wilted appearance and may also emit a foul smell along with mushy stems.
Prevent root rot by keeping the soil only slightly moist. If you suspect root rot, gently remove the plant from the soil and inspect for blackened sections and snip them away with sterile garden shears. Replant this in fresh potting mix or soil.
– Curling Leaves
Monstera sierrana is a tropical plant and requires an environment closest to its native habitat. It thrives well in highly humid conditions, because low humidity causes heat stress, resulting in the curling of leaves.
To tackle this condition, regularly mist the leaves if the weather is dry and hot. Alternatively, place a tray with pebbles and water under the plant or use a humidifier if grown indoors. This should kick in some moisture and get the plant back to health.
– Roots Growing Out of Drainage Holes
If you spot roots growing out of drainage holes, it is a sign that they do not have enough space to spread, which may result in stunted plant growth.
Prevent the plant from becoming root bound by repotting your monstera sierrana once every two or three years. Moreover, the best time to repot your monstera variant is in spring or early summer, when the plant will get enough warmth of the season to overcome the stress of repotting.
FAQ
What are the prominent features of Monstera Sierrana?
Prominent features of Monstera Sierrana: Large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves with distinct perforations and dark green coloration. Unique serrated edges and strong, sturdy stems.
How do you tell if Monstera Sierrana is thirsty?
Signs of thirst in Monstera Sierrana: Drooping leaves, dry soil, and browning of leaf tips.
Should I wipe guttation off my Monstera Sierrana?
Wiping guttation off Monstera Sierrana isn’t necessary, but can help prevent water spots on nearby surfaces.
Conclusion
After reading this detailed guide, you now know how to easily grow and care for the monstera sierrana plant. Let us sum up our learnings in the section below.
- Monstera sierrana is among the monstera deliciosa variety that grows to a height of three feet and two feet in width.
- It has distinctive heart-shaped glossy green mature leaves with fenestrations or holes and splits on the surface that makes it an attractive and much sought-after indoor plant.
- The plant can easily grow in moderate light and heat as long as it is indirect and away from harsh rays of the sun. Leaves and stems are glossy with a thick texture and thus can survive and live in a range of temperatures.
- Propagate the plant through stem or leaf cuttings in spring or early summer.
- Most problems of the plant can be tackled by monitoring its watering schedule and keeping pests at bay.
You can now confidently grow these delightful plants in your garden and spaces. Easy and hassle-free, it is a perfect choice for beginner gardeners or those who lead busy lives.
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