The Monstera spruceana plant grows up to 16 feet (five meters) long in its natural habitat and four to eight feet when grown in homes. The appearance of its leaves changes by developing some splits and having more colorful green shades on their textured surfaces as it grows.
The divisions increase in number as the plant matures, producing small white flowers that appear anytime throughout the year, only on matured vines. Consider going through this article to learn more about how to grow the fantastic Monstera spruceana.
What Is Monstera Spruceana?
The Monstera spruceana is scientifically known as the Tomelia spruceana and is part of the Araceae family, which is native to the South American tropical forests. Its juvenile leaves are oval or oblong, with a deep green to light green color whereas the mature ones are large and pinnatifid.
Monstera Spruceana Care
The Monstera spruceana vine is not too demanding, although you have to give it the best care requirements to achieve its healthy and beautiful appearance. Check out our care guide below:
– Water Requirements
Water your Monstera spruceana once a week during summer and spring or when the top two to three inches of the soil have dried up. The watering frequency is highly affected by factors like humidity, temperature, and light. When temperatures are high, the soil loses water at a faster rate, which calls for much frequent water replenishment. During winter, water loss is limited, and plant development is low, reducing the watering frequency.
Ensure sufficient water is applied to the plant during the growing season so that it develops with vigor, in addition to producing healthy, vibrant flowers that add to its beauty. When underwatered, the Monstera spruceana’s leaves start drooping, curling, yellowing, wilting, and/or falling off.
Stunted growth is another underwatering symptom and when this condition is not rectified on time, the plant may not recover. When you overwater this tropical plant, the leaves start yellowing and your vine becomes much more vulnerable to diseases.
If the roots of the Monstera spruceana are constantly seated in wet soil, the roots begin to rot. When root rot attacks your plants, water, and nutrient uptake fall, leading to wilting and discoloration of leaves.
If this condition is not dealt with earlier, the plant may die on you, leading to the loss of your beautiful aroid. You can avoid overwatering by ensuring that the soil is well-draining and that the pot has enough draining holes that allow excess moisture out.
– Light Requirements
The Monstera spruceana plant grows best in bright indirect light, although medium, indirect light is also acceptable. When grown as a houseplant, exposing this plant to direct morning and evening light for a few hours is not harmful.
Consider placing your beautiful vines near east and west-facing windows because they provide bright, indirect light. South-facing windows are associated with too much light exposure, which makes the use of blinds or curtains essential to filter it in.
If you are growing your Monstera plant outdoors, consider placing it in a shaded area to protect it from direct sunlight. When exposed to the direct afternoon sunlight, your plants risk discoloring and burning their leaves.
Also, exposing the Monstera spruceana plant to low light for a long time causes it to become leggy and develop yellow leaves. Plant development is also reduced, and flower production does not occur under low light conditions.
If you decide to move your Monstera spruceana outdoors, we recommend that you acclimate it to avoid the shock that is caused by a sudden change in light intensity. Note that the leaves of the indoor-grown Monstera spruceana are much tender and can easily succumb to harsh conditions.
– Soil Requirements
Like most Monstera plants, for example, the Monstera spruceana aff and Montera adansonii, the Monstera spruceana loves well-draining potting mixes that are well-aerated and packed with organic matter.
The spruceana enjoys moist soils but you should be watchful in your quest to maintain this condition as the soil does not have to be soggy or too dry. In addition, the soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.6 to 7.5.
When making a potting mix for your aroid plants, mix three parts coco coir, three parts bark, three parts pumice, and one part charcoal. Please, try to avoid heavy and compacted mixes as they hold water and do not allow the roots to spread freely.
– Temperature Requirements
The Monstera spruceana thrives in warm conditions with temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Indoor temperatures are usually around this range so regulating them will not be a problem.
When the temperature is low, growth slows down and if it goes beyond 50 degrees Fahrenheit your Monstera spruceana stops growing. Avoid exposing this gorgeous plant to freezing temperatures during winter because such conditions lead to cell bursts.
We recommend that you avoid placing this tropical plant in drafty positions and spots that are prone to temperature fluctuations, not even near cooling and heating vents. Tropical forests are not associated with extreme temperatures so try to adjust and replicate these conditions to get the best out of your Monstera spruceana.
– Humidity Requirements
The Monstera spruceana thrives in high humidity conditions just like the Monstera molinae and Monstera disecta. Tropical rainforests are characterized by high humidity, which calls for the need to adjust your places accordingly to meet this plant’s desired conditions.
Although the Monstera spruceana tolerates humidity between 40 to 50 percent, plant development and vibrancy are low in this range. However, the humidity of 60 percent and above helps the beautiful vine to grow with vigor and have lush leaves.
When the humidity around this tropical native plant is low, you will notice the leaves becoming dry and crispy. The leaves also start to wilt, turn yellow, and develop brown edges and tips.
The possibility of flower production is reduced and if the plant has already flowered, the blooms fall off. Drier conditions also expose the Monstera spruceana to pest and disease infestation.
Given that your places have low humidity, we recommend you use humidifiers to boost it. Misting the vine each time the need arises is also helpful. You can also place the plant on a pebble tray or group the plants to keep humidity trapped around them. Moving your Monstera spruceana into a bathroom or kitchen is a great alternative to help it to access adequate moisture.
– Fertilizing Requirements
Feeding the Tomelia spruceana averagely ensures that the plant thrives. Apply an all-purpose indoor houseplant fertilizer once a month in spring and summer.
We recommend that you start by applying this fertilizer at half strength, especially on potted plants, and closely monitor them to see how they respond. After that, you can now decide whether to increase or cut back a little depending on the plants’ response.
During summer and spring, your plants will be growing actively so supplying them with adequate and proper food enhances their development. Do not feed your Monstera during the winter or autumn seasons because the plants will be in their dormant state and will not take up the nutrients.
Fertilizing during this period results in a salt build-up in the soil and this burns your plants’ roots as well as foliage. We also recommend the use of slow-release fertilizers as they are pretty plant-friendly.
Always follow package instructions to avoid over or under-fertilizing your vines. If you encounter this scenario, we recommend that you repot the plant or flush the soil with clean water to reduce the concentration of salts. Bear in mind that it is better to have your plants under-fertilized than over-fertilized.
– Pruning Requirements
Pruning is a crucial Monstera spuceana care requirement. The pruning process involves removing unwanted parts of the plants to help them grow well and improve their appearance. We recommend the use of sterilized pruning shears or any other suitable tool. This is done to avoid the transmission of infections to your gorgeous plants.
Consider executing the pruning process at the onset of spring as new growth is enhanced during this period until the end of summer. Cut off damaged, dying, or disease-infected parts of the Monstera spruceana plant to keep it attractive.
Pests usually hibernate within the thick foliage of plants. which makes pruning essential in reducing pest inversion. Pruning also helps you to keep the desired shape of your plants by cutting off protruding or messy foliage.
Ensure that you make clean and shallow incisions when pruning to avoid injuring your plants. Avoid pruning during winter because this Monstera plant will be dormant and will not be able to produce new growth. Additionally, the cuts made on the plant may fail to heal, possibly leading to plant shock.
Propagation
Propagating this Monstera plant is relatively easy, primarily through stem cuttings. You may consider propagating this plant at the onset of spring to give it time to develop roots and establish itself. Summer propagation is also not bad, although the time for the plant to establish itself may be limited. This process should not be done in winter as plant development is minimal.
Remember that you can use soil or water as rooting mediums. However, cutting off a healthy stem from your Monstera plan is the first thing. Cut below the leaf node and make sure the cutting has at least two nodes and one leaf. Dip the cutting in a rooting hormone to speed up the root formation process. Please note that this step is optional.
– Soil Propagation
Prepare a well-draining potting mix with perlite and peat moss. Thoroughly apply water to the soil until it starts dripping off the pot’s holes. When using peat moss, soak it and wring it to remove excess water, yet leaving it moist.
Make a hole in the soil or potting mix and place the cutting, making sure the two lower nodes are covered with soil. Ensure the soil or moss firmly supports the cutting to keep it upright. We recommend that you mist the cutting before covering it with a plastic bag and leave an opening for breathing. Place the pot on a warm spot with bright indirect light exposure.
Make sure that the soil is kept moist and consider removing the plastic cover a few times a week for some hours to allow the Monstera cutting to breathe. The roots will start appearing in three to four weeks. After two months, the young plant will be ready for transplanting. Move the plant into a bigger pot and provide it with the everyday care needs for Monstera spruceana.
– Water Propagation
Propagating using water as a medium is a good alternative. Dip the cutting in a water-filled container, with the leaves submerged above the water, and add a few drops of rooting hormone.
Be sure to change the water every three to four days, and you will notice roots appear in three to four weeks. Once the roots a fully established, transfer the young plant into a well-drained potting mix and expose it to the routine Monstera spruceana growing conditions.
Problems
When growing the Monstera spruceana, you may encounter several challenges that affect the well-being of your beautiful plants. Early detection of these problems is vital in combating their effect, whereas prolonged exposure may destroy the beauty and eventually kill the plant.
– Pests
Once pest invasion is detected, isolate the affected plants and treat them separately. The Monstera spruceana is not that susceptible to pests but you may notice aphids, spider mites, scale, mealybugs, and fungus gnats on the foliage. These pests usually attack this plant when it is grown outdoors. To prevent problems, regularly check your plants for abnormalities and clean the foliage.
When you notice bugs on the plant, it is important to consider removing them manually or use Neem oil, horticultural sprays, or insecticidal soaps when necessary.
– Diseases
Diseases are usually transmitted to the Monstera spruceana through cross-infection. This can be via the use of unsterilized pruning utensils and dirty hands. We recommend that you sterilize your tools before, during, and after using them. In addition, keeping your plants healthy, using the correct potting mix, and maintaining the ideal growing conditions protect them from diseases.
You may want to be on the lookout for southern blight, rust, powdery mildew, root rot, and anthracnose. However, root rot is the most common disease that you may come across.
– Root rot
Avoid overwatering and using waterlogged soils because they do not allow excess water to drain away, thereby weakening the roots. Always use pots with enough holes to allow excess moisture out.
Bacteria and fungi that cause root rot thrive in waterlogged conditions so, make sure that the soil is not soggy for extended periods. When you notice yellow leaves, wilting, dropping leaves, brown splotches on leaves, and stunted growth, be on the lookout for root rot.
You must quickly check the roots and if you see them brown, black, and mushy, immediately trim off the affected roots with sterilized scissors. You can also repot the plant into well-draining soil and stop watering until the plant recovers.
Unfortunately, if a substantial number of the roots are affected, the plant will not recover and you will have to dispose of the entire vine. Be mindful and do not reuse the infected soil after repotting or destroying the plant because the pathogens that cause root rot can survive within the mix for a long time.
– Yellowing Leaves
Yellow leaves are usually a sign of overwatering but, thirsty plants may also show this problem. The leaves of your Monstera also turn yellow when the plants are supplied with too much or too little sunlight. Nutrient deficiency, pests, and diseases also cause yellow leaves. Therefore, yellowing leaves are generally a sign of plant stress.
Please note that old leaves also turn yellow before they naturally fall off; hence you can prune them to keep your plant vibrant. This problem is also familiar with the Monstera acacoyana and Monstera siltepecana plants.
– Curling Leaves
The vine is thirsty if you notice the leaves of your Monstera spruceana curling and droppiny. You may also see some brown leaf tips and edges, which are also underwatering signs. Leaves can also curl if the temperature is high, humidity is low, or when the light is too much. Make necessary adjustments in time to help your plant to recover.
FAQ
Does Monstera Spruceana like lots of light?
Monstera Spruceana thrives in bright light but direct sunlight should be avoided.
Does Monstera Spruceana need daily fertilization?
Monstera Spruceana benefits from regular fertilization, but daily fertilization is not necessary.
Why are my Monstera Spruceana leaves falling off?
Monstera Spruceana leaves may fall off due to overwatering, low humidity, or pest infestation. Check the plant’s conditions.
Conclusion
Best care practices for the Mostera spruceana will see your home gaining an extra touch of beauty. Let us look at the main issues that we highlighted earlier in this plant care guide.
- The Monstera spruceana thrives in bright and indirect sunlight. Consider filtering in the light using a thin curtain if you decide to place it close to a south-facing window.
- Water the soil when the top two inches have completely dried out or once a week during autumn and summer.
- The Monstera spruceana plant can be propagated by using stem cuttings and you can use soil or water as rooting mediums.
- Root rot is the deadliest problem that you can come across when growing the Tomelia spruceana plant. It is a result of overwatering and prolonged stay of the roots in soggy soil.
If you are a creeping plant lover, get your Monstera spruceana plants and enjoy the tropical vibe!
- 25 Kalanchoe Types and Colorful Varieties for Your Garden - October 3, 2023
- 17 Hawaiian Flowers That Grow and Thrive in the Hot Summer - October 2, 2023
- Watering a Poinsettia and How is it Done Correctly? - September 30, 2023
