How to save a monstera? Learn the secrets of reviving

Monstera is one of my favorite house plants. Unfortunately, sooner or later there will be problems with its cultivation. That’s why I decided to answer the question: how to save a monstera?

You can save Monstera by proper watering, sprinkling, and the right soil. If it is attacked by pests, use appropriate chemicals.

Unfortunately, this is still not enough information, so be sure to read on and learn the secrets of plant breeders

Save Monstera with the right soil

A change in the color of monstera leaves may result from overwatering or problems with the soil

It is worth checking what kind of soil the monstera you want to save grows in. The soil provides nutrients and allows for healthy plant growth.

The best soil for monstera is slightly moist and well-drained. It should have a pH in the range of 5.5-6.5 (slightly acidic). The easy mixture consists of 3 parts of universal soil and 2 parts of perlite.

The permeability of the soil is also essential when growing monstera. Appropriate soil additives ensure this.

These include perlite, vermiculite, or even ordinary garden stone. Some of these ingredients can retain moisture, while others only increase permeability.

The right light can make a real difference

Check that the monstera is not exposed to too much direct sunlight

In natural conditions, monstera grows sheltered by the leaves of larger trees. Therefore, it is worth providing it with similar conditions.

We measure the amount of light in two ways. We measure its intensity and duration of action. Light intensity refers to how bright the lighting is. Time is, of course, the length of exposure.

Both of these values are important for growing monstera.

Monstera needs about 5 to 8 hours of bright light per day. It must be indirect sunlight. Some species, such as Monstera deliciosa, need more light for the leaves to color properly.

It is worth remembering that sunlight is not the same all year round. In summer, the sun is higher and its rays are more intense.

Transplant the plant into a new pot with an appropriate substrate

I only use this method if the others fail or if I have a problem with pests in the ground.

You can learn more from my guide, in which I will explain how to plant a Monstera.

Transplant the plant into a larger pot to allow the roots to grow freely

1. First, gently remove the monstera from the pot by holding it by the base of the plant.
2. Clean the roots from the ground.
3. Remove the old substrate that is stuck to the roots. You can use scissors or a knife for this (disinfect them first).
4. Trim roots that are too long or damaged. You can use them for planting
5. Take a new pot and optionally fill the bottom with expanded clay or stones.
6. Place the monstera in a new pot and spread the roots gently. Make sure the whole plant is in the center. It shouldn’t be too deep or too shallow.
7. Fill the pot halfway with potting soil and tamp it down gently. Be careful not to damage the roots.
8. Fill the pot with soil (almost full – approx. 2-3 cm from the edge) and lightly compact the soil again. This will eliminate some air bubbles. Thanks to this monster, it will be easier to adapt to the new land.

After transplanting monstera, it is worth watering it.

However, this is not the end. Some monsters may require a stand to prevent them from tipping over. Such support will also support the leaves and facilitate watering.

You can find out more about repotting plants on this page.

Increase the air humidity around the plant

Air humidity is essential when growing monstera. It is worth measuring it at home not only for the sake of plants but also for the household members.

When caring for a monstera plant, you must remember to periodically spray its leaves. I do it even twice a day. Remember that the characteristic holes in its leaves are a defense mechanism against heavy rains.

So it may turn out that the monstera does not have holes due to low humidity.

Another way to increase humidity is to place a bowl of water right next to the monstera. Although for me, it’s probably better to put a humidifier at home.

I use an evaporative one that is in the living room, near the Monstera. I strongly advise against ultrasonic humidifiers because they are unhealthy.

Moreover, they can destroy the monstera.

I had one next to a monstera and its leaves started turning yellow. To this day I don’t know why this happened. It’s possible that the steam jet was too close to the monstera and it just didn’t suit her.

Remove dead leaves and branches to keep the plant healthy

Plants should focus on growing and maintaining leaves and flowers. Dead shoots and yellow leaves serve no purpose and only burden the monstera.

It is best to remove them using disinfected scissors or pruning shears.

Pay attention to the amount of fertilization to avoid overburning

Fertilizer is important, but you can’t overdo it.

Monstera should be fertilized during the growth period, i.e. in spring and summer. In winter and autumn, fertilization should be stopped because the plant slows down its growth.

For fertilization, you can use liquid or granulated fertilizers. Fertilizers intended for tropical plants are available in gardening stores.

Be sure to use them in the proportions recommended by the manufacturer. Pay attention to whether they require dilution, as the concentrate may burn out the Monstera.

Organic fertilizers will help you revive your Monstera

Artificial fertilizers are not my favorite. I prefer natural fertilizers, which you can successfully use to save the monstera.

Here are some of them and a description of how to use them.

Use homemade banana fertilizer to increase nutrients

Homemade banana fertilizer is an easy and cheap way to increase the amount of nutrients for your monstera. It is easy to prepare and you only need two ingredients: a banana and a banana peel.

1. Mash the banana in a bowl and then add the banana peels.
2. Pour water over the fruit and leave for a few days until it begins to ferment.
3. After a few days, strain the liquid and dilute it with water.
4. Use this solution to water the plant.

This homemade banana fertilizer provides the monstera with many nutrients, such as potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

Potassium, which is found in bananas, is especially important. It is necessary for the proper functioning of cells, especially those responsible for transporting water and nutrients.

Potassium deficiency can lead to stunted growth, poor root development, disease, and other plant health problems.

Coffee grounds will help you save your monstera

I don’t know about you, but I start every day with coffee 🙂 For me, the best one is with MCT oil, which increases the intensity of the flavor.

But enough about coffee.

Coffee grounds are as important as the drink itself.

Coffee grounds contain a lot of nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, and iron.

Nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are the main nutrients that are needed for plant growth. They are necessary for the proper functioning of cells, especially those responsible for transporting water and nutrients.

They influence the development and health of roots and the shape and size of the plant. Deficiency of these nutrients can lead to stunted growth, poor root development, disease, and other health problems for Monstera.

Coffee grounds contain a lot of these substances, which is why they are so important in fertilizing monstera.

In addition, coffee grounds improve the structure of the soil, regulate the pH of the soil, and increase permeability.

They can also accelerate metabolic processes and increase the intensity of photosynthesis.

How to use coffee grounds to save Monstera?

Just add them to the soil. It is best to pour them under the monstera, so start by gently lifting the plant.

Then scatter coffee grounds mixed with soil at the bottom of the pot. Two teaspoons of coffee grounds or one “capsule” that falls out of the coffee machine is enough.

Then place the monstera back in place and water it if the soil is suitable for it.

The whole operation can be quite a challenge if you have a Monstera like me. Alternatively, you can mix the grounds with water and pour the mixture over the monstera.

Pour in a mixture of water and a bit of apple cider vinegar

Water and apple cider vinegar can help fight pests and certain diseases.

You can easily prepare this mixture at home. Simply mix 1 to 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar for every 4 liters of water.

This proportion guarantees safety for most plants. Too much vinegar can damage plants.

After mixing the ingredients, you need to shake thoroughly to mix the ingredients. You can then spray the monstera with the mixture or use it for watering.

A mixture of water and apple cider vinegar will act as a natural insecticide and fungicide.

You just need to remember that excessive use of apple cider vinegar can damage your plants. For this reason, I recommend using the mixture in moderation.

If you are afraid to use such a mixture, start with a low concentration, for example, 1:10 (add 100 ml of vinegar to 1 liter of water). This concentration should be completely safe for Monstera and at the same time destroy pests.

Homemade beer fertilizer will take care of the health of your monstera

Homemade beer fertilizer is a simple and effective method to take care of your monstera’s health. Beer will provide nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins.

See how easy it is to prepare homemade beer fertilizer:

1. Open a bottle of beer and pour its contents into a bowl.
2. Set the beer aside for a few hours to let the alcohol evaporate.
3. Pour the beer into a spray bottle.
4. Dilute the beer with water in a ratio of 1 to 4 (1 part of beer is 4 parts of water).
5. Shake the spray bottle to mix the ingredients.
6. Spray the monstera with beer fertilizer.
7. Repeat every 2 weeks.

If you want the fertilizer to be even more effective, you can add a few drops of liquid fertilizer for tropical plants to it. This way you will provide the monstera with even more nutrients.

You can also use this fertilizer for watering.

Remember not to overdo the amount of fertilizer. Too much beer can do more harm than good.

How to save a broken monstera leaf?

Broken monstera leaves are an eternal problem faced by growers of this plant. It’s just that over time its leaves become so large and spreading that you only need to lightly touch them and the twigs will break.

Here are some ideas on how to save a broken leaf and how to avoid further breaks:

• Trimming a broken leaf can help save the plant
• Applying a dressing can help stabilize the broken leaf and speed up the healing process
• The broken leaf can be placed in water to preserve its ability to photosynthesize until the plant begins to produce new roots
• The broken leaf can be placed in a jar of water to create a new plant
• To prevent the leaves from breaking, you must provide the monstera with appropriate conditions. You need to ensure proper soil, fertilization, and support. See how to support a monstera!
• Think about where the Monstera will be best. Avoid passages where household members may accidentally break a leaf.
• Avoid replanting the plant, and if you must do it, get help from family members. Monstera can be difficult to repot due to its size.
• A broken leaf can be stuck in the ground next to the mother plant to preserve its ability to photosynthesize
• Regularly removing dead leaves and branches can make your monstera stronger (it will be harder to break the branches)
• You need to provide your monstera with adequate hydration and sunlight to keep it healthy. Strong branches are harder to break.

Monstera leaves changed color? A proven way to save a plant

A change in the color of monstera leaves may result from poor care, overwatering or problems with the soil.

Monstera leaves turn yellow most often due to improper watering. Other reasons may be temperature stress, improper lighting or pests.

If you want the leaves to stop changing color, you first need to find the cause. First, check the soil moisture to rule out overwatering. Then take a look at each of the causes of yellowing monstera leaves that we described above.

Then remove the discolored leaves and check the soil in the pot. Above you will find more soil tips for monstera.

If you have any problem with the soil, it is best to transplant the plant into a new pot and water it with a mixture of coffee grounds and water.

This mixture should naturally fertilize the monstera and save it from changing the color of the leaves.