The Monstera spruceana is a beautiful plant that can add some green to your home. But before you bring one home, you need to know how to take care of it! This guide will teach you everything you need to know about Monstera spruceana care, from watering to fertilizing to repotting.
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H2 How To Identify Monstera Spruceana
If you’re lucky enough to have a Monstera spruceana in your collection, congratulations! This beautiful plant is not only rare, but it’s fairly easy to care for, too. In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to identify your plant and provide basic care instructions.
Monstera spruceana is a member of the Araceae family and is native to Columbia. The plant gets its name from its spruce-like leaves, which are large and deeply lobed. The leaves are dark green with white splotches or streaks, and the plant can grow up to 6 feet tall.
The easiest way to tell if you have a Monstera spruceana is by looking at the leaves. If they are deeply lobed with white markings, then you have the correct plant. Another way to identify the plant is by its flowers, which are small and white with purple spots.
Juvenile Monstera Spruceana
The Juvenile Monstera Spruceana is a beautiful plant native to Central America and its rare leaves make it a stunning addition to any home, so treasure this plant if you happen to find one!
Care for a new Monstera Spruceana doesn’t take much more than what is general house plant best practices, but you will need to make sure you’re checking on your plant daily until you’ve figured out how often the plant likes to be watered and if it’s getting enough indirect sunlight where you’ve placed it.
Monstera Spruceana vs Subpinnata: Same or Different?
Both the Monstera Spruceana and the Monstera Subpinnata are members of the Araceae family, and they share many similarities. However, there are some key differences that you should be aware of before deciding which plant is right for you.
Monstera Spruceana is native to many places in Central America and tropical South America. Monstera Subpinnata is native to mainly Ecuador, but also Columbia, Bolivia, and Peru. The Spruceana will do just fine with a normal amount of humidity in your home, but the Subpinnata will need higher humidity to thrive.
Another key difference between these two plants is their leaf shape. Monstera spruceana leaves are more triangular in shape, while Monstera subpinnata leaves are more oval-shaped.
Finally, the two plants differ in their size. Monstera spruceana can grow up to 10 feet tall, while Monstera subpinnata only grows to about 6 feet tall.
How To Care For Monstera Spruceana
Monstera spruceana is a beautiful and exotic plant that’s perfect for adding a touch of tropical flair to your home. Although it’s not difficult to care for, there are a few things you need to know to keep your plant happy and healthy.
Here are some tips on how to care for Monstera spruceana:
- Monstera spruceana prefers bright, indirect light. If you can provide filtered sunlight, that’s ideal.
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Make sure the pot has drainage holes so the roots don’t become waterlogged.
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season (Spring and Summer) with a balanced fertilizer. During the winter months, you can reduce fertilizing to every other month.
- If the leaves start to yellow or brown, it could be due to too much direct sunlight. Move your plant to a shadier spot.
- Pests aren’t usually an issue with Monstera spruceana, but if you do notice any, treat them immediately with an insecticide or fungicide appropriate for use on plants.
By following these simple tips, you’ll have a healthy and beautiful Monstera Spruceana capable of living for many years. Here’s even more information to help your plant stay as healthy as possible.
Placement
When it comes to finding the perfect spot for your Monstera spruceana, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, this plant prefers indirect sunlight, so avoid placing it in a spot that gets direct sun for most of the day. Second, make sure the area you choose has good drainage – your plant will not do well if it’s sitting in waterlogged soil. Lastly, consider the size of your plant when choosing a location – you don’t want it to outgrow its space!
Once you’ve found the perfect spot, it’s time to get your plant settled in. Monstera spruceana likes to be potbound, so choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the root ball. After you’ve placed your plant in the pot, backfill with a quality potting mix and water well. Be sure to check the soil regularly and water as needed – this plant likes to have evenly moist soil, but not soggy.
Temperature
While the Spruceana isn’t too terribly picky on its temperature, this tropical plant does prefer warm temperatures. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the leaves of the plant will start to turn brown and drop off. If your home is rather cold, consider placing the plant in a large window that gets plenty of radiant heat from the sun without getting direct sunlight for too long.
Humidity
One of the most important things to remember when caring for a Monstera Spruceana is to maintain the right humidity levels. These plants thrive in humid environments and will not do well in dry conditions. If your home is rather dry, you’ll need to ensure proper humidity levels for your plant to survive.
There are a few ways to increase the humidity around your plant. One way is to mist the leaves regularly with a water bottle. Another way is to place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water. The evaporating water will help to increase the humidity around the plant. Lastly, you can use a humidifier in the room where your plant is located. Just be sure to keep an eye on the humidity levels so that you don’t make the environment too wet, which can lead to problems like mold and mildew.
Misting Monstera
If you have a Monstera spruceana, then you know that this plant loves humidity. One of the best ways to provide extra humidity for your plant is to mist it on a regular basis. You can do this with a spray bottle filled with water or even use a humidifier. Just make sure that the mist or humidifier is not too close to the plant so that the leaves don’t get too wet. Misting your Monstera spruceana will help keep it healthy and happy!
Soil Type
When it comes to soil type, Monstera spruceana is not particularly picky. This plant will do well in most standard potting soils as long as it is well-draining. A good rule of thumb is to mix equal parts peat moss and perlite or sand. This will ensure that your plant has the drainage it needs to prevent root rot.
For a perfect mix of pre-made soil, I only use this soil specifically formulated to meet all of the Monstera’s soil requirements.
How to Water A Monstera
It’s easy to forget to water your plants, especially if you’re busy with work or other commitments. But if you have a Monstera spruceana, it’s important to give it a good drink every week or so. Here are some tips on how to water your Monstera spruceana:
- Check the soil before watering. Use your fingers to feel the soil; if it’s dry to the touch, it’s time to water.
- Water at the base of the plant, directly on the soil, not from above the plant. Watering from above can cause water spots on the leaves.
- Allow the water to soak in all the way before emptying the drainage tray. If the water drains too quickly, it means the plant isn’t getting enough moisture.
- Don’t let the plant sit in water. Be sure to empty the drainage tray after each watering so that the plant doesn’t sit in water and get root rot.
Fertilizing Requirements
If you want your Monstera spruceana to grow and thrive, you need to fertilize it regularly. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer monthly during the growing season. In order to get the perfect amount of fertilizer, I recommend using a daily plant food such as this Monstera plant food.
When to Re-Pot
Eventually, your Monstera spruceana will outgrow its pot. You’ll know it’s time to re-pot when you see roots coming out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
Before you re-pot, water your plant well. This will help make the transition easier for your plant. Choose a new pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Be sure to use a pot with drainage holes.
Carefully remove your plant from its current pot. Gently loosen the roots and place them in the new pot. Fill in around the roots with fresh potting mix. Water well.
Your plant will likely need to be re-potted every two years or so.
Propagating Monstera
If you’re looking to propagate your Monstera spruceana, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll have to propagate it by taking stem cuttings for your best chances at success. From there, you can place your cutting either in well-draining soil or in a glass jar or vase with just water.
Once your Monstera spruceana has started to grow, provide it with bright indirect light and water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be sure not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. You should see new growth within a couple of weeks. With a little care, your propagated Monstera will thrive!
Stem Cuttings
To take a stem cutting, cut a 4-6 inch piece off of a healthy stem, making sure that there are at least two leaves on the cutting. Remove the bottom leaf, and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone.
Then follow the steps below depending on if you want to propagate your plant in water or in soil.
Propagating in Water
This method is simple and straightforward, and doesn’t require any special equipment. All you need is a clean container and some fresh, clean water.
Place your cutting in the container of water, making sure that the leaf node is submerged in the water. Place the container in a bright location but out of direct sunlight.
You should see new roots growing from the leaf node within 2-3 weeks. Once the roots are several inches long, you can transplant your cutting into a pot filled with fresh potting mix. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy until your plant is established. After a couple months, you can follow the rule of watering when the top of the soil has dried.
Propagating in Soil
If you’re interested in propagating your Monstera spruceana in soil, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind. First, make sure to use a well-draining potting mix. You can add some perlite or sand to improve drainage if necessary. Next, water your cutting sparingly at first, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. Once your cutting has rooted and begun to produce new growth, you can increase watering as needed.
When it comes to fertilizing, a light application of a balanced fertilizer every couple of weeks after you’ve noticed new leaf growth should suffice. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much fertilizer can damage delicate roots.
Finally, remember that Monstera Spruceana is a vine, so it will need something to climb on as it grows. A trellis or other support structure will do the trick. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to support the weight of the plant as it gets bigger!
Problems After Propagating
After you have successfully propagated your Monstera spruceana, you may notice some problems with the new plant. These problems are usually due to incorrect care or environmental conditions that are not ideal for the plant, or could simply be too much stress on the plant from being propagated.
If you notice your newly propagated plant isn’t looking its best, pay attention to its environment and make sure it’s getting enough indirect sunlight. Most problems can be fixed before it’s too late, so keep an eye on your plant to monitor its health.
Common Problems With Monstera Spruceana
Problems affect nearly every house plant eventually. Monstera varieties are no different, and although they may be a bit more picky than some other plants, many of the common problems that do come up with this plant are easy to fix.
Some of the most common problems are the leaves curling, drooping, yellowing, or turning brown. Pests are another common problem with Monstera plants. Below is more information on each of these issues and what you can do to save your plant from them.
Leaves Curling
One of the most common problems that Monstera Spruceana owners face is leaves that curl. While this can be caused by a number of different factors, the most common one is simply too much water. Over-watering your plant will cause the leaves to curl in an effort to prevent further water damage.
If you think you may be over- watering your plant, try cutting back on the amount of water you give it and see if the problem improves. Other potential causes of leaf curling include lack of humidity, insufficient light, and cold temperatures.
Yellow Leaves
Another common Monstera problem is yellowing leaves. While there are a number of possible causes for this issue, the most likely one is a lack of nutrients. If your plant is showing signs of yellowing, you should first check to see if it is getting enough sunlight and water. If both of these things are fine, then you may need to fertilize your plant. Yellow leaves can also be caused by too much direct sun, so if you think this might be the problem, try moving your plant to a shadier spot.
There are a lot of reasons for your plant’s leaves to turn yellow, so pay close attention to your plant as you make minor changes to try and rule out certain reasons. This will help you get closer to helping your plant get healthier.
Leaves Drooping
If your Monstera Spruceana’s leaves are drooping, it’s usually because of a lack of water. There are a few things you can do to help perk them up. First, check the plant’s soil to see if it needs watering. If the soil is dry, water the plant and wait a few hours to see if the leaves perk up.
If the leaves continue to droop, you may need to repot the plant in fresh, well-draining potting mix. Finally, make sure the plant is getting enough light – Monstera Spruceanas prefer bright, indirect light.
Leaves Turning Black or Brown
If you notice your Monstera Spruceana’s leaves turning black or brown, it’s important to take action immediately. There are a few possible causes of this problem, and each one requires a different solution.
One possibility is that the leaves are being burned by too much sun. If this is the case, simply move your plant to a location with less sunlight.
Another possibility is that the leaves are being damaged by pests. If you see any signs of pests on your plant, treat it with an appropriate insecticide. Usually neem oil will work against most common pests.
Finally, it’s also possible that the leaves are simply dying off due to old age. If this is the case, there’s not much you can do except wait for new growth to appear.
Pests
If you notice any pests on your Monstera Spruceana, it’s also important to take action immediately, as pests can kill your plant quickly. These pests can damage the leaves of your plant, and they can also spread diseases. Some common pests that attack Monstera plants include aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, and thrips.
To get rid of pests, you can use a variety of methods, including insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil. You can also try using natural predators, such as ladybugs or green lacewings. If you have a serious infestation, you may need to use chemical pesticides.
Thrips
If you have ever seen a plant with leaves that look like they have been nibbled on by a tiny animal, chances are it was damage caused by thrips. These small, slender insects are difficult to see with the naked eye, but they can cause big problems for your plants. Thrips feed on the sap of plants, and their feeding can cause leaves to become discolored or distorted. In severe cases, thrips can even kill a plant.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to control thrips. Start by keeping your plant clean and free of debris where these pests can hide. You can also use traps or pesticides to get rid of thrips. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully to avoid harming your plants. With a little care and attention, you can keep your plants healthy and free of these pesky insects.
Spider Mites
Spider mites can be a big problem for indoor plants – and Monstera Spruceana is no exception. These tiny pests are difficult to spot and can do a lot of damage before you even realize they’re there.
So what can you do to prevent or get rid of spider mites on your Monstera Spruceana? Here are a few tips:
- Check your plant carefully before bringing it home from the store or nursery. If you see any spider mites, don’t buy it!
- Keep an eye out for early signs of infestation, such as small yellow or brown spots on the leaves.
- If you do find spider mites, isolate the affected plant from your other plants to prevent the infestation from spreading.
- Use a strong stream of water to blast the spider mites off the plant. This won’t kill them, but it will knock them off so that you can physically remove them.
- Try using an organic insecticide or miticide. There are many products on the market specifically designed to kill spider mites.
Scale
If you have had a Monstera Spruceana before, then you might already know that this plant is notorious for its ability to attract and retain scale. Scale is a type of insect that feeds on the sap of plants, and can quickly weaken and kill a plant if left unchecked. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to get rid of scale on your Monstera Spruceana.
One method is to spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap. This will kill the scale insects outright. Another method is to place sticky traps around the plant. This will help to catch any scale insects that are crawling around looking for a meal.
If you have scale on your Monstera Spruceana, don’t despair! With a little effort, you can get rid of it and keep your plant healthy and happy.
Fungus Gnats
If you have noticed small, dark-colored insects flying around your plant, they’re likely fungus gnats. They don’t usually do any harm to the plant, but they can be a big nuisance.
Fungus gnats are attracted to damp conditions, so if you have them, it’s important to make sure that your plant is not being too watered. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. You can also try to reduce humidity in your home by opening windows or using a dehumidifier.
To get rid of fungus gnats, you can try sticky traps or nematodes. Sticky traps are placed near the plant and will trap the gnats as they fly by. Nematodes are tiny worms that kill fungus gnats and other pests. They are applied to the soil and then must be kept moist until they hatch.
Monstera Spruceana Care FAQ
Where can I find Monstera Spruceana for sale?
Sometimes you may be able to find them at your local plant nursery. If you do find them there, lucky you! Most of the time, you’ll need to order this plant because it isn’t one that is commonly available in plant nurseries or hardware/feed stores.
What is the price of a Monstera Spruceana plant?
Pricing depends on your local area and the size of the plant that you are buying. You should expect to spend anywhere from $50-$150 per plant. The more well-established the plant, the more expensive it will be. Shop around to find a seller that you trust and that has a good reputation to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
More Monstera Plant Resources
Monstera plant care is quite simple once you get the hang of it, but there is a bit of a learning curve. It helps to have the right informational resources, the right support system, and the right products to make your monstera growing experience the best it can be!
Check out these indispensable resources, products, and articles!
