From seedling to maturity, it’s important to know what your plant needs every step of the way in order to ensure it grows healthy and strong! Let’s explore the five monstera growth stages and explain each stage in-depth. We’ll also cover tips on how to keep your precious monstera thriving so you can enjoy its beauty all year round!
Table of Contents
What Are The Growing Stages Of A Monstera
A Monstera’s growth stages can be divided into five distinct phases: germination, seedling, juvenile plant, mature plant, and fenestration of the leaves, which signify a fully mature and thriving plant. Let’s take a closer look at each of these stages.
1. Germination
One of the most exciting parts of growing a Monstera is watching it germinate. Germination is the process by which a plant emerges from a seed. It’s amazing to see a tiny seed transform into a large, leafy plant over the course of just a few weeks.
To encourage fast germination,start with fresh, high-quality seeds. The best way to find these is from a reputable dealer. Once you have your seeds, soak them in lukewarm water for 24 hours before planting.
Next, fill a planting container with well-draining potting mix and make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom of your container. Sow your soaked seeds on the surface of the potting mix and then lightly cover them with more mix. Water the soil until it is evenly moist and then place the container in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy and wait for your seeds to sprout! This can take anywhere from 7-21 days, so be patient.
2. Seedlings
Once your seedlings have emerged, thin them out so that each one has its own space to grow. Seedlings are small, fragile plants that need extra care and attention. Here are some tips for caring for your Monsteras during this stage:
– Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Water when the top half-inch of soil is dry.
– Place the plant in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight.
– Keep the temperature warm, around 68-78 degrees Fahrenheit.
In just a few weeks, your plant will officially be considered a juvenile plant, and while it still needs some special attention, it isn’t as fragile as a seedling anymore.
3. Juvenile
When your Monstera is a juvenile, it will begin to produce small, oval-shaped leaves. The leaves will be a bright green color and they will be arranged in a symmetrical pattern on the stem. There will be no holes or slits in the leaves at this stage.
As the plant grows and matures, the leaves will become larger and more irregular in shape. The edges of the leaves will start to curl upwards. Different varieties of Monsteras will have slightly different growth rates, but overall, when your plant reaches one year from emerging as a seedling, it’s nearly mature.
4. Mature
As your Monstera ages, it will continue to produce new leaves, but the rate of growth will slow down. The size and shape of the leaves will also change; they will become larger and more deeply lobed.
Once your plant reaches maturity, it will produce aerial roots and begin to climb. If you don’t provide support for it to climb on, the weight of the leaves may cause the stem to bend or break. Giving your plant either a moss pole or a trellis to climb will ensure your Monstera stays healthy without any breaks in the stems.
5. Fenestration
As its name suggests, the Monstera leaf has large holes, or fenestrations, that allow light to filter through. The plant will begin producing fenestrations anywhere from 6 months old up to a year old, and as long as the plant is healthy and receiving enough light, it will continue to produce fenestrated leaves for the remainder of its life.
Your plant will continue to develop these fenestrations as it grows, eventually leading to leaves that are almost entirely see-through. This feature is what gives the plant its nickname, the Swiss cheese plant.
If it seems like it’s taking your Monstera a long time to produce fenestrations, stay patient, and make sure your plant is getting everything it needs to thrive. Ensuring your plant is getting enough natural light, water, and fertilizer will give your plant everything it needs to begin producing fenestrated leaves.
Caring For Monstera Through Each Phase
It is important to properly care for your Monstera at each stage of its growth in order to ensure a long and healthy life. Here are some tips on caring for your Monstera through each phase of its growth:
During the Seedling Phase:
-Keep the soil moist, but not soggy
-Place the plant in an area with bright, indirect sunlight
-Dilute your Monstera Plant Food by half until the plant reaches the adult stage.
During the Juvenile Phase:
-As the plant grows, gradually increase watering frequency. Only water when the top inch of soil is dry
-Keep the plant in an area with bright, indirect sunlight
-Continue diluting your monstera plant food by half at each watering
-Start gently shaping the plant as it begins to climb by attaching it to a moss pole or trellis
During the Adult Phase:
-Water about every 7 days or when the top 2 inches of soil are dry
-Keep the plant in an area with bright, indirect sunlight. It may require more light now that it is a fully grown plant. Keep an eye on it and look for signs that it is not getting enough light.
-Use your Monstera Plant Food at regular strength, following the directions on the packaging.
-Continue shaping the plant as desired
When the plant begins to grow fenestrated leaves:
-Continue providing regular care and maintenance of your Monstera plant
-Ensure new leaves that have not yet opened up do not get any moisture in the leaf coil – this could lead to black spots on your leaf.
FAQ Monstera Growth Stages
How fast do monstera grow new leaves?
As with most houseplants, the speed at which a monstera grows new leaves depends on several factors, including the type of potting mix used, the amount of light and water it receives, and the time of year. In general, though, monsteras can be expected to produce one or two new leaves per month, and can gain two feet or more in vertical or outward growth, depending on the specific variety it is.
Can I make my Monstera grow faster?
Yes, you can make your Monstera grow faster by following a few simple tips. First, make sure your monstera is in the right soil. This will give it the right ratio of water and aeration, as well as most of the nutrients your plant will need to thrive. Next, give your plant plenty of bright, indirect light. You’ll also want to water your Monstera regularly and evenly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Finally, fertilize your plant using an Monstera plant food specially formulated for Monstera plants. Following these steps will give your plant every opportunity to grow as quickly as possible.
More Monstera Resources
Check out our other free resources to become a monstera plant care expert!
Leave A Comment