\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Pruning long stems is the best and only way to keep a Monstera fuller and more compact. A major sign of dying leaves is curling and wilting. Find a stem with a couple of nodes (where the roots will grow). A place exposed to bright but filtered, indirect light is recommended. Treat the problems immediately and provide the plant with all its basic growth requirements. Here, a caregiver may have a view of the lovely Monstera leaves all the time. Monsteras are resilient plants and trimming the roots would not hurt the plant if done correctly. 1 Life Cycle of a Monstera Leaf; 2 Why isn't my Monstera plant growing any new leaves?. Exposure to calcium oxalates can cause rashes and skin allergies. Cut the branches at the base of the main stem. As long as you change out the water frequently, it will last two or three weeks. Trimming the roots is optional as it is not required every year. If your Monstera has grown enormously and has taken over a lot of space, pruning it can be slightly difficult. Retaining 1" (25 mm) or more is easy if you have a mature Monstera that has grown sufficiently tall. Leaves If it doesn't naturally split, the problem may be insufficient sunlight. A fully-grown Monstera has large leaves with fenestrations and splits. Do not trim the entire length as the plant might go into root shock. Sunlight has much to do with a Monstera plants growth. Create new plants with propagation. Cutting off underground and aerial roots are helpful ways to. As long as you are taking good care of it by providing it with fresh water and plenty of light the cutting should start to develop roots within about 2 - 3 weeks. Steps for rooting in LECA. Nearly all plants benefit from periodic pruning. While Monstera species follow their natural growth course in the wild, they can frustrate you indoors. A three to four-year-old full-grown adult Monstera will have large foliage with splits and fenestrations. Typically, a Monstera leaf takes four to six weeks to unfurl. Don't worry! Because of their size, Monsteras are usually found outside. It can cause stunted growth. When you prune a Monstera, the plant restores its natural photosynthesis cycle to ensure producing glucose and other nutrients. Unlike other types of Monstera, the new leaves will take several weeks to unfurl. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. Pruning at the right time can affect the health of your plant positively. It is essential to use the right plant food as the wrong kind could damage the plant. Monstera Leaves Turning Yellow: Save Before It's Too Late, Thrips On Monstera: Causes, Identification & Treatment, 10 Low-Maintenance Vegetables You Can Grow Easily, 17 Tips For Tidying Up A Fall Garden (Must-Do Chores), Why Fall Is The Best Time To Plant Onions, The Benefits Of Homemade Compost (And How To Make It), Monstera Leaves Turning Yellow: Save Before Its Too Late. Remove the overgrown vine from the plant to achieve a refined shape. Pruning helps to keep it from growing wild. Observe your plant and keep an eye out for any pests, infections, and diseases. These plants require sunlight to develop and grow correctly. that has its roots coming out of the drainage holes, trim its roots. Monstera Laniata vs. Lechleriana: Key Similarities and Differences Explained, Heart-Leaf Philodendron vs. Monstera: Key Differences and Similarities, How to Prune Monstera Plants the RIGHT Way (Dont Make These Mistakes). Like most plant species, the growth of Monstera depends on external conditions. Cut off dead Monstera leaves that have turned yellow or brown and wilted. If you want your cut monstera leaves to last as long as possible, it is best to store them in water. Mature lilac leaves and several varieties of oak leaves last quite well due to their woody stems that retain water and delay wilting. If you cannot spot the node, choose a leaf and go all the way down to the spot where it meets the main stem. This variation grows nearly half in size of the typical tropical plant. Propagation in water is simple too. Making clean cuts of specific leaves saves you from damaging neighboring areas. Cold damage on a new Monstera deliciosa leaf before it has unfurled. If you can't pull the plant out, turn the pot on its side and cut the roots that are sticking out of the holes. Typically, people prefer Monstera over other plant species due to its attractive leaves. The goal here is to grow roots, so you can plant it in soil after 2-3 months. Each leaf can grow to be very large. When taking plant cuttings, choosing the ideal stem for cutting is the first step to propagating a monstera. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Since the sap is toxic, trim your monstera deliciosa away from children or pets. If you wonder how you can control the growth of your Monstera leaves, we have covered a few ways below to help you. If you've provided the perfect environment as well as proper monstera care, the new leaf may unfurl at a quicker rate, like under a week, depending on how old it is and what kind of monstera plant it is. The Monstera is a tropical plant known for its height and perforated leaves. You can place it in a distant space to ensure slower growth. Choose the perfect stem. Top Causes and Solutions, How to Keep Cat Away from Monstera: Effective Tips and Techniques, Why Are My Monstera Leaves Folding? Leaving it unchecked may result in a dead plant. My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. (EXPLAINED), How to Get Big Monstera Leaves? Not changing the water will result in moldy liquid and a shortened lifespan for your leaves. (ANSWERED), Monstera Adansonii vs. Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma (Key Differences), How to Make Moss Pole for Monstera: A Step-by-Step Guide, How to Eat Monstera Fruit: A Simple Guide for First-Timers, How to Shine Monstera Leaves: Expert Tips for a Healthy Plant, When to Replant a Monstera: Timing and Tips for Success, How to Make Mini Monstera Bushier: Expert Tips and Techniques, Why Are My Monstera Aerial Roots Shriveling? Trim them nearest to the node or stem. However, there is no guarantee that Monsteras new leaves will regrow in the same position from where the older leaves were lost. If you wish to trim the plant to maintain its shape and size, cut above the node. Key Causes & Solutions, How to Mist Monstera: Expert Tips for Optimal Plant Care, Why Are My Monstera Leaves Drooping? Place the cuttings in the soil and firmly cover the soil around the nodes. To prune your Monstera plant roots, take them out of the pot and examine the main root. It can take one to three years for it to develop fenestrations. Monstera plants can live for a very long time, and certainly upward of 40 years if they are kept in good conditions. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Sometimes, you may need to boost Monstera propagation with stem cuttings. (Nine Reasons & How to Fix), Why Is Monstera Albo So Expensive? Avoid pruning the plant in the winter months. Regardless of your Monstera type, you can prune it during early spring to encourage healthy growth. If you have an overgrown Monstera Deliciosa that has its roots coming out of the drainage holes, trim its roots. It will be less likely to be infected. If you notice your plant drying up or dulling, you may move it closer to the light source to avoid root rot. Are there other ways you've had luck propagating your Monstera? Before trimming your Monstera, plan and decide the cuts that you will be making. It's important to take a cutting that includes the node or the cutting won't grow roots. Throw these cuttings into the trash since they can take root and grow in your compost pile. On the contrary, low light or darker spaces slow down the plants growth. One way to avoid this issue is by not changing the plants location. If it struggles to grow a new leaf, you may increase the quantity moderately to avoid forcing it into the dormant period. Cutting your Monsteras damaged or yellowing leaves can help you achieve various goals.