Mini Monstera

Description

The Mini Monstera, like its Philodendron cousins in the Araceae family (commonly know as ‘Aroids’), is pretty easy to get along with.  To keep its leaves glossy and shiny, here’s what you need to know:

Watering

This plant is a moderate drinker and can handle moist soil conditions (like the Monstera and other Araceae).  It can, however, go for 2+ weeks without watering with the proper sub-irrigation system, but we suggest you check it weekly during the first 6-8 weeks after you get it and during hot summer months. See our watering guide for more information.

Light

Mini Monsteras thrive in medium to bright light, where the leaves will develop their characteristic heart shape and deep splits.  It can be sustained in low-light conditions, but it won’t do its leaf-split and climbing thing without good light.  Your best placement is near a window where the plant can get some sun light – east-, south- and west-facing windows are best.  Maintained as a floor plant (not allowing it to climb), it can easily be moved to and from a good light source.

Nutrition

Mini Monsteras likely will not need to be fed during the first 6 months after it has shipped. During this time, it will use the residual nutrients from nursery production. After 12 months, it can be fed quarterly with a complete fertilizer formulated for interior plants. If your Monstera is positioned on a porch in the south, it may need supplemental nutrition sooner than 12 months. Our Dyna-Gro plant fertilizer is a good companion to get with this plant.

Cleaning

With its smaller leaves, it’s still to clean. Simply wiping the leaves with a wet cloth usually does the trick. For spots where something else (besides dust) has landed on your plant, use a mild soapy solution to wet the cloth; then wipe.

Pruning/Training

Your Mini Monstera will already be “trained” on its totem.  To keep it growing “up” it will use its aerial roots and continue to climb.  New growth that emerges from the base of the plant should be physically attached to the totem with practically anything that will cause it to have contact with the totem.  Nursery tape, Zip ties, and even bread bag ties will work – just try to make it as inconspicuous as possible as not to detract from the overall aesthetic appeal.    Just remember, it will need good light to produce new and climbing growth.

Bugs

Hardly a worry here, the Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is not a big target for pests. Scale, mealy bugs, and mites sometimes jump on, but they’re easily controlled by wiping the infested area with a soapy solution. Keep a special eye out for spider mites though – they can do harm in pretty quick order.  It can take several intermittent cleanings to rid the plant of the pests.

Warning

Like other Aroids, the leaves and stems of the Mini Monstera are mildly toxic to animals (including humans), so do not ingest any part of the plant.  So, if you have a dog, cat, or horse, don’t let them ingest it.