Your Monstera likely isn’t growing big leaves because of improper light and/or temperature conditions. It’s essential to provide your Monstera with the right balance of sunlight and shade, as too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to become sunburnt or dried out.
Additionally, the ideal temperature range for a Monstera is between 65–85°F (18–29°C). Temperatures outside of this range can cause stress on your plant, and stunt leaf growth. Additionally, make sure your Monstera is planted in well-draining potting soil, and is receiving adequate water.
Ensure you’re not watering your Monstera too much, or too little. If you’re not sure how much to water, it’s best to let the top inch of soil dry out between each watering. Fertilizer can be an excellent supplement for Monstera, but be sure to use it sparingly.
Too much fertilizer can cause salt buildup in the soil, which can affect the growth of the foliage.
How do I increase my Monstera leaf size?
If you have a Monstera plant, you can increase the size of the leaves simply by providing your plant with the appropriate growing conditions. First, make sure your plant is getting enough light. Monstera plants require bright, indirect sunlight, so choose a spot near a window where your plant will receive indirect light.
If you live in a darker climate, you can supplement natural light with a grow light.
Second, your Monstera will need adequate water. Water your plant deeply but infrequently, and make sure the soil is slightly moist but not bone dry. Signs of overwatering include yellow leaves and root rot, so pay attention to how your plant is responding and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Third, make sure your plant is in a well-draining potting soil that’s rich in organic matter. A mix of equal parts compost and perlite, as well as a touch of sand, will help ensure proper drainage and soil aeration.
Finally, fertilizing your plant regularly is key to keeping your Monstera healthy and encouraging new growth. Fertilize monthly or quarterly depending on the season, and use a balanced liquid fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 formulation at one-quarter of the recommended dosage.
Your Monstera leaves should begin to increase in size if you follow the tips outlined above. Additionally, make sure to keep your plant pruned of dead leaves, stems, and other debris, as this can help prevent disease and encourage new growth.
Why are my plants new leaves smaller?
The size of your plants new leaves can vary for different reasons. Generally, the most common explanation is that the plant’s roots may not be receiving sufficient water and nutrients to sustain the growth of its leaves.
Additionally, if the plant is exposed to too much sunlight or heat, this can cause the leaves to grow smaller due to lack of energy and dehydration.
Environmental stresses such as pest infestation, diseases, or temperatures outside of the plants optimal range can also cause smaller leaves as the plant may be struggling to cope. If your soil doesn’t have enough essential nutrients, these will need to be replenished in order for the leaves to grow back to a normal size.
Finally, it is important to consider the age of the plant. Young plants will naturally have smaller leaves since they are still establishing their root system and taking in nutrients from their environment.
Overall, the best way to ensure that your plant’s new leaves are growing in their optimal size is to provide their roots with adequate water and nutrients, protect them from environmental stresses, and give them appropriate amount of sunlight, heat, and moisture.
Why is my mini Monstera leaves getting smaller?
The size of your mini Monstera leaves could be shrinking for a few different reasons. The most common reason for smaller leaves on a Monstera plant is due to lack of light. Monsteras are tropical plants that thrive in bright, indirect light and require at least 12 hours of light exposure per day.
If your plant is not receiving enough light, it will struggle to thrive, resulting in smaller leaves and slower growth. Additionally, the amount of water you are providing your mini Monstera may be too much or too little.
Too much water can lead to root rot, while too little water can cause the leaves to become dry, brittle and smaller. Lastly, the temperature of your home could also be impacting the size of your mini Monstera leaves.
Monsteras prefer temperatures between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit and do not tolerate sudden temperature changes well. If the temperature is too low or too high, the leaves can suffer.
To prevent your mini Monstera leaves from getting smaller, make sure it is placed in a location that receives plenty of indirect light throughout the day, is not overwatered and the temperature remains consistent.
If you are unable to provide the ideal environment for your plant, you may need to consider re-potting with a larger pot to give the plant more room to grow.
Should I cut small leaves off Monstera?
Yes, you should cut small leaves off Monstera. This will help promote healthy growth and encourage new growth. When removing small leaves, make sure to cut at the base of the leaf leave (close to the stem) with a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears.
This will help keep the Monstera looking neat and tidy as well as promoting better air circulation. Additionally, cutting off small leaves will reduce the risk of disease and infestation which can easily spread between larger areas of plant material.
Apart from cutting small leaves, you may also want to consider cutting off any brown and unhealthy leaves as these can be indicative of rot or fungal issues. Removing the affected foliage will stop the disease from spreading and allow the plant to start to recover.
Additionally, if you notice any dry, yellowing, or discolored patches on the leaves, it is important to prune those sections too. This will help prevent further damage and will ensure that the Monstera is as healthy as possible.
Do Monstera leaves grow bigger after unfurling?
Yes! Monstera leaves do grow bigger after unfurling from their smaller, circular structures. When Monstera leaves first form, they start off as little fiddlehead fronds, which grow in a tight, spindly curled shape.
As the foliage matures, they will unfurl and spread out, producing larger, lush green leaves. The veins in the largest Monstera leaves will become more defined and pronounced as they live out their full lifespans.
On average, Monstera leaves can grow up to three feet long and two feet wide, although some varietals may be slightly larger or smaller.
How often do Monsteras grow new leaves?
Monsteras can grow new leaves depending on the variety of plant, the location the plant is placed in, the care provided to the plant, and its general growing cycle. Monstera varieties can usually grow new leaves from once every few weeks to a few months.
On average, Monsteras tend to produce new leaves about a couple of times a year. However, this can change as the Monstera matures and gets bigger. Some Monsteras can take 3-4 months to produce a new leaf, and others have been seen to produce new leaves every month or two.
In general, the bigger the pot, the better the soil, and the more light and humid environment, the more likely the Monstera will produce new leaves on a regular basis.
How often should I water Monstera?
Monsteras like to remain consistently moist, but not soggy. To keep your Monstera healthy and hydrated, you’ll want to water it every 7-10 days. Water Monstera only when the soil has become almost completely dry—you can check this by sticking your finger into the top inch of the soil.
Don’t water the leaves and avoid getting water on the stems. Additionally, it’s important to water your Monstera with room-temperature distilled water or rainwater, as tap water may contain too much salt or minerals that can be harmful to your plant.
How do I get a bigger leaf in Monstera Adansonii?
In order to get bigger leaves on a Monstera Adansonii, you’ll need to ensure that your plant receives optimal light, water, and fertilizer. Light is essential for your plant’s health; Monstera Adansonii likes a spot that’s bright and indirect, with plenty of humidity for best growth.
You may want to consider investing in a humidifier for your home to maintain a stable level of 40%-50% humidity for your plant.
For water, drench your plant to ensure it’s getting enough water and allow the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. If your soil is constantly wet, it can lead to root rot and other issues. Fertilize your plant at least every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced, 20-20-20 fertilizer to give them an extra boost of nutrition.
Finally, Monstera Adansonii is a vine-like plant, so providing it with a trellis or moss pole can give it the support it needs to grow up and promote bigger leaf growth. Or, you can consider pruning your plant to help it produce larger leaves.
Be sure to prune it no more than 1/3 of the stem, and use sharp, sterilized shears or scissors to avoid any damage.
Overall, with the right care and conditions, your Monstera Adansonii should grow larger and healthier leaves.
How do you trim small Monstera leaves?
Trimming small Monstera leaves is a great way to encourage the plant to grow in a fuller, bushier shape. To trim, take a sharp pair of scissors and snip off the end of the small leaf about ¼ inch from the soil.
Be sure to use clean scissors to prevent any diseases from transferring to the plant. As you trim the small leaves, the plant will form more nodes (where leaves and aerial roots come out) resulting in a fuller and bushier plant.
It’s important to note that trimming doesn’t increase the size of the leaves, so as the leaves grow, they will maintain the same size. Trimming should be done sparingly – no more than once a month – and should only be done on small leaves as trimming large leaves may cause the plant to suffer.
How do you know if your Monstera is happy?
If your Monstera is happy, you should see consistent healthy growth. There will be no brown spots and yellowing on the leaves, and they should be bright and vibrant in color. The leaves and shoots should be upright and symmetrical, with the central stem not appearing too weak or floppy.
The aerial roots should have a light tan tone, and should have some white roots poking out at the bottom. Another sign that your Monstera is happy is that it produces occasional splits or fenestrations in the leaves.
If your Monstera is not happy, there may be droopy and discolored leaves and shoots that are weak and curved. The aerial roots may have a black or yellowish tint, and the roots at the bottom may be brown or not visible at all.
Why is my monstera shrinking?
Seeing your Monstera shrub start to shrink can be a worrying sight, but it’s actually quite common for Monsteras to do this. It could be caused by a variety of factors, primarily environmental or due to improper care.
First off, insufficient lighting can cause your Monstera to shrink. Though Monsteras thrive in bright, indirect light, not enough light can cause the leaves to shrink, discolor, and even drop off. Consider positioning your Monstera closer to a window or investing in a grow light to provide the best environment for it.
Water might also be to blame; improper watering is the leading cause of larger problems with Monsteras. Ensure that your Monstera is planted in a well-draining pot with soil that retains some moisture without becoming soggy.
Water when the top inch of soil has become fairly dry, and apply enough water to moisten the entire soil and root system. Monsteras with too much water will likely start to shrink in size.
Pests and nutrient deficiencies can also cause your Monstera to shrink. Spider mites, whiteflies, scale, and mealybugs are the leading pests that attack Monsteras. Check the underside of the leaves for any spider webs or bugs, and if you see any, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat them.
If you don’t catch the pests early on, it could cause the Monstera to not produce new growth and begin to shrink. If a nutrient deficiency is causing your Monstera’s shrinking, you can apply an all-purpose fertilizer according to the directions.
No matter the cause of your Monstera’s shrinking, it’s important to identify the cause and make the necessary adjustments as soon as possible to prevent further decline. With proper care and attention, your prized Monstera should rebound and continue to thrive.
How do you encourage new growth in Monstera?
To encourage new growth in Monstera you should provide the plant with the best care and environment possible. This includes providing the Monstera with plenty of bright, indirect light, as well as the right temperatures and humidity levels.
In addition to this, you should also water your Monstera regularly and sufficiently in order to promote new growth. Additionally, you should also ensure that the soil of your Monstera is rich in nutrients and well-draining, as this will help to promote new growth.
Furthermore, you should occasionally add a balanced fertilizer to the soil of your Monstera in order to provide it with any additional nutrients that it may need to thrive and generate new growth. Finally, you should repot your Monstera every two to three years to check the soil health, aerate the roots, as well as provide the plant with some new soil and a larger pot, as this will encourage healthy and sustained growth in Monstera.
How do you prune Monstera to encourage growth?
Pruning is an important step when caring for Monstera plants to promote healthy new growth. Pruning should take place during the plant’s active growing season, usually from the start of Spring to late Summer.
The pruning process involves removing any overgrown or damaged stems, leaves, and aerial roots. Start by examining the plant for yellow, discoloured, or otherwise unhealthy foliage. Carefully cut off the leaves at their base, making sure not to damage any healthy growth.
Pruning should also be done to maintain the size and shape of Monstera. To do this, cut off any overreaching vines that are crowding the rest of the plant.
It’s important to use the right tools when pruning a Monstera. Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears work best since they will cause less damage to the plant. Also, be sure to sanitize your cutting tools before and after pruning.
It’s also important to take cuttings as you prune and use them to propagate new plants. This is a great way to get more Monstera plants and share them with family and friends.
Once pruning is complete, give the plant a watering, then adjust the amount of light, temperature, and humidity as necessary. Regular inspection and pruning of Monstera will keep the plant healthy and promote further growth.