Last weekend marked a significant life event for me as a plant owner: I finally bought myself a Monstera. There’s something special about this floor plant… it has caught my attention time and again. It might be those unique “swiss cheese” leaves. Or its deep, forestry green color. Whatever the reason, the allure of this unique plant led me to purchase one. I love it.

Contrary to some people’s first thought, this plant’s full name—monstera deliciosa—isn’t the name of a spell from Harry Potter. (You life-long HP fans would already know this, but hey, it’s me.) While there’s some debate as to why half the name means “monster”, it is clear that the epithet, deliciosa, is in reference to the delicious edible fruit it produces. Unfortunately, as an indoor floor plant, Monstera plants won’t create any fruit, though they will grow gloriously tall and lush. Here’s what you need to know to take care of these split-leaf beauties:

Light Level
Monstera plants are tropical, hailing from the dense, soggy rainforests of Central America. They’re actually vining plants that will make their way up trees to be closer to the light. In fact, it’s theorized that the holes that develop as leaves mature is to help light reach lower leaves living near the shaded forest floor. As the ornamental floor plant in your home, however, a Monstera will thrive in bright indirect sunlight. And you’ll still get to watch the “fenestration” process of these growing leaves. Be sure to occasionally wipe the dust off these large leaves to ensure proper photosynthesis.

Pro Tip: If your Monstera plant casts a shadow, it’s getting too much sun! Try moving it further from a window so it receives more indirect light.

Water Schedule
Monstera plants are tropical, but that doesn’t mean they prefer moist soil at all times. Wait until the first 1-2 inches of soil are dry to water your plant again. Then slowly pour clean water around the entire base of the plant until it begins draining out the bottom of the pot. Remove this excess water immediately to avoid root rot. Mostera plants also like humidity, so a daily misting is a great way to keep them happy, especially if you live in a dry climate.

Vining Support
In addition to their underground roots, Monstera plants also grow aerial roots designed to provide leverage when climbing trees. Without any support from a trellis or wooden climbing stick, your plant may grow sideways instead if up. If you’re noticing that your plant seems to be spreading out, install a support system and encourage the plant to grow upward by securing it gently with rubber twist ties. If this seems like too much trouble, you can always prune and propagate them!

I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly excited about my new “monster” plant. Has this plant been on your list? Do you already own one? I’d love to know your thoughts!

XO,
Micah

Watering indoor plants sounds simple enough, but if you’ve ever had a plant die on you, chances are it had to do with its watering schedule. If this is you, you’re certainly not alone in the struggle, especially if you’re new to houseplants. While there’s no single answer to the question “how do I water my indoor plants?”, there are a few golden rules that can help.

Pay attention to each plant’s growing instructions. The main reason why there isn’t one straightforward answer for watering is that plants, like all living things, are all unique. Each type requires a different level of sunlight, fertilization, and watering schedule. For example, snake plants will need less water, but more sunlight than philodendron. Begin by researching each of your plants. The resulting growing instructions will give you the best insight for watering indoor plants. Most likely, you won’t be able to follow a single watering schedule for all your plants!

Pro Tip: Apps like Florish and Vera remind you to water your plants (or help you wait if you’re used to over-watering). Simply upload photos of your plants, name them, and choose the proper watering schedule for each.

Routinely check on all of your plants. I usually fuss with my plants on a daily basis, but if you don’t have that luxury, try to visit all your plants at least once a week. Look for leaves that appear soft and droopy, are curling inwards, or are becoming yellow. This is often a sign that their either getting too much or too little water. A simple way to test this is with the soil. You’ll generally also be able to see immediately if the soil along the surface appears dry and crumbly (time to water!) or moist and dense. With your finger, check the soil’s water content by feeling the texture 1-2 inches below the surface. Wet soil this far below means you can wait a few more days before watering.

Provide a good soaking when it is time to water. Once you’ve noticed that the soil appears dry and feels the same a few inches below the surface, it’s time to water your plant! Simply dribbling a few tablespoons of water won’t be enough, however. Be generous with the amount of water you give your plants. Be sure to water the entire surface of the soil so the water can soak evenly and wait until water is seeping through the drainage hole to cease. It’s okay to leave excess water in the saucer, but if it is still there after about 10 minutes, remove what’s left to avoid your plant’s roots rotting.

Pro Tip: Room temperature water is the best for watering indoor plants as extreme temperatures can harm the roots. Additionally, most can thrive with chlorinated or unfiltered tap water. Filling a watering can from the tap and letting it sit overnight will also help chlorine and fluoride dissipate.

How to save an over-watered houseplant. Not all plants suffering from an abundance of water can be saved, but it’s always worth a try! Waterlogged soil and root rot is almost always the result of over-watering, which can become much more damaging if the plant’s pot has no drainage hole. Too much water in the soil hinders oxygen from reaching the roots, effectively drowning your plant slowly. Yikes! First, remove the plant from the pot, brush off excess soil, and gently rinse the roots. Any roots affected by over-watering will be brown and mushy, while healthy roots will be white. Trim the unhealthy roots with pruning shears. If a significant amount of roots must be removed, you may also want to remove 1/3 – 1/2 of the leaves or vines. This can help your plant recover faster as it doesn’t need to provide as much nutrients as before. Then, with new soil, repot your plant in a pot with proper drainage. Be sure to monitor your plants recovery and hopefully, with a little extra attention, it will be healthy and thriving again!

Still think you don’t have much of a green thumb? Watering indoor plants properly can be tricky in the beginning. However, the more you practice these proper watering techniques, the easier it will become! Have you mastered watering? Or are you still figuring it out? I’d love to know!

XO,
Micah

Mammy Croton. Such an outer space-like name doesn’t immediately have me envisioning the bright and tropical plant pictured above. Despite its unfortunate name, Mammy Croton plants are a much-loved shrub of southern states and can be found making a statement in all-green landscapes.

I was gifted one of these exotic plants for my birthday, and have since enjoyed studying its twirling, rubbery leaves and unique color patterns. Since many of the plants in my home are green, I’m glad for the tropical touch this plant brings to my ever growing collection of greenery.

Want a Croton for yourself? Follow these easy care instructions to keep your new plant happy:

Consider the Climate
Mammy Croton plants enjoy a more tropical climate. They thrive in humid conditions and don’t mind being outdoors in sultry conditions. It’s no wonder this sun-loving plant is a popular choice for southern landscaping. While you can grow these plants in northern states, it’s best to keep them in pots. That way, you can bring them indoors when temperatures fall below freezing. Just remember to place them where they can receive as much bright light as possible during the winter months.

Water with Care
Though Mammy Croton plants are tropical by nature, they can tolerate drought conditions when it comes to watering. They prefer that their dirt dries out fully between waterings. Like most plants, Crotons should never sit in wet soil or soil that has been dry for a long period of time. If leaves begin falling off, it’s most likely because the soil is either too wet or too dry.

If you buy one of these fun tropical plants, be sure to follow these basic guidelines for keeping it healthy and happy. You’ll be able to enjoy their vibrant colors for years to come.

XO,
Micah