The Monstera, placed in a corner of the house, not only improves the interior appearance but is also considered a symbol of prosperity. It is believed that the longer and denser the Monstera grows, the more prosperity comes into the home. However, many face a problem: despite all efforts, the plant stops growing, leaves turn yellow and drop, or growth completely halts.
If your Monstera looks wilted, is not producing new leaves, and the stem is not advancing, while the leaves are dull and yellowing, you do not necessarily need to spend money on expensive chemicals or visit nurseries. Your own kitchen has natural 'superfoods' capable of making a withered Monstera dense and shiny.
Tips for growing Monstera
There are several home remedies that can help the plant. Firstly, this is tea dregs. Instead of throwing away used tea leaves, they can be used to stimulate growth. When added to the soil in small quantities, tea dregs help the plant grow because they contain nutrients and organic components that improve soil quality.
To use them, the used leaves must be thoroughly washed with clean water to remove any milk or sugar residue, and then completely dried before mixing with the soil. It is important to avoid excessive or frequent application.
The second remedy is banana peels. They can be used to prepare a simple liquid fertilizer. Banana peels contain potassium and other minerals. Although the liquid from the peel is not a direct substitute for a complete fertilizer, it can be applied. To prepare the solution, cut 2-3 peels into small pieces and soak them in water for 24 hours. Then remove the peel and mix the resulting liquid with regular water for watering the plant, using moderation.
The third remedy is rice water. The water left after washing rice, or unsalted rice water, is also used in gardening. It contains starch and some nutrients, although it should not be considered a miracle growth accelerator. Rice water mixed with clean water can be periodically used to water the plant. If rice water is used, it must not contain salt, spices, or oil, and old or smelly water should not be stored for long, as it can lead to insects in the soil.
Important conditions for Monstera health
It must be remembered that applying these remedies alone does not guarantee Monstera growth. For good plant development, proper lighting, adequate watering, and well-draining soil are required. If these basic conditions are violated, no home methods will help.
The plant should be protected from intense direct sunlight, as strong sun can cause leaf burns. It is best to place the Monstera in a spot where direct rays of the sun do not fall, but where there is enough light. Constant soil moisture should also be avoided; before watering, check if the topsoil has dried out, as waterlogging can damage the roots. Finally, any yellowed, dry, or damaged leaves should be regularly removed with clean scissors to maintain the plant's cleanliness and focus energy on new growth.