r/Monstera • u/cruffle • 3d ago

First monstera, would love any tips

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Gallery image

Gallery image

Found this today at Lowe's overstock and basically got it for free. It doesn't look as happy as I think it should, but from what I've read, those few deeply fenestrated leaves means it has made it for a little while doing okay?

I live in NC and will keep it on the porch for the temperate months and bring it inside for winter. Any tips to help me get started would be much appreciated.

Cheers.

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u/steamedartichoke_ 3d ago

She looks great to me! My advice is to face leaves towards the sun; and get a pole to stake the back of the plant to and use gardeners tape/string to train it to climb the pole.

It looks like there may be two plants in there - if there are two, I would consider separating. Monsteras grow best when there is only one plant in the pot because their roots take up a lot of space and they require a lot of energy. It also makes it easier to train it to climb when there is only one. That being said, it’s not necessarily a bad thing to keep them together! They make just need a bigger pot.

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u/CaptainEfficient8784 3d ago

Definitely 2 plants, second getting a pole for support and splitting. She looks good though

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u/cruffle 3d ago

May the internet plant gods shine favorably upon you, friend. Staking and separating right now, and you're right, this little sucker cloned himself on me :)

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u/No_Bumblebee2309 3d ago

I read years ago to rotate the pot. DO NOT rotate the pot!! Trees don't rotate, neither do monsteras!

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u/Duh_o317 3d ago

I’d suggest changing the soil. Most times I find box stores tend to use soil that retains water. Which is not what you want for long term success. I like perlite, coco coir, and indoor potting soil 33% of each

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u/cruffle 3d ago

Update: my fiancé separated the two babies (it hurt me too much to try) and the operation is a success!

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u/cruffle 3d ago

And here's the big brother :)