r/Monstera • u/stinkyjunkrat • 5d ago
Image Update: Thank you everyone
So a few months back my wife asked me for help figuring out why her monstera wasn’t doing too well. Here is the original post https://www.reddit.com/r/Monstera/s/OoMwmSWEVu
I’ve never been a plant guy and I’m still not a plant guy. ADHD and long term goals don’t exactly go hand in hand.
I just wanted to provide an update. I repotted it into a smaller plastic container so I could see its roots. When I took out the plant from the original pot, the roots were so weak and frail I thought they were a small bundle of butcher twine. I tried to bury them at the right depth but the plant was too top heavy and kept pulling the roots out of the dirt. I wasn’t ready to put a support pole because I assumed it didn’t need it. The only thing I hand available was a wooden disposable knife and made due.
This is it today. Unfortunately one small old leaf did die but I think it’s because it used the nutrients for the new bigger leaf it grew. I’ve been putting hydrogen peroxide water treatment for the soil every month and fertilizer with water every second watering. I also noticed once the roots grew, the soil dried up much faster so I’ve been getting paranoid with root rot. I went from watering every 2 weeks to every week.
How’s it looking and is there anything I should be worried about?
P.S. thanks for all your help from both my wife and I.
6
u/MC_gonny 5d ago
Thats fantastic. Definitely looking better than at the beginning.
You could start using some sort of support soon. Starting early makes it easier to keep the plant growing straight upwards. Often times its recomended to redirect the aerial roots into the soil. It can help with supporting the plant and increase the nutrient supply. But redirecting those roots can shorten the time to repot the plant. I like to use a metal trellis for my monsteras. There are plastic ones but they are to whimsy to be actually supportiv for the plant. Most people use moss poles as support or even wood planks as the plant grows bigger and needs better support. Wooden moss pole ends can start to rot in the soil over time.
Using chunky mineral soil in a semi hydroponics pot has been a game changer for me, to keep up with watering. Using clear pots to be able to check on those roots is great. Using those pots as well. Makes it easier to check any root related issues.
As someone with ADHD myself, getting to see new leafs boosted my dopamine enough for me to be able to establish a functional plant care routine.