Are you a fan of philodendrons? Have you ever had trouble telling different species apart, like Monstera Dilacerata? This plant is often confused with Monstera Pinnapartitum, Rhaphidophora decursiva, and Monstera Deliciosa. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you with a handy guide to identify and care for them all.
Exciting News for Plant Enthusiasts
No matter which species you have, they all have similar characteristics. These tropical epiphytes, part of the aroid family, have similar care needs. If you want a lush tropical vibe in your garden, these plants are a fantastic choice.
Simple Care Tips for Monstera Dilacerata
Soil Needs
To make Monstera Dilacerata feel right at home, try to recreate its natural habitat. As an epiphyte, it grows on trees instead of in soil. It gets nutrients from the air, organic debris, or animal droppings. So, go for soil rich in organic matter.
Mix in mulch, compost, and shredded bark. Add some organic animal manure for nutrients. Aim for a mix of 50% organic and 50% sandy, well-draining soil with perlite. This mix should keep moisture in. But, it should also let excess water drain out. This drainage prevents root rot, a common issue in dense soil.
Lighting
In the wild, Monstera Dilacerata seeks out brighter light as it climbs. To mimic this, place your plant in a shaded spot to avoid scorching its leaves with direct sunlight. Indoors, any spot near a window without direct sun is perfect. For outdoor planting, consider spots facing north or northeast.
Too little light can lead to sparse, slow leaf growth, losing those cool gaps and holes. The best bet is bright, indirect light.
Watering
Keep the soil moist but not soaked for healthy growth. How often you water depends on factors. These include temperature, humidity, light, and plant size. Normally, mature plants do well with a good, regular watering once a week. Adjust as needed; if the leaves turn yellow, you might be watering too much.
Plants grow outdoors on walls or trees. Elevated sites with brick walls around the base work well. They have good drainage and allow easy soil replacement.
Temperature & Humidity
Monstera Dilacerata likes it at 18 to 27°C, with a least of 10°C. If you’re in a colder area, you should grow it indoors. Below 10°C, growth stops, and frost can harm young plants.
While this plant prefers moderate to high humidity, it can handle average levels. You can boost humidity by misting the leaves or using a humidifier. Grouping plants together creates a nice, humid spot, perfect for these epiphytes. If you have the space, a bright bathroom is a good place to grow them.
Fertilization
Even in rich soil, Monstera Dilacerata enjoys a little extra food for lush leaves. Try a balanced 20-20-20 or 20-10-10 fertilizer. Just don’t overdo it to avoid salt build-up.
Growing & Propagation
Cuttings from stems or shoots are popular for making more Monstera Dilacerata plants. They root in soil or water. Air layering is another easy method.
Outdoors on walls or trees, this plant can create a stunning tropical look. Indoors, a tall moss pole offers great support. Regular pruning keeps things tidy and encourages bushy growth. Repot every couple of years for stability and growth.
Easy Monstera Dilacerata Propagation Steps
1. Stem Cuttings
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Pick a mature shoot from the parent plant with visible aerial roots.
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Use clean shears to cut a shoot with at least two leaf nodes.
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Trim off lower leaves near the cut node.
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Prepare a pot with a mix of moss and perlite, kept moist but not too wet.
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Rooting hormone isn’t needed as these cuttings usually root well.
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Plant the cutting with at least one node buried in the soil and pat the soil down.
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Put the pot in a well-lit area away from direct sun.
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Keep the soil moist until roots form, usually in 1 – 2 weeks. Move to regular soil after about 8 weeks.
2. Water Propagation
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Follow steps 1 to 3 above.
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Use a jar with a wide mouth and enough depth to cover the node but keep the leaves out.
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To avoid root damage, pick a jar with a wide mouth.
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Place the cutting in the jar filled with clean water.
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Put in indirect sunlight and don’t disturb the cutting.
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New roots will grow from the submerged node in 1 – 2 weeks.
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After roots reach 3 to 5 cm, transfer the cutting to soil. Move to regular soil after 8 weeks.
3. Air Layering
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Select a long vine with 4 to 5 leaf nodes from a mature plant.
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Remove every other leaf to expose the nodes, but keep the end leaf.
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Loosen soil around the parent plant.
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Gently bend the vine into the soil.
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Secure the exposed nodes with hairpins.
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Cover with soil and water.
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Keep up regular Monstera Dilacerata care.
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Roots should form in about 2 weeks. Leave it alone for a while for better success.
Boosting Propagation Success
For the best chance at success with Monstera Dilacerata propagation, remember to:
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Start with healthy, disease-free parent plants.
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Use clean tools to avoid infections.
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Keep humidity and temperature right for rooting.
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Be patient and don’t disturb the cuttings too often.
Troubleshooting Common Monstera Dilacerata Problems
Wilting and Spots on Leaves and Stems:
Root and stem rot might happen due to strong winds or over-watering, harming the roots. To avoid this, shield the plant from wind. Also, adjust your watering to prevent over-watering.
All Leaves Turning Yellow:
Yellow leaves often signal over-watering. Check the soil. The soil is wet or has poor drainage. Or, the saucer is always full. You’re likely over-watering. Adjust your watering schedule and improve soil drainage to fix this.
Yellow Edges and Brown Spots on Leaves:
If you notice brown spots with yellow edges, they could be Anthracnose. This is a fungal disease that darkens over time. Trim affected leaves immediately and stop misting. Only water at the base to prevent spreading.
Dark Brown Spots with Yellow Edges:
Uniform spots with sticky fluid could be a bacterial leaf spot issue. Lower humidity, remove affected parts, and as a last resort, try chemical treatments.
Brown, Dry Edges on Leaves:
Dry, brown edges could mean under-watering or too much direct sun. Adjust your watering schedule and find a spot with bright, indirect light.
New Leaves Not Splitting:
Poor lighting might be the cause. Move your plant to a well-lit area, especially during the growing season. Aerial roots also help with leaf growth, so make sure your plant has something to climb.
Common Pests and Infections:
Monstera Dilacerata is pretty tough against pests. But, mealybugs and spider mites can still show up. You should use regular insecticidal soap and neem oil treatments. Apply them about once a month. They work well for control.
To keep pests away, wash the leaves when you water and wipe them dry. This routine helps control pests and keeps your plant looking shiny and clean.
For healthy growth, remove dead leaves. Feed your plant with sterile, organic fertilizer to avoid bacterial or fungal infections.
Keeping Monstera Dilacerata Trouble-Free Tips:
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Give your plant bright, indirect light.
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Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
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Let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
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Use animal manure in the soil mix and feed with nitrogen-rich fertilizers.
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Maintain good room temperatures for growth.
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Group plants together to regulate humidity.
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Offer climbing surfaces like moss poles, sticks, or trees. Monstera roots won’t harm walls or surfaces.
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Rotate the pot for even sunlight exposure.
Questions About Monstera Dilacerata Answered
How to Tell Monstera Dilacerata Apart?
Dilacerata doesn’t have the tiny needle-like holes along the petiole like Epipremnum Pinnatum. Young Dilacerata plants look a lot like Monstera Pinnapartitum. But, they grow bigger leaves in the end. Dilacerata climbs more on walls or trees. This is unlike M. Pinnapartitum’s compact crown shape.
Can Monstera Dilacerata Live in Water?
Yes, it can root in water and stay there for a bit, but it needs something to climb to grow well.
How to Make Monstera Dilacerata Look Full?
This plant tends to grow tall with age and doesn’t branch out much. Planting several cuttings in one pot can make it look fuller. Regular feeding also helps grow a healthy plant. When you train it to climb, it tends to branch more as it looks for new spots to climb.
Is Monstera Dilacerata Toxic?
All Monsteras have a bit of toxicity from calcium oxalate crystals. Only ripe fruit from certain Monstera types is safe to eat.
In Conclusion
Monstera Dilacerata is a great plant that’s easy to care for and can handle low light. It’s pretty cool how the leaves can “follow” the sun!
If you’re new to plant care, starting with easy-to-grow aroids is a great idea. Check out our detailed care guides for aroids. They cover plants like Philodendron, Dracaena, Monstera, and more. Enjoy your gardening adventures!
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