Monstera Dubia may still be a relatively unknown plant to many, but once you lay your eyes on it, you’ll undoubtedly be captivated. Why? Because it’s both rare and uniquely beautiful, unlike any other Monstera species. Native to the tropical regions of South and Central America, it features trailing vines and distinctive heart-shaped leaves in shades of green or yellow.
In many cases, these leaves are adorned with intricate white patterns scattered across them, resembling a moving piece of art. Let’s explore this plant and learn how to cultivate and care for it together at Xu Farm.
I. Introduction to Monstera Dubia
Monstera Dubia might not be as well-known as Monstera Deliciosa or Monstera Adansonii, but it’s an exquisite spotted plant with attractive growth habits that make it a wonderful addition to any indoor plant collection.
You can recognize Monstera Dubia by its small, heart-shaped leaves, lightly and darkly speckled in shades of green. As the plant matures, its leaves develop fully and start to climb, extending and clinging to surfaces or coconut coir poles that you’ve prepared for it.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Monstera Dubia is its remarkable transformation as it matures and encounters sunlight. In nature, this occurs when a vine has climbed to the top of a tree and reached the sunlight above the canopy.
In terms of appearance, the journey to adulthood for Monstera Dubia is marked by two distinct growth phases, making it all the more fascinating to care for:
- When young, it produces small, translucent, heart-shaped leaves that attach and lie flat on surfaces or other plant species.
- As it grows larger and older, the color, shape, and growth pattern of the leaves change, adopting the characteristic Monstera split-leaf appearance and longer, trailing stems.
The Monstera Dubia doesn’t grow rapidly compared to other types of Monstera. Its growth rate depends directly on its environmental conditions and available space. Indoors, it typically reaches a height of 1-2 meters.
This tropical plant, sometimes referred to as the shingle plant, is not commonly found in most garden centers or nurseries, and you may need to purchase it online or from a specialized plant store.
II. Caring for Monstera Dubia
While Dubia plant may be less common than Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Adansonii, its care is quite similar. However, unlike most Monstera species that prefer climbing on moss poles or various support structures, Monstera Dubia thrives when climbing on flat surfaces. The flat leaf canopy on wooden surfaces adds a unique and distinctive look that many plant enthusiasts appreciate.
Light
Monstera Dubia naturally grows under the canopy of the rainforest, where it receives filtered sunlight throughout the day. When cultivating it indoors, ensure that it receives indirect sunlight during the day. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight as it can scorch the young leaves.
Potting Mix
Dubia plant thrives in a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. You can easily create a suitable potting mix for caring for Monstera Dubia at home by mixing equal parts of pine bark, sphagnum peat moss, coconut coir, and perlite. This mix provides good aeration and retains adequate moisture without waterlogging the plant.
Watering
Water your Dubia plant when the potting mix has dried out. Ensure that you water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain from the pot. This plant can tolerate drought conditions, especially during the winter when the soil should almost dry out completely. However, avoid letting it dry out excessively, as it can impact its long-term growth.
Temperature and Humidity
Temperature and humidity play crucial roles in caring for Monstera Dubia since it originates from tropical rainforests, which provide consistent warmth and humidity year-round. Generally, the typical temperature and humidity levels found indoors are suitable for this plant. Make sure not to place it near drafty windows or heating/cooling vents to prevent the plant from drying out. If you notice the Monstera leaves curling or edges becoming brittle, it’s a sign that your plant needs more humidity. You can place a tray filled with water and pebbles beneath the plant or use a humidifier nearby.
Fertilizing
To keep your plant healthy and thriving, you’ll need to provide it with occasional fertilization, especially during the growing season. The safest choice is liquid plant fertilizer, and be sure to follow the label instructions for proper dosing. Experienced growers recommend fertilizing it only 3 or 4 times a year.
Repotting
Monstera Dubia doesn’t require a significantly larger pot compared to its current size, just enough space to be comfortable. You may need to repot it every 1-2 years when you notice the roots starting to protrude. Ensure that the new pot has adequate drainage holes.
Pruning
Pruning Monstera Dubia is as straightforward as pruning any other plant. Trimming and pruning have a positive impact on the plant’s health, help manage its growth to fit your living space and aesthetic preferences.
The best time to prune your Dubia plant is in the spring. To prune it properly, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare gloves and sharp, sterilized pruning shears or scissors.
Step 2: When pruning, identify the areas that need attention. If you’re pruning for plant health, remove old, yellowing, or damaged leaves near the base of the stem. If you’re pruning for growth or aesthetics, trim at the desired location, either above or below.
III. Propagating Monstera Dubia
Propagating Dubia is not as difficult as it may seem; in fact, it’s quite straightforward. In its natural habitat, it grows like a roadside weed, capable of reaching heights from one to over three meters with leaves about the length of a hand. Just like pruning, the best time to propagate your Monstera Dubia is in the spring.
1. Propagation via Stem Cuttings
Step 1
Before propagating Dubia plant, ensure that your tools are sterilized to prevent any potential contamination. You can wipe them with alcohol or immerse them in boiling water.
Step 2
Select healthy stem cuttings with a node (the point where leaves attach to the stem) and at least one leaf. Make a clean, diagonal cut just below the node.
Step 3
Place the stem cuttings in water, under indirect sunlight or in a location with comfortable room temperature. Natural conditions promote rapid root development, typically within a week.
Step 4
Prepare a suitable potting mix and a new pot with good drainage. After a week, plant your healthy stem cuttings in the pot, burying them about 5 cm below the soil surface. The cuttings won’t stand on their own, so you can use stakes or wooden sticks for support.
2. Propagation via Division
Step 1
Use clean and sterilized pruning shears or scissors to separate a large Dubia plant into smaller clusters of an appropriate size for propagation.
Step 2
Prepare a new pot with good drainage and a suitable Monstera potting mix.
Step 3
Plant the separated clusters in the new pot at a depth of about 1 finger’s width from the pot’s rim.
Step 4
Moisten the soil by watering lightly, and care for the newly propagated plants as you would care for any other Monstera.
IV. Dealing with Pests and Diseases
Monstera Dubia, like many plants, can attract spider mites, scale insects, and other pests. To eliminate these pests, you can use neem oil diluted in water. Shake the solution well and spray it on the plant. This natural approach minimizes potential side effects on your plant, but it’s advisable to test it on a small portion first to ensure your plant doesn’t have an adverse reaction. If the infestation is severe, you may need to resort to insecticides specifically formulated for plant pests.
V. Conclusion
Monstera Dubia is not only beautiful but also relatively easy to care for. After reading this article, we hope you’ll feel more confident in growing and maintaining this stunning plant in your own space.
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