Monstera dubia Indoor Care Tips and 4 Propagation Methods

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Botanical name: Monstera dubia
Family: Araceae

Description

Monstera dubia is an evergreen vine which exhibits three different forms in its life stages. The plant leaves grow flat on the support structure which gives the plant the name "Shingle Plant".

In the juvenile stage, the broad oval-shaped leaves of Monstera dubia have a green base and silvery-grey variegation between dark-green veins.

As the Monstera dubia ages, these leaves develop small holes until maturity. Eventually Monstera dubia produces large, green, fenestrated mature leaves similar to those of Monstera deliciosa.

When Monstera dubia starts climbling, the plant grows too flat on the tree bark. Eventually, the mature leaves in Monstera dubia begin to hang from the hard stems of the plant.

Maintaining the plant short by regular pruning will keep it in the shingled growth stage.

Monstera dubia is often mistaken for Rhaphidophora cryptantha but in the later, the leaves are dark-green with silver-greyish veins through out its life stages.

Origin

Monstera dubia is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. In its natural habitat, after germination, Monstera dubia grows by creeping on the ground until it finds a supporting tree.

Toxicity

Monstera dubia is mildly toxic to humans and toxic to pets. If ingested it can cause pain and swelling in the mouth, tongue and lips, vomiting, excessive drooling and difficulty in swallowing.

Where to Buy

Monstera dubia is available online at Etsy. Buy Monstera dubia online from Etsy.

Monstera dubia Care Indoors

Monstera dubia prefers bright to medium, indirect light away from direct sunlight, warm and humid conditions and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing period.

Monstera dubia requires regular pruning to keep it neat as well as keep it in the shingled state. Repotting is only needed when the plant becomes pot-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Light Requirements

Monstera dubia grows best in bright, indirect light away from direct sunlight as it can cause sunscorch on the leaves.

Position the Monstera dubia next to a sunless window or near a bright window to ensure it receives adequate light.

Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth.

Monstera dubia can also be grow under a grow light where the natural lighting is insufficient.

Watering

Water Monstera dubia liberally during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist.

Lessen watering during the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is minimal at this time but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot disease which can result in the eventual death of the plant.

Temperature and Humidity

The best temperature for growing Monstera dubia indoors is an average warmth with a minimum of 15⁰C. Keep it away from cold draughts to avoid a sudden drop in temperature as it can cause leaf drop.

Average room humidity is ideal for Monstera dubia. Where the air is too dry, set the pot on a wet pebble tray to increase humidity. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.

Occasionally clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and also discourage pest infestation.

Fertilizer

Feed Monstera dubia with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing period to promote a lush growth.

Withhold feeding during the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time may lead to fertilizer burn.

Potting Medium

Monstera dubia potting soil should be rich in organic matter and well-drained to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients like this Monstera Potting Medium available at Etsy.

Repotting

Repot Monstera dubia during the growing season only when it becomes root-bound; when the roots grow through the drainage hole.

Use a pot 1 size larger and confirm that it has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil as it can result in root-rot disease.

Pruning

Pruning Monstera dubia is easy. Remove yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and tidy. To keep plant in its singled growth, cutback the vines regularly.

How to Propagate Monstera dubia

Monstera dubia propagation can be done at the beginning of the growing period by use of stem cuttings or by air layering. The propagation can be done in 4 ways.

1. Propagating Monstera dubia from stem cuttings in soil

Take a stem cutting from a healthy Monstera dubia by cutting at a point just below an aerial root. Just one leaf node with the leaf is enough to propagate a new Monstera dubia plant.

Insert the cutting in moist free-draining soil. Ensure the rooting container has proper drainage to avoid getting soggy soil.

Place the set up in a well-lit, warm place and maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges.

Allow the new Monstera dubia to be well established before transplanting after which routine can begin.

2. Propagating Monstera dubia from stem cuttings in water

Take a stem cutting from a healthy Monstera dubia by cutting at a point just below an aerial root. Just one leaf node with the leaf is enough to propagate a new Monstera dubia plant.

Place the cutting in a jar containing plain water while ensuring that at least one leaf node is under water.

Position the set up in a well-lit spot and change the water every 5-7 days.

Once adequate roots have developed, plant the cutting in soil and place in a well-lit shaded place.

Allow the new Monstera dubia to be well established before transplanting after which routine care can begin.

3. Air-layering Monstera dubia by notching the stem

This method of air layering consists of notching the stem of a healthy Monstera dubia and coating the notch with a rooting hormone.

Surround the notched area with damp moss and then cover it with a polythene film or clear plastic wrap.

After the roots have formed sever the stem just below the covered part.

Remove the polythene and carefully pot the rooted cutting in moist free-draining soil.

Place in a warm, well-lit place and maintain the soil moist until the new Monstera dubia is well established after which routine care can begin.

4. Air-layering Monstera dubia at a leaf node

The second method of air layering involves coating the stem at a node with a rooting hormone. Surround the node with damp moss and then cover it with a polythene film or clear plastic wrap.

After the roots have formed sever the stem just below the covered part.

Remove the polythene and carefully pot the rooted cutting in moist free-draining soil.

Place in a shaded well-lit place and maintain the soil moist until the new Monstera dubia is well established after which routine care can begin.

Monstera dubia Problems

Monstera dubia problems include yellow leaves, leggy growth, brown leaf tips, leaf drop, pests and diseases among others. Continue reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.

Brown papery leaf tips and edges

One reason for brown papery leaf tips and edges in Monstera dubia is dry air. Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity.

The second possible cause of brown papery leaf tips and edges in Monstera dubia is that the plant may be root-bound.

Repot the Monstera dubia into a pot 1 size larger and one that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from becoming soggy as it can lead to root-rot disease.

Diseases

Monstera dubia is prone to leaf spot which is brought about by overwet conditions coupled with poor air circulation.

Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat the disease appropriately with a fungicidal solution.

Ensure that there is good air circulation for the plant and avoid wetting the foliage.

Pests

Common pests in Monstera dubia are Mealy Bugs, Scale Insects, Aphids, and Spider Mites. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat with Neem oil or Insecticidal soap.

Yellowing leaves

There are four possible causes of yellowing leaves in Monstera dubia. One possible cause of yellowing leaves is overwatering if many leaves are affected and there are signs of wilting and rotting.

Water the Monstera dubia liberally during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings.

The second possible cause of yellowing leaves in Monstera dubia is underfeeding if there is no wilting and rotting.

Feed Monstera dubia with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing period.

The third cause of yellowing leaves in Monstera dubia is underwatering if only lower leaves are affected and have dark spots and new leaves are dark and small.

Water the plant liberally during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely.

The fourth possible cause of yellowing leaves in Monstera dubia is exposure to direct sunlight if leaves are pale colored and have straw-colored patches.

Protect Monstera dubia from direct sunshine or move it to a shadier spot to avoid sunscorching.

Leaf drop

As the lower leaves of Monstera dubia age, they fall but if there is an abnormal loss of leaves the reason is sudden change of growing conditions.

Avoid sudden changes in the growing conditions for Monstera dubia. Gradually acclimatize it to the new growing conditions before moving it to a new position.

If the Monstera dubia leaves turn brown and dry before they fall then high temperature is the cause. Ensure the plant is receiving an average warmth with a minimum of 15⁰C.

Rotting stems

The reason for rotting stems in Monstera dubia is an indication of fungal stem-rot disease which is promoted by high moisture and too little warmth. You can save the plant by repotting and keeping the soil dry and warm for a period of time.

Leggy growth and small pale leaves

Too little light is the cause of leggy growth with small pale leaves as Monstera dubia will not thrive in deep shade.

Move the plant to a more brighter spot where it is receiving bright light but away from direct sunshine or instal a grow light where natural lighting is insufficient.

Weeping at the leaf edges

Monstera dubia weeping at the leaf edges is due to too wet soil. Reduce watering and allow the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings.

Also, ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil drains easily to prevent it from getting soggy.