Monstera dubia Indoor Care Tips, 4 Propagation Methods, Common Problems
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Monstera dubia prefers bright to medium indirect light, warm and humid conditions and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, Monstera potting soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing period.
Monstera dubia is one of the popular Monstera varieties 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 (Swiss Cheese Plant).
When Monstera dubia starts climbling, the plant grows too flat on the tree bark. Eventually, the mature leaves 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 later stages of its growth, its leaves are dark-green with silver-greyish veins.
Monstera dubia and its relatives Monstera standleyana (Five Holes Plant) and Monstera siltepecana (Silver Monstera) are some of the best low-light plants perfect for any space.
Botanical name: Monstera dubia
Family: Araceae
Origin
Monstera dubia is an evergreen vine 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
If you are looking to add this plant to your collection, Monstera dubia is available online on Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Monstera dubia Care Indoors
Monstera dubia flourishes in bright to medium indirect light (dappled light), average warmth of 18-290C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, Monstera potting mix coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
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 medium to bright indirect light. Keep it away from direct sunlight as it can cause sunscorch on the leaves. Position the plant next to a sunless window or near a bright window to ensure it receives adequate light.
Monstera dubia can also be grow under a grow light where the natural lighting is insufficient. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth and prevent leggy growth.
Watering
Water Monstera dubia liberally during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 inches 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 rotting and death of the plant.
Temperature and Humidity
The best temperature for Monstera dubia is an average warmth of 18-290C. Keep it away from cold drafts to avoid a sudden drop in temperature as it can cause stunted growth and leaf drop.
Average humidity of 50-55% is ideal for Monstera dubia. Where the air is too dry, set the pot on a wet pebble tray to increase humidity. Learn more 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. Ensure that there is good air circulation to reduce fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Feed Monstera dubia with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing period to promote a lush growth. Withhold feeding in 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. Potting mixes designed for Monsteras and those designed for aroids are ideal for this plant.
Repotting
Repot Monstera dubia every 1-2 years during the growing season only when it becomes pot-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. Take a look at these ceramic pots with saucers on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Monstera dubia is easy. Remove yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat. 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 about 4-6 inches long 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 plant.
Strip off the lower leaves and dip the lower cut end in a rooting hormone to hasten rooting.
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 you can begin routine care.
2. Propagating Monstera dubia from stem cuttings in water
Take a stem cutting about 4-6 inches long 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 plant.
Strip off the lower leaves and dip the lower cut end in a rooting hormone to enhance rooting.
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, warm place.
Allow the new Monstera dubia to be well established before transplanting after which you can begin routine care.
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, well-drained soil.
Place in a warm, well-lit place and maintain the soil moist until the new Monstera dubia is well established after which you can begin routine care.
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 warm, well-lit place and maintain the soil moist until the new Monstera dubia is well established after which you can begin routine care.
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.
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 plants and treat with a fungicidal solution as per the redommendations on the label. 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 as per the manufacturer's instructions.
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 medium to bright indirect light or instal a grow light where natural lighting is insufficient. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
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 plant liberally during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
The second 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 inches of soil to dry out between waterings but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely. Learn more on how to water indoor plants the right way.
The third possible cause of yellowing leaves in Monstera dubia is underfeeding if there is no wilting and rotting. Feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing period. Learn how to feed houseplants.
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 the plant from direct sunshine or move it to a shadier spot to avoid sunscorching.
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 plant 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.
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. 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 of 18-290C.
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.
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 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil drains easily to prevent it from getting soggy.
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