How to Grow Monstera From Seed

 

Without been told growing a plant like monstera from seed is a rewarding process that allows you to watch the beautiful tropical plant develop from the very beginning. The monstera plant is actually known for its large split leaves and jungle appearance, the popular Monstera deliciosa plant is actually one of the most loved indoor plants by a lot of gardeners around the world. While a lot of people grow monstera from stem cuttings, starting this wonderful plant from seed is exciting because you will actually get to experience every stage of the plant growth.

Although growing the monstera plant from seed really takes patience, it is not actually difficult growing the plant from seed if you provide the right conditions for growing the plant. Actually with warmth, moisture, light, and proper care, your monstera plant seeds can grow into healthy plants that can even last for many years.

Understanding The Monstera Plant Seeds

The monstera plant seeds are really small and they are usually light brown or greenish in color. The fresh monstera plant seeds germinate much better than the old monstera plant seeds because they lose viability quickly. If the monstera plant seeds dry out too much or if they are stored for a long time, the seeds may not sprout.

If you are buying the monstera plant seeds online, make sure you choose a trusted seller to avoid fake or poor-quality monstera plant seeds. The healthy monstera plant seeds should feel slightly firm and not shriveled.

The Best Time For Planting Monstera Seeds

The best time to really grow monstera plant from seed is during warm months such as spring or early summer. Warm temperatures actually help the monstera plant seeds germinate faster and also encourage healthy growth.

Furthermore, if you live in a tropical climate, you can plant the monstera seeds almost any time of the year as long as the temperatures remain warm.

Materials You Will Need For Planting

Before planting your monstera plant seeds you need to gather the following materials:

·  Get the monstera seeds

·  You need seed tray or small pots

·  You need a well-draining potting mix

·  You need spray bottle

·  You need a plastic wrap or humidity dome

·  Water

·  You also need a bright location with indirect sunlight

Using clean pots is very vital because it help to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Also read: How to Grow Aloe Vera From A Cutting

Preparing the Potting Mix For Planting

The monstera plants actually prefer light, airy soil that really drains well. A heavy soil mix can easily trap too much water and then cause the monstera seeds to rot.

A proper and good seed-starting mix can include:

·  Fifty percent coco coir or peat moss

·  Thirty percent perlite

·  Twenty percent compost or orchid bark

This type of mix actually holds sufficient moisture while still allowing air to reach the plant roots.

You can fill your containers or seed tray with the soil mix and lightly moisten it before planting the seeds.

How to Plant The Monstera Seeds

Planting the monstera plant seeds is very simple when done correctly.

Step 1: Soak the Monstera Plant Seeds

Soak the monstera plant seeds in lukewarm water for about twelve to twenty-four hours before planting. This will help to soften the outer covering and helps speed up germination.

Step 2: Place the Monstera Plant Seeds on the Soil

Lay the monstera plant seeds on the top of the moist soil and then gently press them down slightly. Don’t bury the seeds too deeply. Cover the monstera plant seeds with only a thin layer of soil.

Step 3: Add Moisture To The Plant

You can easily mist the soil using a spray bottle so it stays moist but not soaking wet.

Step 4: Create Humidity For The Plant

Just cover the container or tray with plastic wrap or a humidity dome. The monstera plant seeds will germinate best in warm and humid conditions.

Step 5: Provide Warmth and Light For The Plant

You need to place the pot in a warm spot with bright indirect sunlight. Try and avoid direct harsh sunlight because it can easily dry out the soil too quickly.

Ideal Germination Conditions For The Seeds

The monstera plant seeds grow best under these conditions:

·  A temperature between  21°C to 30°C

·  A bright indirect light

·  A high humidity

·  A consistently moist soil

Under the right conditions the monstera seed germination usually happens within two to six weeks. Some monstera plant seeds may sprout earlier, while others take longer.

Caring for Germinating Monstera Plant Seeds

Once the monstera plant seeds begin to sprout, what you will notice is a small green shoots emerging from the soil. This is really an exciting stage, but the young the monstera plant seedlings still need careful attention.

Keeping the Soil Moist

The young monstera plant seedlings dry out quickly, so you really need to check the soil regularly. Water the monstera plants lightly whenever the top begins to feel slightly dry.

Make sure you try as much as possible to avoid overwatering because soggy soil can lead to root rot or fungal growth.

Maintaining Humidity

The monstera plant Seedlings enjoys humid air. You can continue using the humidity dome for a while for the plant, but gradually allow more airflow to prevent mold.

Provide Enough Light

The monstera plant seedlings actually need bright indirect sunlight to grow strong. A spot near a window with filtered light will work very well for the plant.

If natural light is actually limited you can use a grow light for several hours daily for the plant.

Transplanting The Young Monstera Plants

Once your monstera plant seedlings develop several leaves and stronger roots, they can be carefully moved into larger containers.

Make sure you choose a container with drainage holes to prevent water buildup. You can use a chunky soil mix that is suitable for tropical plants.

A good monstera potting mix can include:

·  Orchid bark

·  Perlite

·  Coco coir

·  Potting soil

This particular mix allows airflow around the monstera plant roots and also supports healthy growth.

Watering The Monstera Plants

The monstera plants actually prefer evenly moist soil but dislike sitting in water. Make sure you water the monstera plant thoroughly, and then allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly before watering the plant again.

The signs of overwatering are:

·  The yellowing leaves

·  Mushy stems

·  Root rot smell

The signs of under-watering are:

·  The drooping leaves

·  Crispy leaf edges

·  Soil become dry

Finding the right balance is very vital for the plant healthy growth.

Light Requirements For Monstera Plant

The monstera plants actually grow best in bright indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can burn the monstera plant leaves, while very low light can slow the plants growth.

An east-facing or bright indoor window is generally ideal for monstera plants.

As the monstera plant matures, a proper lighting can help develop the famous split plant leaves known as fenestrations.

Humidity and Temperature Requirement

Because the monstera plants is a tropical plant, the plant  loves warmth and humidity.

The ideal conditions are:

·  A temperature that is between 18°C and 30°C

·  A moderate to high humidity

If your indoor air is actually dry you can easily increase the humidity by:

·  Using a humidifier for the plant

·  Placing a tray of water nearby

·  Grouping the monstera plants together

Make sure you avoid placing the monstera plant near cold drafts or air conditioners.

Fertilizing Monstera Plants

The young monstera plants really benefit from regular feeding during the growing season.

You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks during spring and summer. Make sure you avoid over-fertilizing because too much fertilizer can easily damage the monstera plant roots.

You can also reduce feeding during the colder months when the plant growth slows down.

Also read: How to Grow Sunflowers in a Pot

Common Problems When Growing Monstera Plant From Seed

Slow Germination of The Seeds

If the monstera plant seeds take too long to sprout, is either the temperature may be too cold or the monstera plant seeds may be old.

Mold on Soil

Too much moisture and also poor airflow can actually cause mold. You can easily remove the cover occasionally to improve ventilation.

Leggy Monstera Seedlings

The monstera plant seedlings become weak and stretched when they do not receive enough light.

Root Rot

Overwatering of the monstera plant is the main cause of root rot. Make sure you always use a well-draining soil and containers with drainage holes.