Why aren't my Monstera leaves splitting?
🌿 Why Aren't Your Monstera Leaves Splitting? Expert Solutions and Advice
Monsteras are one of the most popular rare tropical plant genera in Europe . Their perforated foliage adds an exotic and lush touch, but sometimes those famous cracks don't appear. Don't panic! 💡 Here are the main reasons and the best solutions to encourage their formation.
1️⃣ A Lack of Light: The Number 1 Cause 🔆
The Monstera is a tropical climbing plant that, in nature, receives filtered light under the canopy . A lack of light is one of the main factors that prevents its leaves from splitting.
✅ Solutions:
✔️ Place your Monstera near a bright window , ideally facing east or west .
✔️ Avoid prolonged direct sunlight which can burn the leaves.
✔️ Use an LED grow light if your interior lacks light.
2️⃣ Your Monstera is not Mature Enough 🌱
Young Monstera leaves are naturally full. Splits appear with age and vigorous growth .
✅ Solutions:
✔️ Wait until your plant develops at least 4 to 6 leaves before seeing the first cracks.
✔️ Stimulates its growth with a draining substrate , a moss stake and optimal humidity .
3️⃣ Insufficient Humidity 💦
Rare tropical plants , such as the Monstera , need a humid environment to thrive. Too dry air slows their growth and prevents cracks from forming.
✅ Solutions:
✔️ Maintain humidity of 60-80% with a humidifier .
✔️ Place a tray of clay balls under the pot with a little water.
✔️ Spray the leaves regularly with non-calcareous water .
4️⃣ An Unsuitable Substrate 🌿
The wrong soil mix can stunt the growth of Monstera and prevent its leaves from splitting.
✅ Solutions:
✔️ Use a draining mixture : potting soil for tropical plants + perlite + pine bark .
✔️ Repot every 12 to 24 months to renew the substrate.
✔️ Add a natural fertilizer rich in nitrogen and potassium every 2 weeks during the growing season.
5️⃣ Bad Watering 🚰
Too much or not enough water , and the entire growth of your Monstera is affected.
✅ Solutions:
✔️ Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry to avoid excess moisture.
✔️ Use a pot with drainage to prevent standing water.
✔️ Use filtered water or water that has rested for 24 hours before watering.
6️⃣ A Lack of Fertilizer 💪
A Monstera lacking essential nutrients will not be able to develop split leaves .
✅ Solutions:
✔️ Apply a special liquid fertilizer for green plants every 2 weeks in spring and summer.
✔️ Favor organic fertilizers such as compost or crushed horn .
7️⃣ A Pot Too Small 🏡
A restricted space hinders the growth of the Monstera and prevents it from producing its large split leaves.
✅ Solutions:
✔️ Repot into a larger pot when roots emerge from the drainage holes.
✔️ Install a coconut fiber stake to encourage vertical growth.
8️⃣ Environmental Stress ⚡
A sudden change in environment can slow down the growth of the Monstera and prevent cracks from appearing.
✅ Solutions:
✔️ Prevents drafts and thermal shocks .
✔️ Don't move your plant too often .
✔️ Maintains a stable temperature between 18°C and 28°C .
9️⃣ The Importance of Staking: Help Your Monstera Grow 📏
In nature, Monstera deliciosa climbs trees to seek more light . Without support, it grows untidy and develops smaller, less split leaves .
✅ Why is a tutor essential?
✔️ Mimics the Monstera's natural environment , promoting larger, windowed leaves.
✔️ Prevents the plant from sagging , which can slow its development.
✔️ Encourages the production of aerial roots , essential for capturing moisture and nutrients.
✅ Which tutor should I choose?
✔️ Coconut Fiber Stake : Perfect for retaining moisture and allowing roots to take hold.
✔️ Moss stake : Ideal for helping the plant climb quickly.
💡 Pro tip : Gently tie your Monstera to the stake with soft ties to avoid damaging the stem.
🎯 Conclusion: Patience and Care for a Monstera in Top Shape!
If your Monstera deliciosa doesn't have its split leaves yet, don't worry ! By optimizing light, humidity, substrate and watering , you will give it the best conditions for it to develop its iconic foliage . 🌱✨
Looking for a quality Monstera deliciosa or other rare tropical plants ? 🌿 Discover our Green and White Plants selection and benefit from expert advice on how to care for your plants like a pro! 🚀