Question
Hello Will,

My Monster Deliciosa has hung-on for forty years looking like death. Obviously hard to kill.  Situated at a north-facing window, hence, having the low~ish light it is supposed to thrive on, it was in a supposedly ideal location. Then I built a sunroom and thought, "I'll try it in there." Well, what a difference! Granted, the only direct sunlight it gets there is before 11AM. Still, it exploded into life: lush, leafy, dark green, and with the characteristic splits I haven't seen for decades.

As for my question, I notice that as the plant grows, the stems get ever-thicker, which is obviously a good sign; but where the stems come out of the soil remains only about 10 to 13mm thick. As I now have room I  would like the plant to grow quite large but I'm worried that barring some serious scaffolding they will eventually snap off at their fragile base and under the stems' increasing weight.  (The pot, btw, is about 300mm high x 400 diameter.)

Comments? Advice?

Answer
Hi Bud,

As you have discovered, Monstera is more of a medium than low light plant and that is why it is flourishing now.

Stem thickness and leaf size usually depend on the light available at the time that portion of the stem emerges. The lower stem emerged when you had it in low light years ago.

In nature, Monstera is a vining plant. The stems travel along the ground of the damp forest floor and put down roots along the way. The stems may also climb damp tree trunks as roots form to hold it to the damp bark. It does not send out branches. This is not a plant designed to grow in an upright position, as are many other plants. Potted Monsteras that are left unpruned become problematic and require support even if their lower stems are thick and strong. That is because the plant becomes top-heavy and unable to support itself. A larger pot does not solve this problem.

You can prop up your Monstera against the wall or with supports, but personally I find that to look unattractive. I suggest that you prune back your Monstera as much as you can stand. The top cutting can be rooted in water or damp soil, separately or in the same pot. Multiple stems in the same pot create a fuller looking plant and will also help support one another. Let me know if you want more detailed information of pruning and propagating your Monstera.

I have written detailed articles on pruning and propagation that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected]. I have also written an indoor plant care book in a PDF format that I can sell you if you contact me at my email address.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com