Monstera is a type of plant that grows by wrapping itself around the trunks of trees; that is, it is a climber or a vine. On top of that, it tends to reach impressive heights if given the chance, and if not, what it does is grow like a pendant or like a creeper. For this reason, when it is cultivated, there will come a time when we must ask ourselves when to stake monstera.
And it is that, unless we let it grow on its own, we will have no choice but to control and direct its growth a little.
Why will the monstera need a keeper?
Image – Flickr/Dinesh Valke
The monstera is a plant which, as its name suggests, can become “monstrous”. It is estimated that there are around 60 described species, and although there are some smaller than others, most reach 20 meters in height. then of course, Assuming there isn’t a house that measures this much, and it wouldn’t be practical to have stems and leaves of a single plant growing all over the house, putting a stake on it will be very helpful can guide her.
Also, if what interests us is to grow it outdoors, either in the garden or on a terrace, we will also have to help it to climb, since it has no tendrils with which it can climb. hang anywhere.
How to choose the best stake for the plant?
Although we can find many types of plant stakes for sale, it is important that the one that best suits the monstera is well chosen. To do this, we will have to take into account several elements:
- plant size: the bigger and taller it is, the heavier it will be, so the keeper will have to be tall and sturdy.
- The depth of the pot: the length of the stake must be the sum of the height of the pot plus that of the plant, at least.
- And in case it is in the garden, the type of ground: if it is a sandy soil, very light, we will choose a very robust one. But it may also be necessary to make a deep hole, insert the stake and pour a concrete base. On the contrary, if it is clay soil, for example, it will not be necessary to put a base on it, although I recommend adding enough water to soften it. This will make entry easier.
Starting from this, You should know that there are steel, plastic or wooden posts, which are generally thin and therefore light; and those more robust which are covered with coconut fiber. Well, the first will be ideal for varieties that have relatively small leaves, such as Monstera adansonii vague oblique monstera; On the other hand, if our plant has large leaves, like the delicious monsteraWe will opt for the latter.
When should you put one on the monstera?
Much will depend on how we want it to develop and our interest in it. Let me explain: I have one for example Monstera adansonii indoors, on a tall, narrow piece of furniture, and since I like its stems to hang down, I don’t intend to stake it. Plus, if it ever hits the ground, I’ll prune those stems.
On another side, I have a delicious monstera in the patio, that as it gets higher I will put onebecause I don’t care if it grows by crawling on the ground, or trying to climb on other plants.
Now, how do you know when it’s time to stake a stake? Well, that’s pretty subjective, at least when the monstera is still young. When it gets bigger and bigger and takes up more and more space, the need for it to have one is almost urgent, unless, as I said, it can be pruned.
But if we don’t want to prune it, then We will have no choice but to place a stake as soon as we see that it begins to grow somewhat inclinedsince this will be the unequivocal sign that he cannot support his own weight.
How to put a stake on the monstera?
Image – Flickr/FarOutFlora
With lots of attention. Although the monstera is a resistant plant, you must try not to damage the roots too much. And how can you do that without removing it from the pot or the ground? The answer is simple: you cannot. Here you have to use your imagination remember what the root bread looked like when we planted it where it is now and how tall it was, and from there introduce the stake some distance away (about five centimeters) of said clod.
If it is in a pot, it is best to place the stake between the bread of soil and the edge of the container. If the stake is thick, it is advisable to insert it in the center of it if we transplant it, before putting it in the pot, since having the root ball in sight will allow us to place the stake more easily without damaging it . .
So, we hope that this information will be useful for you to grow your monstera as you wish.