Monstera plants are known for their uniquely sculpted leaves, which create an exotic atmosphere and make an attractive houseplant with a strong presence.
They are also hardy, easy to grow, and relatively hardy in dry conditions. However, Monstera plants can lose their leaves if exposed to extreme cold or prolonged drought.
You can discard your monstera if you have a stem left. But if the remaining stalk feels firm when you touch it, don’t give up and keep feeding it.
Monstera plants are hardy, and with proper care, new growth can emerge from the sides or nodes of the existing stem.
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Breathe new life into your Monstera: A sturdy stem offers hope for new life
Start by smelling the remaining stem if your monstera has only one stem.
Unfortunately, recovery is unlikely if the stem is already soft and hollow. However, if the stem or aerial roots are still firm, or even brown instead of green, there is still hope.
Placing the stem in water can encourage aerial roots to develop new roots.
let’s check the roots
If you can, also examine the condition of the roots. If all the roots are black, rotten and rotten, it will be difficult for the plant to recover.
However, if white or firm, springy roots remain, plant them in well-drained soil and continue tending to them.
How to maintain a Monstera with only one stem?
Once you have determined that there is a chance of recovery and you decide to continue caring for the plant, move it to a warm, sunny location. If you’re indoors, a south-facing windowsill is ideal.
If the weather forecast predicts a minimum temperature above 15°C, it is recommended to place the plant outside in partial shade.
Sufficient sunlight and air circulation promote growth. However, gradually expose the plant to the sun when you move it to prevent the leaves from burning*.
*Note: Although leaves do not exist, plants struggle with sudden environmental changes. Exposing the remaining stem or newly emerged shoots to direct sunlight can damage them.
If you move the pot to a brighter location, place it in full shade for about seven days.
Then move it to partial shade while you watch the plant. Monstera plants do not tolerate direct sunlight well, so avoid full sun exposure outdoors.
What about the frequency and amount of watering?
Keep watering for a while and make sure the soil doesn’t get too dry. If the surface of the soil dries out, water thoroughly. However, reduce watering during cooler temperatures to avoid root rot.
- From spring to fall: Water generously when the surface of the soil dries out, drain the water from the bottom of the pot and wait for new shoots to appear.
- Winter (when the minimum temperature is below 15°C/59°F): When the surface of the soil dries out, water at room temperature to moisten about half of the soil (preferably in the morning, avoid the evening). Focus on surviving the cold and waiting for new growth in the spring.
Note: It is not recommended to apply fertilizers or growth stimulants at this stage. If the roots are weak, favor the development of new roots. Unnecessary fertilizer can damage the roots.
If all goes well: green shoots emerge from trunk nodes and penetrate the ground.
If all goes as planned, new shoots should appear as the weather warms. These new shoots can either grow on the stem or come out of the ground and be green.
When you have reached this stage, you can resume usual care. During the hot season, provide plenty of water if the soil surface dries out.
Placing the plant in a light, well-ventilated area promotes healthy growth. This is especially important for houseplants, which often lack adequate ventilation. Poor air circulation can lead to root rot and an increased risk of pests.
Signs of Monstera Plant Death: Soft Stem and Foul Smell
Unfortunately, if it’s spring, the new shoots aren’t sprouting and the stem looks soft or mushy, it’s probably a dud.
Also, if a putrid odor develops, it’s probably time to throw the plant away.
resume
In this article, I introduced you to the one-stem monstera plant. There is a technique called “stem laying” in Monstera care where you can increase the number of plants by simply burying part of the stem in the ground.
Even reduced to a single stem, the monstera plant can root and grow vigorously. Although the monstera is known as a houseplant, it is also usually planted outdoors, as it is a very hardy plant.
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