Monstera, one of the most common houseplants, graces almost any home around the world. Our readers often write to us asking about Monstera fertilizer, so today, I will explain everything you need to know to fertilize your Monstera properly.
The natural habitat of Monstera plants is in the tropical rainforests of South America. It grows in the undergrowth, the vegetation below the tree canopy. This provides abundant shade and a temperate temperature. Monstera grows a lot in nature, so it needs a little fertilizer to grow well indoors.
Throughout this article, I will detail more about NPK fertilizers for Monstera, how and when to fertilize Monstera, and much more so that your plant will always keep that shiny green. Continue reading to learn all about Monstera fertilizer.
Table of Contents
What Kind of Fertilizer for Monstera
Monstera needs a fertilizer with more nitrogen to develop its green foliage properly. It is also necessary that the fertilizer you use contains Potassium and Phosphorus. These types of fertilizers are NPK fertilizers (Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus).
For example, an NPK 3-1-2 fertilizer is an excellent choice for fertilizing Monstera. These numbers mean the fertilizer has 3% Nitrogen, 1% Potassium, and 2% Phosphorus. The rest are other minerals and micronutrients that Monstera also needs to develop correctly.
Micronutrients are also essential; in this case, you should pay attention, especially to the iron (Fe) content. The reason is that the plant could suffer nutritional deficits and change the beautiful green color of its leaves to yellow.
Using the right NPK fertilizer for Monstera is very important because too much fertilizer is not suitable for the plant and can cause serious problems such as leaf and root burn. I recommend using fertilizers with no more than 5% Nitrogen. Continue reading to find out what is the best fertilizer for Monstera.
Best Fertilizer for Monstera
We have had Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii in our home for years. I can tell you that personally, the best fertilizer for Monstera is a NPK 3-1-2 fertilizer. This fertilizer provides all the nutrients and minerals that Monstera needs without adding anything else.
If you cannot get fertilizer for Monstera 3-1-2 you can also use a fertilizer for indoor plants 5-2-3. In this case, it has 5% Nitrogen, 2% Potassium, and 3% Phosphorus. Remember not to use any fertilizer with more than 5% Nitrogen in Monstera.
Nitrogen promotes leafy growth, which is particularly important for Monstera plants to develop their iconic split leaves. It contributes to the lush green color and the plant’s ability to produce new foliage.
Phosphorus is essential for root development, flowering, and fruiting. While Monstera plants are not known for their flowers, phosphorus still affects overall plant health.
Potassium helps with various plant physiological functions, including water regulation, disease resistance, and enzyme activation.
Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before applying fertilizer. That will be the best way to take advantage of the fertilizer.
When to Fertilize Monstera
You already have the Monstera fertilizer, and you are wondering when to fertilize Monstera. Well, the best time to fertilize Monstera is during its active growth. That is during spring and summer. During this period, your Monstera actively grows and requires the most nutrients.
It is recommended to adjust your fertilization routine as the days get shorter and the Monstera growth rate slows. During the fall and winter, it is usually a good idea to reduce the fertilization frequency or even discontinue it altogether. I recommend discontinuing Monstera fertilization in winter unless you live in a more temperate climate region.
It is also essential to keep in mind that if you recently repotted your plant and used the right soil for Monstera, it is very likely that you will not yet need to fertilize your Monstera because the substrate has all the necessary nutrients. It will take several months to start fertilizing. I recommend you read our article about how and when to repot Monstera.
How to Fertilize Monstera
Each Monstera fertilizer has its own specific instructions, so you should always read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them strictly. Applying the fertilizer correctly ensures that your Monstera will benefit from it. Below, I explain how to fertilize Monstera using NPK 3-1-2 fertilizer, which I have used on my Monstera for years.
- Using a measuring spoon, measure out 1 teaspoon of Monstera fertilizer. Make sure the spoon is level to ensure an accurate measurement.
- Fill the quart-sized (32 oz) container or watering can with water. Using room-temperature water is a good idea to avoid shocking the plant’s roots.
- Carefully add the measured 1 teaspoon of Monstera fertilizer to the water in the container. Make sure the fertilizer dissolves completely in the water.
- Gently stir or shake the container to ensure the fertilizer is well mixed with the water. That helps create a uniform solution that evenly distributes nutrients to your Monstera plant.
- With the diluted fertilizer solution ready, use it to water your Monstera plant. Pour the solution directly onto the soil around the base of the plant.
Apply this Monstera fertilizer solution every one to two weeks during spring and summer. During the fall, only apply once a month. Then, do not apply fertilizer to the Monstera in winter unless you live in a warm region.
How Often to Fertilize Monstera
As I mentioned earlier, if you recently repotted your Monstera and used soil for Monstera you should not fertilize the Monstera for several months because the substrate is new and has all the necessary nutrients and minerals.
On the other hand, if the Monstera growth looks stagnant or it is not a new substrate, it will be time to start fertilizing the Monstera. Fertilize during the spring and summer once every one to two weeks. In the fall, apply fertilizer every four weeks. Finally, do not fertilize during the winter unless you live in a warm region (but fertilize very little).
Regular observation and adjustment of your fertilization routine will help ensure your Monstera remains healthy, lush, and visually stunning.
Final Conclusions
In conclusion, fertilizing Monstera is necessary for it to grow and develop properly. Monstera plants grow in pots indoors, lose nutrients more quickly, and have no natural way to recover them. With a bit of fertilizer, your Monstera will stay healthy and strong.
The nutritional requirements for fertilizer Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii are the same. Therefore, any of the recommended fertilizers are useful for fertilizing Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii.
I hope this article will be of great help, and if you have more questions, do not hesitate to contact us through the contact form. I recommend you read our article about how often to water Monstera.
