How to Grow and Care for Monstera Dubia

Monstera dubia, also known as shingle plant, is a rare, lesser-known variety of Monstera than the common Monstera deliciosa or Monstera adansonii. In its native habitat of tropical Central and South America, Monstera dubia is a creeping vine that climbs trees and large plants.

Despite how difficult it can be to find, Monstera dubia is relatively easy to care for, requiring partial sun and moist but well-drained soil. Note that all Monstera plants are toxic to pets and humans.

Monstera Dubia Care

While Monstera dubia is less common than Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii, its care is nearly identical. However, while all Monstera enjoy climbing a totem or support, Monstera dubia requires that support in order to thrive.

Because the leaves lie so flat, many indoor gardeners choose to mount their Monstera dubia on a plain plank of wood to show off its unique, shingling feature.

Light

In its native habitat, Monstera dubia grows below the forest canopy, receiving dappled sunlight throughout the day. That means that it should be exposed to bright, indirect light when grown indoors.

Avoid prolonged periods of direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves of young plants.

Soil

Monstera dubia grows well in loose, moist but well-draining potting mixes with lots of organic matter. A chunky soil mix designed for aroids is best for these tropical plants. This can be easily created at home by mixing together equal parts orchid bark, peat moss or coco coir, and perlite.

The mixture is ideal for this Monstera, because it is loose and rich in organic matter and will retain the right amount of water without waterlogging the plant. Avoid using a regular potting soil at all costs, because it will likely be too dense and suffocate the root system.

Water

Water when the top few inches of the potting medium is dry. Ensure that you are watering well and allowing the excess water to drain from the pot. You can use a moisture meter to help guide your decision.

These Monstera can tolerate a little bit of neglect when it comes to water, and they won’t die if the soil dries out completely every once in a while (especially during the winter). In general, do not let them dry out too often.

Temperature and Humidity

Monstera are native to tropical rainforests, which means they thrive in warm, humid environments. Generally, typical household temperatures and humidity levels are fine for these plants. Just avoid placing your Monstera dubia near a drafty window or heating/cooling vents.

If your house is unusually dry, you might need to provide additional humidity. Leaves curling off the totem or developing crispy edges are both indications that your plant needs more humidity. Placing a pebble tray filled with water under the plant or a humidifier nearby are both great options.

Fertilizer

These aroids are considered medium feeders and appreciate regular fertilizing. Use a common slow-release fertilizer three times a year and a low-strength balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing period to help encourage strong growth.Be sure to fertilize at least once per month.

Pruning

Although this plant is low-maintenance, you can easily encourage healthy new growth by simply pruning away any dead or diseased leaves. Additionally, regular trimming can help you maintain the preferred size and shape of your plant.

Propagating Monstera Dubia

Monstera dubia can be propagated through stem cuttings. This process is the same that is used for propagating other Monstera, as well as other vining aroids like pothos and Philodendron.While it's possible to grow this plant from seed, the process is complicated and online retailers are not reliable.

1. First, cut the stem just below a node and then place the new cutting in water so that the stem and node are submerged but the leaves are not.
2. Place the cutting in a location that receives bright but indirect light.
3. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
4. Wait until the roots are approximately an inch long before transferring the cutting from water to soil, which usually takes a couple of weeks.
5. After transferring the cutting to the chunky aroid soil mix, keep the soil regularly moist for the first couple of weeks to ensure that the plant doesn’t go into shock.
   

Potting and Repotting Monstera Dubia

Monstera dubia is one of the smaller Monstera varieties and is easy to plant and maintain in a container. Mix peat moss with regular indoor potting mix in a pot with drainage holes. A pot about 4 inches in diameter should be sufficient when starting.

Keep an eye on growth, and repot one size larger once mature, if you see roots poking out of the drainage holes. This may occur every two years or so. Monstera dubia likes to climb, so a small moss pole or trellis is a good idea as it grows.

Overwintering

The growth of Monstera dubia will slow down during the winter and enter dormancy. During this time, the plant will need little water and feeding can be as infrequently as once every two to three months. Keep out of areas that can be drafty, as the plant won't like sudden temperature drops.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

One of the most common problems that people experience when growing this plant is root rot, which occurs if watering is not properly managed. Ensure that you are using a loose, chunky potting mix to avoid overly-wet soil.

Monstera plants are also susceptible to two main pests: red spider mites and common brown scale, both of which are sap-sucking pests. Regularly inspect your plant for pests so that you can catch any infestations early.

Both of these pests can be treated with neem oil or rubbing alcohol sprayed onto the affected areas of the plant. Scale insects will need to be manually removed from the plant with cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol, because when they adhere to the stems.

Common Problems with Monstera Dubia

Although these plants are fairly easy to care for especially in the right conditions, there are a few things to look out for.

Browning Leaf Tips

Leaf tips with yellow halos that are turning brown can be caused by an environment that is too low in humidity. This won't be fatal to the plant but will affect the appearance. Try increasing the air's moisture to prevent newer growth from developing the same symptoms.

Loss of Foliage

If you see sudden and rapid leaf loss, it could be a case of thrips. They suck out the chlorophyll and sap from the leaves and cause quick yellowing and raised brown bumps on the underside. Check the leaves closely for these pests. Using an organic pesticide such as neem oil can help eradicate these.

Yellowing Leaves

Leaves turning yellow could indicate your plant is not receiving enough fertilizer or that it's under- or over-watered. Adjust your watering and feeding schedule accordingly. Make sure that the water has drained completely before irrigating again, but don't allow it to dry out for too long in between.

From: thespruce