Over time, houseplants and regular waterings will deplete the nutrients in their potting soil. Out in the wild, regular cycles of decay replenish soils with nutrients and organic materials, but container plants do not have this luxury. Houseplants in containers greatly benefit from regular fertilizer applications at the correct times.
Why Fertilize Monstera
Monstera can benefit from regular fertilizer applications. Fertilizer will help the overall health and vitality of the plant by replenishing much needed nutrients in the soil while providing supplemental macronutrients that would otherwise be unavailable. Fertilizer will increase the growth rate of the plant, helping it to grow faster and stronger. It can also benefit the plant by promoting large and lush foliage. The best time to regularly fertilize your Monstera is during the active growing season; while dormant, fertilizing is not needed.
How Often To Fertilize Monstera
Monstera is not considered an excessively heavy feeder, and it is important to find the right rhythm when fertilizing so that you do not overdo it. During the active growing season in spring and summer, Monstera will benefit from fertilizer biweekly or even just once a month. Monstera will not require fertilizer during its dormant period in late fall and winter. The timing of the fertilizer application also depends on the type of fertilizer used. Liquid fertilizer can be applied more frequently since it will be processed through the soil more quickly. Granular fertilizers release more slowly and should not be applied as frequently as liquid fertilizer.
How To Tell If Monstera Needs Fertilizer
Your Monstera will give you subtle signs that it wants to be fed with some additional nutrition. If your Monstera is not pushing out fresh new growth during the active growing season of spring and summer, chances are the plant could benefit from some fertilizer. Slower growth is perfectly normal during the off seasons of late fall and winter and is not an indication for fertilizer. Another sign that your Monstera wants some additional nutrition is signs of chlorosis or an overall yellowing of the leaves.
Best Fertilizer For Monstera
Monstera will benefit from fertilizer with an NPK ratio around 3-1-2, with 3 parts nitrogen, 1 part phosphorus, and 2 parts potassium, or a balanced 2-2-2 ratio. The primary goal of Monstera fertilizer is usually to promote large, lush foliage through sufficient nitrogen levels. A good balanced liquid fertilizer is the Espoma Organic Indoor Houseplant Food, which should be diluted at 2 teaspoons of fertilizer per quart of water.
Monstera Fertilizing Tips
Monstera houseplants benefit from regular fertilizer applications to replenish their macro and micronutrients. Fertilizer will promote a healthy plant with lush glowing foliage. Signs that your Monstera could benefit from fertilizer include stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
- Fertilize during the active growing season
- Do not over-fertilize and follow the package directions
- Use a 3-1-2 or 2-2-2 NPK granular or liquid fertilizer
- Slow growth and yellowing leaves are signs your plant needs additional nutrition
- Fertilizer promotes vigorous growth and lush foliage
Warnings
-Always wear protective gloves and a face mask when handling chemical fertilizers.
-Closely follow all directions and storage guidelines that are on the fertilizer label.
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Author Katie Endicott - Published 4-8-2023 |