Can Monstera deliciosa be grown hydroponically? Hydroponic methods and care tips

Monstera deliciosa is an evergreen climbing plant of the genus Monstera in the Araceae family. It is extremely shade-tolerant, prefers warm and humid environments, and dislikes direct sunlight. It is not cold-tolerant. It gets its name because its leaves are unusually shaped, with holes and splits that closely resemble a turtle shell. It is widely cultivated indoors for decoration and ornament. Let us take a look below at whether Monstera deliciosa can be grown hydroponically!

Can Monstera deliciosa be grown hydroponically?

Monstera deliciosa can be grown hydroponically. Monstera deliciosa is native to the tropical rainforests of Mexico. It is very easy to grow, prefers warm and humid environments, and must never be exposed to strong sunlight or dryness. It is shade-tolerant and grows easily in fertile, loose, slightly acidic loam with high water absorption and good water retention. Leaf mold or peat soil is best, and it can also be grown hydroponically.

Hydroponic methods for Monstera deliciosa

1. Plant preparation: For hydroponic Monstera deliciosa, choose a small soil-grown plant. Take the Monstera deliciosa out of the soil, wash the roots clean, and try not to damage the roots. Then cut off all the surrounding fibrous roots (do not cut the central main root). Remember to soak the roots of the Monstera deliciosa in a very dilute potassium permanganate solution for about 10 minutes.

2. Hydroponic method: After the Monstera deliciosa plant has been prepared, take a glass container and pour in an appropriate amount of clean water so that two-thirds of the roots are submerged in water and the remaining roots are exposed to the air. Check the root condition from time to time. If everything is normal, change the water once a week until the roots of the Monstera deliciosa have grown enough water roots, and the hydroponic Monstera deliciosa is a success. After that, switch the hydroponic medium to nutrient solution and care for it normally.

Hydroponic management of Monstera deliciosa

1. Water management: Hydroponic Monstera deliciosa likes moisture and needs sufficient water during the growing period. When the weather is dry, water must also be sprayed on the leaves to keep the air humid, so as to promote the growth of branches and leaves and keep the leaves vivid.

2. Light management: Hydroponic Monstera deliciosa should be placed in a place indoors with plenty of diffused light. If it is kept in too dark a place for a long time, artificial supplementary light can be used, or it can be kept in a place with suitable light for a period at intervals. In winter, place the hydroponic Monstera deliciosa in a sunny and warm place, avoiding cold wind. In the hot summer season, the environmental temperature for hydroponic plants should be<28℃，最适合放在空调房间。

3. Disease control: Because Monstera deliciosa has large leaves, use heavy containers for hydroponics to prevent it from tipping over. Brown spot disease sometimes occurs on the leaves, and thiophanate or carbendazim, etc. must be sprayed promptly for control to prevent the disease from spreading.

4. Water changes and cleaning: Change the water and clean the container regularly to reduce bacteria in the water and competition with the roots for dissolved oxygen, and increase the dissolved oxygen in the water as much as possible. In winter, replace the new nutrient solution regularly every week; in hot summer, replace the nutrient solution every day, and at the same time lower the salt concentration of the nutrient solution. At the same time, shake the hydroponic plant bottle frequently, which can increase the dissolved oxygen in the nutrient solution.