With big, heart-shaped, split leaves, Monstera minima is a leafy tropical houseplant. A potted Monstera minima is ideal for adding an exotic touch to any room as an easy-care indoor vining plant. Lobe leaves dangle gracefully from Monstera minima plants that grow up a supporting frame or moss pole, hanging over hanging baskets.
In comparison to other houseplants labeled Monstera, the Monstera minima has smaller leaves and shorter growth.
This article will teach you everything you need to know about Monstera minima cultivation at home. You’ll learn how to cope with several problems with this split-leaved tropical plant at the conclusion of the article.
How to Care for Monstera Minima
Grown in bright, indirect light, care for Monstera minima is easy. Best grown in well-drained, peaty soil is Monstera minima. When the top layer of soil is dry, water is present. Temperatures of 68°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C) and humidity of around 50% are ideal for Monstera-like plants.
What is Monstera Minima?
The genus Rhaphidophora and family Araceae include the Monstera minima plant. The cordate (heart-shaped) leaves with deep lobes or splits are a distinguishing characteristic of Monstera minima. The plant is suitable for hanging baskets or pots because of its large glossy green Monstera minima leaves that grow on trailing stems.
The leafy foliage of Monstera minima resembles that of Monstera deliciosa in a remarkable way. The Monstera minima plant is also known as Ginny Philodendron, Mini Monstera, or Philodendron Piccolo botanically. It is classified as Rhaphidophora tetrasperma.
Monstera Minima grows in the understory of lush, tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia, where it is native. The Monstera minima thrives in the heat and humidity of its environment. The creeping vines may grow up tree trunks or on the forest floor. Monstera minima grows to be 12 feet (3.6 meters) tall in its natural habitat. The Minima will reach a height of 4 or 5 feet (1.2 or 1.5 meters) indoors as a tropical potted houseplant.
The popular houseplant Monstera minima comes from the tropics. If you reside in USDA zones 10 through 12, you may grow the split-leaved plant outside. The minimum temperature for the plant is 55°F (12°C), and it isn’t tolerant of cold.
Monstera Minima Leaves
The leaves of Monstera minima are what make it such a popular houseplant. The margins of the glossy green oval or cordate leaves are split wide. The Monstera minima resembles a Swiss cheese plant as a result of this. The split lobes on Monstera minima’s glossy ornamental leaves may reach 12″ (30 cm) in length.
Nevertheless, indoor Monstera plants have smaller leaves than wild Monstera plants growing in the wild. The Monstera minima has smaller leaves and quicker development when compared to large-leaved monsteras. The plant’s name comes from the fact that it is a little Monstera.
Monstera Minima Care Guide
Let’s take a closer look at how to create a tropical atmosphere in your home by growing an unusual Monstera minima indoors.
Where to Grow Monstera Minima
For growing in a sunny room, Monstera minima is an ideal decorative foliage plant. It’s ideal for hanging baskets because of its trailing stems and leathery split leaves. You could also use the monstera pot to display tropical vines that dangle and create a decorative element by placing it on a high shelf.
A table or floor plant of Monstera minima is also possible. To twine the vines and generate visual height with bushy, tropical foliage, the climbing stems need some support. A moss pole or frame is perfect for this.
Monstera Minima Light Requirements
Monstera minima thrives in bright, protected environments. The glossy split leaves of the plant can be scorched by the intense sun’s rays, turning yellow. The leaves of the Monstera minima will be smaller and it won’t grow as quickly in shaded conditions. The Monstera minima should ideally be set up in an east- or west-facing room. The tropical plant should be shielded from direct sunlight behind a sheer curtain if it is within view of a south-facing window.
Imagine that the long, spindly Monstera minima vines begin to look leggy and unkempt. In that case, it’s likely to be indicating that it’s in the shade. Move the Monstera to a brighter location to help it grow better.
The Best Soil for Growing Monstera Minima Houseplants
In loose, well-draining organically rich peaty soil, Monstera minima thrives. Mix two parts peat moss, one part compost, and one part perlite to create the best soil for monsteras. Since it delivers nutrition, retains moisture, and drains well, this rich yet airy potting soil is ideal.
You may also improve drainage by purchasing a commercial potting mix for houseplants and adding amendments. Perlite improves water flow through the soil, making it a popular soil amendment. To improve the soil structure, you can also use a combination of bark chips, coarse gravel, and pumice.
Water should drain readily but not dry out too quickly, which is the purpose of creating the ideal monstera plant soil. It’s important to refresh the potting soil every other year to keep a Monstera minima indoor plant healthy. This permits you to check for symptoms of root rot and replenish nutrients in the soil.
How to Water Monstera Minima Plants
In the spring and summer, Water Monstera minima appears once a week, and in the winter, twice. It’s important to make sure the potting soil is moist before watering. Before drenching and allowing the potting soil to drain, the top 2″ (5 cm) should be completely dry.
The Monstera minima, like many other tropical houseplants, requires dry, waterlogged soil to thrive. As a result, throughout watering, enable the soil to dry somewhat.
The soak and dry technique is the best houseplant watering method. To check the top layer of soil is dry, poke your finger in the soil around a Monstera Minima. Until the water drains from the bottom, pour filtered room-temperature water evenly in the soil. Return the Monstera to a sunny area to grow after allowing adequate water to drain.
Monstera Minima Growth Rate
In a season, Monstera minima can grow up to 15 inches (40 cm) thanks to its rapid development rate. The Minima plant, on the other hand, must have ideal indoor conditions in order to thrive quickly. Monstera minima may reach its full size of 5 feet (1.5 meters) indoors after five to ten years. Its growth rate can be influenced by low light and humidity.
Monstera Minima Temperature Guide
Monstera minima thrives between 68°F and 80°F (16°C and 27°C), which is its optimal temperature range. The Monstera minima is a tropical plant that doesn’t thrive in cold weather. Keep the split-leaf plant away from drafts and heating vents for optimal growth.
The temperature of Monstera minima must be at least 55°F (12°C). Outside USDA zones 10 through 12, Monstera minima grows. Make sure the plant thrives in dappled sunlight with plenty of air circulation if you bring it outside during the summer. When the temperature drops below 55°F (12°C), bring the plant inside.
Monstera Minima Humidity Requirements
In a humidity level of about 50 or 60%, Monstera minima thrives. The Monstera thrives in a humid environment. The versatile tropical plant, on the other hand, can tolerate lower humidity levels. If the large lobed leaves start to curl, it’s a sign that the air is too dry.
The uplifting news is that you don’t have to make your room resemble a wet, humid forest. Air moisture around the plant can be increased by placing the Monstera minima on a pebble tray with water. You could also increase humidity by using a humidifier in your room.
Should you mistreat Monstera minima leaves? Misting is a great way to boost the leaves’ moisture. You’ll keep the glossy, leathery leaves free from dirt by wiping them with a damp cloth. Nevertheless, addressing monstera’s humidity requirements isn’t a long-term option.
Monstera Minima Fertilizer Needs
Regular fertilization is important for Monstera minima. To boost the soil’s nutrient content, apply a diluted, balanced fertilizer every four weeks to houseplants. You might also use a slow-release fertilizer every four months. Always fertilize the plant in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and never too much.
Flush the soil every three months to prevent mineral salts from accumulating in your Monstera minima plants. The glossy exotic Monstera leaves may develop brown spots as a result of over-fertilization.
How to Prune Mini Monstera (Monstera Minima) Houseplants
Minimal pruning is required for Monstera minima. Cutting off the trailing vines is required only when dead or dying foliage or leggy development must be removed. Never trim more than 25% of the growth of the Minima plant to avoid harming its health. To encourage bushier plant development, snip off stems just below a node. You’ll have plenty of leafy vines left after trimming a Monstera minima, which you can use to grow a new exotic houseplant plant.
Propagating Monstera Minima
It’s incredibly simple to propagate Monstera minima. Trim strong vines with at least three nodes and three or four leaves to spread the plant. Allow the roots to develop by putting the stem cutting in a jar of water. Every day, change the water. You may plant the propagated Monstera in fresh potting soil when the roots are 1″ (2.5 cm) long.
Instead, to root a new plant, use a Monstera minima stem cutting to pottet in a light, fertile potting soil mix. For a few weeks, it’s critical to keep the plant wrapped in a plastic bag and keep the soil moist. You can then grow the Monstera minima as usual after this point, since the stem has been rooted.
How to Repot Monstera Minima
Repotting a Monstera minima every two or three years is a good idea. If you expand the pot size, repotting tropical houseplants rejuvenates the soil, enables you to check for root rot, and encourages growth. Always use fresh potting soil when repotting a Monstera minima.
Shake off the excess dirt from the root ball. then transfer half of the potting mix to a fresh, somewhat bigger container. Fill in the remaining space with soil and place the monstera plant at the same height as before. It’s time to repot a Monstera minima if you notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- The drainage holes in the pot have roots protruding.
- Water slowly collects in the top few inches of the soil.
- During the growing season, the plant’s development has slowed.
- Since the plant is rootbound, it is simple to remove it from the pot.
Is Monstera Minima Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Like all members of the Acraceae family, Monstera minima contains harmful chemicals to dogs and cats. Insoluble calcium oxalates can be found in plants like Monstera, Philodendron, and Rhaphidophora. Mouth swelling, severe drooling, or vomiting may be symptoms of cats or dogs that consume plant leaves or stems.
Pests Affecting Monstera Minima Growth
The most prevalent homeplant pest affecting Monstera minima growth is spider mites. Thin web-like strands dangle from leaves or stems, which is the first sign of a spider mite infestation. Webbing beneath leaves or tiny spider-like creatures may appear after a period of time.
Neem oil may be used to get rid of spider mites from a Monstera minima. 2 tsp. of salt may be mixed in with the dry ingredients. 1 tsp. of neem oil is added to the mixture. In a spray bottle, mix dish soap and warm water. To mix the ingredients, shake vigorously. Sprinkle the neem oil solution liberally onto the plant’s leaves and allow it to dry. To get rid of bugs from your Monstera minima, repeat every week.
Diseases Affecting Monstera Minima Growth
If you overwater Monstera minima plants, fungus root rot is a prevalent disease. Monstera minima is fortunate in that it is immune to a variety of illnesses. However, frequent watering encourages roots to decay and rot. Your exotic houseplant might perish from root rot if it isn’t treated.
Always water the Monstera minima when the soil is dry for a portion of the day to avoid root rot. The root zone should be kept moist, but not soggy, in the potting soil. The drying of some potting soil helps to prevent overwatering. It’s worth checking that the potting soil isn’t excessively compacted if root rot affects a Monstera minima. Moisture problems may also arise from rootbound plants or poorly draining soil.
Monstera Minima Care — FAQs
Monstera minima may display indicators of stress despite its low-maintenance care. Here are some solutions for common Monstera growing concerns.
Why are Monstera Minima leaves not splitting?
Monstera minima leaves often don’t form their characteristic deep lobes due to a lack of sunlight. Little, heart-shaped blades with smooth margins and no splits emerge as new leaves. For the leaves to split, Monstera minima requires a lot of bright, indirect sunlight as it grows.
Why are Monstera Minima leaves curling?
Mertoma minima’s large split leaves may turn inward due to watering problems, such as underwatering or overwatering. Check your watering schedule and only water when the soil is mostly dry if you notice Monstera leaf curling. The Monstera minima may also be stressed by heat, pests, low humidity, or outgrowing pot, causing its large lobed leaves to curl.
My Monstera Minima leaves are turning brown, what does that mean?
A buildup of fertilizer in the soil is most likely to blame for brown spots on the Monstera minima leaves. As a result, it would probably be helpful to drain the potting medium in order to encourage new growth and keep old ones green.
Root rot and brown leaves may also occur if there is too much water. You may need to prune heavily damaged leaves after resolving the growing issue. You may, however, leave the brown markings on the ornamental leaves if they are small.
Why is my mini Monstera dying?
Monstera minima is commonly killed by root rot caused by overwatering. If your decorative tropical plant leaves begin to sag, develop black soggy stalks, or turn yellow, don’t worry. It’s crucial to check the roots’ health in that case. Trim off any brown or mushy roots before removing the plant.
The Monstera minima may be replanted in fresh potting soil if there are plenty of healthy roots. You may have to germinate a new monstera and throw away all of the sick plant parts if root rot is severe.
Why is my Monstera Minima leaning?
Inadequate sunlight or underwatering are often symptoms of a drooping or slumping Monstera minima. Give the plant a complete watering to help it recover if the soil feels dry. Move the Monstera to a brighter area but out of direct sunlight if you believe it’s been in the sun too long.
How often should my Monstera Minima grow new leaves?
Every four to six weeks, Monstera minima should produce a new leaf. In ideal circumstances, the Minima plant grows quickly. Smaller new leaves with multiple seasons of splitting are more common.