'I used a gardening tool to help my monstera grow and its leaves are now bigger than ever'
The Monstera plant thrives in humid conditions
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The striking appearance of the monstera plant is owed to its majestic leaves and their tropical fenestrations.
When its needs aren't met, however, the plant only pushes out small foliage that can leave plant owners underwhelmed.
Most gardeners are familiar with the lighting and watering needs of monsteras, but additional tools can enhance the plant's appearance.
Staking the stems of plants is a rewarding process that only requires a couple of tools and little time.
The Monstera plant thrives in humid conditions
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“Staking plants will help create bigger leaves,” explained @secateur.me.baby on TikTok. “The stake provides support and trains the monstera to climb up and grow larger.
“How does this work? It mimics how they grow in the wild. Attaching themselves to tree trunks searching for light.
“Staking allows a plant to absorb sun without shedding other leaves which helps it grow more efficiently and grow larger leaves.”
To stake your plant, start by making a hole in the soil to allow enough space so the stake can be manoeuvred into position.
Firm the soil around the stem of the plant and stake before guiding the vines upwards around the tool.
Experts at Monstera Plant Resource say staking is a great way to tame the plant when its vining growth habits get out of hand.
“One of the main signs that your monstera needs staking is when it starts to lean or topple over under its own weight,” explain the experts.
“As the plant grows taller, its stems become weaker and less able to support itself.”
User @secateur.me.baby stresses that the plant also needs a good dose of light to photosynthesise.
“Ensure your monstera is getting plenty of bright indirect sunlight. If the monstera is in the dark, it will fail to get these slits and holes,” explained the TikToker.
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The Monstera plant needs a lot of light to produce perforations GETTY“As the monsteras get larger, they can tolerate more sun as they can photosynthesise more and grow larger stems and leaves.
“It takes the monstera around two to three years to create the splits in the leaves so patience is key."
While staking is crucial for healthy growth, Richard from Sheffield Made Plants pointed out other components to remember for huge leaves with beautiful perforations.
One of his tips is to position the plant two metres away from a south-facing window for optimal lighting conditions.