Monstera (Delicious monster) It comes from the wet forests of Central and South America. It grows as an epiphyte, climbing trees and clinging to their air roots to catch more light. The name comes from Latin monsteror “monster” – it is about its appearance: large, cut leaves that look like a work of a crazy artist in nature. The holes on the leaves are not an accident – in the jungle they help her survive, passing the wind, and it is better to grab the distributed rays of the sun.
From tropics to Europe Monstera arrived in the 18th centurywhen botanists and explorers began to bring exotic plants to the living rooms. First she was a curiosity in the Orangerans of the aristocrats, then – thanks to easy cultivation – she came to ordinary homes. In Poland, it has gained popularity, especially in recent years, when the fashion for “Urban Jungle” has started for good.
Before we get to the fertilization treatment itself, it is worth considering what really hides behind the falling leaves. Most often, the problem results from the wrong watering – both insufficient and overflow.
Monster, as a tropical plant, needs balance – the soil should be slightly moist, but not soaked. Too dry air, inadequate temperature or changes in lighting can also affect the condition of the plant. Sometimes it is a minor neglect that we do not pay attention to, make our monster lose vigor. And here the question arises: isn’t it worth trying something natural that we have at hand in the kitchen?
Bay leafcommonly known as a spice for soups and stews, has a lot more to offer than just aromatic notes in dishes. It turns out that it contains valuable minerals, such as potassium and phosphorus, which are necessary for healthy plant development. These nutrients support the root system, By helping the plant better to absorb water and minerals from the soil. Thanks to this, Monster can regain energy, and its leaves will gain firmness and a healthy, green glow.
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Moreover, research shows that their Fr.Essential funnels contained in bay leaves can fight pathogensincl. Botrytis cinerea. Thus, fertilizer from bay leaves can be a godsend for plants tired of fungi. For this they are a treasury of vitamins – A, C and B6. Vitamin A strengthens the Monstera cells, counteracting the weakening of the leaves, and vitamin C protects against stress, soothing the effects of dry air or temperature fluctuations. However, vitamin B6 supports metabolism by adding vigor to the plant when the soil is poor in nutrients.
Preparation of such fertilizer is extremely simple and does not require specialized equipment. Here is a recipe that is worth trying:
- You can reach for your kitchen drawer – all you have to do is choose 3-4 dry bay leaves.
- Pour around 500 ml of water to the pot and bring it to a boil.
- Put bay leaves into boiling water. Let the ingredients free – Cook everything for about 10-15 minutesuntil the water begins to take a slightly darker, greenish shade.
- After cooking, remove the pot from the heat, cover and leave to cool completely.
- Remove the leaves and pour the liquid obtained into a bottle or jar. The fertilizer is ready for use!
The solution prepared in this way Use for watering your monster once every 2-3 weeksespecially during growth, when the plant needs additional nutrients.
Of course, the fertilizer from bay leaves is just one of the elements of comprehensive Monstera care. Remember to water the plant moderately. Too wet soil can lead to root rot, and too dry – to water stress. Always check the moisture of the soil before watering – the finger stuck to a depth of about 5 cm should encounter slightly moist soil.
Monstera grows best in places with diffused light. Avoid direct, intense sun that can burn the leaves, but also remember that too little light weakens the plant. Use a permeable substrate with the addition of a perlite or bark that will ensure good drainage. Then you will avoid problems with excess water. Monstera loves moist surroundings, so regular spraying of leaves or using a humidifier can significantly improve its condition.
From time to time, it is worth overdoing Monster to a fresh ground, especially if the soil in the pot has already “returned” all its nutrients.
