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By Emma Kelt, | 14/11/2023

How to Grow and Care for Monstera Dubia

Step-By-Step guide

The Monstera Dubia is a hidden gem in the Monstera family, less common than its well-known counterparts but equally captivating with its unique growth pattern. Originating from tropical Central and South America, the Monstera Dubia is a creeping vine that gracefully climbs trees in its native habitat. With small heart-shaped leaves displaying a mix of light and dark green hues during its juvenile stage, this tropical aroid earns the nickname 'shingle plant' for its ability to lie flat against its support. While mature plants resemble the more familiar Monstera deliciosa, featuring large fenestrations and lacking variegation. Despite its rarity, caring for the Monstera Dubia is surprisingly straightforward, making it a prized addition to any houseplant collection.

Botanical Name	Monstera dubia
Common Name	Shingle plant
Plant Type	Perennial
Mature Size	1m tall indoors, 3m tall outdoors
Light	Filtered Light
Soil	Moist, well-draining aroid mix
Native Area	Central America, South America
Toxicity	Toxic to pets

 

Monstera Dubia Care

Caring for Monstera Dubia involves providing a tropical haven within your home. These rare beauties thrive in bright, indirect light, ideal for well-lit indoor spaces. Ensure a well-draining aroid mix to maintain optimal moisture levels without waterlogging. Maintaining a warm, humid environment mimics the plant's native habitat, fostering healthy growth. Keep an eye on the soil's moisture, watering when the top 5cm feels dry. While Monstera Dubia is resilient, avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. As these tropical aroids exhibit a vining growth habit, you must provide a suitable support structure for vertical growth. Attention to these key care elements will reward you with a flourishing Monstera Dubia, transforming your space into a lush haven.

How to Propagate a Monstera Dubia

Propagating Monstera Dubia is a straightforward process involving stem cuttings, similar to techniques used for Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii. 

Materials Needed

1. Monstera Dubia cuttings: Make sure each cutting has at least one leaf and some aerial roots.
2. Sphagnum moss: To nestle the cuttings in for root development.
3. Spray bottle: For misting and maintaining humidity.
4. Small pots or containers: To plant the cuttings once roots have developed.
5. Well-draining soil mix: Suitable for tropical plants.
6. Warm, bright, and humid environment: Ideal conditions for root development.

Step 1: Prepare the Monstera Dubia Cuttings

1. Select Healthy Cuttings: Choose Monstera Dubia cuttings with at least one leaf and a few aerial roots. Make clean cuts using sterilised pruning shears.

2. Trim Extra Leaves: If a cutting has multiple leaves, you can trim them to reduce stress on the cutting.

Step 2: Nestle Cuttings in Moss

1. Prepare Moss Bed: Dampen sphagnum moss until moist but not waterlogged.

2. Create a Nest: Place the Monstera Dubia cuttings in the moss, ensuring the aerial roots are covered. Space them out to allow room for root development. Allow some room between the leaf and the lid of the container to ensure air movement.

3. Mist the Moss: Lightly mist the moss to keep it moist. Use the spray bottle when moss dries to maintain humidity.

Step 3: Encourage Root Growth

1. Provide Indirect Light: Place the cuttings in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent stress on the cuttings.

2. Maintain Warmth: Keep the environment consistently warm, as Monstera Dubia prefers temperatures between 18-27°C

3. Be Patient: It may take several weeks for roots to develop. Continue misting and monitoring the cuttings.

Step 4: Transplant with Root Growth

1. Check for Roots: Once the cuttings have developed sufficient roots (at least a 5-10cm long), carefully remove them from the moss to inspect the root system.

2. Prepare Planting Containers: Fill small pots or containers with a well-draining aroid mix.

3. Plant the Cuttings: Gently plant each cutting in its own pot, ensuring the roots are covered with soil. Water lightly.

Step 5: Provide Proper Care

1. Maintain Ideal Conditions: Place the potted cuttings in a warm, bright location with indirect light. Maintain a humid environment, especially during the initial stages.

2. Regularly Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Adjust the watering frequency based on the plant's needs.

Step 6: Monitor Growth

1. Be Patient: It may take some time for the Monstera Dubia cuttings to establish themselves and start growing.

2. Support Climbing: Once the plants have grown and developed more roots, you can support climbing by attaching them to a suitable structure.

With proper care and patience, your Monstera Dubia cuttings will develop into healthy, thriving plants, adding beauty to your indoor space. Order your cuttings and start your propagation journey today!

Buy a Monstera Dubia Propagation

Buy a Monstera Dubia Plant