Monstera laniata, also known as the Monstera Adansonii Laniata, is a subspecies of the Monstera Adansonii – the reason why the two plants look very much alike.
Having said that, the Monstera Laniata is a rare plant that comes with an expensive price tag tied to it. This makes it a well-sought after plant.
This plant can likewise be hard to identify and is often confused with the Monstera lechleriana as well due to their similarity in appearance.
The good news is that it is easy to care for. Let us have a dig at how you can care for Monstera Adansonii Laniata if you decide to grow it in your garden.
How to Care for Monstera Adansonii Laniata Plant
1. Light Requirements
This plant does well in moderate to bright indirect light. It requires the following two types of light to thrive well:
• Bright Light: Light is one of the requirements for the process of photosynthesis. The leaves trap and absorb light from the sun. Therefore, the more fenestrations (holes) your Monstera Adansonii Laniata has, the less surface area there is for the leaves to absorb sunlight. So, it needs a sufficient amount of light to help it grow.
• Indirect, filtered, dappled, or diffused light: Any of these kinds of lighting will do good for your plant. They all have something blocking the most intense rays of the sun. Since the plant grows under the forest canopy, it is used to this type of light. On the flip side, it cannot withstand long exposure to direct sun or very intense light. Otherwise, its leaves can get scorched.
The best place to put your plant is close to an east or north-facing window. In case the only option is west or south-facing window, ensure you keep it a few feet from the window so as to stay away from the sun’s rays.
Another option would be to use sheer blinds, curtains, or drapes to filter the light.
The same applies to artificial lighting. While the plant will be okay with this, make sure to keep it at least a few inches from the bulbs. This will keep off the heat from burning the leaves.
2. Temperature
Since the Monstera Adansonii Laniata is a native of South America, it is used to tropical and subtropical climatic conditions as that part of the world is located right on the equator (depending on which country.)
This implies that its weather is different from that of North America and Europe. In contrast, it is similar to Southeast Asia. This is why you will see a lot of monstera plants growing in these areas.
Both areas have hot and humid weather where sunlight is experienced except during the rainy season. Also, they do not experience snow except in a few areas found in the mountains.
The optimum temperature for this plant is between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Avoid exposing your plant to cold temperatures since it will struggle in temperatures under 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This also implies avoiding vents, air conditioners, and areas where drafts or cold breezes can occur.
3. Humidity
Monstera adansonii Laniata thrives in humidity between 50% to 90%, and the higher, the better.
You can get to these levels if you live in tropical areas of the world since everyday humidity stays within range.
Nonetheless, this is not the case the farther out from the equator you go.
In the U.S. Most homes have a humidity of between 30% and 50%, which can pose a challenge for the plant depending on where you dwell.
Luckily, Monstera Adansonii Laniata is fairly hardy and can stay healthy and happy with lower humidity.
You can maintain a humidity of 40% or higher if possible. This will minimize the risk of the leaf tip crispin and brown edges, which are signs of dry air.
If you notice this happening, spray your plant with water once every few days. Misting will help boost moisture in the air, although temporarily, which is why you need to repeat every now and then.
4. Watering
This plant does well in moist soil. Nonetheless, it is sensitive to overwatering.
Since watering can cause root rot, be cautious about watering too often.
This implies keeping the soil moist during summertime when the sun is out, and the weather is warm. You can do this since soil dries up faster in these conditions.
During winter, keep the soil drier since the cold weather and less sunlight extend the drying out periods.
As a consequence, water your plant once a week during summer and once every 2 to 3 weeks during winter.
Additionally, always make sure to assess the soil before adding more water. You can do this by sticking your finger down 2 inches into the soil. This comes out to around the 2nd knuckle of your index finger. You need to water if the soil feels wet at this depth. Otherwise, wait a few more days and check again.
5. Potting Soil
Since your Monstera laniata is sensitive to water, you want to pay keen attention to it.
Therefore, the other ways of preventing overwatering include:
• Using well-draining soil: This will drain excess water to prevent the plant from standing in water for long. In contrast, if you use heavy soil that retains moisture, it will leave roots sitting in water even if you water it properly.
• Make sure the pot has drainage: There has to be a way out of the pot for the water that is drained by the soil. Otherwise, it will accumulate at the bottom, keeping the soil wet. Over time, the soil will reabsorb this water which may end up causing overwatering. Therefore, always select a pot with drainage holes. If not, you can make your own drainage by adding gravel at the bottom before putting it in the soil.
The good news is that there are several ways you can attain light, airy, well-draining soil which is suitable for your Monstera laniata.
One of the widely used methods is using Aroid Mix – which offers your plant all the things it needs. Additionally, you can use it for anthuriums, philodendrons, other alocasias, and monsteras.
Here is a straightforward but dependable Aroid potting mix you can prepare:
• ½ part charcoal
• 1 part perlite
• 1 part orchid bark
• 1 part organic potting mix
Having said that, you can consider other alternatives as well, particularly if you already have these ingredients at home. Here are a few options to consider:
• 50% potting soil with 50% orchid bark
• 50% potting soil with 50% coco fiber
• 60% peat moss (or coco coir) with 20% perlite and 20% compost
6. Fertilizer
This plant is not a big feeder. Nonetheless, it does need fertilizer.
Therefore, the rule of thumb is to make sure it gets plant food but avoid overfeeding it.
You can use a standard houseplant fertilizer, a balanced formulation, or an all-purpose produce
Ensure you follow the instructions when applying the fertilizer. The best time to apply the fertilizer is during spring and summer.
7. Pruning
Similar to other monstera, the Adansonii Laniata will ultimately grow into a big plant with large leaves. The large foliage will make the plant even more beautiful.
Also, allowing it to grow will cause it to produce its unique fenestrations.
The plant can get as tall as 12 feet high. This implies you need enough space to give it room to grow to full height. However, with some pruning, you can keep it more manageable for indoor care.
In case you want to keep it short and bushy, you can trim the longer ones on top while letting those at the bottom and sides grow out.
You can also get support for it and allow it to get taller. You can wrap it around the support pole as it gets fuller to get one of the best looks.
8. Propagation
Monstera adansonii Laniata is mostly propagated through stem propagation. It responds well to stem propagation since it roots easily from the stem cuttings.
If your plant is large and would like to reduce its size, you can likewise divide the plant when repotting. This will offer you instant results as the new smaller plants will all be grown.
With stem propagation, you will need to give time for the cuttings to root, which takes a while. After that, leaves and shoots will take a few more months to develop.
The biggest advantage of stem propagation is that you can grow many new plants at the same time.
Here is how to go about it:
• Take a 4-6 inch stem cutting – one that has at least one node; if you can get one with aerial root, even the better.
• Use a sterile cutting tool to cut the stem just below the aerial roots or the nodes.
• You can then propagate in soil or water. Both methods give excellent success.
Water propagation
• Put the stem cutting in water ensuring the node is fully submerged in water.
• In 7 to 10 days, you will notice small white portions of roots growing. They tend to take a shorter time to grow in aerial roots.
• Change the water as needed. The aim is to keep it clear-looking.
• You should notice a few roots in around 20 to 30 days
• Wait for the roots to get to around 2 to 4 inches long before potting them up into the soil.
Soil propagation
• Dip the stem, cutting it into a rooting hormone. You can use liquid, paste, or powder form.
• Plant the cutting into a container full of well-draining potting mix. Ensure the nodes are buried under the soil.
• If your cuttings have aerial roots, you can leave them out of the pot, cut them off, or lay them on the soil.
• Water the soil and keep it moist, particularly during the first 30 days or so. Do not overwater.
• Cover the container with a plastic bag since this increases humidity. You can [poke small holes for ventilation. Make sure to get rid of the plastic once in a while to allow the excess moisture out.
• It may take around 30 days or so for the roots to grow and get hold of the soil.
9. Pests
Mites, mealybugs, thrips, and scale insects are the most common pests that may attack your Monstera Adansonii laniata. Although you may never deal with them, it is good to be prepared.
This implies that you regularly inspect the plant for any bugs and clean its leaves.
If you spot any pest, immediately isolate the plant and start treatment.
Neem oil is an effective remedy, but you have to dilute it enough if you buy the concentrated version. If you get the spray version, you can apply it without diluting it.
Additionally, you can use insecticidal soap spray to get rid of the bugs.
10. Diseases
Whether it is a soil issue or leaf infection, diseases are mostly caused by too much moisture. This applies to both fungal and bacterial diseases, which account for a majority of diseases. Therefore, exercise caution when wetting leaves since they do not like to stay wet for too long.
Additionally, overwatering the soil can trigger root rot – a reason why it is important to allow the soil to dry a bit. You can use a well-draining potting mix and a container with drainage holes to prevent overwatering.
