The Monstera Spruceana is a beautiful plant that originates from South America. It’s a climbing plant that can grow up to 20 feet tall and is known for its large, glossy leaves. The Spruceana is named after its resemblance to a spruce tree and is sometimes also called the Swiss Cheese Plant.
This is an easy plant to care for and is a great choice for beginners. Read on for a complete guide to caring for your Spruceana. By the end of this article, you’ll be a pro at keeping your plant healthy and happy.
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Monstera spruceana care
Here are the basic care requirements for the Monstera Spruceana:
1. Regular watering when needed
The Spruceana is a tropical plant, so it likes to be kept moist. water your plant about once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be sure to empty out any water that collects in the saucer under the pot, as this can cause the roots to rot.
You can also try bottom watering your plant. To do this, simply place the pot in a sink or bowl of water and let the plant soak up as much water as it needs. This is a good method to use if your plant is looking wilted or your Monstera leaves are drooping.
You can feel the soil to test the moisture or use a moisture meter. After 10 to 20 minutes, remove the plant from the water and allow it to drain.
FYI: The most important things to keep in mind when it comes to how often to water your Monstera are to stay consistent with your watering schedule and always check if the plant is actually thirsty. This will provide less stress to your plant and help it stay healthy.
To provide your Monstera Spruceana with the best quality water, use distilled water or rainwater if possible. If you can’t get either of those, simply let your tap water sit out overnight to allow the chlorine to evaporate before using it on your plant.
2. Occasional fertilizing
Your Monstera Spruceana plant has a fairly easy requirement. Fertilize your Monstera every month during the growing season (spring and summer), and only if it looks like it’s needed during the fall and winter.
When fertilizing, use a half-strength solution of balanced liquid fertilizer such as 20-20-20. Be sure to follow the package directions for mixing, as too much fertilizer can burn the roots of your plant.
You can also use a slow-release fertilizer, which will provide nutrients to your plant for several months. Apply the fertilizer according to the package directions, and then water it well.
If you notice that your plant is growing more slowly than usual, or if its leaves are looking pale, it may be time to increase the frequency of fertilization. Doing this will give your plant the boost it needs to get back on track.
It’s also a good idea to have your soil tested before you start fertilizing. This will help you determine what, if any, nutrients are lacking in the soil. You can then add those nutrients as needed.
3. Keep an eye on humidity levels
Since the Monstera Spruceana is a tropical plant, like other Monstera it needs high humidity. Misting your plant with water will help to increase the humidity around it and make it feel more like home.
Misting is also a great way to clean the leaves of your Monstera plant. Simply use a clean, soft cloth to wipe down the leaves after misting. Be sure to avoid using any harsh chemicals or soaps on your plant.
Misting is best done in the morning, as this will give the leaves time to dry before nightfall. Nighttime is when most plants are susceptible to fungal diseases.
Aim to mist your plant about once a day, or more often if you live in a very dry climate. You can also use a humidifier near your plant to help increase the humidity, add a pebble tray or group it with other plants to boost the humidity in the immediate area around them.
Just be sure to keep an eye on the leaves of your plant. If you notice your Monstera leaves turning brown or that your Monstera leaves are curling, it may be a sign that you’re misting too often. In this case, simply reduce the frequency of misting until the leaves return to normal.
4. Use well-draining soil for your Monstera Spruceana
The best soil for a Monstera Spruceana plant is a well-draining, loose potting mix. This will help to prevent the roots from sitting in water, which can lead to root rot in your Monstera.
A good potting mix should contain equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. You can also add some compost or other organic matter to the mix.
When potting or repotting your plant, be sure to use a pot that has drainage holes. This will allow any excess water to drain out, and help to keep the roots healthy.
5. Bright, indirect light
This plant loves indirect filtered light. The brighter the better. However, direct light can cause the Monstera leaves to burn and excessively dry out your plant.
If you can’t provide bright filtered light, then the next best option is low light. Just be aware that the plant will grow more slowly in lower light conditions and you may find your Monstera becoming leggy.
When it comes to addressing your Monstera’s light requirements, the most important thing is to avoid any drastic changes. A sudden change in light exposure can cause the leaves of your plant to drop. Remember that these plants are native to the very lush jungle, where they permanently live under the canopy of other trees. They aren’t used to sudden changes in their environment.
If you need to move your plant, do so gradually over a period of days or weeks. This will give the plant time to adjust to the new light conditions and prevent any leaf drops.
Artificial lights can also be used to provide the right light for your plant. When it comes to the best grow light for your Monstera, LED bulbs are a good option, as they emit very little heat and use less energy than other types of bulbs. Make sure to set a timer that will keep your bulbs on for 10 to 12 hours every day to give your Monstera Spruceana enough light.
6. Choose the right pot size
When it comes to pot size, bigger is better – well, to a point. A Monstera Spruceana that is potbound will have stunted growth and may even stop growing altogether.
The roots of this plant grow quickly and need a lot of room to spread out. For best results, choose a pot for your Monstera that is at least 18 inches in diameter. If you can’t find a pot that big, you can always repot your Monstera plant into a larger one as it grows.
7. Monitor the temperature
This plant prefers warm temperatures and will not tolerate frost. The ideal temperature range for a Monstera Spruceana is between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
The most obvious way to control the temperature in your home is to use a thermostat. But there are other things you can do as well. One is to move your plant away from any drafty windows or doors. Another is to use a humidifier to add some extra moisture to the air.
Maintaining the ideal temperature range for your Monstera Spruceana is important, but so is avoiding any sudden changes in temperature for your Monstera. Sudden changes can cause the leaves of your plant to drop. So, if you need to make a change, do it gradually over a period of days or weeks.
8. Prune regularly
Pruning is an important part of caring for a Monstera Spruceana plant. Not only does it help to keep the plant healthy by removing old bits, but it also encourages new growth.
To prune your Monstera plant, simply remove any dead or dying leaves. You can also trim back any long vines that are starting to get out of control. When pruning, be sure to use sharp, clean shears. This will help to prevent the spread of disease.
Pruning is best done in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. However, you can prune your plant any time of year if necessary. Just be aware that it may not recover as quickly from pruning during the dormant winter months.
9. Propagate your Monstera Spruceana (if you want)
You can propagate your Monstera Spruceana by using a stem cutting. To do this, simply cut a length of stem that includes at least two leaves. Make sure to include a leaf node in the cutting so that new leaves can grow.
Find out more: Can You Propagate Monstera Without a Node?
Next, dip the cut end into some rooting hormone. This will help to encourage root growth. You can get rooting hormone at your local garden center or online.
After that, plant the cutting in some moist potting mix. Be sure to water it well and keep the soil moist until roots have formed. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
In general, once the plant is rooted, you can care for it in the same way that you would a mature plant. Just be sure to keep an eye on it and give it extra attention during the first few months as it adjusts to its new home.
10. Troubleshoot any problems as soon as you notice them
Overwatering Monstera is one of the most common problems people have with their Spruceanas, so it’s important not to water too often. If you think you might be watering too much, let the top inch or two of the soil dry out completely before watering again. You can also reduce the frequency of watering to every 2 weeks if the humidity is high, or if the temperature in your home is on the cooler side.
Another common problem is brown or yellow leaves. This can be caused by a number of things, including too much sun, too much water, or low humidity. If you see this happening, try to adjust the conditions in your home accordingly.
Finally, you may also see some black spots on the leaves of your plant. This is usually due to a fungal disease called anthracnose. The best way to combat this is to keep the leaves dry and remove any affected leaves as soon as you see them. You can also try using a fungicide, but be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
How to identify Monstera Spruceana
The Monstera Spruceana is easily distinguished by its thick, glossy, dark green leaves which have deep cuts or fenestrations. In fact, its fenestrations are so large coming off the main stem that the pieces of each leaf often look like separate leaves themselves.
Spruceana is a fast-growing plant that can reach heights of up to 20 feet when living as a Monstera in the wild. However, when grown indoors, it is more likely to max out at around six feet. The leaves of a Monstera Spruceana are broad and can grow up to 12 inches long. They are dark green with deep cuts that give them a lacy appearance.
Let’s take a look at some specific features of each part of the plant:
Monstera Spruceana’s leaves
The leaves on your Monstera Spruceana plant will start out small and grow larger as the plant matures. They are dark green with deep cuts that give them a lacy appearance. The cuts, or fenestrations, help the plant to cope with high winds and heavy rains.
The color of the leaves can vary depending on the amount of light they receive. If the leaves are getting too much sun, they may start to turn yellow. Too little sun will cause the leaves to turn a deep, dark green.
A healthy Monstera Spruceana leaf will be a rich yet bright green color. They will have a satin-like waxy finish that feels smooth to the touch.
You can expect a good amount of variety in the shape of the leaves as well. Some may be more deeply cut than others, and some may be more oval-shaped while others are more triangular. The size of the leaves will also vary depending on the age and size of the plant.
Nodes
Nodes are the points on a stem from which new leaves and branches grow. The nodes on your Monstera Spruceana plant will be spaced out evenly along the stem. They are dark green and have a slightly bumpy texture.
The internodes, which are the sections of stem between the nodes, can vary in length. Some may be quite long, while others may be very short.
The length of the internodes will determine how fast your plant grows. If the internodes are long, your plant will grow quickly. If they are short, the growth will be slower.
Monstera Spruceana flowers
The flowers of a Monstera Spruceana plant are small and white. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they have a sweet, honey-like fragrance that is very pleasant. They bloom from early summer to late fall.
They have a spadix, which is a thick, fleshy central column that is surrounded by a whorl of small, petal-like bracts. The flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects that are attracted to the sweet fragrance.
Stems
The stems of a Monstera Spruceana plant are green and have a slightly bumpy texture. The stems are thick and sturdy, and since the Monstera Spruceana is often a vining plant, they can grow to be quite long.
You may need to support your Monstera Spruceana plant if it is growing too heavy and threatens to topple over. You can do this by attaching the stem to a nearby wall or trellis using plant ties or wire.
Be careful not to damage the stem when you are doing this. If the stem is damaged, it can cause the plant to become unhealthy and the leaves may drop.
How to propagate Monstera Spruceana
It’s easy to propagate a Monstera Spruceana. Take a cutting from another mature plant and root it in water or soil. Over the course of a few weeks, it will grow roots as well as its first set of healthy leaves. At this point, you can transplant it into a pot of its own.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when propagating a plant from a leaf cutting:
1. Use clean tools
Make sure your tools are clean before you take a cutting. This will help to prevent the spread of disease. You can sterilize your scissors by wiping them down with rubbing alcohol.
2. Choose a healthy leaf
It’s best to choose a healthy leaf that is free from pests or diseases on your Monstera. The leaf should be bright green and have no brown spots. Choose a leaf that looks middle-aged. Not too young, not too old.
3. Include a node in your cutting
When you make your cut, be sure to include a node. A node is a point on the stem from which new leaves and branches grow. By cutting above a node, you will ensure that your plant has everything it needs to grow roots and leaves.
4. Use fresh high quality water
It can be a shock for a plant to be uprooted and placed in water. To help with this, when looking to grow a Monstera in water, make sure you are using fresh, high-quality water that has been filtered or distilled. This will help to prevent your plant from getting sick.
You can also turn tap water into filtered water by letting it sit out overnight. This will allow the chlorine to evaporate, making it safe for your plants.
5. Keep an eye on your new plant
Once you have placed your plant in water or soil, be sure to keep an eye on it. Check the water level every day and add more if necessary. The goal is to keep the roots moist, not wet.
You should also place your plant in a location where it will get indirect sunlight. Too much sun can damage the leaves, especially when the plant is young. Move it to a brighter spot if the leaves start to turn yellow.
6. Have patience
It can take several weeks for your plant to grow roots and new leaves. Be patient and don’t be tempted to transplant it too early. If you do, you run the risk of damaging the roots and setting your plant back.
Monstera Spruceana vs Dissecta vs Subpinnata
The main difference between the Monstera Spruceana, Monstera Dissecta, and Monstera Subpinnata is the size and shape of their leaves. The Dissecta is smaller than the other two, which are more similar, although the Spruceana has large leaves with deep lobes, while the Subpinnata has smaller lobes on its large foliage.
Monstera Spruceana, Monstera Dissecta, and Monstera Subpinnata plants are members of the Araceae family, which is also known as the aroid family. This family includes many popular houseplants, such as philodendrons, anthuriums, and spathiphyllums.
All three plants have large, glossy leaves with deep lobes, although the shape of the leaves is where they differ. Specifically, Monstera Spruceana is a vine that can grow up to 20 feet long. The leaves are large and have deep lobes. The flowers are white and have a sweet fragrance.
The Monstera Dissecta, on the other hand, is a small plant that only grows to be about 12 inches tall. The leaves are deeply lobed and have a lacy appearance. The flowers are white and have a strong fragrance.
Similarly, Monstera Subpinnata is also a vine that can grow up to 20 feet long, with white flowers and a sweet fragrance. The leaves are similarly large, albeit with shallow lobes.
So, as you can see, there are some significant differences between these three plants. Monstera Spruceana is the largest of the three and has the deepest lobes on its leaves. Dissecta is the smallest and has the most deeply lobed leaves. Subpinnata is in the middle in terms of size and has shallowly lobed leaves.
Now that you know a little bit more about Monstera Spruceana, Dissecta, and Subpinnata, you can decide which one is right for you!
Is Monstera spruceana rare?
While Monstera spruceana is easy to grow, it is rarer than the common Monstera Deliciosa. It is known as a rare tropical climbing plant hailing from central and South America. This means that it commands a higher price and isn’t commonly found in garden stores or big box retailers.
It was only recently introduced to the houseplant market and has quickly become a collector’s item due to its beautiful, large leaves. It has a medium to fast growth rate which has given it more recent popularity.
Now that plants can be easily shipped internationally, this Monstera is much more available to purchase. However, it still commands a higher price than the average houseplant, including that it’s more expensive than other types of Monstera.
Due to its rareness, it’s a perfect choice for more advanced growers who are looking for variety in their plant collection. It’s also a great conversation starter and will surely impress your friends and family.
Find out more about how much you’ll pay for this variety with our Monstera plant price guide.
What is a standard Monstera Spruceana price?
A Monstera Spruceana will cost between $40 to $100 if the plant is on the smaller end. Larger, more mature Spruceana plants can cost upwards of $200 or more. If you purchase a clipping from a plant enthusiast, it could cost anywhere from $10 to $30 depending on its quality.
To get a plant that’s closer to the lower end of the price range, look for one that’s around 12 inches tall. For a plant on the higher end of the spectrum, look for one that’s at least 24 inches tall.
When purchasing a Monstera Spruceana, it’s important to remember that you’re paying for both the plant and the shipping. The shipping cost can be significant, so be sure to factor that in when budgeting for your new plant.
For comparison, a Monstera Deliciosa plant will cost between $20 to $50. So, while the Spruceana plant is slightly more pricey, it’s possible to find one at a comparable price if you’re willing to shop around.
Where do I buy Monstera Spruceana?
If you’re looking to purchase a Monstera Spruceana, your best bet is to look for a reputable nursery or plant retailer. Some popular online retailers that sell Spruceana plants include Amazon, Etsy, and eBay. You may be able to trade a cutting of your own to get a hold of a Monstera Spruceana plant as well.
When purchasing from an online retailer, be sure to do your research beforehand. Read reviews of the seller and make sure that they have a good reputation. You don’t want to end up with a plant that’s in poor condition.
If you want a Monstera Spruceana for completely free, you can try to get a cutting from a friend or family member who already has the plant. propagation. If you don’t know anyone with this plant, there are plenty of groups on social media where plant parents are always happy to help out.