This is one of the most-asked questions I receive when it comes to caring for monstera albos. “I’m worried I’ll kill it. Every plant I buy has always died.” I hear you– it’s a very real concern. Before my interest in plants and launching WP, I would purchase a few houseplants from my local grocery store, put them under an incandescent light bulb, and top them off with water whenever I’d see them. Light and water, all that’s required, right? Unfortunately, very wrong. Within a few weeks I would see what used to be luscious, full-of-life houseplants slowly wether away, and with them, any confidence I had in my green thumb.
However, I promise it does not need to be that way for you! Anyone (yes anyone) can have a green thumb even if it does not come second nature. That’s because maintaining a healthy plant is about understanding a set of rules, very simple rules, and if you follow them you will have a beautifully growing monstera albo.
When do you drink water? I would hope it’s when you’re thirsty. When do you eat? Hopefully, also when you’re hungry. Can over-saturating yourself with water be harmful? In extreme amounts, definitely. I think it goes without mentioning that overeating can be extremely harmful as well.
The same goes with your plants. Although each plant is different, and in this conversation we’re specifically referring to monstera albos, the message remains the same: water when thirsty, let be if not.
“Wow, thanks for the nuanced message, Wally!” Don’t worry, I’ve listed applicable rules below, but that’s the principal in which these rules are built from.
WHEN SHOULD I WATER MY MONSTERA ALBO?
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Only water when the soil/substrate is dry all the way through the bottom of the pot.
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If you can access the drainage hole with your finger, feel the soil/substrate to confirm the moisture level.
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If it’s moist, let it be. There is no need to provide excess water to a monstera albo that has not yet used the water available.
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Follow the guidelines above and do not water solely based on a watering schedule. Just as humans, plants are fluctuating beings and should be cared for as such.
MONSTERA ALBO WATERING GUIDELINES BASED ON PLANTER MATERIAL
TERRA COTTA
Terracotta and other clay material are very porous and therefore dry quickly. For pots of small diameter, less than 15 cm or so, you may be required to water more than once per week.
CERAMIC
Ceramic pots are glazed and do not allow for moisture transfer. Expect to water less frequently when using ceramic pots compared to others.
W. PLANTERS
MONSTERA ALBO WATERING GUIDELINES BASED ON POT & PLANTER SIZE
Below is a general gauge for reference. However, watering requirements are extremely relative depending on lighting conditions and planter size. Please use the watering guidelines bulleted above as a first priority.
SMALL PLANTER: UNDER 15CM
In optimum conditions, watering may be required 1-2 times weekly.
STANDARD PLANTER: 15CM - 22CM
In optimum conditions, watering may be required weekly.
LARGE PLANTER: 22CM+
In optimum conditions, watering may only be needed roughly every 10 days. Large ceramic pots retain more water and therefore require less watering. To reduce the potential of root rot, aerated substrate should be a top priority.
What makes monstera albos unique is that they truly are living art. As you learn to see your living art piece as a being to nourish and care for, rather than an object requiring maintenance, you’ll begin noticing cues from your plant you previously ignored. Wilting leaves, crisp edges, changes in growth, etc. Instead of searching for the answer, you’ll learn from your plant’s behavior what it truly needs. It is in this process, you’ll begin developing a green thumb.
