Avatar for Kkrhae1
Mar 30, 2024 7:42 PM CST
Thread OP
Oklahoma
I have a small Monstera with 1 main stem that has 5 leaves at the very top and that's it. I saved the plant from my sister her dog urinated on it. Anyhow is there a way to promote bottom growth to help even it out. It's leaning and curving and I have it pinned up next to a stick or it will not stay up.
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Avatar for CalPolygardener
Mar 30, 2024 9:04 PM CST
California (Zone 9b)
Welcome! to the site!
The short answer is, no there is no way to get it bushy at the bottom. You could plant a smaller one at the base if it really must be fuller. It needs a more substantial 'log' to grow on. Something like a wooden stake wrapped in moss with chicken wire around it. Check out some of @Gina1960 posts for more info on staking Monstera.
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Mar 31, 2024 1:19 AM CST
Name: Gina
Florida (Zone 9a)
Tropical plant collector 40 years
Aroids Region: Florida Greenhouse Tropicals
What you saved was basically a butt cut (a bottom cut) of a lopped off plant that has resprouted a new lead from the first node below the cut. That node was 'activated' to make a new shoot when the meristem was cut. You can try to activate the nodes below your new shoot by injuring the stem and air layering it you could possibly activate the one node below the one that resprouted….but if it goes south you may end up with less than you have now.
As CalPolygardener said, the best thing to do is attach your plant to a real support now and let it grow. Later, after you have a larger plant, you might be able to take another cutting and put it in the container with this one to make it look fuller.
When you buy a containerized climbing aroid like a Monstera, they usually start those out from the very first with multiple top cuttings for a bushy full plant. To get the same thing you'd have to do the same, multiple cuttings
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Avatar for Kkrhae1
Mar 31, 2024 1:23 PM CST
Thread OP
Oklahoma
Ok thank you. I plan on getting a bigger support for it. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to save to be honest. I don't mind it not being bushy was just hoping that it would counter the weight eventually.
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Mar 31, 2024 1:35 PM CST
N. California (Zone 10b)
@Gina1960 #Gina1960
Do you think this might be Rhaphidophora rather than a true Monstera?
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Mar 31, 2024 2:49 PM CST
Name: Gina
Florida (Zone 9a)
Tropical plant collector 40 years
Aroids Region: Florida Greenhouse Tropicals
I do, yes. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma. Care is the same though
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Avatar for ernstjames63
Apr 8, 2024 4:45 AM CST

Thank you so much for the information.
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