Are you battling with a massive plant that hasn’t gotten new leaves for a while? It’s not just you. We’ll take you through the steps of reviving an invasive plant, which includes the removal of bugs, repotting, and introduction of beneficial insects. Let’s get started!

Identifying the Problem – Thrips Infestation

The first step to revive any plant is identifying the problem. In this instance, Caroline’s monstera had not sprung an additional leaf for six months. When it was examined more closely, it was apparent that Thrips were the responsible party.

What Are Thrips?

The tiny insect known as a Thrip is that eat plant sap, leaving bite marks on leaves. They are frequently misinterpreted as natural blemishes; however, they can seriously hinder the growth of your plant if left untreated. Although Caroline’s plant was not heavily affected, the presence of Thrips was enough to slow the progress of her plant.

Pro Tip: Watch for tiny silvery streaks or dots on leaves. These are indicators of the damage caused by thrips.

Repotting Your Monstera for Better Growth

After the issue was found, the following step was to repot the beast. Repotting is not just beneficial for root health, but it also provides the plant with extra space to develop.

Checking the Roots

Before repotting, it’s important to inspect the roots. When the plants are in a pot (i.e., that the roots are packed tightly), this means it will not be capable of absorbing nutrients efficiently. In Caroline’s instance, the roots were 90% filled, which suggests that it was time to make an upgrade.

Steps for Repotting:

1. Take the plant out gently : To remove the plant out of its planter, lightly press on the soil and then roll the pot until it is loose.
2. Get rid of the roots : Although it’s not required to unravel every root, loosening the roots a bit will allow the plant to have the space to grow in the new pot.
3. Select the right soil mix : A hefty mix of perlite, orchid, and horticultural charcoal bark is a great choice for monsteras. This mix will ensure proper oxygenation and aeration for the root.
4. Add fertilizer : After planting, you can add a well-balanced fertilizer. Because the soil you have created already has some nutrients, there is no need to go overboard. For a 12-inch pot, approximately 1.5 teaspoons of fertilizer would suffice.

Pro Tip: Make sure to water your plant as soon as you repot it. Dry soil could damage roots, so ensure the soil is soaked to aid in its settling.

Staking Your Monstera for Support

Monstera Plants are climbing by nature, and the need for support is essential to their development. In this instance, Caroline had two options for support: a birch bark tree or the Moss pole.

Why Stake Your Monstera?

Staking aids in growing the plant up straight and helps support it with its massive leaves. When you stake, make sure that the roots of the aerial are towards the rear of the plant since that is where they will naturally join to surfaces.

How to Tie Your Monstera:

• Pay attention to the stem : Do not tie leaves by themselves, since this could damage the new growth. Instead, connect your stem with stakes with soft ties.
• Beware of damaging new growth : Take care not to tie up the area in which new leaves are forming. This can hamper the growth of new leaves and lead to lower-quality, less vibrant leaves.

Pro Tip: Use soft, flexible ties to prevent damaging the stem. It is important to give the support you need without limiting the growth.

Introducing Beneficial Insects to Combat Pests

A highly efficient way to fight the thrips problem is to introduce beneficial bugs. They feed on the thrips in various phases of their lives, which helps to eradicate the problem naturally.

Types of Beneficial Insects

1. Amblyseius Swirskii Mites : The mites attack the stages of the thrips’ larvae, as soon as they emerge from eggs.
2. Stratiolaelaps Scimitus Mites : These soil-dwelling insects are a target for thrips that enter the soil, and feed on leaf matter that is decaying.
3. Orius beetles insidiosus : Small flying beetles eat adult Thrips, which makes them an essential part of your arsenal of pest control.

How to Apply Beneficial Insects:

• Sachets : Place sachets with the mites on the leaves of the plant. The sachets feature tiny holes that permit the insects to emerge and begin working.
• Shake them on : For beetles such as Orius insidiosus, shake them gently onto the plant. They’ll quickly disperse and begin to search for Thrips.

Pro Tip: Don’t be concerned about handling these pests. They’re harmless to pets and humans, however, they can be deadly for insects!

Final Tips for Monstera Care

Reviving a monstera isn’t simply about addressing immediate issues; it’s about creating long-term maintenance practices that will make sure your plant grows.

Best Monstera Care Practices

• Consistently watering : Monsteras like slightly moist soil. However, excessive watering can cause root decay. Examine the top aft of soil prior to applying water.
• Bright Indirect Light : You should place your monstera in a location in which it will receive the bright indirect sunlight. A lot of direct light could burn the leaves.
• Regular Pruning : Prune any damaged or yellowed leaves to encourage growth and to maintain the shape of the plant.

Pro Tip: Make an animal partner! Knowing someone who is knowledgeable about how to assist you in how to care for your plants can make the world of difference.

Conclusion – Goodbye Thrips, Hello Healthy Monstera!

Through addressing the thrip issue by repotting the plant and introduction of beneficial insects, Caroline’s beast is on the way to recovering. With the proper care and attention, her plant should begin making new leaves in no time.

If you’ve found this article useful, don’t forget to follow and like us on Facebook. Subscribe to Lee’s Channel for more gardening tips. Happy gardening! Monstera’s make great household plants.