- Terracotta pots
- Foam paint brushes
- Acrylic paint in your preferred colours
- Newspaper
- Matte or gloss sealing spray
- Pot cleaning brush (optional)
- Disposable plate (optional)
- Water (optional)
monstera
aka monstera deliciosa, swiss cheese plant, split-leaf philodendron
When it comes to great looks and easy care, the monstera is an absolute beast! Its distinct natural leaf holes have earned it the nickname “swiss cheese plant”.
variations
This South American beauty comes in a wide variety of plants. Monstera Obliqua Monstera Deliciosa, Monstera Adansonii and Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma to name a few.
light
bright, indirect light
Lots of indirect light. Loves bright, but can handle a shadier spot. Keep out of direct sunlight.
water + feeding
get dry between watering
Water thoroughly, but allow the top inch or two to completely dry before re-watering. Do not overwater, where you see water pooling on top or in the tray. Feed monthly during spring and summer.
toxic
toxic to humans and pets
Ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation and possible vomiting. Can be severly toxic if too much is ingested.
location
flexible
Settles in nicely to average indoor temperatures. Doesn’t like sudden temperature changes like cold drafts or getting blasted by heater vents.
humidity
loves some extra
Monstera is from the tropics, so high humidity is welcome.
size
generally a large friend
But size varies by subspecies. Deliciosa can grow over 6 feet height and 6 feet wide. Adansonii is a vine-like plant that grow 6 feet down, or grow up a moss pole.
pro tip
clean those leaves
Wipe leaves regularly to keep them dust-free. And they love the humidity of a good misting.
fun fact
swiss cheese leaves
Monstera’s monster leaves develop holes to allow heavy wind and rain to pass through. Monstera is Latin for “strange”.
beyond the basics
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soil & potting
Use a rich, well-draining, indoor potting soil, like Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix. Ensure your pot has good drainage. If you notice water pooling in the drainage tray, empty it.
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when to repot
Monstera grows fast, filling the pot with roots, and can quickly become rootbound. Repot in the Spring every 1 to 2 years, especially with younger plants. Increase your pot by 2 inches. When your Monstera is more mature, you can get away with just replacing the top few inches of soil.
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propagation
Monstera is easy to propagate, especially If you have a node or aerial roots. Make your cut just below the node , then remove the lower leaves. Place your cutting in a glass jar with water and roots will grow within a couple weeks. For more information on propagation check out our propagation project page!
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pest control
The most common pest is mealybugs. Look under those leaves when doing your regular cleaning. Check out our Pest control section in Plant 101 for how to identify and deal with pests on your plant!
troubleshooting
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yellow leaves?
You’re probably overwatering. Are the leaves are also wilting? It’s almost certainly too much water, but this problem is easy to solve if caught early. Let your Monstera dry out completely. Make sure your plant pot has a drainage hole to allow excess water to escape.
If you’ve caught it early you should be able to fix this rather easily. Try poking holes in soil to allow for oxygen to get to the roots, or place pot (with drainage holes) in a tray or container with dry soil. This will soak up excess moisture. Finally check for root rot, remove any roots that seem affected, you may want to repot with fresh dry soil. For more information check out our Plant 101 section.
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leaf tips and edges turning brown?
Could be a variety of reasons. Dry air, dry potting mix, too low of temperatures, or outgrowing pot size. If the room this plant is in is over 75 F/24 C and the air feels dry try a humidifier or placing plant on a pebble filled try of water. Mist leaves regularly. If near a heat vent move it away. If the room is too cold, or near a cold window move somewhere warmer.
Check if roots are bound or sneaking out the bottom drainage hole. Repot if necessary.
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plant ‘crying’?
Too much water. Monstera leaves can drip if their potting mix is too wet. Slow down on the watering. Make sure the top two inches of potting mix get fully dry between waterings.
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no holes in the leaves?
Probably not a problem! Young plants don’t have them. But if you have a mature plant that’s stopped producing holes with leaves, something is wrong. Check your location, watering and feeding routine.
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mold on the surface soil?
Overwatering, too little time between watering. Mold (and even mushrooms) growing on your soil is not a direct threat. But it IS a sign of overwatering. Root rot can follow if not addressed. Water less frequently and make sure you let the top two inches of soil fully dry before watering. Ensure you have proper drainage. If things look really moldy, you can remove the top inch or so of soil.
Upcycle the ubiquitous terracotta plant pot. With these easy tips, you can bring those boring pots from drab to fab in a day
step one.
using pencil, sketch out the basic shapes of the type of plant you want to label: an elongated oval for peppers, rounded triangles for strawberries, circles for tomatoes, and so on. write out the name of the plant in pencil as well. use your best handwriting or get creative with fonts!
step two.
Clean your pot, whether it’s new or used. Your scrub brush can help you remove any dirt. Make sure that the pots are completely dry, which can take a couple hours or a couple days depending on their size.
step three.
If needed, thin the paint by squirting a good amount on the plate and adding a few drops of water and mix. Clay or terracotta pots are absorbent so thinned paint allows a more even coat of paint.
step four.
Get painting! Desired coverage might require two or three coats. You may wish to paint the top interior that is exposed above the soil.
step five.
Personalize your pots by adding designs, lettering or adhesive decals. Your plant babies deserve a pretty home all their own.
step six.
Allow paint and decorations to dry. Since these pot materials hold moisture, it may take longer than you expect to dry. Yes, we want our pots to be moist or our plants, but their painted surfaces!
step seven.
Seal the deal. Select a glossy or matte finish and spray the pot evenly in a well-ventilated area
#easypeasy
Why wait for tomato plants at the garden centre? Take your tomato game to the next level and sprout your own seeds indoors.
here’s what you need to get started:
- Tomato seeds (opt for ones that are less than one year old)
- Miracle–Gro® Seed Starting Potting Mix
- Seed-starting pots (we recommend recycling egg cartons as an eco-friendly option, but you can also purchase pots.)
- Water bottle for misting
- Plastic wrap
step one.
Add Miracle-Gro® Seed Starting Potting Mix to the seed pot, about a quarter of the way filled. Gently pat it down but do not make it too compact.
step two.
Place 2 to 3 seeds in each pot, covering with a small amount of additional mix.
step three.
Moisten the top layer (enough to cover the seeds) with your spray bottle.
step four.
Find a warm, dark place to keep your seed babies. Don’t forget to cover them in plastic wrap.
step five.
Checking in on your seed babies daily, ensure the soil is always wet but not soaked.
step six.
When you see sprouts emerge, move them to a sunlit window or use an indoor growing light.
#easypeasy
Why are terrariums so popular? We don’t need to explain when you see the charming miniature, glass-enclosed world for yourself. Or, better yet, when you make your own. They are fun to create and so rewarding, especially when you compare your DIY terrarium to the cost of a store-bought version.
Here’s how to DIY your own plant terrarium, which is big on beauty and small on space. A bookshelf or hanging plant holder will do!
here’s what you need to get started:
- Polished or pretty stones
- Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix
- Pebbles for drainage
- Activated Charcoal
- Terrarium-friendly plants like succulents, air plants or miniature cacti
- Small gardening tools
- Small or medium sized glass vessel
- Miniature decorations or trinkets (optional)
step one.
Spread a 1 ½“ layer of pebbles on the terrarium’s interior base.
step two.
Place the activated charcoal on top in a thin layer.
step three.
Add potting mix (or your mix of choice depending on plant type) ensuring adequate depth for plant roots, approximately 2.5”. Smaller glass containers may require slightly less.
step four.
Add your plants, beginning with the largest one first. Add your plants, beginning with the largest one first. As a general rule of (green) thumb, prune the roots once you remove them from their container.
step five.
Using your fingertip, make a dent in the soil that is big enough to submerge the plant roots.
step six.
Gently nestle the small plant in the soil. We suggest starting from the back of the terrarium then making your way to the front. Feel free to experiment with spacing, as you are the one who decides what is most visually attractive.
step seven.
If you’ve chosen to add some ‘pizzazz’ with additional miniature decorations, now you can (yes, you can even find tiny garden gnomes for your glass-enclosed garden).
taking care of your terrarium:
Now that it’s done, all that’s needed is simple upkeep. Find a place to show it off, a spot that has ample indirect sunlight and make sure to dampen the soil every two weeks or when it appears to need moistened.
#easypeasy
With food prices on the rise, many people are growing their own produce. There’s no need to wait until next spring to start a garden outdoors, you can grow more of what you love – year round.
The Aerogarden makes the perfect gift for the plant lover in your life. Grow anywhere with style and convenience.
grow anything
Seed pod kits come in a variety of vegetables and gourmet herbs that include basil, thyme, dill, parsley, chives, mint, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce. A Grow Anything seed pod kit allows you to start your favourite plants before potting them or planting in ground in the spring and summer.
the AeroGarden family
Countertop Aerogardens range from 2 to 9 pods and offer different growing heights as well as space saving options. WiFi and non-WiFi Aerogarden versions are available.
5X growth speed
Plants grow five times more quickly in the Aerogarden than they do in soil. As a result, we recommend you not pack your Aerogarden holes with seeds, alternating holes instead, due to the robust seed growth.
clean green machine
Keep your Aerogarden clean by giving it a weekly wipe down. When unboxing, fully wash the unit and ensure.
water, lights, action!
Ensure the growing lights above your Aerogarden are 4- to 6-inches above the plants. As your plants begin to grow to different heights, base this measurement on the tallest plant.
It is fine to use tap water for your plants. If the water is on the harder side, purified or distilled water is better.
Don’t forget to prune them. This is especially important because Aerogardens grown and consume space quickly.
For more advice and ideas on Aerogardens, visit www.aerogarden.ca.
#easypeasy
If you haven’t got on board with the air garden trend, it’s time for you to turn a new leaf. Easy to care for and uniquely beautiful, air plants are a way to brighten your home with green, no soil required.
about air plants
Air plants usually grow on other plants, creating intriguing patterns and visual interest. They look wonderful on their own or grouped together! We love seeing them displayed in things like terrariums, wall planters, and driftwood.
flowering air plants?
Their rosette style of growth, meaning new growth stems from the middle of the plant, make these plants fascinating to watch grow and even flower.
caring for your air plants
As easy as air gardens are to care for, your air plants require the right amount of light and room temperature. Bright, indirect sunlight is best. Since they originate from warmer clients, your air plant babies like a cozy home, so keep the thermostat at least 8 ℃ (46℉) so they don’t get cold. Unlike other houseplants, air plants do not have roots. This means you should soak them at least one a week in a jar for about 30 minutes, then turn upside down gently to drain.
all set!
They can be placed in terrariums or attached to anything from magnets to driftwood for creating your own interesting displays—just use a bit of hot glue or translucent fishing line to create a floating look!
#easypeasy
Say goodbye to dried herbs and swap them for their fresh counterparts. More flavourful and healthy, you can even enjoy fresh herbs in winter by growing them indoors. We show you how.
quality soil produces quality herbs
Just as we require fresh food for optimal health (but you already knew that, since you’re here to grow your own fresh herbs!) plants require quality soil.Call us biased but the best results come from using Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix, designed for proper nutrient absorption and drainage.
sunny side up
Put it this way, the more sunshine your herb babies get, the more they’ll grow up healthy and abundant. Choose a south-facing window to place your indoor herb garden, avoiding a north-facing windowsill, although east- or west-facing windows are alright, too.
seedy side of the sill
Just as sunlight makes a world of difference, so do the seeds you choose. Small containers work best with denser, smaller seeds. Using a seed starting mix like Miracle-Gro® Seed Starting Potting Mix, sprinkle your herb seeds over the soil and cover not too tightly, or plant your herb seeds an inch or so deep.
talkin’ ‘bout my germination
After you plant the seeds, cover the container with a loose-fitting item like a plastic bag or dome-shaped vessel. Place them in a warm damp spot away from direct sunlight which will allow the seeds to germinate. Once they do, you can remove them and place them in a sunnier spot.
TLC for transplanted herb plants
Your herb babies can undergo shock from dramatic light changes, so adjust them slowly. This means it’s best not to take them directly from a sunny area to a dim one. Allow them to acclimatize by gradually exposing them to lower light conditions. For example, start them in a spot that receives indirect sunlight for two weeks, then to a shadier area for another week or two, until finally moving them to their new indoor home.
water, but not too much
Your potting mix should dry a bit before the next watering. The best way to check is simply sticking your index finger into the soil and if it’s dry, gently water. Liberal waterings can be a recipe for disaster so avoid over-watering your herbs. A good method is to see water coming out of the bottom of the container but not flooding. Check out the Miracle-Gro®’s line of herb feeding products for a healthy herb harvest.
keeping herbs happy
Like most plants, regular pruning of your herbs enables them to stay compact and grow new leaves and shoots. Herbs are easy to prune since you are likely gently pulling them to add to your cooking or salads. Pruning can even extend your herbs’ growth periods. Flowers might look pretty but they affect flavour and tenderness of the herbs, so be sure to prune them below the bud immediately.
#easypeasy
Propagation might sound like something from sci- fi flicks, but it is not as intimidating as you may think, nor must you be a pro gardener to do it.
If your sprawling houseplant is reaching new heights or outgrowing its pot, you may wish to propagate, which means growing a new plant from the original plant’s leaves, stems, or roots.
During pandemic times, we saw a lot of recipes for sourdough bread or kombucha beverages, both requiring a mother as a starter. Similarly, your mature plants are “mothers” that can be used as plant starters for a whole new plant community. Speaking of community, just as sourdough starters exchanged hands amongst neighbours, you can do the same with your propagated plants or within a plant swap, for example.
plant propagation FAQs
Here, we give props to propagation! Find out what materials and methods you need to get started.
let’s prop!
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when is the best time of year to propagate my plants?
Spring or summer is best but since it’s not always a guaranteed process you can try year-round
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what do I need to get started?
- Pruning shears or scissors
- Small pots with holes for drainage
- Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix
- Water-filled watering can
- Clean glass container (if propagating via water)
- Humidifier or oven bag (if propagating with soil)
- Sharp knife
- Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food
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what part of my plant should I use for propagation?
This depends on the type of houseplant you wish to propagate. Whether it’s growing new roots in soil or water, some online research should help you decide if you’re using leaf cuttings, stems, or dividing the existing plant into a new container.
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what is the stem cutting in water process?
If you see a viable stem from your mother plant, you can cut the stem and place it in water for it to grow new roots. This is both a practical process as well as a fun science experiment to observe. For best results, try rooting tropical plants in water, for example the popular houseplants monstera and fiddle leaf fig.
propagation methods
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how do I grow stems in water for propagation?
Follow these 5 easy steps:
- Take your sharp shears or scissors and cut a 3-to-4-inch at the node (the length of stem below the leaf)
- Remove leaves from the lower part of the stem to avoid leaves rotting in the water
- Fill your container with filtered water, changing it every few days, for 2 to 4 weeks, until the roots grow 1 to 2 inches
- With roots a favourable length, it’s time to transplant the roots from water to soil. Using Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix , which offers nutrients and oxygen flow to allow your baby plant to thrive, fill a small pot two-thirds of the way making sure the roots are 1-inch below the rim. Surround the roots with more potting mix and gently press in.
- Water well, until water comes out the bottom. Return to a sunny spot and watch your new baby grow.
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how do I grow leaves in soil for propagation?
Just as in the above instructions you learned propagating using plant stems, this version is using leaves. A helpful hint to get started is to use a few leaves to root to increase chances of success. Propagating houseplants like snake plants, succulents and African violet are easier thanks to their dense, soft foliage.
Here’s how to root leaves in 5 easy steps:
- Cut the leaves from your mother plants about 0.5 to 1-inch down its petiole (stalk). For plants without stalks, cut the leaf into 2-inch pieces, noting which part is the bottom (nearest the base) which you’ll need to know when potting.
- Fill a pot with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix which helps roots robustly sprawl as they form.
- Dip the leaves’ bottoms into and securely place it in the spoil on the vertical, bottom down. All leaves may share the same container.
- Keep your cuttings moist by gently watering the soil, spritzing with a water bottle or keeping them near a humidifier. While the cuttings have no roots formed, be mindful they can dry easily so check on them frequently (which of course, is part of the fun, watching the progress!)
- Congrats, it’s a plant! With patience and care, in a few months you will see baby plantlets with new roots take form, which means you can transplant them into their own pots, minus the original cutting.
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what is division in plant propagation?
Division, which is splitting a plant in half to propagate, is a good method for houseplants with stems at the base. For example, ferns, peace lilies, and bromeliads. You can also split the mother plant in thirds to create one or two more plants.
Here are 6 steps for plants propagation division:
- Take houseplant out of its pot and put on a clean, covered surface.
- Separate your plant into separate pieces by gently cutting with a sharp knife or pulling apart with your hands
- Each new section should have roots attached to it
- Fill pots with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix, which will jumpstart nutrition to the new plant as it starts to adjust to its new earthy abode
- Gently place each plant part into its own pot then add more potting mix to just below 1 inch of the pot’s rim.
- Water so that it runs out the bottom of the planter and place your newbies in that bright, indirect light you used to grow their mother.
#easypeasy
The beauty and practicality of greenhouses don’t have to be relegated to the great outdoors. This a rewarding plant project that keeps on giving.
here’s what you need to get started:
- a glass cabinet
- a grow light
- portable humidifier
- small fan
- heating mats (optional)
- pegboard (optional)
- decorations
get a glass cabinet
Search your local antiques shop or home décor or furniture store for a glass cabinet that speaks to you.
install a grow light
After assembling (if required) your glass cabinet that will soon become a greenhouse, it’s time to add grow lights. If you plan to put your greenhouse in a darker or shaded area of your home, grow lighting is especially important. A home improvement store will have varying styles, we recommend those with adhesive strips for ease of installation.
control air quality
Greenhouses are excellent for tropical plants that need humid conditions. Add a portable humidifier or water tray inside your greenhouse. To circulate the air, you may wish to include a small fan. Greenhouses are also useful for plants that do not require humidity.
get creative
The last step of building your own indoor greenhouse is up to you, as it is customizing it to make it your own. Shelving, rugs or heating mats, pegboard or particle boards, small garden gnomes – whatever useful or aesthetic ideas you have, now you can add them to your indoor greenhouse and enjoy the fruits (and flowers) of your labour!
#easypeasy
Babies don’t come with instructions but plant babies do. Even with instructions, you may still have some questions on doing right by your plant. We’ve got you covered with some basic houseplant do’s and don’ts.
DO
let your plant get used to its space and quarantine. When you introduce your new plant to its new home, it will need time to get acclimated. Another good rule of thumb is to keep your new plant well away from other houseplants for at least 2 weeks. This gives you time to inspect your new baby for bugs or diseases.
DO
keep it on a schedule. Plants love structure. Watering and feeding your plant on a schedule helps to keep it happy and healthy. Most plants like to stay moderately hydrated and well fed. Take a look at our plant tags to find more information about your plant and its needs.
DO
repot when the time is right! A good rule of thumb is to repot once the plant has reached 2-3 times the size of their pot. Another good indicator is if it appears to be growing slower than it should. A new size pot let’s your plant spread it’s wings (if it’s a Caladium it really does have wings)
DON’T
repot too soon. Slow your roll! Repotting a plant suddenly can cause browning leaves or wilting. Give your new buddy time to get used to its new home before repotting. You may not need to for quite some time!
DON’T
let it get root bound. Roots that push through drainage holes can push the plant out of its pot. This is a pretty big hint that your plant needs more room. It’s time to let it stretch its legs.
DON’T
let it dry out too much. Your little plant baby will thrive in high quality potting mix, Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix but potting mix dries out faster than normal soil. So check for dryness with a quick finger dip to test the mix. If it’s dry, you know what to do.
QUICK TIP
Plants love a fresh dose of potting mix, so re-pot every year right before the warm-weather growing season.
