Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is a popular houseplant known for its large, glossy leaves with unique perforations. These tropical plants thrive in high humidity environments, making it essential to provide them with adequate moisture. One effective way to increase humidity around your Monstera deliciosa is by creating a humidity tray. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a humidity tray for your Monstera deliciosa plants:
1. A shallow tray or saucer
2. Pebbles or small stones
3. Water
4. A hygrometer (optional, for monitoring humidity levels)
Select a shallow tray or saucer that is large enough to accommodate the size of your Monstera deliciosa's pot. The tray should have enough depth to hold water without overflowing, but not too deep to prevent the plant from sitting in water.
Thoroughly clean the tray to remove any dirt or debris. This will help maintain a clean and healthy environment for your plant.
Fill the tray with a layer of pebbles or small stones. These will serve as a platform for your Monstera deliciosa's pot, preventing it from sitting directly in water and promoting better drainage.
Position your Monstera deliciosa's pot on top of the pebbles in the tray. Ensure that the pot is stable and centered.
Pour water into the tray, ensuring that it reaches just below the surface of the pebbles. Avoid submerging the pot in water, as this can lead to root rot. The water will gradually evaporate, increasing the humidity around the plant.
Regularly check the humidity levels around your Monstera deliciosa using a hygrometer, if available. If the water in the tray evaporates completely, refill it to maintain the desired humidity. Avoid letting the tray dry out completely, as this can cause stress to the plant.
Depending on the environmental conditions and the needs of your Monstera deliciosa, you may need to adjust the amount of water in the tray. In drier climates or during winter months when indoor heating reduces humidity, you may need to refill the tray more frequently. Conversely, in more humid environments, you may need to reduce the amount of water to prevent excessive moisture around the plant.
Creating a humidity tray for your Monstera deliciosa plants is a simple and effective way to provide them with the moisture they need. By following these steps and monitoring the humidity levels, you can help your Monstera deliciosa thrive and maintain its lush foliage.
