Summary: If your Monstera is growing too big for its pot, it’s time to split it. Use a sharp knife to cut the root ball in half, being careful not to damage the roots. Repot each half in its own pot, using fresh potting mix.
Should I split my Monstera?
Are you considering splitting your Monstera plant, also known as the ostrich fern? If so, then it’s time to decide whether you should do this as a seasonal or a permanent change. Keep reading for more information about the pros and cons of splitting your fern.
Pros Of Splitting Your Monstera
There are many advantages to splitting your Monstera plant. For instance, you can remove the lower portion of the plant, which makes it easier to grow and maintain. You can also separate the white and green portions of the plant, which is beneficial to the former. Plus, you can grow two different types of ferns in the same pot!
The downsides to splitting your Monstera are few but significant. For one thing, you have to make sure that the plant is of a certain size before you begin the process. Otherwise, it will be hard to separate the two portions, and it takes a lot of time to grow back again once the plant has been separated. Finally, you have to be careful not to eat the pollen that’s on the stigmas of the white flowers, as this can cause allergic reactions in some people. (The pollen is also very sticky, so if you have pets or little ones around, make sure they don’t lick it off the stigmas.)
Cons Of Splitting Your Monstera
The cons to splitting your Monstera are actually pretty significant. One of the main problems is that you’ll have to start over again if you decide to change your mind about the split. You can’t go back and add another fern to the mix once the process has begun. This means you either have to live with the split or garden with only one species at a time.
Another significant con to splitting your Monstera is the time it takes to grow back together again. If you’ve ever gardened before, then you know that ferns don’t like to be rushed. They need a lot of space and time to grow and spread. While this is good for the environment overall, it doesn’t make it easy to keep up with the demands of the natural world once you’ve started the process of adding a second fern to your pot. Furthermore, unless you do this as a seasonal change, you may never see the fully developed form of the 2nd fern. This is frustrating if you’re a fan of both varieties!
If these cons sound like too much effort for you but you still want to do it, then the final option is to buy a pre-split plant from a gardening store. The store will cut the fern open at the base, so you can start growing with a minimum of hassle. Once your 2nd plant is a few inches high, you can put it in the ground with your 1st plant and forget about it. You’ll be amazed at how fast the 2nd plant grows once it gets going!
In the end, the decision to split your Monstera is completely up to you. But, if you plan on changing your mind about it then it’s best to do it as seasons permit. Otherwise, you may find that you’ve started a process that you can’t easily complete. Consider all the pros and the cons before you make a decision, and then pick which option seems the most appealing to you.