Monstera plants are known for their uniquely cut leaves, creating an exotic atmosphere and making them an attractive houseplants with a strong presence.
They are also sturdy, easy to grow, and relatively resistant to dry conditions. However, monstera plants can lose their leaves if exposed to extreme cold or prolonged dryness.
You might throw your monstera away if you’re left with a stem. But, if the remaining stem is firm when you touch it, don’t give up and keep caring for it.
Monstera plants are resilient, and with proper care, new sprouts may emerge from the sides or nodes of the existing stem.
Contents
Reviving Your Monstera: A Firm Stem Offers Hope for New Life
Start by feeling the remaining stem when your monstera has only one stem.
Unfortunately, recovery is unlikely if the stem is already soft and hollow. However, if the stem or aerial roots are still firm, even brownish rather than green, there’s still hope.
Placing the stem in water may even encourage the aerial roots to develop new roots.
Let’s Check The Roots
If you can, also examine the condition of the roots. If all the roots are black, rotten, and decayed, it’s difficult for the plant to recover.
However, if any white or firm, resilient roots remain, plant them in well-draining soil and continue caring for them.
How Should I Care For A Monstera With Just A Stem?
If you’ve determined, there’s a chance for recovery and decide to continue caring for the plant, place it in a warm, sunny location. If it’s indoors, a south-facing windowsill is ideal.
If the weather forecast predicts a minimum temperature above 15°C (59°F), placing the plant outdoors in partial shade is recommended.
Adequate sunlight and air circulation will promote growth. However, when moving the plant, gradually expose it to sunlight to prevent leaf scorching*.
*Note: Although no leaves exist, plants struggle with sudden environmental changes. Exposing the remaining stem or newly emerged sprouts to direct sunlight may damage them.
When relocating the pot to a brighter spot, place it in full shade for about seven days.
After that, move it to the partial shade while observing the plant. Monstera plants don’t tolerate direct sunlight well, so avoid full sun exposure outdoors.
What About Watering Frequency And Amount?
For a while, continue watering while ensuring the soil doesn’t become too dry. When the soil surface dries out, provide plenty of water. However, reduce watering during cooler temperatures to prevent root rot.
- Spring to Fall: Water generously when the soil surface dries out, allowing water to drain from the bottom of the pot and wait for new sprouts.
- Winter (when the minimum temperature is below 15°C/59°F): When the soil surface dries out, provide room-temperature water to moisten about half of the soil (preferably in the morning, avoid at night). Focus on surviving the cold and wait for new sprouts in spring.
Note: Applying fertilizer or growth stimulants at this stage is not recommended. If the roots are weak, prioritize developing new roots. Unnecessary fertilization may harm the roots.
When All Goes Well: Green Sprouts Emerge from Stem Nodes and Within the Soil
If everything goes according to plan, new shoots should appear as the weather gets warmer. These new shoots can grow from the stem or emerge from the ground and be green.
Once you’ve reached this point, you can return to regular care. During the warm season, provide plenty of water when the soil’s surface dries out.
Placing the plant in a bright, well-ventilated area will promote healthy growth. This is especially important for indoor plants, which often lack proper ventilation. Poor air circulation can lead to root rot and an increased risk of pests.
Signs of Monstera Plant Dying: Mushy Stem and Foul Smell
Unfortunately, if it’s spring, the new shoots don’t sprout, and the stem feels mushy or squishy to the touch, it’s likely a failure.
Furthermore, if a rotting smell develops, it’s likely time to dispose of the plant.
Summary
In this article, I’ve introduced you to the monstera plant that has been reduced to a stem. There is a technique called “stem lying” in Monstera care, where you can increase the number of plants by simply burying part of the stem in the soil.
Even when reduced to just a stem, the monstera plant can root and grow vigorously. While the monstera is well-known as a houseplant, it is also commonly planted outdoors, as it is a very hardy plant.