Have you ever noticed your Monstera looking a bit under the weather, and you’re not quite sure why? It could be sending out an S.O.S. because of its unwelcome plant neighbors.
While you might fancy a lush, diverse jungle vibe in your home or garden, the truth is, some plants just don’t get along with your beloved Monstera.
Think of your Monstera as the friendly neighbor who gets along with most, but even the most amicable personalities have their limits. To ensure your Monstera doesn’t throw in the leaf, it’s crucial to know who it should share soil with.
Keep reading, and I’ll share with you the unexpected rivals that could be stunting your Monstera’s vibe.
Plants Not to Grow Near Monstera
- Golden Pothos
- Ficus Benjamina
- Bamboo
- Eucalyptus
- Agave
- Sorrel
#1 Golden Pothos
Both Golden Pothos and Monstera love the same kind of environment, which is exactly why they might not be the best neighbors.
In other words, they’re in a head-to-head battle for:
- Light
- Space
- Nutrients
And let’s talk about those vines. The Pothos doesn’t know when to stop; it’ll keep growing and intertwining with your Monstera’s branches. Sure, they might look like they’re hugging, but in reality, they’re wrestling to see who gets to the top of the pecking order.
This tango can result in:
- Complications in care: Trying to untangle a Pothos from a Monstera is no fun task.
- Stress on plants: They’re not just fighting for space and light, their roots are also competing underground for nutrients and water.
- Health issues: Too much competition can hinder growth and lead to weaker plants.
#2 Ficus Benjamina
Ficus Benjamina thrives in the spotlight—literally! Trying to find that one perfect spot where both could get their ideal light? Well, that’s no easy feat inside your home.
- Monstera’s Light Preference: Filtered, indirect light
- Ficus Benjamina’s Light Preference: Bright, direct light
Now, let’s talk roots. Both Ficus Benjamina and Monstera have expansive root systems. They’re like underground warriors, each fighting for their territory. Here’s what happens when they’re too close for comfort:
- Competition for Resources: Water and nutrients become the prizes they contend for.
- Impact on Monstera’s Health: Your Monstera may suffer, showing signs of nutrient deficiency, and stunted growth.
#3 Bamboo
Firstly, bamboo’s invasive nature is something to be wary of. Those sneaky underground rhizomes spread fast and furious, with a hidden agenda to conquer the space beneath your garden’s surface.
Poor Monstera! Its roots can get choked out by this vigorous underground network, leaving it fighting for its very survival.
Not to mention bamboo’s rapid growth rate. It doesn’t just hog the space; it devours nutrients faster than a hungry caterpillar! Here’s how bamboo’s fast growth becomes problematic:
- Competition for Nutrients: Bamboo will happily out-eat your Monstera, leaving little behind.
- Space Encroachment: With such swift expansion, the Monstera is pushed aside, literally!
And that’s not all!
Bamboo is also like the botanical equivalent of a chemical warfare strategist, releasing allelopathic chemicals into the soil. These naturally produced substances are a secret weapon that keeps other plants, such as your Monstera, from thriving by inhibiting the growth of surrounding greenery.
#4 Eucalyptus
What does that mean for your Monstera sitting near Eucalyptus? Well, it could be in for a tough competition.
- Aggressive Roots: Eucalyptus roots are known to stretch far and wide. They’re like the plant’s own private food network, always on the hunt for nutrients and water.
- Heavy Feeder: Its large size and hearty appetite mean it feeds heavily on what the soil has to offer.
They’re both terrific plants, but possibly not the most compatible roommates. Your Monstera appreciates its personal space and resources.
- Limited Resources: With Eucalyptus around, your Monstera might struggle for light and essential nutrients.
- Stunted Growth: The outcome? Your Monstera’s growth could be hindered as it contends with the overbearing nature of eucalyptus.
#5 Agave
Agave with its thick, fleshy leaves unfolding in a spiral certainly makes a statement in any garden. But when it comes to sharing space with your Monstera, agaves might not be the ideal neighbors.
Again, it’s about the roots and the rivalry beneath the soil. Agaves have shallow root systems that spread out to absorb as much moisture and nutrients as they can. Your Monstera also competes for these resources.
Here’s the problem:
- Root Competition: If you place an agave too close to your Monstera, their roots may overlap, leading to a tug-of-war for water and essential nutrients.
Additionally, it isn’t just below the ground where issues arise. The spiky ends of an agave can become quite a hazard to the Monstera’s expansive foliage.
- Leaf Damage: Agave’s pointy tips can pierce or tear the Monstera’s broad leaves, which are more delicate than they appear.
Balancing water needs is another tricky aspect. Monstera prefers consistent moisture, and overwatering can lead to root rot, while agaves thrive in drier conditions and can suffer if overwatered.
- Watering Woes: Too much water for the agave or too little for the Monstera could spell disaster, as neither will be in their ideal growing conditions.
#6 Sorrel
Sorrel is a bit of a toughie when it comes to sharing space in the garden, especially with your beloved Monstera.
Why Keep Sorrel Away?
- Aggressive Roots: Sorrel has a root system that’s not afraid to take charge. It spreads fast, taking up precious real estate and nutrients that your Monstera desperately needs to flourish.
- Chemical Conflict: This herb packs a punch with oxalic acid. In the plant world, too much of this compound can lead to trouble for your Monstera, like interrupting calcium uptake.
What Does That Mean for Your Monstera?
- Nutrient Nabs: Monstera’s roots could be fighting a losing battle for nutrients if Sorrel takes over the neighborhood underground.
- Weak Growth: Your Monstera might start looking a bit under the weather if that oxalic acid from Sorrel hampers its calcium absorption. Imagine trying to build a house without nails!
