If you’re a plant lover and looking to take your indoor gardening skills to the next level, it’s time to find the perfect planter for your beloved monstera. In this article, I will guide you through the top recommendations and expert picks for the best planter for monstera. Whether you prefer a modern and stylish design or something more traditional, there’s a planter out there that will suit your needs and help you create the indoor jungle oasis of your dreams.
Embracing Nuance: Intermediate Level Houseplants
As plant caretakers advance beyond the beginner level, they often seek out more challenging and unusual houseplants to add diversity to their collections. Intermediate-level houseplants offer a diverse variety of species that require a bit more attention and care. These plants provide an exciting challenge for plant enthusiasts who are ready to expand their skills and explore new plant varieties.
With the guidance of experts, I have compiled a list of expert-recommended intermediate-level houseplants that are perfect for those seeking a more advanced plant caretaking experience. Each of these plants has unique characteristics and growth patterns that make them stand out in any indoor space.
“Intermediate-level houseplants offer a diverse variety of species that require a bit more attention and care.”
Whether you enjoy the distinctive foliage of hoyas, the architectural elegance of marantas, or the striking patterns of calatheas, there is something for everyone on this list. These plants not only bring beauty to your indoor oasis but also provide an opportunity to enhance your plant care skills.
So, if you’re ready to embrace nuance and take your plant care journey to the next level, let’s dive into the world of intermediate-level houseplants together.
Plant | Characteristics | Care Level |
---|---|---|
Hoyas | Distinctive appearances with curly, glossy leaves (Hindu rope plant) and long, flowing strands (hoya linearis) | Intermediate |
Philodendron Gloriosum | Heart-shaped leaves for variation in your houseplant collection, relatively easy propagation | Intermediate |
Maranta | Architectural growth pattern, low maintenance | Intermediate |
Calatheas | Striking foliage patterns, bright but indirect light, moisture, and humidity requirements | Intermediate |
Alocasias | Tall statement plants with unique shape, bright indirect light, tolerant of varying temperatures | Intermediate |
These expert-recommended houseplants will not only add beauty and diversity to your collection but also provide an opportunity for you to expand your skills as a plant caretaker. So, get ready to embrace nuance and take your indoor gardening journey to the next level with these intermediate-level houseplants!
Distinctive and Drought-Tolerant: Hoyas for Intermediate Gardeners
If you’re looking for distinctive and drought-tolerant plants, hoyas are an excellent choice for intermediate-level gardeners. Two highly recommended hoya varieties are the Hindu rope plant and hoya linearis. The Hindu rope plant has curly, glossy leaves, while the hoya linearis has long, flowing strands. Both of these plants can thrive on minimal watering and require plenty of light. With proper care, they will reward you with beautiful blooms each year.
Hoyas, also known as wax plants, are known for their unique appearance and ability to tolerate dry conditions. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions and have adapted to survive in low-water environments. This makes them a perfect choice for gardeners who want to add some greenery to their space without the hassle of frequent watering.
One of the most popular hoya varieties is the Hindu rope plant (Hoya carnosa compacta). Its distinctive appearance, with tightly packed leaves resembling a rope, makes it a standout among other houseplants. The leaves are thick, waxy, and glossy, adding a touch of elegance to any room. Another striking hoya variety is the hoya linearis, which features long, slender leaves cascading from the plant. This variety is perfect for tall bookshelves or hanging baskets, as its trailing vines can create a dramatic effect.
Variety | Appearance | Watering | Light |
---|---|---|---|
Hindu Rope Plant | Curly, glossy leaves | Minimal watering | Plenty of light |
Hoya Linearis | Long, flowing strands | Minimal watering | Plenty of light |
When caring for hoyas, it’s important to provide them with bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can scorch their leaves. Hoyas also prefer well-draining soil that allows excess water to drain away, preventing the roots from sitting in soggy conditions. As drought-tolerant plants, they are resilient and can withstand periods of neglect or underwatering, but it’s still essential to monitor their moisture levels and water when the soil is dry to the touch.
Overall, hoyas are an excellent choice for intermediate gardeners who want to add unique and drought-tolerant plants to their collection. With their distinctive appearances and minimal care requirements, Hindu rope plants and hoya linearis are sure to make a statement in any indoor garden.
Adding Variation: Philodendron Gloriosum for Intermediate Gardeners
If you’re an intermediate gardener looking to add some variation to your houseplant collection, consider the beautiful and unique Philodendron Gloriosum. With its heart-shaped leaves and distinctive appearance, this plant is sure to catch the eye and add a touch of elegance to any space.
Unlike its popular relative, the Monstera, the Philodendron Gloriosum requires a bit more attention in terms of watering. It prefers to be kept moist, but not overly saturated. Maintaining a consistent watering schedule and ensuring proper drainage is key to keeping this plant happy and healthy.
Propagation of the Philodendron Gloriosum is relatively easy, making it a great choice for those looking to expand their plant collection. Whether through stem cuttings or air layering, you can easily create new plants to share with friends or fill up your indoor jungle.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Philodendron Gloriosum is its unique growth pattern. As the plant matures, it develops a beautiful velvet-like texture on its leaves, adding to its overall appeal. With the right care and attention, you can watch this plant grow and thrive, creating a stunning display in your home.
Architectural Elegance: Maranta for Intermediate Gardeners
When it comes to adding lower maintenance plants with architectural beauty to your indoor garden, look no further than the maranta, also known as the prayer plant. With its unique growth pattern and patterned leaves, this plant brings a touch of sophistication to any space.
The maranta prefers bright, indirect light and requires soil that is slightly moist to the touch. Unlike its relatives, calatheas, marantas are more tolerant of drying out, making them a great option for those who tend to forget to water their plants regularly. This forgiving nature makes the maranta a perfect choice for intermediate gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance without the extra maintenance.
Why Choose Maranta?
One of the standout features of the maranta is its unique growth pattern. The leaves of this plant fold up at night, giving it the nickname “prayer plant.” This folding action not only adds visual interest but also allows the plant to conserve moisture and energy during the nighttime hours. It’s truly a marvel to observe!
In addition to its architectural beauty, the maranta is a hardy plant that can withstand varying temperature conditions. This makes it a versatile choice for different areas of your home, from warm and humid bathrooms to cooler, well-ventilated bedrooms. It’s a plant that can adapt and thrive in various environments, making it a great addition to any indoor garden.
Caring for Your Maranta
To keep your maranta thriving, it’s important to provide it with the right conditions. Place it in a bright space with indirect sunlight, as direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Water your maranta when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, ensuring that you don’t overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.
With its lower maintenance requirements and stunning architectural beauty, the maranta is a must-have for intermediate gardeners looking to elevate their indoor plant collection. Its unique growth pattern and patterned leaves will add a touch of elegance and intrigue to any space, making it a true standout in your home.
Striking Foliage: Calatheas for Intermediate Gardeners
If you’re an intermediate gardener looking to add a touch of beauty and elegance to your indoor space, calatheas are the perfect choice. Known for their striking foliage and unique patterns, calatheas can transform any room into a vibrant and lively environment. These plants thrive in bright but indirect light, so they’re perfect for areas near windows or in well-lit rooms. However, be cautious not to expose them to direct sunlight, as it can cause the leaves to burn.
Calatheas have specific moisture and humidity requirements, making them ideal for those who enjoy maintaining a more humid environment. They prefer soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged, so be sure to water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. To increase humidity, you can group your calatheas together or use a humidifier.
One popular calathea variety is the peacock plant, which features vibrant green leaves with striking patterns in shades of burgundy. Its dramatic appearance makes it a standout in any plant collection. As you care for your calathea, keep in mind that these plants can be a bit finicky and may require some trial and error to find the perfect balance of light, water, and humidity. With patience and proper care, calatheas can reward you with their stunning foliage and add a touch of tropical beauty to your home.
Calathea Varieties
Calathea Variety | Foliage Color | Distinctive Features |
---|---|---|
Calathea Orbifolia | Gorgeous silver-green leaves with dark green stripes | Large, round leaves and compact growth habit |
Calathea Medallion | Dark green leaves with a striking pattern of light green stripes | Rounded, elongated leaves and compact growth habit |
Calathea Rufibarba | Soft green leaves with a velvety texture | Long, narrow leaves with a unique shape |
Calatheas are a true showstopper in any plant collection. Their striking foliage and unique patterns add a touch of beauty and elegance to any space. With a variety of calathea species to choose from, you can find the perfect plant to suit your style and create an eye-catching display. Just remember to provide them with bright but indirect light, keep the soil consistently moist, and ensure a humid environment. Take care of your calatheas, and they will reward you with their stunning foliage for years to come.
Phoenix Rising: Alocasias for Intermediate Gardeners
If you’re an intermediate gardener looking to make a bold statement with your indoor plants, look no further than alocasias, also known as elephant ears. These stunning tropical plants are sure to capture attention and admiration with their unique shape and resilience. With their bright indirect light requirements and ability to tolerate varying temperatures, alocasias are an excellent choice for those looking to elevate their indoor oasis.
One of the remarkable features of alocasias is their ability to die back entirely and then emerge with new growth, giving them the nickname “phoenix plants.” This resilience allows them to thrive in less than ideal conditions and makes them a great choice for intermediate gardeners who are still honing their plant care skills.
Alocasias can grow up to 10 feet tall, making them perfect for filling open corners and creating a dramatic focal point in any room. Their large, arrow-shaped leaves add a touch of tropical elegance and bring a sense of the jungle into your home. To keep your alocasias happy, make sure they receive bright indirect light and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, as it can scorch their delicate leaves. They also prefer temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for most indoor environments.
Alocasias: Easy-Care Tips for Success
- Provide bright indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight.
- Maintain a consistent temperature between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Water your alocasias thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, allowing excess water to drain away.
- Ensure proper drainage by using a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes.
- Mist your alocasias occasionally to increase humidity, especially during dry winter months.
- Feed your plants with a balanced fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season.
With their striking appearance and tolerance for varying conditions, alocasias are a fantastic choice for intermediate gardeners looking for tall statement plants that will add a touch of drama and a tropical vibe to their indoor spaces.
Forgiving Ficus: Ficus Elastica Ruby for Intermediate Gardeners
Looking for a statement plant that’s forgiving and adds a touch of elegance to your indoor space? Meet the Ficus Elastica Ruby, the ideal alternative to the trendy but finicky fiddle-leaf fig. With its distinctive oversized leaves and slender stems, this ficus variety brings a sense of sophistication to any room.
The Ficus Elastica Ruby can grow up to eight feet tall indoors, commanding attention and creating a focal point in your space. Unlike its finicky cousin, this ficus is forgiving when it comes to watering and light preferences. While it prefers bright, indirect light, it can tolerate lower light conditions. As for watering, it’s less picky than the fiddle-leaf fig, allowing you some flexibility in maintaining its moisture levels.
One of the advantages of choosing the Ficus Elastica Ruby is its resistance to bacterial and root infections, making it a hardy choice for intermediate gardeners. Its distinctive leaves, with shades of burgundy and green, add visual interest and create a stunning contrast against other plants in your collection. Whether you’re a beginner moving to the intermediate level or an experienced gardener looking for an eye-catching addition, the Ficus Elastica Ruby is sure to impress.
Key Features of Ficus Elastica Ruby:
- Distinctive oversized leaves and slender stems
- Forgiving watering and light preferences
- Less susceptible to bacterial and root infections
- Adds elegance and sophistication to any indoor space
“The Ficus Elastica Ruby brings a touch of elegance and forgiveness to any indoor space, making it an ideal choice for intermediate gardeners.” – Plant Expert
Graduating to Anthuriums: Anthurium Clarinervium for Intermediate Gardeners
If you’ve enjoyed caring for monstera or pothos and want to graduate to a slightly more challenging plant, anthuriums are an excellent choice for intermediate gardeners. Anthurium clarinervium, with its heart-shaped, velvety leaves adorned with white veins, is a standout in the anthurium family. This plant can reach a height of about two feet and a width of three feet. While it prefers relatively moist soil, overwatering can be detrimental, so it’s important to strike the right balance. By mastering the care of the anthurium clarinervium, you can unlock the door to exploring and enjoying a wide range of unique anthurium hybrids.
One of the reasons why the anthurium clarinervium is a great choice for intermediate gardeners is because it belongs to the Araceae family, which includes plants like the peace lily and philodendron. This means that it shares similar care requirements and growing conditions, making it relatively easy to care for. The heart-shaped leaves of the anthurium clarinervium are not only visually striking but also serve as an indication of its humidity preferences. These plants thrive in environments with higher humidity levels, so it’s important to provide them with regular misting or place them in a humid area of your home.
When it comes to light requirements, the anthurium clarinervium prefers bright, indirect light. Placing it near a window with filtered sunlight or in a well-lit room will ensure optimal growth. However, it’s important to avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight, as this can lead to leaf burn. In terms of temperature, this anthurium variety prefers a warm and humid environment. Aim to keep the temperature between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and avoid exposing the plant to cold drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations.
Key Care Tips for Anthurium Clarinervium:
- Provide bright, indirect light
- Maintain a warm and humid environment
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Mist the leaves regularly to increase humidity
- Avoid direct sunlight and cold drafts
Table: Comparing Anthurium Clarinervium to Other Anthurium Hybrids
Anthurium Variety | Leaf Shape | Leaf Texture | Size | Light Requirements | Watering |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anthurium Clarinervium | Heart-shaped | Velvety with white veins | About 2 feet tall, 3 feet wide | Bright, indirect light | Water when top inch of soil is dry |
Anthurium Warocqueanum | Arrow-shaped | Leathery with prominent veins | About 3 feet tall, 4 feet wide | Bright, indirect light | Water when top inch of soil is dry |
Anthurium Veitchii | Lance-shaped | Waxy with prominent veins | About 3 feet tall, 2 feet wide | Bright, indirect light | Water when top inch of soil is dry |
By starting with the anthurium clarinervium, you can develop the skills and knowledge needed to care for other anthurium hybrids with different leaf shapes, textures, and sizes. From the arrow-shaped leaves of the Anthurium Warocqueanum to the lance-shaped leaves of the Anthurium Veitchii, each variety offers its own unique beauty and growth characteristics. As an intermediate gardener, you’ll find great joy in exploring the vast world of anthuriums and expanding your indoor plant collection with these stunning and relatively easy-to-care-for plants.
Jungle Vibes: Cathedral Cactus and Chain Cactus for Intermediate Gardeners
Succulents are a popular choice for novice gardeners, but for those at the intermediate level, the cathedral cactus and chain cactus offer a bit more excitement. These succulents require slightly more attention but bring a touch of jungle vibes to any space. The cathedral cactus, also known as the African milk tree, rapidly stretches towards the sky, while the chain cactus has clunky, draping leaves. Both plants have specific moisture and humidity preferences, with the chain cactus thriving in more humid spaces such as bathrooms or kitchens. With their unique shapes and ability to add a tropical touch to any room, these succulents are perfect for intermediate gardeners looking to take their indoor oasis to the next level.
Table: Comparison of Cathedral Cactus and Chain Cactus
Plant | Scientific Name | Growth Pattern | Moisture Preferences | Humidity Preferences |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cathedral Cactus | Euphorbia lactea | Rapid growth, upward stretching | Low to moderate watering | Thrives in average humidity |
Chain Cactus | Rhipsalis baccifera | Clunky, draping leaves | Infrequent, deep watering | Thrives in higher humidity |
The cathedral cactus, scientifically known as Euphorbia lactea, is a fast-growing succulent that reaches for the sky with its upward-stretching branches. This plant requires low to moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It thrives in average humidity levels, making it suitable for most indoor environments.
On the other hand, the chain cactus, or Rhipsalis baccifera, has unique clunky leaves that drape down elegantly. This succulent prefers infrequent, deep watering, allowing the soil to dry out completely before the next watering. It thrives in higher humidity levels, making it a great choice for more humid spaces such as bathrooms or kitchens.
Both the cathedral cactus and chain cactus add a touch of jungle vibes to any room with their distinctive shapes and growth patterns. These succulents are perfect for intermediate gardeners who want to elevate their indoor oasis with unique and visually appealing plants.
Conclusion
Congratulations on reaching the end of this guide! I hope you’ve found the perfect planter for your monstera and are ready to create your own indoor jungle oasis. By following expert recommendations and exploring intermediate-level houseplants, you can take your plant collection to the next level and become a skilled caretaker.
Remember, each plant has its own unique care requirements, so be sure to provide the right amount of light, water, and humidity for optimal growth. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different planter options to showcase your monstera in all its glory.
Whether you choose distinctive hoyas, architectural marantas, or striking calatheas, there’s a plant out there that will suit your preferences and gardening skills. The key is to have fun and enjoy the process of nurturing your indoor green oasis.
Thank you for joining me on this journey to find the best planter for your monstera. I hope these recommendations have inspired you to create a stunning and thriving indoor jungle. Happy gardening!
FAQ
What is the best planter for a monstera plant?
The best planter for a monstera plant would be a well-draining pot that allows excess water to escape easily. Terra cotta pots or ceramic pots with drainage holes are popular choices as they provide good airflow to the plant’s roots.
How often should I water my monstera plant?
Monstera plants prefer slightly moist soil, so it’s important to water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. However, make sure not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. It’s always best to check the soil moisture before watering.
What kind of light does a monstera plant need?
Monstera plants thrive in bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can scorch their leaves. Place your monstera near a window that receives bright, filtered light for optimal growth.
How big does a monstera plant grow?
Monstera plants can grow quite large, with mature plants reaching heights of 6-10 feet indoors. Their leaves can also span up to 2-3 feet in diameter, creating a beautiful and tropical ambiance in your home.
Can I propagate my monstera plant?
Yes, monstera plants are relatively easy to propagate. You can do so by taking stem cuttings with a node and placing them in water or moist soil until they develop roots. Once rooted, you can transplant the new plant into its own pot.
How do I care for a monstera plant in winter?
During winter, it’s best to reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Monstera plants also prefer slightly cooler temperatures during this time, so avoid placing them near drafts or heating vents.
Can I place my monstera plant outdoors?
Monstera plants are native to the tropical regions and can be grown outdoors in warm, humid climates. However, they are also well-suited for indoor environments, where you can control the temperature and provide optimal conditions.