What's Going on With My Huge Monstera Adansonii Moss Pole?

[@kkmeilicke]

Those are some massive adonsonii leaves! My whole block knows I'm the crazy plant lady from all the plants in my living room, south-facing window 😂

[@plantsbymelissa]

haha :) they have gotten huge for sure! It's hard to believe how they start so small sometimes!

[@dora9368]

Holy roots, WOW amazing 😊

[@rosine2011]

Same here. Adansonii is yellowing. I really don't want to report because days are getting shorter. But what needs to be done, needs to be done

[@RubyJeanGem]

Lolol, I too have big south facing window. My neighbors walk by, and look at me funny! I wave hi they wave back. Lol They must think im a crazy plant lady, too 😂

[@plantsbymelissa]

haha it was the first time I really noticed someone looking in! People that drive by see my plants and definitely think I am a crazy pant lady for sure 😂

[@carolstuff]

Wow Melissa, it’s a welcome change that the problem was over rooting & not root-rot. Looking fwd to updates; thanks for sharing!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Yes! It was definitely wanting more nutrients for sure! It's doing well so far! Happy to see it surviving another chop!

[@zandrawostel5868]

Wow the stem is huge. Love the quick repot. I can't get over the amount of roots that had grown out of the pot. I need to go through all my cache pots and check my roots. Thank you for the video.

[@plantsbymelissa]

You're welcome! I know it was so many! I have a feeling my Cebu is overgrown too 😬 Probably need to chop it soon.

[@kristathompson9888]

I’m sure your Adansonii will be much happier now. So many roots! Such a beautiful plant 💚

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you!! It already seems happier!!

[@Mityob67]

Lovely collection. Thanks for sharing some of your world with us.

[@1101naomi]

We will def like some updates on the two plants. Those roots were insane!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you!! I'll be filming a full pant update this month! It has been a week and both poles are doing so well :) It's like nothing happened haha. I will be excited to see what growth points activate with the bottom part though!

[@sylviagutierrez7676]

Great outcome she looks great now! 💚🌵🌱☘️💚

[@dora9368]

Awww schucks I hope it survives, but I think it will be okay though, because you're a good plant 🌵💚🌿🖤 mom😊

[@irene.143]

Cant wait for updates on them❤

[@natrodsjo8324]

I’m so glad you’re trying GT - all their products are amazing 💚💛

[@plantsbymelissa]

I keep hearing great things about it!!

[@dora9368]

Thanks for sharing Melissa. You're a gem 💎❤😊

[@virusgem6281]

Just in time for my yellowing monstera!!! Thank you sm for this🙏🏻

[@plantsbymelissa]

Good luck!!

[@ronanhayes4968]

Amazing huge adansonii! Might be worth checking the cut portions don’t fuse into each other again - although maybe that’s better so long as it activates the nodes. Really fascinated to see how this goes. Hope it bounces back. Your moss pole plants are stupendous!

[@jpgypsyxo]

The same thing happened to my adonsonii! When I checked it, I found no signs of pests or anything visually. But when I uprooted it, I noticed there were lots of dead roots plus fresh new roots. I believe I ended up under watering last month and that’s what caused the older growth to yellow but the top growth was fine! Yours looks like it could be nutrients and being root bound because your roots look so healthy!. I hope this works for you too! ❤

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! Sorry about yours! It's been a week and it's doing really well :) It doesn't seem bothered by chopping the base away.

[@jpgypsyxo]

@@plantsbymelissa so glad to hear!

[@Xtremeraverbaby87]

I think maybe the top growth is just so massive and heavy feeding that it's sapped the nutrients and it's sacrificing the smaller ones, how chunky is that stem though 😍 Definitely the right decision to chop now before more go x

[@plantsbymelissa]

Most definitely! I think the slow release wasn't enough for sure and I have been a little lazy adding more in 😬 I'm glad I have liquid now to supplement!

[@brooklin_bernek]

Melissa I agree completely with this- it’s really Important to heavy feed your big mamas because (like your marble queen) they need alot of food to push out these giant leaves and also sustain them ❤

[@mrscotchguy]

Mine is also dropping bottom leaves while the overall plant is super healthy. Pretty sure it's just how Adinsonii grow. Most tree's lose branches when less vigorous growth is shaded out. Plants tend to sacrifice uncessary foliage.

[@moore_hd1676]

Your videos are always so informative and entertaining! I hope you like the liquid fertilizer. I use Dyna-Gro Foliage Pro and I’m in love with it, it’s so easy to use a liquid.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! I am glad they are helpful! I am liking it so far :) I've only used it for a couple waterings and it's been a nice change. I'll have to see how the growth does in some time and if I notice any big changes with the plants.

[@kathleenhall3868]

Thanks for filming this plant emergency and bringing us along on your thought process. That mesh pole looks sturdy; would Thiccly poles extend that tall?

[@plantsbymelissa]

I have 4 layers of medium thiccly poles and 4 layers of large thiccly poles and the large is more sturdy since it's a wider pole. The medium is so so at 4 layers but definitely needs a heavy base!

[@kathleenhall3868]

@plantsbymelissa you're so good about answering your viewers' questions, Melissa. Your channel is one I follow to learn tried-and-true techniques, esp. your fearless chopping and propping!

[@mermaid000pranu]

Those roots were insane. I have a small adansonii rooted cutting which I'll move to a moss pole soon. Hoping in a year or two my plant will look like yours 😊

[@plantsbymelissa]

Yes, it will! It climbed SO fast too! I would say definitely one of my fastest climbers for sure :)

[@karinakeeme8246]

Too much liquid fertilizer did this to some of my plants. But, I hope u find the isssue!! Such a beautiful plant! ❤

[@christelarmstrong9598]

The things we do for our plants 😊

[@plantsbymelissa]

yes!! 🥰

[@plantytotalkabout]

Oh my goodness yayyy for you starting the GT foliage focus! I’m so excited for you! 🫶🏼☺️ I’m curious to see if it helps in the recovery time of your Adansonii also! My Epi Albo in shock and limp after a recent repot! 🤦🏻‍♀️ My husband refers to it as my “E.D. plant” now! 🥴😂🤷🏻‍♀️

[@plantsbymelissa]

I've used it a couple waterings now! The adansonii is doing amazing! It's been a week since filming and it's acting like nothing happened which is great! I'm sure it probably helped some but I know it must have a good amount of roots in there too. Sorry about your epi albo 🥲

[@LizzyDel]

Gorgeous plants! I hope you found the problem!

[@davidreid8835]

Plantologist Extraordinaire in action for sure. No doubt the plant will enjoy its new circumstances. Good luck.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you!!

[@Plantloverliana]

Hi Melissa, your videos are awesome! I have many calatheas but now I’m also learning about the albo and variegated plants. I just did my first moss pole a week ago. This monstera is huge.. would you be able to share where you get the plastic pots with the holes all around the pot? ThankYou so much. Liana ❤

[@plantsbymelissa]

Hi Liana! I love the repot me brand clear pots. I order them off of amazon. I have other clear ones I use too if I am out of those. I can link my nursery pot section here for you! www.amazon.com/shop/plantsbymelissa/list/2Q7LRSOZIGHH7?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d

[@connieefurulee]

I’m new to houseplants, I made a moss pole and I just mixed some soil adding some Leca for bulk. So why don’t you add Leca to your soil mix. All this is a new learning experience for me. Thanks for you response.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Hi there! I decided I didn't like it in there anymore. Not a particular reason I guess but I'd rather use more bark and perlite! Nothing wrong with it adding some though!

[@connieefurulee]

Thanks for responding

[@Mandrussa]

My adonsonii did the same thing! It's completely bald on the bottom! The timing of this video tells me I really do need to chop it 🥲 I hope it survives, It's by far my favorite plant!

[@plantsbymelissa]

aw good luck!! I try not to chop more than half away to reduce any shock so that it has enough roots to still support the larger growth up top. Mine are doing so well after this! 🙏

[@rebeccaparis6470]

I'm so excited to see what you think of the new fertilizer. Looks super easy, I might have to switch from the general hydroponics.

[@plantsbymelissa]

I'm excited to try out! I think because I haven't really used a liquid fertilizer before so more curious to see how the plants perform! I thought I wouldn't like adding so much extra to my water but I sorta don't mind it now ☺️

[@MyLocsMyPlants]

amazing I need to chop by esqueleto pole I'm so nervous 😂 I did my verrucosum a few months back and it caught spidermites right after I couldn't believe it

[@plantsbymelissa]

oh noo! I'm so sorry!! 😞 I definitely have been there feeling nervous! I feel the esqueleto is pretty tough though. From the import process with it and all that it has been through I feel like it would handle a chop pretty well. As long as you have a decent root system above where you chop it shouldn't shock too much. I haven't chopped mine yet but I know I will probably feel that way some just because you never know how it will respond. But you got this!! 🥰

[@MyLocsMyPlants]

@@plantsbymelissa 😁😁😁thanks!💚

[@brenfays3255]

The spider mites could have been hiding in the moss and disturbed with the chop.

[@MyLocsMyPlants]

@brenfays3255 woah good point!

[@sakonanucefora-ly2wn]

The same thing happened to mine too. The roots look perfectly healthy. I couldn’t figure out why. I couldn’t save it.

[@sakonanucefora-ly2wn]

Have you ever heard of Sheffield made plant? He made a video about the benefit of chopping your root bound plant.

[@danielac983]

I wanted to know if you can make a video care guide of vsrigated monstera adansonii? I cant remember if you have it. But mine seems to be struggling. Thanks for sharing your videos as always.😊

[@lelew2308]

Geesh. I was stressed😂😂. I was hoping nothing to major. So glad you shred this.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Happy to share! The pole is doing amazing 🙌

[@rebeccaparis6470]

Yes! Cut all the nodes!

[@vinsoriano493]

The bottom leaves might not be getting enough light to produce energy for the plant compared to the newer top leaves so it’s repurposing energy into leaves closer to the grow light since the light from the sides might not be adequate to maintain old leaves

[@plantsbymelissa]

I have 5 grow lights shining on this pole wall. It's a lot of extra light but they are definitely crowded. The osmocote wore out months ago with how frequently I water them. It definitely needed nutrients! I was just lazy adding more in. I think it's because I knew I was going to chop it soon so I was putting it off 😬

[@NatTayHill]

I have used cloning paste on each empty node on my Adansonii and new leaves grew. I was loosing all my lower leaves too. But several grew back with the paste.

[@divyasachan358]

Where i can buy cloning paste ?

[@NatTayHill]

@ Google will tell you.

[@Eldeirdro]

I couldn't find where you said why you don't use leca in your mixes anymore

[@beefydamngoodness]

That yellowing is actually a soil air circulation problem. As you can see down there there's not much light and air circulation down there. In my own experience, those plants that I haven't elevated above the floor with less light turned some leaves yellow and when I elevated them with obviously better air circulation and light they got well.

[@Stef_T-G]

It remembers me the cutting I got from my cousin. All the leaves dies on me! The roots were good, the stem too. So I removed them and it reshoot after about a week! I still don't understand what happen 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@corrinebrackney7679]

Do you think putting my monstera deli would rehab in stratum? It's only 2; alive but not thriving.....thank you for all these informative beautiful videos 💜🎉

[@lisaanglim9588]

How come you don’t use leca anymore? I would think it would aerate the soil mix more.

[@plantsbymelissa]

It reminds me of a certain soil I used and had the worst experience with 😬 It can retain moisture but I sorta prefer it without now. I'll have to do an update on the new soil recipe soon!

[@JohnAdams-we9gs]

I see a 20X40 greenhouse in your backyard. Complete with floor drain and hose hookup!

[@plantsbymelissa]

haha don't tell my husband! 😆 I think I would like an outdoor greenhouse one day! Although, the thought of snakes and spiders scare me lol

[@ap3r3z29]

@plantsbymelissa Hi there! How do you feel about the new foliage fertilizer your using? I just got a cutting of an adonsoni and have it sitting in water for now, cant wait until mine is as big & beautiful as yours. How can we share pics of our plants with u. Id love to share some of the pottings & poles inspired by your ideas & videos. Thank you for another great video! 😊❤🪴😺

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! It's way too early to tell yet. I've only used it now for a couple waterings but I feel like it's going to go well :) If you follow me on instagram you can send me a DM with photos ☺️

[@elizaferreira4039]

Hi Melissa, Thank you for the video. Do you have a specific lights? Or just normal light and sun light? In my house , we don't have a lot sun light. I don't know if this can be a problem. Thanks!

[@plantsbymelissa]

I have a total of 5 grow lights plus some south light that comes through the windows :)

[@gaddaitherage8204]

Question: normally adonsonii leaves rip and break if I breathe on them wrong--but when they get really big like your top growth, how thick do they get? I assume they’re probably not monstera deliciosa thick, but do they thicken up substantially to become more durable? Thanks very much in advance!🙏

[@plantsbymelissa]

Hi there! I would say they are still sorta thin but not as thin I guess as when they are smaller. They do thicken some but Monstera leaves are still thicker for sure :)

[@gaddaitherage8204]

@@plantsbymelissa thank you!

[@JuanellHopper]

Oh my goodness. I dont know how you have the courage to cut the plants like that, and cut off all those roots. 😵 I would have just put mine in a bigger pot. 😆 I know there isn't always room for that, but I hope they do well. 😊

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! I feel like I chop and repot so often that it doesn't phase me too much anymore. Sometimes I get anxious if I haven't chopped it yet but since this one went through 2 already I felt more confident it would be okay. They're doing well after a week! 🥰

[@JuanellHopper]

@@plantsbymelissa I think today is propagation day. After I watched your video I went outside where I put my two stubborn philodendrons for the summer. They had grown quite a bit and had a lot of roots so I cut the nodes and put them in moss. (I didn't mind cutting them 😆) they gave me so much trouble. LOL

[@amandak4695]

Already commenting 2 minutes in lol… I had an adansonii all of a sudden fo yellow once. I thought fertilizer burn because that’s back when I used probably too much miracle grow. So curious what you find out!

[@plantsbymelissa]

It was definitely a nutrient deficiency! Too many roots and the last time I added osmocote in was early March so it need more 😬

[@Anna-nv3nv]

Are those white spots on your moss pole mineral buildup? I’m relatively new to moss poles and my oldest moss pole started having those white spots too and I was worried if it’s mold or something…

[@plantsbymelissa]

I think it's probably more molding but it can happen - it depends on how much airflow circulates around them and your environment too. The poles that are more squished get more molding and mine are definitely squished 😬 Some of them don't get it. I do want to eventually spread them out more but I need more space haha. I think quality of moss can play a role too. Sometimes I spray some hydrogen peroxide on the pole to get rid of it but increasing airflow helps!

[@Anna-nv3nv]

@@plantsbymelissathat’s very helpful I’ll try that too thank you!

[@lisaanglim9588]

Did you buy some new scoops? I’ve never seen you use the pink before?

[@plantsbymelissa]

yes! It was a pack of 5 or 6 for like $8 on amazon! :)

[@lisaanglim9588]

@@plantsbymelissa I bought the same pack several years ago. I sure use them a lot.

[@shvnique]

do you put all your plants in the RepotMe pots?

[@plantsbymelissa]

If I have them on hand if not I use other ones I have. I prefer them to others! ☺️

[@cherieholmquist7259]

Won't the roots on the base start growing right back through the holes in the pot??

[@plantsbymelissa]

Sure, most definitely. They tend to do this sitting in a cover pot because of the extra moisture but I have to sit them in one for support as they get taller. I just wanted to see what the plant was going to do first then if I need to chop it again or leave it then I may need to slightly upsize the base :)

[@1969hornet]

New subscriber here ☺

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thanks for subbing! 🥰

[@dora9368]

Yeah don't toss it please 😮❤

[@edmundcabalic4803]

Melissa nice adansonii! Do you know where I can buy one? Thanks

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! I'm not sure where you are located but they are pretty common here in the US. I got mine a long time ago but you can find them at big box stores, local plant shops or even doing a search online :)

[@edmundcabalic4803]

Good morning! Can I buy from you? I am from San Diego CA. Thanks n take care

[@phyllisbarnes3991]

I Always wash my pots just in case there might be bacteria growing.

[@plantsbymelissa]

I usually do too 🫶 You should see my bathtub right now haha

[@phyllisbarnes3991]

I think i would use thinner moss poles and bigger pots.

[@plantsbymelissa]

You can definitely do what you want! Thinner poles are less stable as they get taller. Bigger pots can be necessary if you aren't chopping and extending often :)

[@Randomplantycontent]

💜

[@liteweightpup2561]

My silver sword is yellowing bottom leaves too. Probably cause I may have overwatered. Boo!

[@richardramey5943]

Root ball. Repot ?

[@thelioness3305]

Melissa, I do not understand. Why would you not go to a little bigger pot? You crammed all those huge roots back inthe pot that was not large enough that caused the problem. I absolutely love your videos. Sometimes I do not always understand the thought behind some potting but thats ok it is your plants. Thank you for all you do. I always look forward to your videos.

[@kkmeilicke]

If she was just repotting the whole plant, I would agree. I think that cutting off the huge upper part of the plant meant that the bottom part didn't need so many roots anymore. It is a significantly smaller plant now.

[@popitplayz2324]

Frr

[@plantsbymelissa]

Hi :) It's because the top growth was cut away so it really doesn't need a bigger pot right now. If I upsize then the growth could take a lot longer to happen since the roots would have more room to grow. I can always upsize at a later time. Most of the time with my pole chops I don't need to upsize the base since I am always chopping them in half - which takes away the roots in the soil that have grown. I could have upsized to a larger pot now but I want to wait and see what happens with the plant and what growth points activate. I could even split it up into multiple poles if I wanted to and chop them where I cut them. I could sell them locally once they started growing and people could have a mature adansonii. It shouldn't take the growth that long at all to start sizing up again. There's many options really. A lot of the times I do what I feel is best in the moment and sometimes later down the road I wished I did things a little differently but that's okay :) There's no right or wrong way! The main goal was to save the top growth which I did! It's been a week since filming and both parts are as happy as can be. It gives me more time to think about things too and what I want to do with them :)

[@abc-bm3yu]

That’s absolutely normal for Monstera actually

[@cheliajones9907]

please dont toss your plant. worst case scenario, if you don't want the plant after you save it, do a giveaway 😊

[@plantsbymelissa]

Not tossing it! I can't do that :(

[@cheliajones9907]

@@plantsbymelissa thank goodness 🙏