Repotting MONSTERA DELICIOSA ALBO in LECA

I transferred or repotted my Monstera delicosa albo in LECA with water and, after two weeks, a new leaf emerged, an aerial root grew bigger, and the ground roots started to come out of the container holes.

For proper plant identification, this plant is the "White variegated smaller form Monstera deliciosa (AKA Monstera deliciosa var. borsigiana albovariegata). However, the repotting process or the usage of LECA or hydroton in water is applicable to the plethora of Monstera and other Philodendron species.

At least in my experience. In fact, I have been growing most of my philodendrons, pothos, and Monstera varieties in LECA. My plants are located in an air-conditioned room, humidity is high because of the fish tanks or freshwater aquariums in the room. My micro-climate could not manage to keep the potting soil dry (and my forgetfulness could not maintain the moisture).

Which is why keeping most of my plants in semi-hydrophonic system. The plants are growing their roots in LECA submerged in aquarium water in plastic containers with holes. The plastic pots containing the plants are placed in another container filled with about 1/3 water.

I use aquarium water saved from water changes (if I do at all, else I just fetch water from the fish tanks).

Most of the plants are sitting directly or the roots submerged in the fish tanks.

REPOTTING MONSTERA DELICIOSA IN WATER WITH LECA

The repotting process is simple but I can break it down in the following steps.

1. Prepare a plastic jar (large enough to hold the entire root system of your Monstera deliciosa, other varieties and species applies) and make several holes to let the water in and out. I used a 5-liter water container and cut to about 1/3 from top. As for the holes, I used a soldering iron for easier process.

2. Submerge the pot containing your plant in water overnight to soften the dirt and to loosen the roots from the potting mix.

3. While supporting the top with one hand, turn the pot upside down to remove the plant and soil from the pot.

4. Transfer the pot and soil to another container and run a moderately pressurized water to remove the soil from the roots. You can put in under the water faucet or just water in a basin if you have a pressurized hose. Careful not to damage the root system.

5. When all the potting mix or soil are removed, transfer the plant to your prepared container with holes. Place a few LECA of hydroton in the container, place the plant and continue filling the container. Position your plant so only the roots will submerged in water.

6. Transfer the plastic pot with the plant in another container. You can use a decorative pot that can hold water, if available.

7. Fill the external container with water to about 1/3 of its height from the bottom.

Notes:

1. It is preferred to use a semi-hydrophonic system so you can easily drain and replace the old water. The plant will consume the nutrients in the water which will be depleted unless replaced.

2. You can use plain water, water with dissolved NPK solution, or hydrophonic solution. I use water from the aquarium and nothing else.

3. You can place the plastic container with holes directly in the aquarium or fish tank. Be careful not submerge the entire pot in the water. About 1/3 or 1/2 of the pot is recommended.

4. All these are based from my personal experience with Monstera, Rhaphidophora, Alocasia, Calathea, pothos, and other Philodendron species. I believe it will work in most aroids, but it is important to do more research or try in small quantities at first as to not deplete your entire plant collection in one go.

As of publishing this video, the new leaf has fully unfurled. You may see the photo in a Facebook post here:   / 133750415841291  

Later I will again re-transfer the Monstera delciosa albo in the new aquarium I'm setting up. You may want to subscribe to this channel to be updated once the new video is up.

Fore more plant journals and content, please check my playlist here:    • PLANT JOURNALS  

You may also want to check the video I made when I grew Alocasia Amazonica from corms. Watch here:    • How to Grow Alocasia Amazonica from Corms ...  

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