Saw a friends monstera after 8 months and it made me rethink my whole setup

I used to think my houseplant care was fine, just water and give some sun. Then my buddy in Denver sent me a pic of his monstera from the same cutting I gave him 8 months ago. His had these huge fenestrated leaves, triple the size of mine, and mine just sat there looking small. He told me he added a humidifier and a cheap grow light for 6 hours a day. I tried it for 2 months and my plant finally put out a new leaf with holes in it. Has anyone else had a plant surprise them after changing just one thing?

3 comments

3 Comments

sam_murphy391mo ago

Right, the grow light is probably doing way more than anyone wants to admit.

oliviagrant29d ago

Maybe it's not that deep honestly.

grant_allen851mo ago

it made me rethink my whole setup" - Honestly I get it, but I think people overcomplicate this stuff sometimes. I tried adding a humidifier to my calathea because everyone online swore by it, and honestly it didn't make a lick of difference for me. Your mileage may vary, but I've had monsteras thrive in regular room humidity with just a simple west facing window. The grow light might be doing more of the heavy lifting than you think, especially if your windows aren't ideal. In my experience, people tend to add multiple changes at once and then give all the credit to one thing. Not saying your friend is wrong, just that light and consistent watering probably matter way more than the humidifier part.