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If you’re an avid gardener or Monstera enthusiast, you may have heard that eggshells can be beneficial for your plants.
After all, eggshells are a natural product, and many people look for ways to repurpose kitchen scraps into something useful for their houseplants.
Are Eggshells Good for Monstera Plants?
Eggshells can indeed be a useful addition to your Monstera’s care routine, but like anything, they should be used correctly and in moderation. The most significant benefit of eggshells lies in their calcium content.
Calcium is an essential mineral for all plants, including the Monstera, as it helps strengthen cell walls, improve root development, and support overall plant growth.
Benefits of Eggshells for Monstera:
1) Calcium Supply
Eggshells are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, which is essential for strong and healthy plant growth.
Calcium helps your Monstera develop robust stems and leaves, and it plays a role in preventing common issues like blossom-end rot (though more common in fruiting plants, it can affect indoor plants in some cases).
2) Soil pH Balance
Crushed eggshells can slightly raise the pH of acidic soils, making it more neutral. Monstera plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, so adding eggshells can help balance the soil if it’s too acidic.
However, keep in mind that eggshells break down slowly, so the change won’t be immediate.
3) Natural Pest Deterrent
Crushed eggshells can also act as a natural deterrent to pests like slugs and snails. While this is more effective for outdoor plants, it might offer some protection for Monstera plants grown in a garden setting.
The sharp edges of crushed eggshells can irritate the soft bodies of these pests, discouraging them from eating your plants.
4) Improved Drainage
Crushed eggshells mixed into the soil can also help improve drainage. Their rough texture provides small air pockets in the soil, promoting better aeration and reducing the likelihood of waterlogged roots.
How to Use Eggshells for Monstera:
To use eggshells for your Monstera, it’s best to crush them finely or even grind them into a powder. This will speed up their decomposition and make the nutrients more available to your plant.
You can mix the powdered eggshells directly into the soil or add them to the top of the soil as a gentle, slow-release fertilizer.
However, don’t rely solely on eggshells for plant nutrition. While they can be helpful, they won’t provide all the essential nutrients your Monstera needs, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
What is the Best Fertilizer for a Monstera?
Monstera plants thrive best when they receive a balanced diet of essential nutrients. While eggshells can provide calcium, a complete fertilizer is recommended to meet all of your Monstera’s needs.
1) Balanced Liquid Fertilizer
A well-rounded, liquid fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) is ideal for Monstera plants.
Look for fertilizers labeled for houseplants or specifically for tropical plants, as these will usually contain a mix of micronutrients that your Monstera requires for healthy foliage and root growth.
A common NPK ratio to look for is 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, though many Monstera owners find that using a slightly diluted fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) works best.
2) Organic Fertilizers
If you prefer organic options, there are several great choices, such as fish emulsion or compost tea.
These organic fertilizers not only provide the necessary nutrients but also improve soil health over time by fostering beneficial microbial activity.
3) Slow-Release Fertilizer
For a more hands-off approach, slow-release granular fertilizers can be a great choice.
These fertilizers break down slowly over time, providing a steady supply of nutrients to your Monstera. They can be mixed into the soil at the beginning of the growing season and last for several months.
4) Repotting with Fresh Soil
Every so often, consider repotting your Monstera with fresh, nutrient-rich potting soil. This gives the plant a fresh supply of the minerals it needs for strong growth. It also helps ensure the soil remains loose and well-draining.
Tips for Fertilizing Monstera:
– Avoid over-fertilizing your Monstera, as too much fertilizer can lead to root burn or unhealthy growth. Stick to a regular schedule but avoid fertilizing in the winter when the plant is dormant.
– If you’re using eggshells in the soil, it’s still essential to complement them with a balanced fertilizer to provide all the nutrients your Monstera needs for optimal growth.
Final Thoughts
Eggshells can be a helpful, natural supplement for your Monstera plants, especially when it comes to providing calcium and improving soil structure.
However, they should not be relied upon as your plant’s primary source of nutrients.
To ensure your Monstera thrives, provide a balanced fertilizer that includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with other trace minerals.
By combining the benefits of eggshells with a complete fertilization routine, you can help your Monstera grow healthy, strong, and beautiful.