Darryl

Thanks for submitting your photos and care details!  Here’s my assessment:

Environment
You’ve got amazing windows but from the other side of the room, the light strength reaching there is likely less than 100-200 FC most of the day (just my visual estimate).

The plant will grow faster and “nicer” (closer internode spacing, more compact) if you could get this plant right in front of those windows – essentially you want to give the plant the widest possible view of the sky, which should result in light levels in the 400-800 FC range – much better for a Monstera.

More on measuring light HERE

Effort
WHEN to water – When you move the plant to get better light, it will take up water faster, which is why “water once a week” doesn’t always work. Instead, think of it as “water when the soil is about halfway dry” – which means you need to monitor the soil dryness and when the top 2 or 3 inches is dry, then it’s time to water. While this may ultimately still be “once a week”, at least now your approach will work when the conditions/plants are different.

HOW to water – when the soil has reached the appropriate dryness for watering, then it’s best to evenly saturate all parts of the soil. That’s done by pouring water slowly over the entire surface – continuing to do so until the water drains out the drainage hole. For larger plants that may be difficult to move (like this one), you might opt to do this thorough soaking every few months in between the shallow waterings (pouring in 2 cups of water isn’t technically saturating the entire soil volume so I’d consider this shallow watering).

If you’re already using a slow release fertilizer, that’s good but be sure to replenish it according to the package (it should say how long it “feeds” the plant – usually 3-4 months).

My favorite fertilizers HERE

Expectations
The good news is your stems look completely fine to me – I wouldn’t be concerned. As for your fear of leaves dying, be careful not to fall into the trap of thinking “proper care” = perfect leaves forever. Leaves have a limited lifespan. I have owned my Monstera for over 10 years and can attest that it will lose the lowest leaf on a regular basis but good light/care ensures new leaves keep growing. In the long run, every few years, you will also have to reshape the entire plant as there will be leaves at the top with a bare stem at the bottom. Over the 10 years I’ve owned my plant, I have taken the top cutting twice.

In a year or so, your plant will also benefit from a metal trellis to keep the overall plant upright – otherwise, the vines will sprawl and become difficult to manage (and just look messy).

More on using trellis for Monstera deliciosa HERE

SERVICES
• ASK ME about one plant
• 30-Minute Consultation (for lots of plants)