10 Secrets to Making Paperflower Grow Faster (A Must-Read for Beginners)

Light Optimization Strategy

Adequate lighting is crucial for accelerating Monstera deliciosa's growth, promoting larger leaves, and developing iconic fenestrations. Optimal lighting can boost new leaf emergence by 40-60% and improve overall plant vigor.

Optimal Lighting Conditions for Monstera Deliciosa

• Light Intensity: Bright, indirect light is ideal, ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 lux. Direct sun can scorch leaves.
• Light Duration: Aim for 6-8 hours of bright indirect light daily during the growing season (spring to fall).
• Direction: Position your Monstera 1.5-2 meters away from an east or north-facing window. A south or west-facing window may require sheer curtains to diffuse intense light.
• Assessing Lighting:
  • Leaf Color: Dark green leaves indicate adequate light. Pale or yellowish leaves (especially older ones) might suggest too much direct light, while very dark, almost blackish-green leaves with stretched internodes could mean too little light.
  • Internode Spacing: Long internodes (space between leaves) often indicate the plant is stretching for light, resulting in a leggy appearance. Shorter, more compact spacing points to sufficient light.
  • Growth Rate: Consistent unfurling of new leaves (every 2-4 weeks during peak growing season) indicates good light. Stagnant growth or very slow leaf development suggests insufficient light.

Seasonal Lighting Adjustments & Grow Light Recommendations

• Winter Adjustments: During shorter daylight hours, move the plant closer to a window or use supplemental grow lights for 4-6 hours daily. Look for full-spectrum LED grow lights with a timer.
• Summer Protection: While Monastera loves bright light, protect it from harsh afternoon sun (12 PM - 4 PM) in summer, which can cause leaf burn.
• Grow Light Specs: Choose LED grow lights with a light intensity of around 20-30 PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) at plant canopy level for optimal growth without burning.

Advanced Water Management

Precise water management is paramount for Monstera deliciosa's robust growth, influencing everything from root health to leaf size and vigor. Overwatering is the most common killer, while strategic watering can significantly enhance growth.

Optimal Watering Rhythm & Techniques

• Growing Season (Spring-Fall): Water when the top 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) of soil feel dry to the touch. For a 6-inch pot, this might be every 5-7 days. For a 10-inch pot, every 7-10 days. Always water thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom.
• Dormancy (Winter): Reduce watering frequency significantly. Allow the top half of the soil to dry out before watering again, which could be every 2-3 weeks, depending on ambient temperature and humidity.
• Morning Watering: Water early in the morning (7-9 AM). This allows the plant to absorb moisture throughout the day and the leaves to dry before nightfall, reducing fungal disease risk.
• Water Temperature: Use room temperature water (20-25°C). Cold water can shock roots and slow growth, especially in cooler environments.
• Water Quality: Monstera deliciosa is sensitive to chlorine and fluoride. Use filtered water, rainwater, or tap water left out for 24 hours to allow chemicals to dissipate. This prevents brown leaf tips and promotes healthier roots.

Role and Frequency of Foliar Misting

• Purpose: Misting helps increase local humidity around the leaves and cleans dust, enhancing photosynthesis. It does not replace soil watering but complements it.
• Frequency: Mist daily or every other day during dry periods or if indoor humidity is below 50%. Use fine mist spray.
• Best Time: Mist in the morning so leaves have time to dry. Misting in the evening can encourage fungal growth.
• Technique: Ensure a fine mist covers both the top and underside of leaves.

Fertilization Enhancement Plan

Strategic fertilization provides the essential nutrients Monstera deliciosa needs for vigorous growth, larger leaves, and optimal fenestration development. A well-planned feeding regimen can increase plant biomass by 50% during the growing season.

Golden Formula for Growing Season Fertilization

• NPK Ratio: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer with a slightly higher nitrogen ratio (e.g., 20-10-10 or 10-5-8) during the main growing season (spring through early fall). Nitrogen promotes lush foliage growth.
• Specific Fertilizer Recommendations: Look for "All-Purpose Plant Food" or "Foliage Pro" specifically formulated for houseplants. Brands like Dyna-Gro "Foliage-Pro" or General Hydroponics "FloraGro" are highly effective.
• Frequency & Concentration: Fertilize once every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Dilute the recommended strength by 50% to prevent nutrient build-up and fertilizer burn. For example, if the label recommends 1 teaspoon per gallon, use 1/2 teaspoon per gallon.

Fertilization Strategies for Different Growth Stages

• Seedling/Young Plant Stage: Use a very dilute high-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 1/4 strength of 20-10-10) once every 3-4 weeks to establish strong leafy growth.
• Mature Growing Season: Stick to the balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-5-8) at 50% strength every 2-4 weeks.
• Flowering Period (Rare indoors): If your Monstera does produce a spathe, a slightly higher phosphorus (P) fertilizer (e.g., 10-15-10) can support flower development, though this is not usually a goal for Monstera growers.
• Winter Dormancy: Cease fertilization entirely during winter (late fall to early spring) when growth naturally slows down.

Combined Use of Organic and Chemical Fertilizers

• Organic Boost: Supplement with organic amendments like worm castings (1-2 tablespoons mixed into the topsoil quarterly) or liquid seaweed extract (diluted 1:100, applied monthly) for a slow-release nutrient boost and improved soil microbiology.
• Chemical Efficiency: Liquid chemical fertilizers offer precise nutrient delivery and immediate absorption for visible growth benefits.

Foliar Fertilizer Application & Precautions

• Foliar Feeding: Occasionally (once a month), spray a very dilute liquid fertilizer (1/4 strength of regular feed) directly onto the leaves in the morning. This provides a quick nutrient boost, especially beneficial for micronutrients.
• Avoiding Burn:
  1. Always fertilize on moist soil, never dry, to prevent root burn.
  2. Flush the soil with plain water once every 3-4 months to prevent salt build-up.
  3. Dilute more than recommended if unsure; it's better to under-fertilize than over-fertilize.
  4. Do not fertilize a stressed or newly repotted plant.

Humidity & Temperature Optimization

Monstera deliciosa thrives in warm, humid conditions, mirroring its tropical origins. Optimizing these environmental factors can significantly boost growth rate, prevent leaf crisping, and encourage larger, healthier foliage.

Ideal Growth Temperature Range

• Daytime Temperature: Maintain a consistent range of 20-30°C (68-86°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) will stunt growth and can cause leaf damage.
• Nighttime Temperature: A slight drop to 18-24°C (65-75°F) is beneficial, mimicking natural diurnal fluctuations and promoting healthy plant metabolism. Avoid large, sudden temperature drops.
• Consistency: Stable temperatures are more important than extreme highs. Avoid placing near drafty windows, air conditioning vents, or heating registers.

Optimal Humidity Range & Enhancement Methods

• Optimal Humidity: Monstera prefers humidity levels between 60% and 80%. Levels below 50% can lead to brown leaf tips and slow growth.
• Enhancement Methods:
  1. Humidifier: Use a cool-mist humidifier placed near the plant. This is the most effective method for maintaining consistent humidity.
  2. Pebble Trays: Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water, ensuring the pot itself is not sitting in water to avoid root rot. As the water evaporates, it increases local humidity.
  3. Grouping Plants: Grouping several plants together creates a localized humid microclimate as plants transpire moisture into the air.
  4. Misting: While less effective than humidifiers, daily misting (as detailed in Water Management) provides temporary relief and helps clean leaves.

Balancing Ventilation and Humidity

• Good Air Circulation: Essential to prevent fungal diseases, especially in high-humidity environments. Use a small fan on a low setting for gentle air movement, but avoid direct blasts.
• Prevent Stagnation: Ensure adequate space between plants if grouping them to allow for air flow.

Soil Configuration Upgrade

The right soil mix is the foundation for a thriving Monstera deliciosa, providing essential nutrients, aeration, and moisture retention. An upgraded soil configuration can dramatically improve root health, nutrient uptake, and overall growth speed.

Ideal Soil Formula for Promoting Growth

• Characteristics: Monstera requires a well-draining, airy, yet moisture-retentive mix. This prevents root rot while ensuring roots have access to water and oxygen.
• Recommended Mix (DIY): Combine the following in equal parts for an optimal blend:
  1. High-quality Potting Mix: (1 part) Provides basic nutrients and moisture retention.
  2. Perlite or Pumice: (1 part) Enhances drainage and aeration, preventing compaction.
  3. Orchid Bark or Coco Coir/Chips: (1 part) Improves aeration, drainage, and mimics the coarse, epiphytic nature of Monstera's natural habitat.
• pH Level: Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 5.5 and 7.0.

Adding Nutritional Amendments

• Worm Castings: Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup per gallon of soil mix. Provides a slow-release source of micronutrients and beneficial microbes, improving soil structure and nutrient availability.
• Humus/Compost: A small amount (1/8 part) can enrich the soil with organic matter, further boosting fertility and water retention.
• Charcoal: Horticultural charcoal (a small handful per gallon) can help absorb impurities and improve drainage.

Importance of Loose, Well-Aerated Soil

Monstera roots need oxygen to perform cellular respiration, which is vital for nutrient and water absorption. Compacted soil starves roots of oxygen, leading to stunted growth and root rot. An airy mix allows for robust root development and efficient nutrient uptake.

Timing and Benefits of Regular Repotting

• Timing: Repot your Monstera every 1-2 years, ideally in early spring before the active growing season begins.
• Benefits:
  1. Fresh Nutrients: Provides a renewed supply of essential nutrients missing from depleted old soil.
  2. Root Space: Offers more room for root expansion, preventing the plant from becoming root-bound.
  3. Improved Aeration: Replaces compacted, stale soil with fresh, airy mix, enhancing root respiration.
  4. Disease Prevention: Allows for inspection of roots and removal of any diseased or dead portions.

Root Promotion Techniques After Repotting

• Gentle Handling: Minimize root disturbance during repotting.
• Rooting Hormone: A light dusting of rooting hormone on any damaged roots or the main root ball can stimulate new growth.
• Humid Environment: Keep the repotted plant in a slightly higher humidity environment for the first 1-2 weeks to reduce transplant shock and encourage new root development.
• Delayed Fertilization: Wait at least 4-6 weeks after repotting before resuming fertilization to allow roots to recover.

Pruning & Shaping Techniques

Strategic pruning and shaping are essential for managing Monstera deliciosa's size, promoting bushier growth, encouraging more fenestrated leaves, and maintaining its aesthetic appeal. This practice can stimulate dormant buds and direct the plant's energy towards desired growth patterns.

Pruning Methods to Promote Branching

• Topping (Header Cuts): This involves cutting off the main growing tip of a stem. This forces the plant to redirect its energy to dormant auxiliary buds lower down the stem, encouraging multiple new shoots and creating a bushier appearance.
• Pinching: For smaller plants or more subtle shaping, simply pinch off the very tip of a young shoot. This encourages lateral branching without a drastic cut.
• Selective Pruning: Remove any yellowed, damaged, or diseased leaves close to the main stem. This conserves the plant's energy and improves air circulation.

Best Pruning Timing & Detailed Steps

• Timing: The best time to prune Monstera deliciosa is in early spring, just before its active growing season begins. This allows the plant to quickly recover and produce new growth. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed.
• Detailed Pruning Steps:
  1. Sterilize Tools: Always use sharp, sterilized pruning shears or a clean knife to prevent disease transmission. Wipe blades with rubbing alcohol.
  2. Identify Cut Location: For branching, locate a stem node (where a leaf or aerial root emerges). Make your cut just above a node or aerial root, ensuring you leave at least one node on the remaining stem for new growth to emerge from.
  3. Angle the Cut: Make a clean, 45-degree angle cut to minimize surface area for potential pathogens and promote faster healing.
  4. Remove Unwanted Growth: Systematically remove leggy stems, crossing branches, or any growth that detracts from the plant's desired shape.

How to Utilize Pruned Cuttings & Styling Recommendations

• Propagation: Monstera cuttings with at least one node and one leaf are excellent for propagation. Place them in water or a moist propagation medium (like perlite or sphagnum moss) to root new plants. This multiplies your collection or allows sharing.
• Styling Recommendations:
  • Bushy Form: Regular topping encourages multiple growth points, leading to a denser, more compact, and bushy plant.
  • Upright/Climbing Form: Use a moss pole or sturdy support for aerial roots to cling to. Guide the main stem upwards, securing it loosely. This promotes larger leaves and more fenestrations as the plant matures.

Pest & Disease Prevention

A healthy Monstera deliciosa is less susceptible to pests and diseases. Proactive prevention and early detection are crucial to maintaining vigorous growth and preventing significant setbacks.

Common Pests and Diseases & Identification

• Spider Mites: Tiny red or brown dots, fine webbing on undersides of leaves, stippling (tiny yellow/white spots) on leaves. Thrive in dry, warm conditions.
• Mealybugs: White, cottony masses in leaf axils and undersides of leaves. Cause sticky honeydew and stunted growth.
• Scale Insects: Small, brown, immobile bumps on stems and leaves. Also excrete honeydew.
• Thrips: Slender, tiny insects that leave silvery streaks and tiny black dots (frass) on leaves, causing distortion.
• Fungus Gnats: Small, dark flying insects usually indicating overwatered soil. Their larvae feed on roots.
• Root Rot: Soft, mushy, foul-smelling roots. Caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and wilting.
• Powdery Mildew: White, powdery patches on leaves, usually in high humidity with poor air circulation.

Preventive Measures for Healthy Growth

• Ventilation: Ensure good air circulation (a gentle fan) to deter fungal diseases and discourage spider mites.
• Cleanliness: Regularly wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and potential pests/eggs. Keep the area around the plant clean.
• Quarantine: Always quarantine new plants for 2-4 weeks before introducing them to your existing collection.
• Preventive Spraying: Periodically (e.g., once a month), spray with a dilute neem oil solution (5ml neem oil per liter of water with a drop of dish soap) as a preventive measure against common pests.
• Proper Watering: Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and fungus gnats.

Early Treatment Methods & Control

• Isolation: Immediately isolate any infested plant to prevent spread.
• Manual Removal: For small infestations, physically remove pests (e.g., wipe mealybugs with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab, rinse spider mites off with strong water spray).
• Insecticidal Soap: Spray affected areas thoroughly with insecticidal soap, repeating every 5-7 days for several weeks to break the pest lifecycle.
• Neem Oil: Apply a stronger neem oil solution (10ml neem oil per liter water) for active infestations.
• Natural Control: Introduce beneficial insects (e.g., ladybugs for aphids, predatory mites for spider mites) in enclosed environments.
• Chemical Control: As a last resort, use systemic insecticides or targeted chemical sprays, following all label instructions carefully.

Root Health Management

The roots are the unseen foundation of your Monstera deliciosa's health and growth. Optimal root health ensures efficient nutrient and water uptake, leading to vigorous foliage, robust stems, and a resilient plant.

Characteristics of Healthy Roots

• Color: Healthy Monstera roots are typically firm, light tan to white, and have a fresh, earthy smell. Aerial roots are often green or brown and stiff.
• Texture: Roots should be firm and pliable, not mushy, brittle, or slimy.
• Growth: Actively growing roots will have bright white tips.

Methods to Promote Root Development

• Using Rooting Hormone: When propagating cuttings or encouraging new root growth on a struggling plant, dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder or liquid. This stimulates root cell division.
• Moderate Water Control: Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. This encourages roots to seek out moisture, growing deeper and wider. Consistent slight dryness trains roots for strength.
• Selecting Breathable Pots: Use pots with ample drainage holes. Terracotta pots can provide excellent aeration, though they dry out faster. Plastic pots with many holes are also good. Avoid pots without drainage.
• Moss Poles for Aerial Roots: Provide a moss pole or coir pole for aerial roots to attach to. These roots absorb moisture and nutrients directly from the pole, enhancing overall plant vigor and stability. Keep the moss pole consistently damp.

Preventing Root Rot and Root Aging

• Preventing Root Rot:
  1. Proper Drainage: Ensure your pot has drainage holes and your soil mix is well-draining.
  2. Avoid Overwatering: Water only when the soil is partially dry.
  3. Aeration: Loosen compacted soil around the edges of the pot monthly with a chopstick to improve oxygen flow to roots.
• Preventing Root Aging:
  • Regular Repotting: Every 1-2 years, repot your Monstera into fresh soil. This removes old, depleted soil and provides new nutrients and space for healthy root expansion.
  • Root Pruning (during repotting): Carefully inspect roots. Prune away any circling, mushy, or dead roots with sterilized shears to encourage new, healthy growth. Remove no more than 1/3 of the root mass.

Regular Root System Inspection

Gently lift the plant from its pot every 6-12 months (or during repotting) to visually inspect the root system. Look for signs of root bound, root rot, or pest infestation. This proactive check allows for early intervention and ensures optimal subterranean health, which directly translates to robust above-ground growth.

Growth Acceleration Tips Summary ⭐ Practical Section

Practical Tips Checklist

1. Morning Watering Method: Water between 7-9 AM when plant absorption efficiency is highest, enhancing all-day growth vitality by up to 15%.
2. Warm Water Irrigation: Use 20-25℃ water in winter to avoid root chill and maintain steady growth, preventing winter dormancy shock.
3. Dust-Free Foliage: Wipe leaves weekly with a damp cloth to ensure stomata are clear for optimal photosynthesis, boosting growth by 10-15%.
4. Regular Pot Rotation: Rotate pot 90 degrees weekly for even light exposure and more symmetrical form, preventing lopsided growth.
5. Soil Aeration: Monthly loosen soil at pot edges with a chopstick for better root respiration and faster growth, especially important in denser mixes.
6. Humidity Tray Setup: Place pot on a pebble tray with water (not touching the pot) to consistently increase local humidity by 10-20%, reducing leaf crisping.
7. Moss Pole Training: Provide and regularly moisten a moss pole for aerial roots to cling to, promoting larger leaves and faster upward growth.
8. Consistent Fertilization (Growing Season): Apply dilute liquid fertilizer (50% strength, 20-10-10 NPK) every 2-3 weeks to fuel continuous development.
9. Repotting Schedule: Repot every 1-2 years in spring to refresh soil nutrients and provide ample root space, enabling renewed vigorous growth.
10. Strategic Pruning: Pinch or cut back leggy stems above a node in spring to encourage branching and a bushier plant, increasing leaf density.
11. Inspect Regularly: Weekly visual checks for pests (especially undersides of leaves) allow for early intervention, minimizing growth setbacks.
12. Filtered Water Use: Use filtered or aged tap water to avoid fluoride/chlorine buildup, preventing brown tips and enhancing leaf health by 10%.
13. Slightly Root-Bound Benefits: Allow the plant to become slightly root-bound before repotting; this can sometimes stimulate flowering (though rare for Monstera indoors) or vigorous foliage growth right before moving to a larger pot.
14. Balanced Lighting: Aim for 6-8 hours of bright, indirect light daily. Too little light slows growth; too much direct light can scorch leaves.
15. Listen to Your Plant: Observe changes in leaf color, growth patterns, and soil moisture to fine-tune care routines and achieve optimal growth.

Seasonal Growth Management Calendar

Common Growth Problems & Solutions

Understanding common growth issues can help you quickly identify problems and implement effective solutions to get your Monstera deliciosa back on track for vigorous growth.

Analysis of Slow/Stunted Growth Causes

• Causes: Insufficient light, lack of nutrients (under-fertilization), root bound, over/underwatering, cold temperatures, or pest infestations.
• Solutions:
  1. Light: Move to a brighter location with consistent indirect light (6-8 hours).
  2. Nutrients: Initiate a regular, dilute fertilization schedule during the growing season.
  3. Repotting: Inspect roots; repot if root-bound.
  4. Watering: Adjust watering to allow topsoil to dry before next watering.
  5. Temperature: Ensure ambient temperature is 20-30°C (68-86°F).
  6. Pests: Inspect for pests and treat immediately.

Methods to Improve Insufficient Leaf Greenness (Chlorosis)

• Causes: Iron deficiency (often due to high soil pH or overwatering), nitrogen deficiency, insufficient light, or root issues.
• Solutions:
  1. Iron Supplement: Apply a chelated iron supplement (as directed) to address interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between green veins).
  2. Nitrogen Boost: Use a balanced fertilizer with a slightly higher nitrogen ratio.
  3. Light Adjustment: Ensure adequate bright, indirect light.
  4. Soil pH: Test soil pH; adjust to 5.5-7.0 if necessary.

Handling Leggy Stems

• Causes: Insufficient light, causing the plant to stretch for light, resulting in long stems with sparse leaves.
• Solutions:
  1. Light Increase: Move to a location with significantly brighter indirect light.
  2. Pruning: Prune leggy stems back to a node to encourage bushier growth. These cuttings can be propagated.
  3. Support: Provide a moss pole to encourage vertical growth and denser foliage.

Solutions for Lack of Branching/Sparse Form

• Causes: Often genetic, but also a result of insufficient light (plant focuses on height) or lack of pruning.
• Solutions:
  1. Topping/Pinching: Cut or pinch off the main growing tip of a stem to stimulate dormant buds into branching.
  2. Light: Ensure optimal light exposure, which naturally encourages denser growth.
  3. Fertilization: Provide adequate nutrients to support new growth.

Causes and Solutions for Smaller Leaves

• Causes: Inadequate light, nutrient deficiency, root bound, insufficient humidity, or lack of climbing support for aerial roots.
• Solutions:
  1. Light Optimization: Increase bright, indirect light exposure.
  2. Nutrient Boost: Ensure consistent fertilization during the growing season.
  3. Repotting: Repot if the plant is root-bound to allow for root expansion.
  4. Humidity: Increase ambient humidity to 60-80%.
  5. Climbing Support: Provide a moss pole and encourage aerial roots to attach, which is crucial for Monstera to produce larger, fenestrated leaves.

Advanced Care Recommendations

For the enthusiast looking to push their Monstera deliciosa to its fullest potential, advanced techniques and tools can provide an edge, leading to truly exceptional growth and health.

Use of Growth Hormone Products

• Rooting Hormone (Auxins): Highly effective for stimulating root development in cuttings. Apply powder or liquid hormone to the cut end before placing in water or moist propagation medium. Can increase rooting success rates by 50-70%.
• Gibberellic Acid (GA3): While not for routine use, dilute solutions of GA3 can sometimes stimulate larger leaves or even induce flowering in mature Monstera (though flowering is rare and often undesirable indoors). Use with extreme caution and follow specific instructions. Overuse can cause abnormal growth.
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Can help reduce transplant shock after repotting or propagation by supporting root growth and overall plant metabolism. Apply as a dilute solution when watering.

Professional Care Tool Recommendations

• Light Meter (Lux Meter/PAR Meter): Essential for accurately measuring light intensity, especially for indoor growers. Ensures your Monstera receives optimal light (10,000-20,000 lux) and prevents guesswork.
• Soil pH Meter/Kit: Helps maintain the ideal soil pH of 5.5-7.0, which is crucial for nutrient availability.
• Hygrometer/Thermometer: Digital devices that monitor both humidity and temperature, allowing for precise environmental control. Aim for 60-80% humidity and 20-30°C (68-86°F).
• Moisture Meter: Provides a more accurate reading of soil moisture deep in the pot, preventing both over and underwatering.
• Professional Pruning Shears: High-quality, sharp bypass pruners make clean cuts, minimize plant stress, and reduce the risk of disease.

Synergistic Effects of Companion Planting

Grouping plants with similar humidity requirements can create a beneficial microclimate. Placing your Monstera with other tropical plants like ferns, calatheas, or peace lilies will collectively increase local humidity levels through transpiration, benefiting all plants involved. This can elevate ambient humidity by 5-10%.

Hydroponic/Semi-Hydroponic Conversion Techniques

• Benefits: Hydroponics can offer faster growth rates (up to 25% faster), precise nutrient control, and reduced risk of soil-borne pests and diseases.
• Semi-Hydroponics (LECA): Converting Monstera to LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate) is a popular method.
  1. Process: Remove all soil from roots, rinse thoroughly. Place roots in LECA pebbles in a pot with a reservoir for nutrient solution.
  2. Nutrient Solution: Use a specialized hydroponic nutrient solution diluted to 1/4 to 1/2 strength, changing it every 1-2 weeks.
  3. Acclimation: Expect a period of adjustment (2-4 weeks) as the plant develops water roots.