Giant leggy Monstera propagation, pruning, and general advice needed
Hi everyone! Long-time lurker, first-time poster. I have this absolute unit of a Monstera deliciosa and I’m slightly overwhelmed. Would love some collective wisdom.
The situation:
• There are two main plants growing in the same pot, both very tall and leggy
• There are also two new sprouts coming up from the soil
• The lower leaves are looking a bit sad and burnt. I suspect the soil mix isn’t ideal and the pot may be too large. Also my now grown kitten used to play with the leaves so they have small scratches here and there at the base.
• Both plants are actively pushing out new leaves pretty often, I’d say monthly, and the two soil sprouts are also leafing up. The mature leaves have developed beautiful fenestrations, but the overall shape is getting pretty unruly and I’m not sure how to manage it.
My questions:
- Should I separate the two main plants? If so, when and how?
- The leggy stems, should I do a hard chop halfway up? I’m nervous about it but they’re getting unmanageable
- What should I do with the new sprouts coming from the soil? leave them, separate?
- What soil mix do you recommend for a repot?
- Any general advice on getting the lower leaves looking healthier?
UK-based, bright indirect light near a window. Any advice appreciated! I don’t want to accidentally kill it.
The last two photos show the new sprouts, one is very young with only 2-3 leaves, while the other is more established at around 6 leaves. The two main plants each have 15+ leaves. Internode spacing is roughly 10cm at the base and tightens to around 6cm towards the top. Plant is my height so 165cm tall measured from the ground.