Monstera care and facts

Scientific division

Monstera belongs to the family Araceae, the succulent plants, and includes about 50 species. The best known is Monstera deliciosa , often called monstera or sometimes "window ficus". Other popular species are Monstera adansonii with its many small holes in the leaves, Monstera obliqua which is extremely rare and has leaves with almost more holes than leaf blades, and Monstera dubia which is a climbing species whose leaves grow flat against the substrate. Within the genus there are also variegated-leaved varieties, such as Monstera deliciosa variegata , which is very sought after among collectors.

Origin

Monstera grows naturally in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. It is a hemiepiphyte, meaning it starts its life on the ground but climbs up tree trunks using its aerial roots to reach the sunlight. In this environment, it is exposed to even heat, high humidity and filtered light. Its ability to climb and adapt to different light conditions has made it a very adaptable houseplant in our homes.

Monstera in the home

Monstera is a classic in the interior design world and has almost become synonymous with tropical greenery. The large, decorative leaves create a bold expression and give the room a lush and vibrant feel. It is also relatively easy to care for and is therefore ideal for both beginners and more experienced plant enthusiasts. A Monstera can grow to an impressive size and become a natural eye-catcher in a living room or office. At the same time, there are smaller species such as Monstera adansonii that are suitable for shelves or hanging baskets. The wide variety means that there is a Monstera for every home.

Location and light

Monstera thrives best in bright but indirect light. Direct sun can burn the leaves, especially during the summer, while too little light will cause the leaves to remain whole and not develop the characteristic hollows. An east or west-facing window is often ideal, or a position slightly inside a south-facing window where the light is bright but not direct. In winter when the light is low, a grow light can help it continue to grow. If you notice that the leaves are becoming small and sparsely spaced, this may be a sign that the plant is getting too dark.

Temperature

Monstera prefers a consistent temperature between 18 and 28 degrees Celsius. It thrives in normal room temperatures but should be protected from cold drafts and drafts. Below 15 degrees Celsius, growth slows down considerably and the plant can be damaged. However, it can tolerate shorter periods of cooler temperatures better than many other tropical plants, making it a hardy indoor plant.

Humidity

Monstera grows naturally in humid rainforest environments but is quite adaptable in the home. It can handle normal indoor air but will grow even more lush if the humidity is around 50 to 60 percent. During the winter, when indoor air is often dry, you can shower the leaves with lukewarm water, use a humidifier or place the plant on a saucer of Leca balls and water. Wiping the leaves with a damp cloth is also good, as it removes dust that can otherwise inhibit photosynthesis and at the same time prevents pests.

Watering

Monstera likes to have even moisture in the soil but is sensitive to overwatering. It is best to let the top few centimetres of soil dry out before watering again. During the summer it needs more water when growth is active, while in the winter it can do with less. A good tip is to stick your finger into the soil – if it feels dry a couple of centimetres down, it is time to water. It is best to use room temperature water and avoid leaving it in a water-filled outdoor pot.

Fertilization

To get big, healthy leaves, Monstera needs regular nutrition. During spring and summer, when it is growing the most, it should be fertilized every two weeks with a balanced nutrient for green plants. In winter, it is enough to fertilize once or not at all, as the plant grows more slowly. Too much fertilizer can cause burned roots or yellowing leaves.

Transplantation

Monstera grows quite quickly and needs to be repotted every two to three years. When the roots start to poke out through the drainage holes, it's time. Use an airy soil mixture that lets water through but retains some moisture. A good mix is ​​potting soil mixed with perlite, coconut fiber and a little orchid soil or bark chips for extra structure. The pot should always have drainage holes. Choose a pot that is only a couple of centimeters larger than the old one to avoid the soil becoming too wet.

Pest

Monstera is not particularly sensitive but can sometimes be affected by thrips, spider mites or aphids. Dry indoor environments during the winter increase the risk of spider mites. Prevent by regularly showering the leaves and keeping them clean. If you notice small spots, discolored leaves or cobweb-like threads, isolate the plant from others and treat with soapy water or biological pesticides. Wiping the leaves with a damp cloth can help keep infestations under control.

Proliferation

Monstera is one of the easiest plants to propagate. It is done with cuttings taken from a stem with at least one node, that is, the small thickening on the stem where leaves and roots emerge. Often there is also an aerial root at the node and this makes the cutting extra strong. Cut below the node with a clean secateurs and place the cutting in water. After a couple of weeks, new roots will begin to develop and when they are a few centimeters long, the cutting can be planted in soil. Alternatively, the cutting can be placed directly in a small pot with moist soil. In this case, you should create high humidity around the cutting, for example by covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a mini greenhouse. Monstera cuttings are often grateful and root quickly, making this a popular plant to share with friends.