One of the most well-liked indoor plants in the world, Monstera deliciosa grows quickly and requires little maintenance. Variegated forms of this plant can fetch prices in the hundreds of dollars, and its striking, punctured leaves are frequently seen on everything from posters to pillow slips.
Monstera uses aerial roots to climb trees in the Central American jungle where it lives in order to reach the forest canopy. Josh Gray and Clare Keleher Gray’s ability to climb signifies a change in their surroundings. The duo works in a crucial koala habitat in the hinterland of the Gold Coast.
“According to Gray, who works for Envite, an organization that promotes ecological restoration, invasive weeds are the second biggest threat to our biosphere after land destruction.
Small roots and rapid development enable the Australian giants Toona ciliata (Australian red cedar), Eucalyptus grandis (flooded gum), and Eucalyptus tereticornis to be reached by Monstera (forest red gum). Koalas and other animals primarily eat from these trees. “Koalas cannot obtain food when a tree is completely covered in something that has the potential to change the environment, such as monstera, according to Gray.
Keleher Gray, a bush regenerator, observes the connection between pests and potted plants on the sites where she works. “I work with individual landowners that want to promote the regrowth of natural vegetation. They aim for more than just aesthetic beauty in their gardens. They want them to serve as wildlife habitats.
Her methods of management include painting vines with pesticide and scraping the roots of vines “With monstera, there is a problem with the climbing vines’ small size and aerial roots. Their small leaves make it difficult to treat them without also damaging the host tree.
Fortunately, monstera infestations are still regarded as localized events for the time being.
What stands for the Monstera plant?
Symbolism. The aerial roots and quickly expanding leaf-bearing vine are supposed to symbolize suffocation in Monstera deliciosa. For this reason, we chose to adhere to Chinese symbolism, in which the Monstera represents a long life and reverence for elders and respected individuals.
Do Monsteras get a bad rap?
If you mention the word “houseplant” to someone, I’ll guarantee you $100 that they’ll think of the popular Monstera plant. Although it is undoubtedly the most well-known indoor plant, is it really that special? Prints of the Monstera leaf can be seen on jewelry, wall coverings, beds, and clothes. It’s all over. But what makes the plant itself so fantastic, exactly? Why does it come up so frequently in conversation? While the leaves are certainly beautiful, especially as they grow larger, couldn’t the same be said for many other types of houseplants?
I used to adore Monsteras personally. I have a Monstera peru, two Monstera deliciosa, and two Monstera adansonii. They exist in a wide range of kinds, but we’ll concentrate on the most well-known—the Deliciosa. And what is the goal for today? I’m here to tell you the truth, though: Monsteras are a little overrated. Raffaele Di Lallo of Ohio Tropics, a plant expert, concurred with my assessment of why they might not be worthwhile.
Meet the Expert
The owner of the plant-care business Ohio Tropics is Raffaele Di Lallo. He writes a blog on plants and will soon publish Houseplant Warrior.
I was curious to hear Raffaele’s thoughts on Monsteras because he has an excellent plant collection and is an expert in plant maintenance. He came up with five excellent arguments for why the Monstera might be little exaggerated.
Monstera Borsigniana
Given how difficult it is to tell the two apart when they’re young, this is actually a variant of deliciosa and may be sold under that name.
Examining the stem is one technique to determine. Where the leaf joins the stem, deliciosas frequently pucker, ruffle, or develop lovely tiny bumps, whereas borsigniana does not. Likely smaller and expanding more quickly than deliciosa is borsigniana. Unlike deliciosa, mature plants typically create two clean rows of holes or slits rather than producing holes more randomly.
Never fear if you get one of these instead of a deliciosa! It still makes a magnificent addition to your home even though it can grow just as tall, almost as big, and a little bit faster.
Monstera Variegata
Monsteras that are variegated are not distinct plants, but rather a difference in color. These plants may even appear to have been painted white. Personally, I adore them.
Plants that have white, cream, and green patterns are said to be variegated. These plants are typically more expensive and more difficult to find.
By the way, if you’re fortunate enough to discover them, several of the varieties on this list are also available in variegated form! (For additional information, see Where to Find a Variegated Monstera in our blog!)
Monstera Adansonii
Although the holes in this type are not as enormous as those in the deliciosa, they are still rather big! About 50% of the leaf is usually taken up by the holes.
As real obliqua are quite uncommon, you can be sure that if you see this label in a nursery, you’re actually looking at a monstera adansonii. These are reasonably common, but they are also frequently mislabeled as monstera obliqua. In comparison to obliqua, adansonii often has thicker, rougher leaves.
Monstera Pinnatipartita
These plants produce unusually large, glossy leaves with slits rather than holes that extend to the leaf’s edge. The leaf stems are strong and rigid, and they are an exquisite shade of emerald green. Although they are a little more difficult to locate, you can typically find one or two online.
Monstera Dubia
One of my favorites is this. Small, heart-shaped leaves with both dark and light green coloring are a distinctive feature of this cultivar. Although not truly multicolored, it is getting close. With shorter stems and leaves that encroach closer to whatever the plant is climbing, it develops like a vine.
Monstera Siltepecana
Large, teardrop-shaped leaves with smaller holes clustered around the center vein characterize this attractive cultivar. They have both dark and light green colours and are frequently paler than other monsteras. Gorgeous! Though more difficult to locate, they are stunning if you can find one.
Monstera Obliqua
We’re sorry to break it to you, but Home Depot or really anywhere else won’t have this. But we still wanted to include it because it’s so cool!
These beautiful plants still retain their distinctive holes, but they usually have more holes than leaves. These plants are exceedingly delicate, therefore you won’t find them in nurseries. The holes can remove up to 90% of the paper-thin leaves. However, if you’re lucky, you might be able to see them in select botanical gardens. Only 17 instances of this plant have been recorded in the wild, and it is frequently researched for potential hybridization with other species.
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma or “Mini Monstera
We’re lying here because this plant isn’t a monstera in the strictest sense (you undoubtedly realized that from the scientific name), but they look lovely with one!
The leaves of this plant have the same distinctive holes as monstera, but the huge holes on this plant tend to extend all the way to the leaf edge and have a more notched appearance. These monstera cultivars are easier to grow and more accessible than some of the more exotic monstera kinds. The rich green hue is beautiful. Mini Monstera Care Tips can be found here. Click here to view this plant on Amazon!
Why do monsteras cost so much?
Because they are so rare and well-liked, variegated Monsteras are very expensive. Because the leaves lack chlorophyll, it requires more light and develops more slowly. Slower growth results in fewer new plants and slower propagation.
Variegated Monsteras are frequently sold out on online marketplaces, putting new prospective buyers on a waiting list for when the parent Monstera is large enough to generate fresh cuttings.
Demand also drives up prices. Growers have found that consumers are willing to pay a high price for a variegated Monstera. People will buy even a baby cutting with just two leaves for $100 USD! Variegated Monsteras are becoming more and more in demand, and as a result, prices are also going up.
Is Monstera a healthy houseplant?
It is not surprising that Monstera prefers a warm, humid climate because they are indigenous to tropical jungles from southern Mexico to Panama. This makes them perfect for interior use. Georgina Reid, a writer and Wonderground’s founding editor, “Monsteras appreciate moisture, warmth, and shade. They are actually pretty difficult to kill and are quite content indoors. If you reside in a chilly climate, don’t even try to plant one outdoors (less than 10C in winter). Given the proper conditions, they are renowned for being tough.”
Georgina advises putting your Monstera deliciosa in a bright indoor location with lots of room for growth for care and upkeep. To let it to breathe and absorb moisture, water once a week or whenever it appears to be getting dry, and dust leaves with a damp cloth.
Is Monstera suitable for the bedroom?
You’ve probably seen this plant in countless of interior pictures.
Its enormous, Swiss cheese-like leaves are distinctive and instantly give any place a jungle vibe.
According to Mast, monsteras are wonderful since they can grow almost anyplace. “Although they can handle low light, these plants develop more quickly and dramatically in a bright area of your house. Monsteras do well in areas with bright, indirect sunlight.”
Mast advises staying away from bright, direct sunshine, though, as it will burn the leaves.
Is Monstera feng shui-friendly?
With this floral beauty, you’re not only bringing the tropics inside, but also a low-maintenance live air purifier. Do you desire a lovely green monster?
strong beauty With a commanding name, a light appearance, and lavish foliage, it’s no surprise that Monstera is a huge Instagram hit. Its size—which ranges from tabletop to welcome-to-the-jungle size—as well as its incredibly unique elements make it more than just a gorgeous object. Monstera is always interesting since it has stems, occasionally a moss pole or trunk, and typically magnificent aerial roots. The most amazing feature is that the immature leaves are heart-shaped and don’t develop the distinctive incisions until much later, when some time has passed.
- It’s a simple houseplant that you can hang or climb on.
- Due to its size, Monstera is ideal for use as a decorative room partition.
- Anyone who want both privacy and clean air can use this living air purification device.
- One of the few types of plants that has its own hashtags, including #monsteramonday, #aroidaddicts, and #monsterarmy
clever monster When a monstera seed is planted, it will grow toward the side that is the darkest, which makes it unique from other plants. Why? because the largest tree trunk is located there. After locating a sturdy trunk, Monstera can climb up it and gain access to lots of light. The plant wouldn’t survive if it had to depend on the light that reaches the ground. The plant will grow best if you give it some direction (a moss pole or climbing thread) in the direction you want it to travel, even though it is quite robust in the wild.
The liberation of vegetation Live more responsibly, sustainably, with purity, and with organic shapes: The style fad that gives flora an ever-increasing importance is excellent for monstera. not only at home, but also in open areas. Consider how plants can be used to produce energy sustainably, purify the air, or act as a safeguard against the rapid advancement of technology.
- The engraved leaves are a product of evolution. Since the leaves are less prone to shatter in strong gusts or heavy rain, they aid Monstera in surviving in the rainforest.
- Monstera is a Chinese plant that represents a long life, respect for authority figures, and elders.
- Monstera is utilized in Feng Shui, a form of oriental acupuncture for your home, to promote joy or to inspire lofty goals.
Arum family member Monstera is a tough climber. The plants may climb up trees to a height of 20 meters, and they are primarily lianas from Panama and southern Mexico. Additionally, they anchor themselves to tree trunks, rocks, and dirt in Southeast Asian woods via their fleshy aerial roots. They slither and crawl upwards, allowing their enormous leaves to grow and offer additional shade as a result.
Style tips for Monstera The base doesn’t need to be elaborate because Monstera’s foliage already has a lot going on. It can be sleek white, sleek black, or sleek terracotta if that’s more your style. A movable Monstera with wheels under the pot is really fashionable. They make it simple to move it to a new Instagram-worthy area or take it with you to your favorite flexible spot.
- Monstera prefers some light, but not direct sunlight.
- Keep it above 13, as the plant dislikes the cold.
- Water sparingly; the soil can be kept wet but not soggy.
- It only needs a little plant food once every two weeks.
- Monstera seldom ever blooms inside. If it does, remove the blossoms if you can. They consume a lot of the plant’s energy and have a somewhat… peculiar odor.
Are Monstera plants odorous?
Due to its sweet and unusual flavor, M. deliciosa is regarded as a delicacy in regions where it naturally grows. When the first scales start to lift up and the fruit starts to release a strong odor, it is ready to be cut. It is placed aside until the scales start to fall off, then it is wrapped in a paper bag. The edible flesh is then exposed once the scales have been brushed off or have fallen away. It is possible to cut the flesh away from the center and consume it; the texture is similar to pineapple. It tastes delicious and reminiscent of pineapple and jackfruit. The fruits must be ingested when the scales lift up because unripe green fruits can irritate the throat and the latex of the leaves and vines can cause skin rashes because both contain potassium oxalate. [19] Applying a little lemon juice will help you sweep the irritating black fibers away.