Monstera: An Overview
Native to the rainforests of Central America, Monsteras are plants that are packed with personality and easy to grow indoors. The Latin name Monstera deliciosa actually means delicious monster. Monstera deliciosa is the most common type of monstera, but you can also find Monstera albo variegata, Monstera adansonii and Monstera dubia. Here are a few interesting facts about monsteras:
- These plants typically won’t produce fruit indoors. In their natural habitat, however, they produce fruit with a rich, complex taste, sometimes described as a combination of strawberries, passion fruit, mango and pineapple.
- The holes in monstera leaves actually serve a purpose in the wild. Since the elements can pass through the leaves, the plants are better suited to withstand the heavy rain and winds of the rainforest. These abnormal leaves also give the plant its name.
- The plants’ roots are used in Guatemala to make mimbre furniture, which is similar to rattan furniture.
Although Monstera deliciosa is a popular house plant, it’s actually rare in the wild. Since the plant can’t propagate from cuttings without human interference, it can’t reproduce as quickly without our assistance. Want to propagate a Monstera deliciosa? We’ll teach you how.
Propagating the Monstera Deliciosa
There are a few ways you can propagate Monstera deliciosa, including stem cuttings and air layering. Among the two, air layering is the most popular because it’s less risky, but both can help you grow healthy monsteras. Check out these Monstera deliciosa care and propagation methods to grow strong and healthy plants.
How to Propagate Stem Cuttings
How to Propagate With the Air Layering Method
How to Care for an Established Monstera Deliciosa
Whether you’ve propagated your Monstera deliciosa or acquired an established plant, it’s important to care for it properly. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Peaty, well-draining soil in a pot with drainage holes is ideal.
- You can trim the aerial roots if they’re out of control. It’s best to tuck them back inside the pot so they don’t damage walls or surfaces.
- Because Monstera deliciosa uses its aerial roots to cling to trees in the wild, you should provide it with sticks or a trellis to mimic that growing environment.
- Bright, indirect sunlight and temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for this species. Keep the moisture and humidity levels at 60% to 80%. You can place your monstera outside in direct sunlight once a year to encourage lush growth.
- Once a week, check the top 1/4 to 1/3 of the soil and water it if it feels dy. During the growing season, fertilize with liquid plant food every few weeks. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Wash leaves with a damp cloth dipped in a solution of dishwashing detergent and water. You only need a drop of detergent with every few cups of water. It’s also good to mist the leaves regularly, though it’s not required.
- Transplant Monstera deliciosa to a bigger pot when it outgrows its current pot — about every two years.
Common Pests and Considerations
As with most house plants, there are certain considerations to keep in mind and pests to monitor for. Some of the most common pests that come with monsteras are:
- Mealybugs
- Aphids
- Thrips
- Scale and spider mites
To keep your plants free of pests and dust, wipe the leaves periodically with a damp sponge or paper towel. Make sure you’re monitoring your monstera for any suspicious activity. If you do see these common pests, use an insecticidal soap or natural remedy, such as neem oil.
Monstera deliciosa is toxic, so it’s recommended to keep it out of reach of pets and small children. You can choose from a variety of nontoxic plants for your home to avoid any potential adverse effects.
Monsteras are one of the easiest plants to grow inside, allowing you to add a nice touch of greenery to any room. Because they multiply by propagation, they’re ideal for indoor gardening. You can add to your collection as often as you desire. Learn how to care for Monstera deliciosa and a variety of other house plants at Lowes.com.