Amidst the growing trend of indoor plant care, Monstera Deliciosa stands out as one of the most sought-after plants. With its striking large leaves, this plant has the potential to enhance your home decor significantly. In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of this plant, which belongs to the Araceae family.
What Is Monstera Deliciosa?
Deliciosa, also known as the false philodendron, is renowned for its distinctively large, perforated leaves. While it’s the most famous Monstera variety, there are other beloved varieties among plant enthusiasts, including the rare Monstera Adansonii, affectionately referred to as the ‘Swiss cheese plant,’ as well as Albovariegata and Monstera Thai constellation.
This tropical plant thrives in bright, indirect light and should be shielded from direct sunlight. Originating from southern Mexico and various South American regions, Monstera deliciosa thrives in high humidity conditions but requires careful watering – avoid overwatering. Proper drainage is essential when potting this plant.
Monstera Deliciosa has both soil-based roots and aerial roots along its stem, aiding its growth. However, it’s crucial to note that this plant is toxic, especially to pets, and can pose risks to children. Every part of the plant, from its leaves and stems to sap and roots, contains toxins and should never be ingested. Nonetheless, it produces a unique fruit known as the “monster fruit,” which is edible when ripe. However, avoid consuming it raw due to its high oxalic acid content, which can be irritating to the throat. Under the right conditions, this plant can also flower and produce unusual spike-like growths.
Significance of Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Deliciosa, commonly found in Southeast Asia, is regarded as a positive Feng Shui plant. Its rapid growth, wide leaves, and unique appearance are believed to bring luck, joy, and prosperity to homeowners.
In spiritual beliefs, it promotes peace and dispels misfortune, aligning it with the principles of Feng Shui. This plant’s cultural significance, coupled with its air-purifying qualities, makes it a favored choice among Feng Shui plants. Overall, Monstera Deliciosa is not just decorative but symbolizes positive energy and prosperity in living spaces.
Benefits of Monstera Deliciosa
Beautiful Leaf Structure
Monstera Deliciosa’s distinctively split leaf structure is perfect for decoration and flower arrangements. Even a single Monstera leaf paired with a few flowers can create a striking and impressive floral display.
Versatile Decor
The unique appearance of Monstera Deliciosa leaves complements modern interior designs and pairs well with various other indoor plants. It’s an ideal choice for home decor, offices, and even photography studios.
Easy to Grow and Maintain
Originally a forest-dwelling plant, Monstera adapts well to low-light conditions. It requires minimal care, needing only well-draining soil and occasional watering. This ease of maintenance makes it a popular choice for indoor landscaping. Notably, Monstera comes in two forms: upright and climbing. Upright Monstera can be potted like other houseplants, while climbing Monstera can be arranged with support to create an impressive vertical display, adding a unique touch to your space.
Suitable for Modern Styles
Monstera plants are commonly featured in modern interior design styles, particularly Scandinavian and Tropical themes. You’ll find Monstera images in various magazines covering fashion, home decor, cuisine, and more.
Today, Monstera Deliciosa is a common sight in a wide range of spaces, not limited to residential interiors. It graces showrooms, office spaces, cafes, restaurants, and more.
Air Purification
In addition to its decorative value, Monstera Deliciosa, like most indoor plants, contributes to air purification. It ranks among the top choices for bedroom plants due to its excellent air-cleansing properties.
If you regularly peruse home decor magazines, you’ll notice the frequent presence of Deliciosa, particularly in bedroom settings, where it is appreciated for its air-purifying qualities.
6 Fascinating Scientific Facts About Monstera Deliciosa
- Originates from Southern Mexico and Guatemala: Deliciosa is native to southern Mexico and Guatemala, despite some earlier claims suggesting other origins.
- Sensitive to Direct Sunlight: Contrary to its tropical nature, Monstera Deliciosa is sensitive to direct sunlight and can suffer damage when exposed.
- Toxicity: Every part of the plant, including stems and sap, contains toxins, making it hazardous to children and pets.
- Edible Fruit: Despite its toxicity, it produces an edible fruit with a pineapple and banana flavor when ripe.
- Processed Foods: The fruit is used to make juice and salads in its native countries, Southern Mexico and Guatemala.
- Raw Fruit Hazardous: Raw Monstera Deliciosa fruit is dangerous to consume due to its high oxalic acid content, which can irritate the digestive system.
Monstera Deliciosa Care Summary
- Scientific Name: Monstera Deliciosa
- Common Names: Swiss Cheese Plant, Fruit Salad Plant, Split-Leaf Philodendron
- Origin: Native to the rainforest regions of southern Mexico to Panama in Central America.
- Light Requirements: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight for more than 1-2 hours daily.
- Watering: Water thoroughly once the top 2 inches (5 cm) of soil is dry. Consider using distilled or rainwater.
- Soil: Use a nutrient-rich, porous potting mix. Equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and cocopeat are recommended.
- Optimal Temperature: Between 68-75°F (20-24°C). Avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer monthly.
- Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity, over 40%.
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors. When it does, expect a large spadix with a white/yellow spathe.
- Pruning: Necessary for size control and removing dead foliage.
- Propagation: Easily propagate Monstera in water through stem cuttings
- Re-potting: Every 1-2 years. Increase pot size to maximize growth.
- Popular Varieties: Monstera Deliciosa, Monstera Deliciosa ‘borsigiana’, Monstera Deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’, Monstera Deliciosa ‘Albo-Variegata’.
- Pests and Diseases: Generally robust but susceptible to root rot, spider mites, and mealybugs.
- Toxicity: Toxic if ingested and sap may cause skin irritation.
Soil Conditions for Monstera Deliciosa
In its natural habitat, Monstera Deliciosa thrives in rich, decomposing leaf debris of rainforests. Therefore, planting and growing your Monstera in a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mix is crucial. Avoid heavy soils prone to water retention to prevent Monstera root rot.
A well-drained peat-based potting mix is a good choice. A blend of loose soil burnt rice husks, and cocopeat is beneficial. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter and has good drainage. Test soil drainage by watering it; if the water stays on the surface, the soil is too dense and needs loosening with peat or cocopeat.
Light Conditions for Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Deliciosa tolerates a range of light conditions but thrives in bright, indirect light. It will endure dimmer indoor light but grow smaller and weaker. Insufficient light prevents flowering and the development of its characteristic leaf perforations.
For optimal indoor size, place it in an east-facing window receiving filtered bright or indirect light. Excessive direct sunlight, especially in hot, intense climates, can scorch the leaves.
Gradually acclimate indoor Monsteras to brighter outdoor light. Initially, move them outdoors for a few hours daily, increasing exposure over weeks.
Temperature Requirements
Native to warm climates, Monstera Deliciosa thrives in consistently warm environments and cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Optimal indoor temperatures range between 68-75°F (20-24°C). A good rule of thumb is if you’re comfortable, so is your Monstera.
Avoid placing it near heating vents or air conditioning units to prevent excessive drying of the air.
Watering Needs
Water your Monstera once the top 2 inches of potting soil dry out. Deep watering is recommended, allowing water to drain from the pot’s bottom. If grown as a climbing plant, ensure the moss-covered support is also watered.
Monsteras are somewhat drought tolerant but under-watering slows growth and may cause wilting.
Watering needs to increase in summer. Avoid over-watering to prevent root rot. Feel the soil before watering and avoid a fixed watering schedule. Ensure quick drainage and empty saucers to avoid waterlogged roots.
Humidity Requirements
Monsteras, originating from rainforests, prefer constant humidity but are more tolerant of drier air than many tropical plants. Creating a humid environment around your plant promotes optimal growth.
Methods to increase humidity include:
- Grouping houseplants to create a local humidity boost.
- Place the pot over a large tray of pebbles and water, allowing evaporation to provide humidity.
- Growing in bathrooms, where consistent water use creates sufficient humidity.
Fertilizing Monstera Deliciosa
Fertilize monthly with a general-purpose, water-soluble fertilizer. Brands like NPK Mutiara, Dekastar, Grow More, Gandasil D, etc., can be used. Apply fertilizer during watering for healthy, glossy green leaves.
Periodically, flush the soil to remove salt buildup, which can cause leaf tip yellowing and burning.
- For smaller plants, flush the soil in a bathtub or sink with slow-running water.
- For larger plants, take them outdoors and gently run water through the soil for about five minutes. Let excess water drain before bringing it back inside.
Alternatively, use slow-release granular fertilizer sprinkled on the soil, lasting about 3-6 months depending on the brand.
Pruning Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Deliciosa requires minimal pruning, mainly for size control or removing dead or damaged foliage. Cut the entire leaf, attaching the stem back to the main stalk.
Wear gloves if sensitive to the sap. Use clean cutting tools to avoid transferring diseases or pests. Clean scissors or knives with isopropyl alcohol.
Planting and Potting Tips
Monstera Deliciosa grows quickly under ideal conditions. Increase the pot size for maximal growth, or maintain a smaller size with a smaller pot.
Repot young Monsteras in slightly larger pots upon purchase or within a few months. Repot older plants when roots grow out of the pot.
Considerations for choosing a pot:
- Ensure bottom drainage holes to prevent root rot.
- Use deep pots for proper root growth, avoiding shallow ones.
- Any pot material is suitable, but porous materials like clay may require more frequent watering due to faster soil drying.
Basic Steps for Growing Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Deliciosa, although technically a climbing plant, can also be grown as a sprawling ground cover or upright plant. To achieve this, you’ll need to do some pruning to maintain its shape. The key difference is that you should provide a structure for it to climb (like a moss-covered pole) if you want the plant to naturally climb upwards.
Additionally, if you are repotting your Deliciosa in the same pot to maintain its smaller size, you may need to trim some of the underground roots.
Concerning the aerial roots that can grow quite long, you don’t need to worry about them and can let them do their natural thing or direct them into the soil in the pot. However, if you find the roots are making the plant look messy, you can trim some of them using clean pruning tools.
Here are the basic steps for planting and potting Monstera Deliciosa:
- Remove the Monstera Deliciosa from its original pot and inspect the root system. Now is the time to trim the roots if necessary.
- Fill a well-draining pot with a rich potting mix that drains well, filling it about halfway. Water the soil to settle it.
- If you are growing Monstera as a climbing plant, it’s time to install a climbing structure like a moss-covered pole into the pot. Boards or stakes lined with moss work well, and the aerial roots will eventually cling to and grow up.
- Place your Deliciosa in the center of the pot and fill the remaining pot with the potting mix, making sure not to plant the Monstera deeper than it originally grew. Firmly pack the soil around the base of the plant using your fingers.
- Water the soil again, including the moss-covered pole, until water drains out from the pot’s bottom drainage holes.
- Place your Deliciosa in a warm location that receives filtered bright or indirect light.
Propagation of Monstera Plants
You can easily propagate your Deliciosa plant through stem cuttings, so don’t hesitate to prune it to maintain a certain size. While you can also propagate through seeds, indoor plants rarely flower, and the process is not reliable.
Using clean pruning tools, cut the tip of the Monstera along with a node (the main stem), making sure to include at least one or two aerial roots. Place the cut end into a pot filled with well-draining and nutrient-rich potting mix and water. Your cutting will start to grow roots in about four weeks.
Additionally, you can propagate the plant through stem or rhizome cuttings of about 30 cm in length. Press the cut end into a potting mix prepared about halfway and water. This section will begin to root in about four weeks.
Cleaning the Leaves
For Monstera Deliciosa, the most important feature is its large, glossy, and split leaves, so you’ll want to keep them looking their best. Spraying the leaves with water works well to remove some dust, but you may need to do a bit more to keep the foliage looking great.
Some easy leaf-cleaning options include:
- Take the entire plant to the sink and rinse the leaves with a gentle spray of lukewarm water.
- Mix ¼ teaspoon of mild dish soap into one liter of room-temperature water, spray it onto the leaves, then rinse the soap off with lukewarm water.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe the dust off each leaf.
Dealing with Diseases
Fortunately, Monstera Deliciosa is a robust plant and relatively disease-free. However, overwatering or consistently wet soil can lead to root rot. One sign of overwatering is when the Monstera leaves start drooping. If you observe this happening, reduce the amount of water the plant receives and only water when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch.
Another more serious sign of Monstera Deliciosa being too wet is when the leaves develop black, soggy areas, and the stem becomes black and mushy. If the issue is only with the leaves, you can still save the plant by repotting it into fresh soil and reducing watering frequency. However, if the damage is too severe, it might be best to discard the entire plant and start with a healthy Monstera rhizome.
Dealing with Pests
Indoor Deliciosa plants are relatively pest-free, but they can occasionally be affected by spider mites or whiteflies. Both of these insects are easy to identify, and prompt treatment is essential as they can spread to your other houseplants. Spraying the entire plant with insecticide and following the treatment instructions on the specific product label will help eliminate the pests.
Common Problems
Monstera Deliciosa is generally pest-free, but issues may arise. If Monstera leaves turn yellow, it indicates excessive direct sunlight, which can result in leaf burn despite their large size. The plant thrives in bright light but should be shielded from direct sunlight. Insufficient light may lead to fewer holes in the leaves and cause the plant to stretch toward the light source.
If leaves appear dry, it indicates insufficient watering. Increase watering frequency in this case. Monstera leaves turning brown edges suggest a lack of humidity; mist the plant more frequently if this occurs. For pests, spider mites can cause yellow spots on leaves by sucking out moisture. Treat with neem oil on all leaf surfaces. Whiteflies, another pest, attach to leaves and stems, draining the plant’s strength. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can effectively control them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monstera Deliciosa Toxic?
The toxic component in Monstera Deliciosa is calcium oxalate crystals, making the plant toxic to humans, dogs, and cats when its leaves are chewed or its raw fruit is ingested. Symptoms of poisoning include severe voice loss, mouth irritation, hoarseness, and blistering in the mouth.
The fruit of Monstera Deliciosa can take up to a year to ripen and be safe for consumption. Additionally, it should be noted that some individuals may have allergic reactions to the ripe edible fruit, which may result in skin rashes.
Should I Repot My Monstera Deliciosa?
While Monstera Deliciosa, when grown in ideal conditions, can have relatively fast growth, the plant will tolerate being in the same pot for several years. However, a good rule of thumb is to repot into fresh soil in a slightly larger pot, if desired, once the root system starts outgrowing the current pot.
Why Are My Monstera Deliciosa Leaves Turning Yellow?
The two main reasons for your Monstera leaves turning yellow are overwatering and nutrient deficiency. If you are watering your plant too much, reduce the frequency of watering until the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch.
For optimal green coloration and growth, fertilize the plant every month with a water-soluble, all-purpose fertilizer, applied at half the recommended dosage on the packaging.
Why Is My Monstera Deliciosa Wilting?
A common cause of Deliciosa wilting is underwatering, so you can address this issue by increasing the frequency of watering and watering deeply when the top few centimeters of soil become dry to the touch. Overwatering can also sometimes lead to Monstera Deliciosa wilting, so feel the soil first to determine the problem.
Why Does My Monstera Deliciosa Have Dry Brown Spots on the Leaves?
If you notice brown dry spots developing on your Deliciosa leaves, it indicates that the plant is getting too much direct sunlight, and the leaves are sunburned. Move it to a location with filtered bright light or indirect sunlight.
Why Are the Edges and Tips of My Monstera Deliciosa Leaves Brown?
Dry air is often the cause of the edges and tips of Monstera Deliciosa leaves turning brown. You need to increase the humidity around your Deliciosa. If the leaves lose their shine and the tips become brown, it’s a sign that the air is too dry.
Why Are My Monstera Deliciosa Leaves Pale?
If you see the leaves of your Deliciosa becoming pale green and almost translucent, it means the plant is not getting enough light and needs to be moved to a location with bright indirect or filtered light.
Why Doesn’t My Monstera Have Many or Any Holes in the Leaves?
Monstera plants develop holes in their leaves when their care needs are met and they are thriving. The lack of perforations (holes in the leaves) indicates that some aspects of their care are inadequate. Address each aspect of care and make sure you provide your Monstera with everything it needs.
Are There Different Types of Monstera Deliciosa?
There are estimated to be over 90 different species within the Monstera genus, some of which are commonly grown as ornamental plants, including Monstera Adansonii. There is also a small number of cultivated varieties of Monstera Deliciosa, and some of them are worth discussing.
Monstera Deliciosa ‘Borsigiana’ visually resembles Monstera Deliciosa but is a smaller plant with leaves rarely exceeding 60 cm in diameter and a climbing character. It’s a good choice for those looking for a smaller option, although it can often be challenging to know exactly what you’re buying.
Monstera Thai Constellation is a beautiful and highly popular variegated cultivar with striking chimeric variations. Large white spots on the leaves and white parts look stunning. It is easier to propagate and find compared to other variegated cultivars.
Monstera Deliciosa ‘Albo-Variegata’ is highly popular and can be very expensive and hard to find. Its leaves tend to have more distinct variegation that is visually striking.
Conclusion
Monstera Deliciosa is more than just a plant; it’s a piece of natural art that adds beauty and positivity to your living space. Understanding its care requirements and significance makes it a rewarding addition to any home. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, Monstera Deliciosa is a fantastic choice for both its aesthetic appeal and ease of care.
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