Monstera deliciosa, also known as window leaf or five-fingered leaf because of the typical shape of its foliage, is one of the most popular indoor plants. The popularity of the climbing plant, which is often incorrectly referred to as a philodendron or tree friend, is mainly explained by its imposing size and the huge, shiny green leaves. With good care, the Monstera can even develop flowers and fruits.

The Monstera is a popular houseplant

Table of Contents

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  1. origin and distribution
  2. use
  3. appearance and growth
  4. leaves
  5. flowers and fruits
  6. toxicity
  7. Which location is suitable?
  8. substrate
  9. hydroponics
  10. Plant monstera properly
  11. repot
  12. watering monstera
  13. Fertilize Monstera properly
  14. Properly cut Monstera
  15. breed monstera
  16. diseases and pests
  17. species and varieties

    18. origin and distribution

    Monstera deliciosa is a species of the approximately 50 other species comprising the genus Monstera (Monster leaves) within the family of the aroid family (Araceae). The popular houseplant with the large, conspicuously slit leaves is at home in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Here the plant first germinates on the ground and then climbs along the mighty trunks high up into the huge crowns of the jungle giants.

    Nobody can say exactly how many species of this genus actually exist. The estimates are around 30 to even 60 different variants, with some - including in particular the Monstera deliciosa so popular with us - spreading rapidly in climatically favorable areas and sometimes even having to be fought by human hands. Invasive populations that have been reintroduced into the wild can be found, for example, in the south of the USA, but also in India and other Asian countries, in Australia and in some regions of the western Mediterranean such as Morocco or Portugal.

    use

    The first specimens of Monstera deliciosa reached Europe from Mexico at the beginning of the 19th century. A few decades later, the species was already cultivated in numerous European nurseries. The Monstera had its heyday as a houseplant for normal people in the 1970s and 1980s, but in recent years there has been a return to this easy-care and attractive foliage plant. However, the window leaf is not only interesting as a decorative leaf plant for the living room at home, its stylized leaf can also be found as an art and decorative object on numerous objects.

    Due to its tropical origin, the Monstera is only suitable as a houseplant or is cultivated in tropical conservatories and greenhouses.

    appearance and growth

    In its natural location, the climbing plant easily reaches the highest treetops, because Monstera is such a plant. In culture, on the other hand, the window leaf grows upright to a height of about three meters. Also characteristic are the long aerial roots, with the help of which the plant anchors itself to any substrate. These can be other plants such as the jungle trees already mentioned, but also rock faces or, in the case of indoor culture, special climbing and trellis aids. As soon as the aerial roots encounter soil, they penetrate there and anchor themselves in it. They then take over the normal function of roots and absorb water and nutrients. The fleshy, also very long shoots of the Monstera, on the other hand, are not stable on their own and need support.

    Which climbing aid is suitable for the Monstera?

    So that the plant can also pursue its natural growth behavior in the living room, it needs a reliable climbing aid. Of course you can offer her one made of wood or metal, although her aerial roots will not always find a secure hold on the smooth surface. A so-called moss stick, which you can buy in any DIY or garden store, is more suitable. This is often a thick stick made of plastic or another robust material that is wrapped with coconut fibers or moss.

    Alternatively, simply divert the aerial roots into the substrate, where they will grow like normal roots and fulfill their function of supplying the plant with water and nutrients. Just don't cut off these roots.

    leaves

    The Monstera is cultivated as a decorative houseplant, mainly because of its up to 50 centimeters long and very wide, shield-shaped leaves. The attractive foliage plant initially develops heart-shaped, entire and light green colored leaves, which only later develop their characteristic breakthroughs on the leaf edges and surfaces as well as the shiny, dark green. The thick, leathery leaves probably have this unusual appearance because the slits and openings improve the absorption of light from parts of the plant lying in more shaded areas of the rainforest.

    The leaf stalks of the Monstera also have a specific feature: the strikingly strong and long leaf stalks are often angled downwards (“kneed” as the botanist says), so that the plant literally hooks onto the branches and shoots of other plants with this additional climbing aid can.

    flowers and fruits

    With good care and optimal conditions, older specimens of the window leaf can also form flowers in indoor culture. As a rule, this happens with plants that are at least ten years old. The flower looks very similar to that of Spathiphyllum or Anthurium, after all they are related species. A yellowish, long-stalked spadix develops, which is surrounded by a large, white bract. This flower shape is typical of the maple family (Araceae). It later develops into violet berries, which are considered a tasty delicacy in some countries. In fact, the fruits of Monstera are edible, but sensitive people should refrain from eating them: the calcium oxalate needles contained in the berries can irritate the mucous membrane of the throat.

    The species Monstera deliciosa - which means "delicious window leaf" in German - does not bear its name without reason. It forms oblong, corncob-like, green fruits that are edible and taste a little like pineapple. These bear the joking name "pineapple bananas" and are often sold on markets, especially in holiday destinations such as Madeira. Since these fruits, like rhubarb, contain a lot of oxalic acid, caution should be exercised when consuming them. Not everyone can tolerate large amounts of this substance, which can irritate the mucous membranes and the digestive tract. In living room culture usually no fruits develop.

    toxicity

    Aside from the fruit, all parts of the Monstera - from the leaves to the roots to the flowers - are poisonous and should not be eaten. In addition to oxalic acid and calcium oxalate crystals, the climbing plant contains i.a. also resorcinol and various pungent substances. Symptoms of poisoning, ranging from irritation of the skin and mucous membranes to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, occur after consumption in both humans and animals. To avoid danger, the Monstera should not be within the reach of small children and pets such as dogs, cats, rodents or birds.

    Furthermore, the plant sap can cause allergic reactions, which is why you should always wear gloves when doing maintenance work (e.g. pruning).

    Which location is suitable?

    As in its natural range, the window leaf feels most comfortable in partially shaded to sunny areas. Direct sun - especially the blazing midday sun - damages the attractive, green leaves and should therefore be avoided. Only in the early morning and in the evening do a few rays of sunshine make the Monstera feel even better. In summer, the plant can also be placed on the balcony or terrace at temperatures of more than 20 °C, provided it is protected enough there. The temperature should not fall below 18 °C in summer or winter.

    When choosing a location, you should also consider the expected final size of the Monstera in addition to the light requirement. This plant needs a lot of space and should be placed where it can remain permanently and undisturbed for many years. Plan enough space for this, both in height and width: the window leaf does not like a change of location due to lack of space (or other reasons). In this regard, the plant is a diva and should be left alone as such.
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    substrate

    With regard to the nature of the substrate, too, the Monstera feels most comfortable in a soil that corresponds to its natural site conditions. A humus-rich, loose and slightly acidic to neutral substrate that you either mix yourself or buy is ideal. A high-quality rhododendron soil based on compost instead of peat is well suited. Alternatively, mix two-thirds of commercial compost with one-third of coconut or perlite.(37.51€)

    hydroponics

    In addition to the classic soil, you can also easily cultivate the Monstera in hydroponics. To do this, place the plant in vermiculite or expanded clay (€19.73) and use a special pot with a water level indicator. The plant substrate should be renewed every one to two years, as lime and other deposits collect in it.

    Plant monstera properly

    It is best to plant the Monstera in a large pot from the start so that their roots have enough space. The planter should leave at least two fingers of space between the pot wall and the root ball. In addition, if possible, use a pot with a drainage hole so that excess water can drain off and waterlogging does not occur in the first place. Planting is as follows:

    • Cover the drain hole with pottery shards
    • fill part of the substrate
    • Loosen the root ball with your fingers
    • Place the plant in the middle of the container
    • Carefully put aerial roots into the pot
    • do not bend or otherwise injure
    • fill with substrate
    • water well

    The Monstera is properly seated in the planter when the roots are about two to three below the surface.

    repot

    Younger specimens of the Monstera should be repotted annually due to their rapid growth, while older plants need fresh substrate about every two to three years. The best time for this project is spring.
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    watering monstera

    The Monstera feels most comfortable when the substrate is always slightly moist, but not constantly wet. Although the rainforest plant has a high water requirement, especially in the warm summer months, like most other plants, it does not tolerate permanent waterlogging. So water them regularly between April and October, but only when the top layer of the substrate has already dried. In the winter months between November and March, on the other hand, you can water much more sparingly, since the Monstera needs less water during this time.

    In addition to the regular supply of water, the Monstera also needs an environment with high humidity, which is often not the case, especially in winter. To remedy this, spray the plant regularly with water or place it in a bowl filled with rocks and water.
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    Fertilize Monstera properly

    Like almost all rainforest plants, the Monstera also has a fairly high nutrient requirement and should therefore be fertilized regularly. For this purpose, give it a liquid green plant fertilizer about every two weeks between April and September along with the irrigation water. Alternatively, you can also use a long-term fertilizer, for example in the form of sticks. In the other months between October and March, however, stop fertilizing.

    Monstera sheds leaves / gets brown leaves, what to do?

    If the Monstera suddenly gets brown leaf edges, this is often due to over-fertilization. This occurs when you don't administer the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions or when you don't administer it undiluted. Pot the plant in fresh substrate and be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. If, on the other hand, the window leaf sheds its leaves, a nutrient deficiency can be the cause.
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    Properly cut Monstera

    Basically, the Monstera does not have to be cut back, you should only remove diseased or dead leaves. However, since the plant can become very tall in a short time, growth limitation is recommended if necessary. To do this, simply shorten the main shoot, the side shoots can also be shaped. The window leaf does not become lignified, is very easy to cut and can be cut throughout the year. The only disadvantage: If the Monstera is cut back, it will not produce any flowers.
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    breed monstera

    You can use the clippings from a pruning to propagate this pretty plant. Both head cuttings and shoot cuttings as well as stem pieces are suitable for this, provided they have at least one bud. However, cuttings should always have aerial roots, as these form the new roots. You can root the plant pieces both in a glass of water and in nutrient-poor potting soil.
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    diseases and pests

    The Monstera is a hardy and easy-care houseplant that is rarely attacked by pests or pathogens. Signs of illness are often due to care errors and disappear as soon as you eliminate the cause. Brown leaves, especially on the edges, as well as yellow discoloration usually indicate that the crop was kept too wet or that the fertilizer was incorrect. Since newly sprouted leaves only divide over time, the lack of leaf division is also a sign of disease: the Monstera often does not like the location that is too dark.

    tips

    If you go on summer vacation, you can make a simple irrigation yourself thanks to the aerial roots for the monstera: All you have to do is redirect the aerial roots into a container filled with water.

    species and varieties

    As a rule, only the Monstera deliciosa species is cultivated as a houseplant, which is also available in the following interesting cultivars:

    • 'Variegata': has conspicuously variegated leaves and needs more light than the purely green species
    • 'Borsigiana': forms rather narrow and less perforated leaves

    Both varieties mentioned grow more slowly than the original form, whereby 'Variegata' needs not only a bright location but also more heat.

Category:

Indoor plants