The big, bold Monstera is one of the hottest houseplants and adds a “wow” factor to any room. Still known as window leaf, this easy-to-grow evergreen climbing plant is a popular choice for the home and office. Although the Monstera is considered easy to care for, there are a few care tips to keep in mind so that the plant feels comfortable and thrives. Here you will find the most important tips about monstera care as well as solutions to a few common problems with houseplants.
Houseplants are the perfect way to bring nature into your home in any season and are a must in any home. They can enhance the beauty and overall appearance of a room,Eliminate pollutants in the airand promote good mood and creativity. And if you like the green side of life and want to transform your home into a green oasis, then you've come to the right place with the impressive Monstera plant.
Which are the most famous Monstera species?
There are more than 40 species of Monstera known worldwide, but you will only find a few of them at your local nursery. All vary in their size, color and shape of leaves. Here are the most famous of them:
Monstera Delicious:This is the most common type and is most likely to be found at your local garden center. It is called “deliciosa” (delicious in Portuguese) because it produces delicious fruits in optimal growing conditions in its homeland.
Monstera adansonii:Still called Monkey Leaf Monstera, this species is smaller than the deliciosa, but the attractive holes take up almost 50% of the leaves.
Monstera obliqua:In this Monstera species, the holes take up most of the paper-thin leaves and create a unique look. However, the leaves are more sensitive than other species,what the plant somethingmakes it more difficult to maintain.
Monstera acuminata:This Monstera impresses with its heart-shaped, tapering leaves, which can reach a height of up to 150 cm. Still known as a pointed window leaf, this species makes a good climbing plant.
Anyone who brings a window leaf into their own four walls should definitely find out about the right Monstera care. This is the only way the plant can develop its full splendor.
Monstera care: The best tips
In principle, only two different types of Monstera are cultivated as houseplants – Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii. Monstera adansonii differs from M. deliciosa in its longer, tapered leaves and completely closed leaf holes. The leaf holes of Monstera deliciosa eventually grow toward the edge and open when ripe.
Location
For the Monstera, the location must provide bright to medium indirect light. The houseplant is not suitable for intense, direct sun.Partial shade and shadoware also okay, but the leaves do not develop as well in a darker location. When choosing a location, make sure that the plant also needs a lot of space.
Pour
Water Monstera once every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Watering needs to be done more frequently in brighter light and less frequently in weaker light. Pro Tip: Monstera benefits from filtered water or water that is left overnight before use. The leaves should be sprayed occasionally with room temperature water.
Note:The Monstera plant tolerates drought better than too much water. So if in doubt, it's better to water less and let the soil dry out between waterings.
Humidity & Temperature
Normal indoor humidity is sufficient for the Monstera, but it prefers humid conditions if possible. Consider using a fine mister or humidifier to increase the humidity in the room, especially during the cold season.
Like most houseplants, the window leaf prefers temperatures in the range of 18 °C – 30 °C. Ideally, the temperature should not fall below 15 °C.
Earth
For the Monstera, use a well-drained potting soil. If necessary, mix in ingredients such as perlite or lava rock to improve soil aeration.
Fertilize
Like any potted plant, the window leaf needs a regular supply of nutrients to thrive. From April to August you should fertilize the houseplant every 2 weeks with liquid fertilizer for green plants. In autumn and winter, fertilization once a month is sufficient.
Common problems with the plant and how to solve them
There's nothing worse than a houseplant that isn't thriving. An important part of theMonsteraCare is dealing with various plant problems. We give the solutions for the most famous of them:
The Monstera leaves curl up
This is a sign that you are either overwatering your plant or not giving it enough moisture. This could also mean that your evergreen plant is suffering from pest infestation, heat stress, or overwatering. Check the soil and look closely at your Monstera to identify the problem. Adjust location and watering.
No holes in the leaves
Monsteras are called window leaf because of their holes. If your plant doesn't start splitting when it's mature, check and adjust the water and sun exposure to get a happier (and thriving) plant.
Brown leaf tips
Check the humidity, it could be too low. Move your Monstera to another room –for example the bathroomor the kitchen - so that the plant is in a room with higher humidity.
Torn leaves
Since the leaves of this plant have holes, one might think that tearing is normal. But it isn't. Increase the humidity in the room and handle the plant carefully. And don't worry - the cracks will heal over time.
Tipp:If your Monstera leaves show clear signs of damage, don't be afraid to cut them off - especially if they are heavily brown or black - as the areas will not heal.
Please note:Monstera leaves are poisonous if consumed and should be kept out of the reach of cats, dogs and small children.
