How to take care of your Monstera

Published on 3 January 2022

What't in the name? Some of these Indoorplants have the weirdest names, what do you think of the mother-in-law's tongue? And the very popular Monstera? Chances are you’ve spotted the graphic leaves of the Monstera Delicosa on everything from pillows to wallpaper. It's a popular plant and an eyecatcher in every interior. How do you take care of this beauty? We'll help you!

Monstera is a tropical plant from the Araceae family. Its name in Latin means “abnormal” because of its odd-looking, perforated leaves.In the wilds of the jungle, Monstera can grow to a monstrous size. Dozens of feet tall with leaves that spread to nearly two feet wide! The most well-known variety is the 'Monstera Delicosa', or Mexican Breadfruit, in reference to its corncob-shaped fruit.

Tips to keep a Monstera happy & healthy

Monstera plants prefer lots of space: Put it in a statement-making spot in the living room, rather than in a tight corner or on a small windowsill.
Monstera can grow up trees and other plants in the rainforest, and would benefit from some support indoors, too. add a small trellis or pole nearby.
If you can’t commit to a whole Monstera plant—or if yours is running wild—trim a leaf or two and stand them upright in a clear glass vase for a green finish to your interior design.

How to keep a Monstera alive

Find a spot with a good balance between sun and shade. If your Monstera is given too much sun, the leaves will turn yellow If it’s left in too much shade, the plant will exhibit something called negative phototropism, where new leaves grow towards the dark, rather than the light. (It’s a clever trick: In the wild jungle, darkness signals the presence of a larger tree that the Monstera can climb up to reach sunlight.) Since this isn’t the case in your living room, aim for indirect sunlight, that's the best.
Water a Monstera moderately and evenly, about once a week is enough. Wait until the soil is fairly dry before watering again. Keep in a somewhat humid environment.
To curb excessive growth, avoid re-potting too often and prune regularly by pinching off new growth.

What's up with the holes in the leaves of a Monstera

Scientists have speculated and debated about the reason for the holes in Monstera leaves, they've come up with two theories:

1.The perforation maximizes the leaf’s surface area, and therefore its ability to capturing sunlight on the rainforest floor.

2.The perforation allows tropical downpours to pass through the leaves, thereby limiting damage to the plant. This would explain Monstera’s other name: Hurricane Plant.

Whatever the reason for the wholes are, factis, the Monstera is a true eyecatcher and a gem for every home.

Buying a Monstera at Jones Garden Centre

At Jones garden centre we have a passion for Indoor plants. Our experts are happy to help you with any questions you might have regarding the purchase of your very own Monstera. Please contact us if you have any questions or hop in to our Garden centre in Donabate. Ofcourse all of our indoor plants including the Monstera Delicosa and the special Monstera Minima are also available online in our webshop!