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