Plant Bio: Monstera Deliciosa

HISTORY

Our beloved Monstera originates from South and Central America and was first written about by French Botanist Charles Plumier in 1693. The name “Monstera” derives from the Latin term “monstrous” or “abnormal” because of its unique shape and split leaves. 

The holes that form throughout the foliage are what is said to be abnormal about the Monstera deliciosa, despite this abnormality being a benefit to this plant. These holes not only direct sunlight to the leaves below them, but also allow for wind to blow through during a storm making for a hardier plant. The Monstera is a part of the Araceae family, distinguished by its ability to bear a hexagonal shaped fruit that may grow up to 1 ft long. The term “deliciosa” derives from the sweet pineapple – mango reminiscent taste of this plant’s fruit (YUM).

SOIL

Monstera deliciosa will need a nutrient dense soil that has sufficient drainage. Any indoor plant mix will work as long as it includes perlite and sand to keep your soil loose and aerated. Peat moss will also help by softening the soil and enhancing its ability to retain the vital nutrients needed. Most indoor plant mixes will work if you add the additional dose of fertilizer in spring and summer. I prefer to use Good Dirt potting mix and fertilizer with an NPK of 5-2-3. Applying half a teaspoon of liquid solution to a gallon of water will keep your plant producing throughout the warmer months.

POTTING + WATERING

When planting your Monstera, you will need more than a pretty pot to keep this guy happy. Another distinct aspect of this plant are its aerial roots that attach to trees in the wild. This plant is a hemiepiphyte, meaning it will live on another plant for a duration of its life. This is how the Monstera deliciosa acquires nutrients and water in the wild, much like an orchid or an air plant would. A moss pole or bamboo stakes will give your plant the structure it needs to thrive indoors as the aerial roots would attach onto a tree. When potting, aim for a size 2-4 inches larger than it’s previous container. A pot too tight may cause more root rot if over watered, and a pot too large will result in the plant focusing on its roots. Water your plant when the top 2 inches of the soil feel dry, as this plant can be more forgiving when it comes to watering. Remember, you are much more likely to give this plant too much love (water) than you are to dehydrate it.

ENVIRONMENT

Your Monstera can survive a variety of environments but may take on different shapes depending on lighting. Bright indirect light will allow your leaves to grow indoors and create slits as it would in the wild. It’s best to keep this plant in a room that may offer more humidity, but will do just fine with a little spritzing now and then. As for temperature, anywhere from 65°F-85°F is where you want this plant to be (just be sure to move it away from any vents that might push out warm or cold air). You can also opt to place this plant on a porch that offers partial shade. It may burn a few leaves at first, but will eventually adjust and thrive as it would in its natural environment.

..DID YOU KNOW?

The Monstera deliciosa has a variegated option that is one of most highly sought after indoor plants! This species was made in a lab and has a mutation in its chlorophyll (the green mutation in plants) creating a speckled plant with shades of white or light green. This means that this species must work harder to generate food, resulting in a more sensitive plant. So if you’re looking for a show stopper and you believe your thumb is green enough- look no further than the Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’!