- Monstera: flower, leaves and origin
- Location and soil for Monstera
- Monstera care: The most important measures
- Propagating Monstera via offshoots
- Winter window leaf
- Are monsteras poisonous?
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The window leaf, also known by its botanical name Monstera, can be found in many homes today. We give you helpful care tips and a brief profile of the tropical plant.
Not only in the office, but also in numerous living rooms, the Monstera feels at home today. With the right background knowledge, they can usually be cared for without any problems. In this article you will learn everything about the correct care, planting and propagation of the extraordinary foliage plant.
Monstera: flower, leaves and origin
With us, the Monstera is mainly known under the name window leaf. It belongs to the Araceae family and originally comes from the Neotropics - the tropical regions of South and Central America. So far, over 50 Monstera species are known. Some species of the climbing evergreen are also native to the Caribbean. Wild forms of the Monstera can be found today in Florida, Asia and Australia, as well as in the western Mediterranean - such as Portugal or Morocco.
The perennial, herbaceous Monstera can grow to between 0.5 and 3 meters in length and grow both creeping above the ground and lithophytically between crevices or on rock. Its most widespread is its sessile growth as a climbing plant along other plants. Naturally, the seeds of the Monstera germinate on the ground. The seedlings grow by creeping towards other plants, such as trees, in order to climb them. The lower part of the plant later dies off, so that the Monstera becomes a pure climbing plant, which then develops short adhesive and long aerial roots. In addition to the Monstera, some orchids also form aerial roots and grow alongside other plants. The Monstera aerial roots grow until they encounter humus that has formed in the forks of large jungle trees. Eventually, in humus, they become true roots and absorb nutrients.
The distinguishing features of the Monstera are theirs alternate leaves up to 50 cm long. The leaf shape differs in some species depending on the age of the plant, with the young leaves usually growing along the vine and the older leaves can stand out far. The Monstera petioles are conspicuously bent downwards to serve as hooks - another important distinguishing feature of the genus. In some species, the green, sometimes patterned, leaves are perforated in a strikingly large manner, which earned them the trivial name "window leaf". Here, the Monstera blooms very rarely, but in its tropical homeland, the flowers consisting of bracts, spadix and flower stalk, which are typical of the arum family, appear annually. The bract has a subtle, white-yellowish to pink colour.
The Monstera forms white or orange aggregate fruits, each of which is filled with one to three seeds. The seeds of the Monstera deliciosa are considered a delicacy in some countries. You can read about other special species and how they are distinguished in our article about the most beautiful Monstera species.
Location and soil for Monstera
The Monstera is a fairly undemanding plant in terms of location and soil. Because of its sprawling growth, it is important to provide it with enough space. A bright, shady to semi-shady location is ideal. Direct sunlight should be avoided, especially at midday, as this can cause sunburn on the leaves. For strong, he althy growth, it is advantageous if light reaches all parts of the plant. The ideal temperature for the Monstera is around 21 °C. A high level of humidity, such as that found in their tropical home, is also important. In summer - between mid-May and August - the Monstera can be left outdoors without any problems, as long as there are no frost phases and the temperature does not fall below 12 °C.
A humus-rich potting soil is suitable as a substrate, which can retain moisture well but does not tend to form backwater. Lime is largely tolerated by the Monstera, preferring a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. A high-quality soil, such as our Plantura organic universal soil, offers the ideal basis for he althy and vigorous plant growth. With its pH value between 6.1 and 6.9 and a high proportion of compost, it provides the plant with sustainable nutrients. Because of a balancedDue to the coconut pith content, it is also able to store enough water for the Monstera and at the same time to aerate the soil well. To keep the soil constantly slightly acidic, acidic bedrock powder (from granite or bas alt) can be mixed with the soil or, alternatively, a layer of pine bark can be applied.
As an alternative to classic cultivation in soil, the Monstera is also suitable for hydroponics. To do this, the plant can be planted in expanded clay. Using a special hydroponic pot with a water level indicator is beneficial. This makes it easier to determine the right time for watering and the window leaf plant is not exposed to the risk of waterlogging.
Monstera care: The most important measures
The Monstera is considered an easy-care plant. In addition to the usual care measures, it is important to wipe the large leaves with a damp cloth from time to time to remove dust. This maintains its photosynthetic activity and the Monstera stays he althy.
Watering Monstera
The Monstera should be watered regularly during the growing season between April and September. However, too much water in the soil impairs aeration and root rot can occur. The plant tolerates drought better than too much water, which is why more frequent but less watering is better suited. Rainwater or mineral water are more suitable for the Monstera than calcareous tap water, despite their lime tolerance. If the humidity is low, the Monstera should also be sprayed with water from time to time. Stale or distilled water is suitable for this.
Fertilize window leaves
Because of its fast growth, it is important to fertilize the Monstera every 14 days during the vegetation period between May and August, so that there is no nutrient deficiency. A liquid fertilizer that is added to the irrigation water is suitable for this. In this way, the nutrients can be distributed well in the soil solution and reach all parts of the plant. Our Plantura organic indoor & green plant fertilizer has a balanced, phosphorus-reduced nutrient content. This promotes the external absorption of phosphorus from the substrate and thus strengthens root growth. In addition, we trust in a purely ecological and therefore resource-saving production that completely dispenses with animal components. In hydroponics, one isregular fertilization is also necessary, but in a lower concentration so as not to damage the plant.
Pruning Monstera
A trimming is not necessary for the Monstera. However, if the plant becomes too large for the location due to its vigorous growth, it can be cut back without hesitation. It drives out again from the leaf axes and continues to grow from there. For a more radical pruning of the Monstera, the best time is always at the same time as repotting. Thanks to the fresh nutrients and the sufficiently large root system, the plant can then regenerate better.
Tip: The aerial roots of the Monstera should never be cut off, as this will damage the plant. Care should also be taken not to damage the roots during maintenance, such as cleaning the leaves.
Pests and Diseases of Monstera
The window leaf is a very robust plant that is rarely attacked by pests. When there is a pest infestation, it is usually spider mites (Tetranychidae) or scale insects (Coccoidea) that can cause problems.
Monstera is getting yellow/brown leaves: what to do?
Sometimes the Monstera can get yellow leaves, this can have different reasons:
- Too cool location: The nutrient uptake is only reduced, the Monstera should be brought to a warmer location.
- Too wet soil: The substrate is saturated with water so that no air can get to the roots. Root rot can occur. Watering should be stopped completely for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Nutrient deficiency: If there are not enough nutrients, the plant cannot grow ideally. The Monstera should be fertilized again. Another indication of a nutrient deficiency is the absence of leaf division.
- Humidity too low: Brown leaf tips indicate too low humidity. Spraying the plant more often helps.
Leaves of the Monstera Curl up: What can you do?
In addition to turning yellow or brown, the leaves can also curl up. This can also have several causes:
- Too dry soil: Too little water reduces the water pressure in the plant cells and theLeaves curl up or become limp. It should be watered quickly.
- Pest infestation: Pests occasionally cause the plant leaves to curl up. The Monstera should be carefully inspected for pests and treated accordingly.
- Overfertilization: If the plant is fertilized too much or too often, the soil will become salinated. The Monstera should be repotted and fertilized less often.
Repot Monstera
The Monstera should be repotted into a much larger pot immediately after purchase, as it grows vigorously and is usually sold in very narrow containers. Younger plants should then be repotted annually. For older plants, changing the top five centimeters of soil once a year is sufficient. The best time is before the start of vegetation in spring between March and April. The Monstera can be removed from the old pot and excess soil removed. It is then placed in the new pot, fresh soil is added, lightly pressed and finally watered well. High-quality potting soil is also suitable as a substrate for the Monstera.
Propagating Monstera via offshoots
The Monstera can easily be propagated via offshoots. Parts of the stem or the head of the plant can be used for this. It is sufficient to place the approximately 20 cm long cuttings in a glass of water for a while until fine roots have formed by themselves. The ideal temperature for root formation is between 20 and 25 °C. The rooted cuttings can then be placed in high-quality potting soil and watered. As soon as the Monstera seedlings have grown a bit, they should be repotted into a larger pot.
Another way of propagating the Monstera is mossing. To do this, individual aerial roots are placed in some moist moss sprinkled with soil while they are still on the plant wrapped and then tightly wrapped in cling film. The film prevents drying out and ensures good growth conditions. As soon as individual fine roots can be seen through the film after a while, the roots can be cut off the plant with a sharp knife. The foil can then be removed and the rooted ball of moss planted in soil. After a short time the Monstera begins to grow.
Winter window leaf
The Monstera is not hardy and very sensitive to frost. Therefore, it should definitely be overwintered in a warm place during the cold season - between September and May. A slightly heated living room, a conservatory or a bright stairwell are particularly suitable for this if the temperature is between 16 and 18 °C. During the hibernation, the window leaf should only be watered to a reduced extent, finger testing helps to determine the right time. Fertilization should be avoided completely.
Are monsteras poisonous?
The berries of the species Monstera deliciosa are considered a delicacy in some countries. Other parts of the plant are indigestible or may have a slightly toxic effect. The plant sap can irritate the skin and mucous membranes of humans, dogs and cats, which is why gloves should always be worn when cutting or propagating cuttings. Symptoms of poisoning such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can occur. In animals, an unsteady gait or unusual salivation can also be an indication of poisoning.
Do you like unusual foliage plants? Then read our article on planting and care tips for the Coriander (Calathea).