Monstera
Did you know that Monstera Deliciosa can be translated to delicious/exquisite monster? And were you aware that this name actually refers to its fruit rather than the leaves? It actually gets its name from the fruit with its dramatic look and enormous size. She is UKs most sold houseplant. Her bold and beautiful leaves are incredibly trendy, and subject to artistic designs whether for interior or fashion. Her heart shaped and fenestrated leaves are highly recognisable.
Monstera belongs to the Arum family belonging to monocot flowering plants. Their flower is a type of inflorescence called a spadix. The Monstera family has 48 well known varieties. All ranging from the most common Deliciosa, Adansonii, Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma to the incredibly rare Obliqua.
Care
Monstera are unruly vining or shrub-like plants and can be propped up against a trellis, around a moss pole or let them grow free and bold. As a general rule, keep them out of the sun but in bright, indirect light. Monstera likes to stretch towards the light as it also helps them photosynthesise. This is why it is important to regularly wipe off the leaves with a damp and lukewarm cloth.
Humidity is important to these plants. Keep them in normal room temperature, but once the weather starts getting colder we recommend you move them to slightly warmer sections of your home. The cold can shock the plant and create staggered growth, smaller leaves, the water will not be absorbed enough and cause the leaves to rot. Drought can increase the chance of pests getting to the plant and it is recommended you try to prevent this as much as possible.
Despite popular belief, the soil in these plants should never really dry out completely. Where they are hardy plants and bounce back quickly, regular watering will produce a much healthier and sturdier plant. Keep your plant slightly moist and water only when it only feels damp in the bottom. Avoid waterlogged soil and the best way to do this is to water deeply, let water run out from the drainage holes and when it stops dripping completely you place your plant back in the decorative pot. Over winter, let the soil dry out slightly more and water little at a time.
The best time to repot and rejuvenate the soil is during Spring and if they have outgrown their pot. Any damage caused to the roots or plants can easily recover over the warmer months. This is also the best time to feed your plant. You’ll be pleased to see how quickly they wake up from the dormancy period. Monstera also need micronutrients and they receive these from liquid fertiliser. Mix out with watering once a week over the growing period.
Problems
Brown tips - Low humidity or irregular watering. Don’t let the soil dry out to a crisp.
Browning/yellowing leaves - Too much water, make sure the pot is not waterlogged.
Spindly growth and small leaves - not enough light or lack of minerals. Move closer to a window avoiding the sun, and make sure you use liquid fertiliser once a week over summer
Brown spots with yellow halo - Bacterial leaf spot. Cut away the infected leaf and avoid getting leaves wet when watering.