Monstera: A Window Leaf Friedrich Strauss garden picture agency

HanifMR.com - The Monstera, also known as the window leaf, is very much in vogue as a houseplant. The Monstera will feel completely at ease if you follow these care tips.

Characteristics

Monstera Characteristics Photo by Pono Lopez on Unsplash

Origin

Monstera Origin Photo by Ruslan Bardash on Unsplash

The Monstera, also known as the window leaf, originally comes from the forests of Central and South America. In its tropical home, the ornamental leaf plant winds liana-like on tree trunks up to the crowns of the giants of the jungle. 

The most widespread species in our country is the Monstera deliciosa. The houseplant has been back in trend for a few years now. Monstera prints adorn furnishings and posters. You can find yourself in fashion, and individual monstera leaves are staged as stylish vase jewelry. 

The large-leaved plant with strikingly slit leaves attracts everyone's attention. Last but not least, easy-care handling has contributed to their popularity.

There are between 20 and 50 species of the Monstera genus, which differ in their leaves and growth. While some have deeply pinnate leaves, others are less perforated and form little or no aerial roots. In contrast to most other types of window leaf, the leaf edges of the Monstera 'Monkey Leaf' remain closed to retain their holey appearance.

Growth

Monstera Growth

The window leaf grows upright and can be up to three meters high. The climbing plant forms long, fleshy shoots that are not stable but can anchor themselves to other plants or in crevices with the help of their long aerial roots and leaf stalks. 

In the tropical home, this special climbing strategy enables her to use the smallest humus deposits in forks of branches as a source of nutrients. As soon as the aerial roots contact moist humus soil, they transform into normal roots.

Leaves

The Monstera variety 'Variegata' is characterized by its variegated leaves. Flora Press / MAP

The Monstera forms shield-shaped leaves up to 50 centimeters long, which are initially light green, heart-shaped, and with entire margins, but turn a glossy dark green over time. In addition, the characteristic window-like openings are formed in the leaf surfaces, making the leathery foliage appear lobed. 

It makes the Monstera a decorative and impressive houseplant. It is not yet clear why the plant develops these special leaves. One attempt to explain it is that the larger and slotted leaves improve light absorption in shady locations. 

The petioles of the Monstera are remarkably long and strong. They are very firmly attached to the stem and often angled sharply downward. It allows the window leaf to anchor itself to the branches of other plants.

Blossoms

Monstera in CLose Up Photo by Thimo van Leeuwen on Unsplash

Older specimens of the Monstera sometimes form a flower bulb typical of the maple family (Araceae) and is surrounded by a large white bract, on which purple berries later form. These are in principle edible but contain calcium oxalate needles, which irritate the pharynx.

Location and Substrate

The leaves of the Monstera are pinnate-like with holes. With their size and strong green colour, they make a particularly picturesque sight. Flora Press / Derek Harris

The Monstera needs a lot of space and should ideally be planted in a larger container. It prefers a bright and warm (not full sun!) And the relatively humid location in a nutrient-rich substrate. It can also tolerate partially shaded and shady locations, but the leaves do not develop particularly well. 

They become very beautiful when the light comes from several sides. The plant particularly gets the morning and evening sun, which can also be placed outdoors in a semi-sunny place in summer. The room temperature should be around 21 degrees Celsius in spring and summer. 

It can also be kept at lower temperatures between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius in winter.

Water

Water the Monstera regularly, but not too much. Photo by Bart Zimny on Unsplash

Water the Monstera regularly, but not too much. The plant tolerates drought better than too much water. It is therefore important to avoid waterlogging in any case. Well, you get stagnant water or a warm summer rain at your summer location in the garden. 

Occasionally spray your Monstera with room-temperature rainwater or distilled water.

Our tip for the holiday: If you cannot water the houseplant for some time, hang the aerial roots in a glass filled with water. It ensures adequate hydration even during your absence. From November to March, you should water the Monstera more sparingly.

Fertilize

Fertilize the Monstera Photo by Kara Eads on Unsplash

Fertilize the Monstera every 14 days from April to August with liquid green plant fertilizer in half the dosage.

Repot

Two woman's hands holding a Monstera in a white pot. Photo by Severin Candrian on Unsplash

Younger window leaves should be repotted annually as they quickly grow in size. Choose a larger container for this so that the fast-growing Monstera has enough space to develop further. In the case of older plants, it is sufficient to replace the top three centimeters of soil with a new substrate in spring.

Other Care

Monstera on White Background Photo by Hayley Maxwell on Unsplash

Occasionally wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove any dust build-up. It is particularly important towards the end of the heating season. Are you wondering if you can just cut off the Monstera's aerial roots because they don't like the look of them? The answer is no. Instead, be careful not to damage the aerial roots when caring for the plants. You can divert disturbing aerial roots into the potting substrate, where they will then quickly take root. If your Monstera gets too big, you can always use the scissors to trim the fleshy stems back. After a while, the plant sprouts again from the leaf axil at the end of the stem.

Does dust always settle on the leaves of your large-leaved houseplants pretty quickly? With this trick, you can get it clean again very quickly - and all you need is a banana peel.

Sorts

Two Fensterblatt Monstera Deliciosa leaves on a minimal white wall background. Photo by NordWood Themes on Unsplash

The most widespread is the 'Borsigiana' variety, the leaves of which are not quite as large but rather narrow and often less open. A variety with variegated leaves is Monstera 'Variegata'. It grows relatively slowly, is a bit more sensitive, and needs more warmth. It shouldn't be too dark. Otherwise, the leaves will turn green slightly. If it makes shoots with all green leaves, you should cut them off early.

Multiplication

Monstera Houseplant Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

In summer, you can propagate the Monstera by cuttings. Head and trunk cuttings reliably form their roots in a water container at around 25 degrees Celsius. Cut the cuttings so that they have as many aerial roots as possible. The mossing of the shoots are also possible, similar to the reproduction of the rubber tree: To do this, cut off an aerial root and wrap the shoot section all around in a mixture of moist moss and potting soil, which you wrap tightly with cling film around it to protect from drying out. If fine roots are visible under the foil, you can cut off the shooting segment and plant it.

The Monstera is currently THE trend plant and should not be missing in any urban jungle. The nice thing is that you can easily multiply them yourself - and create even more jungle flair in the apartment in no time at all. Here we show you how a Monstera can become a lot.

Propagate Monstera by Cuttings: Step by Step

Propagate Monstera by Cuttings: Step by Step

A monstera can easily be propagated by cutting cuttings and planting them in water or soil. You will succeed with these step-by-step instructions!

The Monstera is currently THE trend plant and should not be missing in any urban jungle. The nice thing is that you can easily multiply them yourself - and create even more jungle flair in the apartment in no time at all. Here we show you how a Monstera can become a lot.

Hardly any other houseplant is as popular as the Monstera (Monstera deliciosa). Some enthusiasts recommend using cuttings to propagate the trend plant and its varieties. Colloquially, it usually means cuttings. In the case of real cuttings or subsidence, the shoot lowered to the ground initially remains connected to the mother plant. It is advisable to cut head or stem cuttings and let them root in water or soil To propagate the Monstera.

Propagating Monstera: This is How It Works: Monstera head or trunk cuttings are the best cut in spring or early summer. The shoot pieces should have at least one leaf node and, ideally, some aerial roots. The cuttings take root easily in a container with water or a pot with potting soil. They sprout reliably at a temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius and high humidity.

• When Can a Monstera Be Propagated?

  Spring and early summer are the best time to propagate a Monstera by cuttings. At this time, the green plants usually have high vigor, and there are good growing conditions. It is important that you only cut shoots from healthy, vigorous window leaves.

Step 1: Cut the Monstera Cuttings

Monstera shoots take root more easily if they have a few aerial roots. However, cut off petioles also form roots over time (right). MSG / Frank Schuberth

Use a sharp, clean knife to cut off a section of the Monstera shoot about eight inches long. It has proven useful to cut head cuttings or shoot tips with one or two leaves and at least one aerial root. Make the cut just below a sprout knot and be careful not to damage the aerial roots: They fulfill important functions in the plant's nutrition. 

The chances of success are greatest when the offshoots have several aerial roots - real roots form on them very quickly in water or soil. The interfaces are left to dry in an airy place for about an hour to prevent rot.

Step 2: Put the Cutting in Water

Monstera on Brown Wooden Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Fill a large glass or vase with water at room temperature - rainwater is ideal, but tap water with little lime is also suitable. Place the cuttings of the Monstera in the water and place the container in a bright and warm but not too sunny place - in the blazing sun, the offshoot must be shaded a little. 

The temperatures should be around 25 degrees Celsius. Regular spraying or a humidifier are recommended to increase the humidity. Check the cutting regularly and renew the water every two to three days.

Step 3: Plant the Rooted Cutting in the Soil

If the roots are a few centimetres long, the Monstera can be put in a pot of house plant soil. iStock / Kseniia Soloveva

The Monstera cutting should have roots of its own within four to six weeks. If these are about ten centimeters long can be placed the cutting in a pot with permeable, humus-rich soil. An indoor plant or green plant soil is well suited. If necessary, support the tropical climbing plant with a suitable climbing aid, such as a bamboo or moss stick.

Root the Monstera Cuttings in the Soil

Root the Monstera Cuttings in the Soil Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Alternatively, you can let the Monstera head cuttings root directly into the ground - similar to the trunk or partial cuttings. The shoot sections must have at least one leaf node. Remember in part cuttings which way is up and down: According to their natural growth direction, they come in a pot with potting soil - the aerial roots are passed into the substrate.

For successful rooting, the soil temperature should be around 25 degrees Celsius. Keep the substrate evenly moist with an atomizer and protect the cuttings from excessive sunlight. To prevent them from drying out so easily, they are covered with a plastic hood, foil, or glass. The cover is removed every few days for ventilation. If the cuttings sprout after a few weeks, the rooting has been successful, and they are planted in a larger pot.

Further Care of the Monstera

Hand spraying water on a monstera plant.

For the Monstera to develop to its full glory, it needs a bright, warm, and humid place all year round - it is best to have light from all sides. The ornamental foliage plant can also move to a partially shaded place outdoors in summer. Keep the substrate moderately moist and wipe the leaves from time to time. In summer, there is fertilization about every two weeks. In winter, the window leaf can be a bit cooler - but the heat from the floor should never be below 18 degrees Celsius.

Diseases and Pests

Monstera on Brown Clay Pot Photo by Rui Silvestre on Unsplash

The Monstera is an easy-care and robust houseplant rarely attacked by diseases. Occasionally, scale insects and spider mites appear. Brown leaf margins and cracks indicate a too cool and wet position. Yellow leaves are also a sign that the root ball is too wet. If there is no leaf division, the plant is probably too dark or lacks nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How often do you have to water a Monstera?

  Water the Monstera regularly, but not too much. The substrate should be kept moderately moist, but waterlogging should be avoided at all costs.
• How big does a Monstera get?

  The Monstera can reach heights of up to three meters in good conditions.

• When should you repot a Monstera?

  The best time to repot is in spring. Younger plants should be repotted annually. It is sufficient to replace the top centimeters of soil with the new substrate with older plants.
• When can you plant Monstera cuttings?

  It can be planted as soon as the Monstera cutting has formed its roots about ten centimeters long in the water. It usually takes four to six weeks.
• When do Monstera leaves get holes?

  The number of holes depends on the age of the Monstera. Light also affects the number of openings. When there is a lot of light, more openings are formed; when there is little light, the leaves remain closed.
• Which soil is suitable for the Monstera?

  The Monstera needs nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Indoor plants or green plant soil are suitable.
• Can you cut off the aerial roots of the Monstera?

  No, the aerial roots should not be removed or injured. Disturbing aerial roots can, however, be diverted into the potting substrate, where they then quickly take root.