Monstera Deliciosa

Class

Monocotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Araceae

Order

Alismatales

Genus

Monstera

Species

deliciosa

Description

Evergreen Species with a very decorative, deep green foliage that gives it a primary role among indoor plants.
It can be found in different shapes and sizes: either as a shrub or as a plant on a stake.
It prefers temperate and humid climates and does not tolerate direct sunlight.

Curiosities and special features

Monstera deliciosa is distinguished by its leaves that with time and the right light conditions show lobulations and perforations formed by 'fenestration', an evolutionary process that allows light to reach even the lower leaves, which are often placed in the shade of the upper ones considering the considerable height this plant can reach.

Origin and distribution

Species native to the extended range from Mexico (Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas) to Guatemala where it grows as a climber mainly in the humid tropical biome.

Leaf

The leaves of Monstera deliciosa, which are evergreen and have a leathery flap, have a palmate lamina that, with time, show the peculiar perforations formed by 'fenestration'.

Leaf colour

The solid-coloured, glossy leaves give the plant high ornamental value.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.6 to 1.5 m, depending on the growing conditions and variety.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen plant.

Where to plant

The elegance and uniqueness of the foliage as well as the cultivation requirements in terms of light and temperature make Monstera deliciosa suitable as a plant for pots, planters, indoor tubs and porches.

Stem

The stem is herbaceous, becoming semi-woody with age.

Growth

A medium to vigorous growing plant, it can reach considerable heights especially if grown on a stake.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is semi-erect. It comes in an assortment of varieties of different shapes and sizes, both as a bush and as a plant on a stake.

PH

The optimal pH of the cultivation substrate for Monstera deliciosa is between 6.0 and 6.8.

Sun exposure

Suitable for the following types of exposure: light source indoors, half-shade. High ambient light with exposure to direct sunlight causes discolouration of the leaves.

Ideal climate and temperature

It prefers a warm and humid climate. The ideal temperature is between 19 and 35 °C. The vital temperature is between 10 and 40 °C.

Use

It is one of the most popular and cultivated species in:
Indoor ornamental Indoor Landscape Design

Hardiness

Medium-high rusticity.

Soil

Use a new, high-quality substrate specifically for potted green plants that is light and well draining.

Difficulty

Under the right environmental conditions, cultivation is easy.

Growing tips

Some specific aspects and cultivation measures to achieve better vegetative growth:
Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Keep the substrate moist at all times Prefers warm, humid climate Shelter the plant indoors at temperatures below 12°C, in well-lit conditions

Propagation

Multiplication is by seed and by apical cutting.

Watering

Always keep the substrate moist but free of waterlogging and avoid water stress so that the basal leaves do not turn yellow. Always provide a humid environment and if necessary spray the vegetation several times a day, particularly on very hot days, with non-calcareous water.

Fertilising

Apply a liquid fertiliser, specifically for green plants, to the moist substrate and dilute in the irrigation water. Do not overdose and reduce the frequency in winter.

Pet safety

Toxic.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Toxicity for humans

All green parts such as leaves, stems and roots are toxic as is the unripe fruit due to the presence of calcium oxalate.

Tip

Keeping the leaves clean with a damp cloth or a light mist on the leaves allows good transpiration of the plant and regular, continuous growth. In temperate zones it can be grown all year round even in unenclosed spaces, shady terraces and canopies. Avoid cutting off adventitious roots but place them in the sub-pot where they can be regularly watered.