Monstera: may my greatness not deprive you of light

Scientific name: Monstera deliciosa

Family: Araceae

Origin: Central and South America, particularly in the tropical rainforests of Mexico, Guatemala, and Panama.

Description:

• Monstera deliciosa is a perennial climbing plant that can grow both on the ground and on vertical supports, such as tree trunks. The perforations in the Monstera's leaves are an adaptation to withstand wind and allow light to reach the lower leaves in its natural habitat.
• Its leaves are large, lobed and perforated, giving it its characteristic "Adam's rib" appearance.
• In its natural habitat, the Monstera can produce white or creamy flowers and edible fruits that resemble an ear of corn, hence its name "delicious".

Care:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light, but can tolerate lower light conditions. Avoid intense direct sunlight, as it can burn the leaves.
• Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures between 18°C ​​and 24°C, but can tolerate wider ranges as long as extreme temperatures are avoided.
• Watering: Keep the substrate slightly moist during the active growing season in spring and summer, but allow the top layer of substrate to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
• Humidity: It prefers moderate to high humidity levels. You can increase ambient humidity by misting the leaves with water or placing the plant on a saucer filled with damp pebbles.
• Soil: Use a well-draining substrate rich in organic matter. A standard houseplant mix is ​​usually suitable.

Interesting facts:

1. Variegation: Although Monstera deliciosa commonly has dark green leaves, there are also variegated varieties, which have areas of white or yellow on the leaves.
2. Adaptability: The Monstera is a very adaptable plant that can thrive in a variety of light and humidity conditions, making it a popular choice for indoor growing.
3. Propagation: Monstera can be easily propagated from stem cuttings or plant divisions. Stem cuttings can be rooted in water or potting mix and, once rooted, can be transplanted.
4. Size: In its natural habitat, the Monstera can grow to large sizes, climbing tree trunks in search of light.
5. Fenestrated leaf phenomenon: The perforations in the leaves of the Monstera are an adaptation to withstand wind and allow light to reach the lower leaves in its natural habitat. This phenomenon is known as "fenestrated leaf" and is a unique characteristic of the plant.