“Monstera”, a beautiful leafy plant with the nickname ‘Queen of Leaves’, has become very popular in the last 2 years. Home decor lovers should not miss out on our topic today! Monstera that we see are not just one type, but there are many exotic patterns. If you want to know more about this queen of leaves, go and see it together!

About the Monstera

           Monstera is a member of the family Aroceae of the genus Monstera, whose scientific name is Monstera deliciosa Liebm. Thai people call it shredded betel or split betel. The word Monstera comes from the Latin ‘Monstrum’, meaning bizarre based on the unusual shape and margin of the leaf. ‘Deliciosa’ means delicious, referring to the fruit of this plant.

         Monstera originated from Central America. It usually lives in the humid tropics and can be found in the forests. This queen of leaves has begun to be popular in Thailand in the last 2 years. Thai people often plant it in pots to help purify the air and decorate the house.

Characteristics of Monstera

         Monstera is in the creeper family. It is an epiphytic plant that creeps up on large trees. Most monstera grows by climbing up a high area. However, there are some species that first grow in a horizontal plane and climb up when mature, such as Monstera Deliciosa Giant.

         Monstera’s trunk has both short and long joints. The short joint is Monstera Giant, which grows slowly and has large and strong leaves. Other types of monstera, such as Monstera Borsigiana and Monstera Adansonii, have longer joints and smaller leaves.

         There are many types of monstera leaves, but the highlight of this genus is heart-shaped leaves and concave cones. When it grows, the edges of the leaves begin to be deeply serrated, which is the origin of the word split betel or shredded betel. When mature, they will have a hole in the middle of the leaf. Some species, such as Monstera obliqua, have a lot of holes, and the leaves are quite tender, requiring special care. When the mutation occurs, the leaves will be white or mint green, called variegated leaves. The variegated leaves are more expensive than other monstera, such as Monstera Borsigiana Albo and Monstera Deliciosa Mint.

         Monstera Deliciosa has white flowers and edible fruits. Mainly found in the forests of Mexico and Panama. It only comes out when mature, so some people may not be familiar with it.

Monstera’s living

         Monstera is particularly fond of humidity, but it does not like wetness. If planting in pots, choose a plant material that drains well. It can survive whether soil with perlite, rice husk, or chopped coconut husks. However, the coconut husks should be soaked in water for 1 night to drive the tannins out and fully absorb the water before planting. Furthermore, monstera can be cut and grow in water even though it does not like slush.

         The sunlight suitable for Monstera should not be too intense because it can cause leaf burn. This plant can be raised in the shade, under the roof, or in the house as long as there is enough light and wind.

         Watering: if you choose a plant material that drains well, you can water it once a day, or 4-5 times a week is enough. If grown in water, change the water when the water begins to become cloudy or discolored.

         The secret tip for making the monstera look beautiful is to plant them under the big trees so that the monstera can climb higher. If planting in a pot, find a coir stick to put in as well. If you want shiny leaves, you should wipe the leaves with coconut oil or olive oil, only the dark green leaves that are healthy. 

Monstera’s propagation

         Monstera propagation can be done in two ways: seed and cutting.

         Sowing seeds should choose green monstera seeds. The most commonly used planting material is peat moss because it is a natural eagle, which is the most suitable for seed. Putting peat moss in the soil should not be overcrowded. If raised in a closed system, you should water until it soaks before. Then, dig a hole and place the seeds horizontally and cover them with peat moss. When the leaves begin to thrust up, they can be cultivated in an open system. Water it when the topsoil is dry. If raised in an open system from the start, use a plant spray bottle to spray the topsoil when the soil is dry. Do not need to water until it soaks. Raise in a shaded area with good light is recommended.

        The cuttings should wait for at least 3 or more leaves and have the aerial roots along the joint to make sure they are strong enough for a new propagation. Use a sharp knife to cut under the joint at once to avoid causing many wounds, and apply red lime in the cut section. When cutting into the planting material, do not cut too deeply as this may cause the plant to bruise and rot. It is best to use a balloon stick or a hard wooden stick to pin and tie to prevent plants from falling.

         Cuttings in water should use clean water. The best way is to leave the water for a day to dilute the chlorine. You can dip the root booster before dunking it in clean water or omit the root booster as well. The amount of water should cover the roots. Besides, you should keep changing the water to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

All-time Favorite Monstera in Thailand

Monstera Deliciosa Giant 

• Creep horizontally
• When fully grown, it will creep up high
• Slow growth
• Short interval joint
• Large fresh green leaves
• Green stalk

Monstera Borsigiana Albo

• Creep up high
• Fast growth
• Long interval joint
• The leaves are medium-sized with white variegated and marble-like streaks
• White stalk

Monstera Thai Constellation

• Creep up high
• Slow growth
• Short interval joint
• The leaves are large, with creamy white variegated scattered across the leaves like a constellation.
• White variegated stalk
• Unchanged variegated leaves