How to Buy a Monstera Deliciosa Plant

Your Guide to buying the best Monstera deliciosa

Overview

Monstera deliciosa is an exotic, evergreen perennial plant that is prized for its stunning foliage and its resilient nature. It's a great choice for those looking to add a bit of interest and drama to their home or garden. This buying guide will provide helpful information on what to consider before purchasing a Monstera deliciosa, as well as tips on how to properly care for the plant once you've added it to your home. We'll explore the different types of Monstera deliciosa and provide guidance on how to select the best plant for your space. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be ready to make an informed decision on the best Monstera deliciosa for your home.

Key features

  1. Light: Monstera Deliciosa requires bright, indirect light and will not tolerate low light conditions.
  2. Humidity: It prefers high humidity, so regularly misting the leaves or setting the pot on a tray of wet pebbles is a good idea.
  3. Temperature: Monstera Deliciosa prefers temperatures between 70-80 degrees F (21-27 degrees C).
  4. Water: It is important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Over-watering can lead to root rot.
  5. Soil: Monstera Deliciosa should be planted in a potting mix that is well-draining and contains plenty of organic matter.
  6. Fertilizer: It is best to fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

See the most popular Monstera deliciosa on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Versatile: Monstera deliciosa can be grown in a variety of environments including indoors, and can be tolerant of low light conditions.
  • Durable: Monstera deliciosa is a tough tropical plant that can handle a wide range of temperatures, from cool to hot.
  • Beautiful Foliage: Monstera deliciosa has large, shiny, and heart-shaped leaves that come in a variety of colors.
  • Easy to Care For: Monstera deliciosa is an easy to care for plant that requires minimal maintenance.
  • Air Purifying Plant: Monstera deliciosa is known to help purify the air in your home by removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air.

Cons

  • Light Intensity: Monstera deliciosa needs bright, indirect light and will suffer in low-light conditions. It can even develop pale or yellowed foliage if it does not receive enough light.
  • Temperature: Monstera deliciosa prefers average room temperatures of 65-85°F. It cannot tolerate colder temperatures or extreme heat.
  • Humidity: Monstera deliciosa prefers higher humidity, and may suffer from brown tips if the air is too dry. Humidifiers or regular misting can help maintain the moisture.
  • Fertilizer: Monstera deliciosa requires regular fertilizer in order to thrive. If not fertilized, it will not produce the characteristic “split-leaf” growth.
  • Pruning: Monstera deliciosa needs pruning to stimulate growth and keep it looking healthy. Pruning should be done regularly, as the plant can become overgrown if left unchecked.
  • Pests: Monstera deliciosa can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can be difficult to control, so preventive measures should be taken to ensure the health of the plant.
  • Toxicity: Monstera deliciosa is toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Care should be taken to keep it out of reach of curious children and pets.

Best alternatives

  1. Syngonium podophyllum - Also known as Nepthytis, this is a non-climbing aroid that looks similar to Monstera deliciosa.
  2. Philodendron bipinnatifidum - This is a large-leafed relative of the Monstera deliciosa that is fast-growing.
  3. Scindapsus pictus - This is a heart-shaped leafed species that is similar to Monstera, but more delicate.
  4. Epipremnum aureum - Also known as pothos, this is an easy-care and hardy vine with heart-shaped leaves.
  5. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma - This is a rarer species from the Araceae family with tiny leaves.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Soil mix - potting soil designed for humid environments with high organic matter content
  • Humidity tray - a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water to create an additional layer of humidity
  • Pot - a container in which Monstera deliciosa can be planted
  • Fertilizer - a fertilizer formulated for tropical plants to help promote healthy growth
  • Support stake - a stake to support the plant's stem, helping it to remain upright
  • Pruning shears - a tool used to trim the plant and remove dead or damaged leaves
  • Misting bottle - a tool used to provide the plant with additional moisture
  • Gardening gloves - protective gloves to protect the hands when handling the plant

Common questions

  1. What type of environment does Monstera deliciosa need to thrive? Monstera deliciosa prefers bright, indirect sunlight and temperatures between 65-85F. It needs moist, well-draining soil that is high in organic matter.
  2. Does Monstera deliciosa require frequent pruning? Pruning is not necessary, but it can help encourage the plant to produce larger leaves and to shape its vine.
  3. How often should Monstera deliciosa be watered? Provide water when the top inch of soil is dry and reduce watering in the winter months.
  4. How do I know if my Monstera deliciosa is unhealthy? Unhealthy plants may show signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves, brown spots, or wilting. Overwatering can cause root rot, while under watering can cause brown drying of the leaves.
  5. Does Monstera deliciosa need to be fertilized? Fertilize every few weeks during the growing season with an organic or liquid fertilizer. Make sure to dilute the fertilizer according to instructions.

Trivia

Monstera deliciosa, also known as Swiss Cheese Plant, is known for its distinctively-shaped leaves with deep-cut lobes that resemble the holes of Swiss cheese. It’s not just the leaves that are interesting: the plant itself is a climbing vine with aerial roots that will attach to the trunks of trees or other supports in the wild. One particularly funny fact about the Swiss Cheese Plant is that its scientific name, Monstera deliciosa, translates to "delicious monster". So, if anyone is looking for a monster that is delicious, they need look no further than the Swiss Cheese Plant. Source: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/monstera-care-guide-262041

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.