Jennifer Jung 
The Monstera Deliciosa is one of the most popular houseplants, and for good reason! Not only is it easy to care for, but it’s also incredibly beautiful. However, there are still many mysteries surrounding this plant. Here are just a few of them:
1. What’s the deal with those holes in the leaves?
One of the most distinctive features of the Monstera Deliciosa are the holes, or fenestrations, that appear in its leaves. While it’s not entirely clear why these holes form, one theory is that they help the plant to cope with high winds by reducing its overall surface area.
2. How does the plant reproduce?
Unlike most plants, which reproduce via seeds, the Monstera Deliciosa reproduces via a process called vivipary. This means that instead of producing seeds, the plant produces small plantlets that grow directly on the stem.
3. What’s the meaning of its scientific name?
The plant’s scientific name, Monstera deliciosa, actually has a pretty interesting story behind it. The ‘monstera’ part of the name comes from the fact that the plant can grow to be quite large (up to 20 feet tall!) while the ‘deliciosa’ part refers to the edible fruit that the plant produces.
4. Where does it come from?
The Monstera Deliciosa is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, where it can be found growing up the trunks of trees.
5. How long does it live?
While there’s no definitive answer to this question, it is thought that the plant can live for many years, potentially even decades.
6. Is it poisonous?
The plant is not poisonous to humans or animals, but the sap from its leaves can cause irritation if it comes into contact with your skin. If you’re concerned about this, simply wear gloves when handling the plant.
how to propagate monstera deliciosa
One of the best things about the Monstera Deliciosa is that it’s easy to propagate. If you want to try your hand at propagating this plant, here’s what you’ll need to do:
1. Start by finding a healthy stem on your plant that has at least one leaf. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the stem just below the leaf.
2. Fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix and insert the stem cutting. Make sure that the leaf is above the soil line.
3. Water the cutting generously and place it in a warm, humid location. Keep an eye on the cutting and water it as needed to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
4. In time, the cutting will produce new roots and leaves and can be transplanted into a pot of its own. Congratulations – you’ve successfully propagated a Monstera Deliciosa!
What is Monstera Deliciosa and where does it come from?
When choosing a spot for your Monstera, pick an area in your home that gets bright, indirect light. Monsteras can tolerate low light levels, but their leaves will become smaller and they may stop producing new leaves if they don’t get enough light.
East- or west-facing windows are ideal, as the plant will get morning or afternoon sun without being in direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. If you don’t have a bright spot in your home, you can also grow monsteras under fluorescent lights.
What are the benefits of having a Monstera Deliciosa in your home or office space?
Monsteras like to be kept evenly moist, but they don’t like to sit in water. The best way to water your plant is to let the top inch or two of soil dry out before watering again. If you’re unsure whether your plant needs water, stick your finger into the soil. If it feels dry several inches down, it’s time to water. If it feels damp or moist, wait a few days and check again. Over-watering is one of the most common causes of problems with monsteras. If your plant starts to yellow or drop leaves, it’s likely that you’re watering it too much. Let the soil dry out completely, then start watering again using the finger test to make sure you don’t overdo it.
