Perhaps it’s the wonderfully lush vegetation that has contributed to its popularity. It’s so much more fun with plants that actually grow properly. Monstera variegata is phenomenal here. It grows abundantly and often shoots new shoots that can be budded off and made into cuttings.
The secondary market is crowded with cuttings and fully grown plants of this species. The monstera has outcompeted many other green plants and is now one of the most popular plants in the garden category. The cuttings are often sold as top cuttings – that is, they are taken from the top of a shoot. They are then rooted in water for a couple of weeks by patient Monstera enthusiasts who later package and resell the cuttings to their fellow man.
The Monstera was actually popular back in the 70s and 80s but has made a comeback in recent years. This is probably due to the Monster’s rich variety of individual designs and the fact that it is so photo-friendly.
Different varieties of Monstera
Monstera comes in different subspecies. These include Monstrea adansonii, also known as “monkey worm”, Monstera Minima, which is a lower and smaller variety, Monstera thai constellation with a beautiful pattern and Monstera Karstenianum. The variety we recognize most, however, is Monstera variegata with its characteristic almost heart-shaped leaves.
Monstera Variegata – care advice
- Light requirements: Place your Monstera in light or partial shade, not in direct sunlight.
- Need for warmth : The Monstera thrives on a little warmth, preferably where there is underfloor heating or where the general temperature is around 20 degrees.
- Moisture: Spray the leaves of the plant with water a few times a day. The more humid the climate, the larger the leaves will be.
- Watering: Water the plant abundantly 2 times per week during the summer months but once per week is sufficient during the winter months.
The biggest challenge in plant care is often watering, so let’s start there. Water less often rather than too often – about once a week. However, the frequency can vary with the season and location. The sunnier the monstera is, the more water it needs. When watering, it’s a good idea to apply plenty of water so that it reaches the plant’s root system. Let the soil dry out between waterings.
Once you’ve got your cutting home and it’s time to plant it, or if you have a plant that needs to be replanted into a larger pot, use regular potting soil. Feel free to replant your Monstera annually to give it new soil. Remember not to switch it up to too big a pot all at once, hurry slowly.
As a rule, when the plant reaches a certain size, it needs to be tied up or propped up using a supporting stick. You can use, for example, a moss stick or a bamboo stick for support. Often aerial roots appear that tend to be very long. These may affect the aesthetic impression, but leave them, they are the Monster’s lungs. Keep the aerial roots but it is okay to prune or guide them back into the plant.
Buy your Monstera second hand
There are several reasons to buy your Monstera second hand. For one thing, you are likely to get it at a favorable price. In addition, when you buy a cuttings that someone else has put energy into growing, putting up for sale and sending to you, it is likely that you will take extra good care of your plant. Let this beautiful green plant be a reminder of the beauty of circular economy, sustainability and community.
