Houseplant trends come and go, but one stubborn and somewhat weird plant has remained perennially popular. What is it that makes the monstera such a special plant? — Photo: Andrea Warnecke/dpa
By now, houseplants have establishes themselves as social media stars. They are posted by influencers, home consultants and interior designers, but also by amateur gardeners and models - cared for, watered and pruned to look good in the background of the video post.
Perhaps the greatest star in the constantly changing, often short-lived trends of indoor greenery is the monstera.
This plant, also known as the window leaf, is easy to recognise thanks to its lush green leaves up to 50 centimetres long with deep notches on the sides.
In its tropical homeland of Central and South America, the plant can creep its way up tree trunks. Elsewhere, it can be found on wallpaper, posters, mugs, T-shirts and much, much more. In short, if there is one plant that has come to be regarded as a perennially trendy houseplant, it is the monstera.
Several developments have contributed to this in recent years. Here are the main ones:
For a long time, greenery in the home was regarded more as a pretty accessory than a hip must-have decorative item. But then came a pandemic and various international conflicts, encroaching on our consciousness, as well as rising financial worries and the transition of much of everyday life to digitalisation.
With a perceived rise in geopolitical instability has come an increasing appeal in hobby gardening on balconies, patios, in the garden and indoors. "If you feel insecure or overwhelmed, you design your home more as a place of retreat," says interior design expert and trend analysts Ursula Geismann. "People bring things into their homes that promise peace, tranquility and security."
Whether it be lots of cosy cushions, fluffy rugs, solid wood furniture or opulent greenery, a cosy cave and idyllic retreat offers "something analogue, something real, something you can touch - a contrast to the strong digitalisation of our everyday lives."
While all plants bring some level of tranquility into the home, the monstera is a comparatively easy-to-care-for plant, offering some visual calm without much fuss.
Many people are no longer satisfied with a few small flower pots on the window sill. Room plants should make a room lushly green. They climb and grow large leaves. Incidentally, the glossy pages of many interior design magazines are filled with pictures of jungle-like rooms and balconies exploding with green.
Inspiration and numerous tips about caring for tropical plants can be found on social media under #urbanjungle or #monsteramonday.
While all plants bring some level of tranquility into the home, the monstera is a comparatively easy-to-care-for plant, offering some visual calm without much fuss. — Photo: Franziska Gabbert/dpa
The monstera is photogenic, which has helped its popularity, according to Jürgen Herrmannsdörfer, from an association for indoor greenery and hydroponics in Berlin. People like to share pictures of their own stylish homes, so of course any stylish plants need to be front and centre.
Likewise, the likes of IKEA use monsteras to decorate their showrooms and catalogues. "And then everyone comes to us and wants the beautiful plants from the pictures too," says Herrmannsdörfer. The monstera's booming online popularity initially took gardeners somewhat by surprise, he says.
But the gardening industry expert is certain of one thing: Even after five or six years, the monstera trend is far from over. "This will continue for the time being. The sales figures speak for themselves."
Their lasting popularity could also be due to the fact that the monstera is a prime example of another green trend: Propagation by cuttings. You simply cut a shoot from the plant and place it either in a vase filled with water or directly into the soil - hence the term "cutting."
It then forms roots and the shoot becomes an independent plant. This makes it very easy to get new plants for yourself, even without a great deal of gardening knowledge.
Propagating cuttings is an ancient, traditional and sustainable gardening method. It is currently very popular, especially among younger people, says master gardener Herrmannsdörfer. "Above all, you don't just grow the cuttings for yourself, but as a gift, for example. If I'm invited somewhere these days, I bring a home-grown plant - that's something special."
One final tip: At many interior design fairs, where not only new furniture is advertised, but also living ideas are presented, the giant monstera leaves can often be seen as decoration.
They stand in large vases on dining or side tables - and relegate many cut flowers to a mere side show. After all, a monstera shoot can remain lush green in water for weeks until it develops roots and becomes a lasting gift. – dpa
