This well-known plant is easy to recognise: It has leaves up to 50 centimetres in size in rich green, which develop deep notches on the sides. — Photo: Robert Günther/dpa
For years now, the monstera has been a favourite among houseplants. If you've picked one up, then you'll likely be hoping for it to grow large and opulent leaves with lots of trademark slits.
And if not? Then it's mainly due to its location, says Jürgen Herrmannsdörfer, member of the board of the Association for Indoor Greenery and Hydroponics in Berlin.
"The young leaves are not notched, only the older ones form the furrows - and only if the plant gets enough light," explains the master gardener. A monstera generally feels at home in a bright location without direct sunlight - fittingly, given its nickname of "window leaf".
The monstera loves indirect sunlight, just like it would have in its natural habitat below the jungle canopy. Too much direct light and the leaves will suffer. Photo: Marijan Murat/dpa
Beyond that, the monstera is considered robust and adaptable. It likes humidity, but also tolerates dryness.
But what is not good for it is intensive watering. If the roots stand longer in the pot's stagnant water, they will rot. Herrmannsdörfer advises pouring away any water that runs out of the potting compost into the planter within an hour.
Experts recommend only slightly moistening the soil, but it should not get wet. Fertiliser should also be added twice a month.
Monstera rarely produces flowers indoors. However, if a hobby gardener does manage to grow some, you'll soon have to get rid of them: The flowers take a lot of energy from the plant and they develop a somewhat unpleasant odour. The best bet is to remove them with a sharp knife. — dpa
