Introducing The Latest “It” Plant For #Plantitas

Are you thinking of starting your own home garden or looking for an interesting new addition to your existing one? Look no further—the trendiest plant right now is the Monstera deliciosa. This gorgeous plant became popular back in the ‘70s, but recently regained its fame on social media, especially on Instagram, where it has now been given its own hashtag and day of the week, #MonsteraMonday.

Intrigued about this plant and how you can grow it at home? Here are some information and tips from former RL style spotter Marvz Conti of Habil Crafts.

The Monstera deliciosa is a plant that is native to South American rainforests. It has several nicknames, such as “Swiss cheese plant” and “split leaf philodendron,” owing to the fact that its leafs have holes and cuts in them. The Monstera is an epiphyte, meaning that it is a plant which attaches itself to other plants for support. Despite this, the Monstera is not parasitic—it gets its nutrients from the air or from its surroundings.

It is quite easy to care for a Monstera plant, as it can grow indoors, given that it is in a location that is warm and humid, away from drafts or dry air, and which receives adequate sunlight. As for how often this plant should be watered, Marvz says that the Monstera can be sensitive to overwatering, so it should not be done too often. “Typically, you shouldn’t have to water your Monstera more than once a week. Make sure that the top [two] inches of the soil is dry before watering.”

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Monstera plants have aerial roots, which allow them to grow vertically. “To grow them tall, they will have to be trained using moss poles,” Marvz shares. “Attaching the aerial roots on moss poles adds to the health of the plant as it mimics their natural habitat conditions.”

Though Monstera plants can be grown inside the home, they are unsafe for pets, especially dogs and cats. However, adding houseplants to a space has numerous advantages. “Surrounding your space with plants can [improve] productivity, concentration, and memory,” says Marvz. “Plants can reduce carbon dioxide levels and [increase] humidity.”

READ: Avoid Buying These Houseplants If You Have Pets At Home

Monstera plants can be purchased from local garden shops and nurseries near you.