Monstera Species and Key Care Tips Explained in Detail, with Pictures

Monstera, also known as Penglai banana, iron wire orchid, and hole-punched Philodendron, is a common greenhouse ornamental plant. Monstera has the effect of absorbing carbon dioxide at night, so it is very helpful for increasing indoor oxygen levels, and it can also absorb formaldehyde, benzene and other harmful gases from the air. The fruit of Monstera is also quite tasty, but when unripe it is somewhat irritating. Monstera is toxic, so everyone must be careful not to touch its sap, to avoid irritating and corroding the skin. Below let us take a look at what species of Monstera there are and what the key points of its care methods are, with pictures.

I. What species of Monstera are there?

1. Oblique-leaved Monstera

Oblique-leaved Monstera, also called mini Monstera, is a relatively common variety. The plant is smaller, with weak growth vigor and poor upright habit; the leaf margins are entire, the leaf surface is slanted, and the color is green. It is often grown as a small to medium-sized hanging potted plant. Compared with Monstera, it is less tolerant of low temperatures and prefers moisture and high temperatures.

2. Window Monstera

Window Monstera has leaves that are long elliptical to long ovate, with a blunt, crooked leaf base. Compared with the porous Monstera, it has more windows, the outer edge of the windows is closer to the leaf margin, the proportion of total hole area is larger, and the leaves are relatively slender.

3. Porous Monstera

Porous Monstera has a deep green, smooth leaf surface; the leaves are long ovate, with elliptical or ovate holes between the midrib and the leaf margin, and the distance from the outer edge of the holes to the leaf margin is slightly wider. The leaf flesh is relatively thin and softly leathery.

4. Variegated Monstera

Variegated Monstera is a variegated variety of Monstera. The leaves have large areas of yellow-white patches and spots, and are very beautiful.

5. Long-stemmed Monstera

Long-stemmed Monstera is a variety of Monstera. Its upright habit is not as good as that of Monstera, and its leaves are slightly smaller.

II. Key points of Monstera care methods

1. Soil requirements

For growing Monstera, it is generally best to choose a loose, breathable, humus-rich, well-draining acidic soil rich in humus. So for home potted Monstera, it is best to use compost soil : leaf mold : river sand in a 3:3:4 ratio; after evenly mixing, it can be used for potting.

2. Light conditions

Usually place Monstera in a bright, ventilated spot with diffused light for growing. In spring and autumn, place Monstera in a north-facing balcony position, so that Monstera can grow better with lush branches and leaves. If the summer light is very strong, avoid direct sunlight, otherwise yellowing of the leaves will occur.

3. Watering frequency

Monstera grows better in a moist environment, so usually pay attention to controlling the watering frequency. Especially when the temperature is relatively high in summer, it usually needs watering once a day. In spring and autumn, the watering frequency can be reduced, watering once every 3 to 4 days. In winter, when the temperature is relatively low, watering once a week is also fine, and the leaves should also be wiped often to remove dust on them and improve their ornamental value.

4. Fertilization method

Monstera likes fertilizer relatively much. During its vigorous growth period from April to September, a thin cake fertilizer water needs to be applied once every half a month, which can promote Monstera's branches and leaves to be more emerald green and glossy.

In summary, everyone should now have a certain understanding of the species of Monstera and the key points of its planting methods, and I hope it is helpful to you.