Is Monstera Deliciosa Toxic? Can It Be Grown Hydroponically Indoors and How to Care for It When the Leaves Don't Split

Monstera deliciosa, also known as Penglai banana, iron-wire orchid, and perforated Philodendron, is a common evergreen shrub of the genus Monstera in the Araceae family. Because it can absorb harmful gases such as formaldehyde and benzene, it is called a “natural air purifier. At present, many people like to keep it indoors, so is Monstera deliciosa toxic? Can it be grown hydroponically? How do you care for it? What should you do if the leaves don't split?

Is it toxic?

Monstera deliciosa is toxic, and this is very certain. The toxic part of Monstera deliciosa is mainly its sap, which is irritating and corrosive. If it directly contacts the skin, it can cause stinging and burns, and if accidentally eaten, it will burn the throat.

Can it be kept indoors?

Monstera deliciosa can be grown indoors; it is a good indoor foliage plant.

First, although Monstera deliciosa is toxic, its toxicity is relatively mild and not fatal. Second, Monstera deliciosa mainly causes poisoning through skin contact and ingestion, and it does not release harmful gases, so as long as its sap does not contact the skin or is not eaten directly, it will not cause great harm.

Growing Monstera deliciosa at home can not only serve as indoor foliage but also remove certain harmful substances from the air. Monstera deliciosa can remove many harmful gases from the air, so it can be safely grown indoors. When growing it, it is best to place it in a relatively large indoor space, such as the living room or study, and it can also be placed in a relatively large bedroom.

Can it be grown hydroponically?

Monstera deliciosa can not only be grown in soil but also propagated hydroponically, and as long as the care method is proper, it will grow well in a water environment. In addition to its roots being able to absorb oxygen in water, its stems and leaves are also covered with aerial roots, so it can also absorb oxygen from the air.

Hydroponic method:

1. Material selection. For hydroponic Monstera deliciosa, choose a small soil-grown plant, because small Monstera deliciosa plants are easier to keep alive when grown in water.

2. Taking the material. Take the Monstera deliciosa out of the soil and wash the roots clean, trying not to damage the roots.

3. Soaking solution. Monstera deliciosa needs to have its roots soaked in a very dilute potassium permanganate solution for about 10 minutes.

4. Apply light fertilizer frequently. Monstera deliciosa is a foliage plant that is relatively tolerant of fertilizer. To encourage more new leaves and keep the leaf color emerald green with a natural luster, apply fertilizer once every half month during the growing season. When fertilizing, be careful not to let the fertilizer liquid stain the leaf surface.

5. Change the water and clean the container regularly. Change the water once a week to reduce bacteria in the water competing with the roots for dissolved oxygen, and increase the dissolved oxygen in the water as much as possible.

The principle of leaf splitting:

For a young Monstera deliciosa plant, the basal rhizome is relatively small and thin, so its growth vigor is also relatively weak. In the early stage of the young plant, its leaves are entire and unsplit. As it continues to grow, both the number and size of the plant's leaves will continue to increase, and under relatively suitable conditions of light, temperature, water, and fertilizer, the perforated state gradually forms.

Under normal circumstances, after Monstera deliciosa has grown for six months to one year, obvious holes will appear in its leaves. Moreover, apart from young Monstera deliciosa trees, even for perennial old Monstera deliciosa trees, after pruning, the newly sprouted leaves will also show obvious holes.

Reasons the leaves do not split and solutions:

1. Light and temperature management

Long-term insufficient or excessive light can both cause poor growth in Monstera deliciosa and inhibit its normal leaf-splitting process, especially in the hot midsummer season. At this time, avoid direct sunlight on Monstera deliciosa and keep it in a cool, ventilated environment for care. When the light becomes relatively soft and the temperature is suitable, let it receive appropriate light again.

2. Scientific watering

During the vigorous growth period, Monstera deliciosa's demand for water will increase. In addition to keeping the potting soil slightly moist through measures such as spraying water, it is also necessary to frequently spray water on the leaves and the ground to increase the humidity of the surrounding environment and lower the temperature. This not only benefits the plant's growth but also makes the leaves of Monstera deliciosa more vivid.

3. Proper topdressing

Summer and autumn are the peak growing seasons for Monstera deliciosa. According to its growth state, we can topdress once every 1-2 weeks, and it is recommended to use nitrogen fertilizer as the main type. When fertilizing, combine it with watering, dig open the potting soil at the edge of the flowerpot, bury the fertilizer in, and then cover it with soil. Shading can greatly shorten the time it takes to show lush branches and leaves.

4. Repotting and division

If Monstera deliciosa originally had split leaves, but the newly grown leaves recently suddenly do not split. This reminds you that it is time to repot and divide the Monstera deliciosa.