Can Monstera deliciosa Absorb Formaldehyde? The Latest Answer Is Here

Monstera deliciosa, also known as split-leaf philodendron, ceriman, and thread-wire monstera, is a perennial woody climbing evergreen shrub of the genus Monstera in the Araceae family, native to Mexico, widely introduced and cultivated for ornamental purposes in tropical regions, and commonly used in Europe, the United States and Japan as potted plants to decorate living rooms and windowsills. Let us take a look below at whether Monstera deliciosa can absorb formaldehyde!

Can Monstera deliciosa absorb formaldehyde?

Monstera deliciosa can absorb formaldehyde. Monstera deliciosa is an ideal indoor plant, not only beautiful in leaf shape but also characterized by preferentially adsorbing harmful gases such as formaldehyde, benzene and TVOC. The formaldehyde adsorption capacity of one Monstera deliciosa is equivalent to that of 10 grams of coconut-shell activated carbon, and a room of generally 8 to 10 sq m is equivalent to an air purifier. Moreover, Monstera deliciosa has the effect of absorbing carbon dioxide at night, which greatly helps improve indoor air quality and increase oxygen content.

What are the benefits of growing Monstera deliciosa?

1. Ornamental value: Monstera deliciosa has a very graceful plant shape, peculiar leaf shape, and stays emerald green all year round, lush and dripping with green. Its aerial roots extend very long and can coil around, quite charming, giving people a special sense of beauty. It is an outstanding choice among foliage flowers.

2. Air purification: Monstera deliciosa has the effect of absorbing carbon dioxide at night, greatly helping improve indoor air quality and increase oxygen content, and it also has the characteristic of adsorbing harmful gases such as formaldehyde, benzene and TVOC.

3. Edible value: The spadix of Monstera deliciosa is mostly eaten as a premium vegetable in its place of origin. The yellow bracts outside the spathe can be eaten raw, and the berries have an even better flavor and can be eaten as fruit, with a taste similar to pineapple.

4. Feng shui effect: Placing Monstera deliciosa in the home has a certain feng shui effect. In the north, the land of Ren and Gui water, Monstera deliciosa is used as the Black Tortoise. Placing it at the study door can increase official luck and fortune. Placing it in an elderly person's bedroom can add fortune and longevity.

How should Monstera deliciosa be grown well?

1. Soil: Monstera deliciosa prefers loose, well-drained soil. Before adding soil, place some hoof pieces, crushed bone, etc. at the bottom of the pot as base fertilizer, then fill in culture soil mixed with 1/3 leaf mold, 1/3 vegetable garden soil and 1/3 sandy soil.

2. Sunlight: Monstera deliciosa is relatively shade-tolerant, avoids scorching sun, and prefers scattered light. If the sunlight is too strong, the leaves will be scorched; if the light is too dark, the leaf color will fade. In summer, the flower pot can be placed at a north window, but in winter it needs sufficient sunlight.

3. Temperature: Monstera deliciosa prefers warmth and is not cold-tolerant. The suitable growth temperature is 15 to 25°C. When the winter temperature drops to 5°C, it should be moved indoors for warmth, and keeping the indoor temperature between 15 and 20°C allows it to overwinter safely.

4. Water: Monstera deliciosa prefers moisture. It is best to keep the pot soil dry without cracking and moist without being soggy. The ideal air humidity is 60%. In summer, mist and water the leaf surface every day. In winter, do not spray water on the leaf surface, otherwise black spots may appear or even blackening and rot.

5. Fertilizing: Monstera deliciosa has a vigorous growth period from April to September. Apply a thin liquid fertilizer once every half month. During the growth period, apply a 20-80 or 30-70 nitrogen liquid fertilizer once about every 2 weeks to promote robust plant growth. After autumn, increase phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to make the stems thick and strong and prevent lodging.

6. Pruning: After Monstera deliciosa takes shape, when the stem node leaves grow too densely and the vines grow too long, pay attention to pruning the whole plant, striving for a natural and beautiful appearance. If you want the stems and vines to grow taller quickly, you may moderately prune the lower aged leaves.

7. Pests and diseases: The pests and diseases of Monstera deliciosa include scale insects and gray leaf spot. Scale insects can be killed by spraying with 1000-times diluted 40% omethoate emulsion. For gray leaf spot, strengthen plant care and spray with 1000-times diluted 70% thiophanate or 0.5% equal-amount Bordeaux mixture.

8. Repotting: Monstera deliciosa grows rapidly and needs repotting once a year to provide sufficient space for plant growth. Repotting is carried out between March and April each year. When repotting, remove part of the old soil and dead roots, and replace with a pot one size larger.