Is Monstera Toxic? The Latest Answer Is Here

Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) is a plant of the genus Monstera in the Araceae family. Although it is not as versatile at purifying air as spider plants and aloe vera, its effect on removing formaldehyde from the air is still fairly obvious, and it has the ability to absorb carbon dioxide at night, which greatly helps improve indoor air quality and increase oxygen levels. Now let us take a look at whether Monstera is toxic!

Is Monstera toxic?

Monstera is mildly toxic. Monstera is listed as a toxic plant in the Chinese Plant Atlas Database, and its toxicity lies in the irritating and corrosive effect of its sap; skin contact causes pain and burns, and the unripe fruit flesh contains needle-like calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the tongue if eaten, but its toxicity is much milder than that of its relative, the elephant ear (Alocasia). The toxicity of Monstera mainly takes effect through deep contact and ingestion; as long as you do not eat its sap or rub the sap into your eyes or wounds, the toxicity of Monstera will not harm people.

The benefits of Monstera

1. Ornamental value: Monstera has a very graceful plant shape, unusual leaf shape, and stays emerald green all year round, lush and dripping with green; its aerial roots extend very long and can coil around, which is quite charming and gives people a special sense of beauty, making it outstanding among foliage flowers. Large Monstera plants are suitable for large placements in entrance halls, living rooms, and conference rooms, while small and medium-sized plants are suitable for home placement, giving the environment an elegant atmosphere. In some places it is planted beside trees or in corners of houses and other slightly shaded spots, allowed to grow and climb freely, growing extremely luxuriantly.

2. Air purification: Monstera has the ability to absorb carbon dioxide at night, which greatly helps improve indoor air quality and increase oxygen levels. Monstera has the characteristic of preferentially absorbing harmful gases such as formaldehyde, benzene, and TVOC, achieving the effect of purifying indoor air, making it an ideal indoor plant.

3. Edible value: Besides beautifying and being ornamental, its flowers and fruits also have a certain edible value. The spadix is tender and juicy, and in the place of origin of Monstera it is mostly eaten as a superior vegetable, refreshing and tasty. The yellow bracts outside the inflorescence are quite thick and can be eaten raw or coated in batter and fried in oil. The flavor of Monstera berries is even better; they can be eaten as a fruit, tasting similar to pineapple, and can also be made into a beverage to drink, with an excellent taste.

4. Feng shui effect: Placing Monstera in the home has a certain feng shui effect, but attention should be paid to the placement location. In the north, the land of Ren and Gui water, Monstera is used as the Black Tortoise; specifically, placing Monstera at the door of the study can increase official fortune and add blessings and emoluments. Placing Monstera in an elderly person's bedroom can add blessings and longevity and benefit the elderly.

How to grow Monstera

1. Light: Monstera likes a warm and humid environment, hates drought, and fears direct sunlight, otherwise it very easily causes the phenomenon of withered leaves. In summer, Monstera should be placed indoors or under a shade shed, and must not be placed on a balcony with overly strong sunlight to be exposed to the sun, as this will very easily cause it to wither and die. When the winter temperature drops to 6°C, Monstera should be moved indoors to keep warm.

2. Watering: Monstera needs sufficient water, and the growing medium must always be kept moist. During the summer growing period, water once each in the morning and evening, and also sprinkle water on the leaf surface from time to time to keep the leaves bright and the air humid. In winter, water evaporates slowly, so water once every 3-4 days; for daily watering, once a day is enough.

3. Fertilizing: Monstera is a plant that relatively likes fertilizer, and attention should be paid to fertilizing it appropriately. During the growing period of Monstera, apply a dilute cake fertilizer solution once every half month; with sufficient and appropriate fertilizing, Monstera will grow with pleasing leaf color.

4. Pests and diseases: Monstera is extremely susceptible to damage by scale insects, and the stems and leaves are most easily attacked by scale insects; they can be cleaned with an old toothbrush and then sprayed with a 1000-fold dilution of 40% omethoate. Common diseases of Monstera include leaf spot, gray spot, and stem blight, and attention should be paid to timely prevention and control.

5. Repotting: Potted Monstera needs to be repotted once a year, and the best time for repotting is between March and April. When repotting, remove the old soil, cut off the dead roots of Monstera, and then add decomposed organic fertilizer or phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to the pot as a base fertilizer.