Can Monstera deliciosa Absorb Formaldehyde? An Analysis of Its Air-Purifying Effect

Monstera deliciosa, also known as split-leaf philodendron, Mexican breadfruit and ceriman, is a perennial woody climbing evergreen shrub of the genus Monstera in the Araceae family. It is native to Mexico and is widely introduced and cultivated for ornamental purposes in tropical regions. In Europe, the United States and Japan it is often used as a potted plant 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 for its attractive leaf shape but also for its ability to preferentially adsorb 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 carbon, and a room of 8-10 sq m is roughly equivalent to having an air purifier. Moreover, Monstera deliciosa has the effect of absorbing carbon dioxide at night, which greatly helps to 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 and unusual leaf form, remaining emerald green all year round and dripping with verdure. Its aerial roots extend very long and can coil around, which is quite charming and gives a special sense of beauty. It is among the finest of foliage plants.

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

3. Edible value: The spadix of Monstera deliciosa is often eaten as a superior vegetable in its place of origin. The yellow spathe outside the spadix can be eaten raw, and the berries have an excellent flavor and can be eaten as a fruit, tasting similar to pineapple.

4. Feng shui effect: Placing Monstera deliciosa in the home has a certain feng shui effect. In the north, the domain of the water element Ren Gui, Monstera deliciosa is used as the Black Tortoise. Placed at the study door it can increase official luck, fortune and prosperity. Placed in an elderly person's bedroom it 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 and the like at the bottom of the pot as a base fertilizer, then fill in a growing medium mixed from 1/3 leaf mold, 1/3 garden soil and 1/3 sandy soil.

2. Sunlight: Monstera deliciosa is fairly shade-tolerant and averse to harsh sun, preferring diffused light. Too strong sunlight will scorch the leaves, while too dim light will fade the leaf color. In summer the pot can be placed by a north-facing window, but in winter it needs ample sunlight.

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

4. Water: Monstera deliciosa prefers moisture. It is best to keep the potting soil dry without cracking and moist without being soggy, and an air humidity of 60% is ideal. In summer the leaves should be misted and watered daily. In winter do not spray water on the leaves, otherwise black spots may appear or the leaves may even turn black and rot.

5. Fertilizing: The vigorous growth period of Monstera deliciosa is from April to September. Apply a dilute liquid fertilizer once every half month. During the growing period, water with a 20% or 30% nitrogen liquid fertilizer about once every 2 weeks to promote robust growth. After autumn, apply additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to make the stems thick and strong and prevent lodging.

6. Pruning: Once Monstera deliciosa has taken shape, pay attention to pruning the whole plant when the stem-node leaves grow too densely and the vines grow too long, aiming for a natural and attractive look. If you want the stems and vines to grow taller quickly, you can 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 a 1000-fold dilution of 40% omethoate emulsion. For gray leaf spot, strengthen plant care and spray with a 1000-fold dilution of 70% thiophanate-methyl or a 0.5% equal-amount Bordeaux mixture.

8. Repotting: Monstera deliciosa grows quickly and needs repotting once a year to provide sufficient space for the plant's growth. Repotting is done between March and April each year. When repotting, remove some of the old soil and dead roots and switch to a pot one size larger.