My all-time favorite plants are the Monstera deliciosa and Monstera deliciosa variegata. The Monstera is also called the “swiss cheese plant”. Why? I think it is quite obvious. Monsteras are famous for their natural leaf holes what is also called “leaf fenestration”. Why do they have these holes, is the question?
In the wilds of the jungle, Monsteras can grow to be enormous: dozens of meters tall with sometimes odd-looking leaves that spread to nearly one meter wide. There have been many discussions and speculations on how and why Monsteras make those leaf holes. Some have assumed that they create holes to resist the strong winds of hurricanes, like the bird of paradise in the right picture. However, if the adaption was to rest hurricane winds, then all tropical plants would have similar adaptions. Others suggest that the holes allow the excessive rain to come in contact with the roots. On the other hand, Monsteras are native in tropical rain forests where it rains nearly every day. There is enough water to reach the roots. After all, one might say the “hole theories” have holes in them – there is no good explanation and little evidence.
Christopher Muir, a former professor at Indiana University, wrote the paper “poking holes”. His theory is that the plant modifies the leaves to allow the sun to shine through the upper leaves to the leaves below. Monsteras grow from the rain forest floor and vining up the trees to acquire more light. This makes sense, right?
Here are some care tips for the Monstera as a houseplant:
- They need a lot of space: one should put the plant in a statement-making spot, rather than in a tight corner
- The Monstera needs a little grow support. Adding a pole nearby can be helpful.
- Indirect sun and moderate watering are the best.
The point is, for whatever reason the leaves have these holes, it makes them attractive and special. The Monstera plant is currently one of the hottest plants on the market. Sketches of the Monstera as well as the plant itself can be found almost everywhere. What I love most about the Monstera is that every leaf looks different and you get a little surprise with every newborn baby leaf.
Do you have one? Send me your pictures of it.
Lovely greetings,
Pauline
Planthoarding 