Bringing the Jungle Inside -Why You Should Keep Monstera as a Houseplant

Jess Simpson

Founder of Plant Care Simplified

Jess is a true horticulturist whose passion for plants has led her to become an expert in tropical houseplants. Jess was born and raised in...

• The Monstera is a visually spectacular and popular option for indoor plants.
• The Monstera can improve air quality and has health benefits.
• The Monstera can add a touch of tropical flair to any room with its large, glossy leaves and unique holes or fenestrations.
• The plant can be trained to climb a moss pole or trellis, making it a vertical feature in a room and ideal for smaller spaces or rooms with high ceilings.
• The Monstera is relatively straightforward to care for and can thrive in a wide range of lighting conditions, making it perfect for rooms with different lighting conditions.

If you want to bring a bit of the jungle inside your home, then the Monstera pant is one of the most popular options to choose from. It is visually spectacular and has many other benefits, making it one of the best plants to purchase for your home.

The Monstera, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, has become increasingly popular to have as a houseplant. It is not just because of the visual effect it can provide but also because it can help significantly improve air quality with the knock-on health benefits that this includes. Below we will look at each aspect that makes owning a Monstera plant a great option.

Table of Basic Requirements for Keeping a Monstera

Here is a chart summarizing the most important details about Monstera plants and what homeowners should expect when bringing a Monstera into their home.

Enhancing Visual Interest in Your Space with Monstera

There is no doubt a Monstera houseplant can add a touch of tropical flair to any room. The large, glossy leaves with unique holes or fenestrations make it a striking addition to any space.

One of Monstera's most notable visual benefits is its ability to create a focal point in a room. The plant leaves are so distinct that they draw the eye, making it an ideal choice for a room with a bit of extra visual interest. The large leaves can be a conversation starter, making it perfect for living rooms, dining rooms, or any other space where you entertain guests.

Monstera is also a great way to add some greenery to a room without taking up too much space. The plant can be trained to climb a moss pole or trellis, making it a vertical feature in a room. This is an excellent option for smaller spaces or rooms with high ceilings.

The unique shape of the leaves also makes Monstera an excellent choice for adding texture to a room. The holes and fenestrations in the leaves create a visual interest that can add depth and dimension to a space. For rooms that are otherwise quite minimalist or lack visual interest, Monstera can provide the perfect point of focus.

Monstera is also a good choice for adding color to a room. The leaves can be green or variegated and can be a nice way to add a pop of color to a neutral room without overwhelming the space.

Overall, Monstera's unique leaf shape and variety of leaf color options make it an ideal choice for adding visual interest to any room. It can be used to create a focal point, add greenery, add texture, and even add color to a space. With its easy care and versatile growth habit, Monstera is one of the best options for any plant lover looking to add a touch of tropical beauty to their home.

Ease of Care: Monstera's Low Maintenance Requirements

If you are going to bring a Monstera into your living space, one of the factors that could affect your choice is the ease of care. The good news is that, in addition to its aesthetic benefits, Monstera is also relatively straightforward to care for, making it a great choice for both experienced and inexperienced plant owners.

One of the key factors in Monstera's ease of care is its tolerance of a wide range of lighting conditions. The plant can thrive in low, medium, and high light levels, making it perfect for rooms with different lighting conditions. This means that it can be placed in a variety of locations in your home, from well-lit living rooms to low-light bedrooms.

For those who may not have a green thumb or much time, the moderate watering requirement of the Monstera makes it an excellent plant to keep. The plant prefers to be kept in consistently moist soil but not waterlogged. You should be aware that overwatering can lead to root rot, so allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering is essential. A good rule of thumb is to stick your finger into the soil. If it is dry to the touch, it's time to water.

When it comes to fertilizing, Monstera is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It can be fed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, providing the plant with all the necessary nutrients it needs to thrive.

Another benefit of Monstera is its relatively low maintenance in pruning. The plant can be trained to climb a moss pole or trellis, but it only requires a little maintenance once it's established. The leaves can be gently wiped with a damp cloth to remove any dust, but apart from that, the plant doesn't require regular pruning.

In general, the Monstera is a relatively easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive in various lighting conditions and doesn't require much maintenance. Its moderate watering and fertilizing requirements make it a plant that both experienced and inexperienced plant owners looking to add some greenery to their homes can enjoy. If you want to learn more about caring for the plant, we have an extensive article coving all aspects of caring for a Monstera.

Health Benefits of Having a Monstera Plant in Your Home

Besides the aesthetic qualities and its ease of care, having plants in your home can provide has been proven to have a number of health benefits.¹

Air Purification: The Science Behind Monstera's Ability to Clean the Air

Monstera plants are known for their ability to purify the air by removing toxins and pollutants through a process called phytoremediation. This process is where plants absorb and break down harmful compounds such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air.

VOCs are a significant contributor to indoor air pollution and can be found in various sources such as cleaning products, paints, and even furniture. These compounds can harm health, causing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and even more significant problems.

Monstera plants, through their leaves, can absorb and break down VOCs, helping to improve the air quality in your home. They also release oxygen during photosynthesis, which can help increase the overall oxygen levels in a room.

Not only do Monstera plants remove toxins from the air, but they also act as natural humidifiers. As they transpire, they release water vapor into the air, which can help to increase the humidity levels in a room. This can be especially beneficial during the dry winter, when indoor air can be arid and uncomfortable to breathe.

In addition, Monstera plants also act as natural air purifiers by removing other pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene, from the air. Studies have shown that having plants in a room can reduce the levels of these pollutants by up to 60%.

Overall, Monstera plants are a natural and effective way to purify the air in your home, helping to create a healthier environment for you and your family.

Stress Relief: How Monstera Plants Can Help Ease Anxiety and Improve Mental Well-Being

Monstera plants have a calming effect on the mind and body, making them an excellent choice for those who suffer from stress and anxiety. The presence of plants in a home or office can have a positive impact on mental well-being and can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Studies have shown that simply being in the presence of plants can lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. Caring for a plant, whether watering or pruning, can be therapeutic and provide a sense of accomplishment, which can, in turn, help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

In addition to their calming effect, Monstera plants also positively impact overall mood. Research has shown that interacting with plants, such as gardening or simply being around them, can improve mood and overall mental well-being.

Furthermore, the process of photosynthesis that occurs in plants also has a positive impact on mental well-being. The release of oxygen during photosynthesis can improve the overall oxygen levels in a room, improving cognitive function and concentration.

Not only do Monstera plants have a calming effect on the mind and body, but they also improve the overall ambiance of a room, making it a more pleasant and inviting space. This can help to create a sense of tranquility, which can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Monstera plants can effectively manage stress and anxiety, promote overall mental well-being and thus can promote better health.

Humidity Increase: How Monstera Plants Can Help Keep Your Indoor Air Moist and Comfortable

Monstera plants, native to tropical regions, thrive in high-humidity environments and can help increase humidity levels in your home. High humidity levels can have several benefits. The plants act as natural humidifiers and should help increase humidity levels in your home, which can have many benefits.

Firstly, increasing humidity levels can help to reduce dry skin, allergies, and colds. Dry indoor air can lead to dry, itchy skin and aggravate respiratory problems such as allergies and asthma. Adding a Monstera plant to your home can help increase the humidity levels, which may help reduce these symptoms.

Secondly, plants release water vapor into the air through a process called transpiration. This process can increase the humidity levels in a room, making the atmosphere more comfortable to breathe. This can be especially beneficial during the dry winter months when indoor air can become particularly dry and uncomfortable.

Lastly, by increasing the humidity levels in a room, Monstera plants can help to protect your home and furniture. Low humidity levels can lead to cracking and warping of wood furniture and cause paint and wallpaper to peel. By increasing humidity levels, you can help to protect your home and furnishings from damage.

Improved Sleep: How Monstera Plants Can Help You Sleep Better

Monstera plants have a positive impact on sleep patterns. The presence of plants in a bedroom has been shown to improve sleep quality and duration. This is likely due to plants' calming effect on the mind and body, which can help create a more relaxed and peaceful environment for sleep.

As previously mentioned, Monstera plants can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, which can help promote a better night's sleep. In addition, caring for a plant can be therapeutic and provide a sense of accomplishment, which can also help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, promoting more restful sleep.

Furthermore, the increase in humidity levels that Monstera plants provide can also help to improve sleep. Dry indoor air can lead to dry, itchy skin and aggravate respiratory problems such as allergies and asthma. By increasing the humidity levels, Monstera plants can help to reduce these symptoms, making it easier to breathe and sleep.

Additionally, the release of oxygen during the process of photosynthesis in plants can help improve the overall oxygen levels in a room. Enhanced oxygen levels can help to improve cognitive function and concentration, which promotes a better night's sleep.

Increased Productivity: How Monstera Plants Can Improve Cognitive Function and Creativity

Monstera plants have been shown to increase productivity and concentration. The presence of plants in a workspace has been shown to improve cognitive function, memory, and creativity. This is likely due to the plant's ability to absorb and filter toxins from the air, which can improve the overall quality of the air we breathe.

As previously discussed, Monstera plants are known for their ability to purify the air by removing toxins and pollutants through a process called phytoremediation. By absorbing and breaking down harmful compounds such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air, Monstera plants can help improve the air quality in your home or office. This can improve cognitive function and concentration, leading to increased productivity.

In addition, the process of photosynthesis that occurs in plants also has a positive impact on productivity. The release of oxygen during photosynthesis can improve the overall oxygen levels in a room, improving cognitive function and concentration.

Furthermore, the mere presence of plants in a workspace can also positively impact creativity. Research has shown that interacting with plants, such as gardening or simply being around them, can improve mood and overall mental well-being. This can lead to an increase in creativity and productivity.

You can argue that Monstera plants are a natural and effective way to improve productivity and concentration in the workplace. Not only do they purify the air and improve the overall ambiance of a room, but they also positively impact cognitive function and creativity.

Monstera Deliciosa - Visual Overview

Monstera Deliciosa - Scientific Data

References

1. Texas A&M University: Health benefits of having plants in your home

Jess SimpsonFounder of Plant Care Simplified

Jess is a true horticulturist whose passion for plants has led her to become an expert in tropical houseplants. Jess was born and raised in South East Asia surrounded by lush jungles and lush botanical gardens. This environment prompted her to develop a love for all things green and growing. A move to the UK helped her plant care skills and improved her knowledge Her commitment to her craft and her dedication to her customers has earned her a reputation as one of the best in the business. She continues to inspire others with her love for nature and the environment.Bio Page

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