The window leaf is becoming increasingly popular. So that you can enjoy it for a long time, you should pay attention to a few things when it comes to care and location.
People who want to get a houseplant often look for easy-to-care-for, but visually appealing plants that add something special to the room. If you are looking for a tropical plant, the so-called window leaf (botanical name: Monstera) is recommended. What is striking about the window leaf is that the leaves of the plant are open. This helps them deal with wind better in the wild. However, it is also the juicy surfaces of the leaves themselves that make the houseplant so attractive. The Monstera offers a number of advantages that make it a houseplant worth buying - and not just in the eyes of enthusiasts.
What makes the window leaf?
First of all, you should know that the window leaf is a very assertive climbing plant that can climb or grow several meters high. Imported to Europe at the beginning of the 19th century, the window leaf has developed into one of the most popular indoor plants in this country. There are now 50 species. Many gardeners and enthusiasts are particularly pleased that the window leaf remains green all year round. Because the pretty and lush leaves can be seen at any time. This is a real advantage over other houseplants. These have to be cut short in winter because they lose their leaves. Since it is a climbing plant, it needs a suitable climbing aid. As far as care is concerned, however, the Monstera is not very choosy and demanding, so that everyone can bring a piece of the tropics home with this plant.
Here is a brief overview of the little plant and its properties:
- tropical plant from the Caribbean and South American regions
- Leaf features unique openings that help withstand upwind - but also allow sun to reach lower part of plant
- Climbing plant that can reach several meters in height
- very assertive houseplant with few demands
- available in more than 50 different types green all year round
Window leaf as a houseplant - advantages vs disadvantages
| Advantages | Cons |
| easy to maintain, as there are hardly any claims | needs a climbing aid |
| stays green all year round so always looks good | |
| is very assertive and therefore also suitable for beginners | |
| does not require special soil with additives | |
| can reach several meters in height and thus fill out a solid angle very nicely | |
| looks very unique with its special leaves |
Window leaf also outdoors?
The Monstera should not be outdoors all year round. Since it is a tropical plant, it does not tolerate this, especially when winter is approaching. In summer, on the other hand, when the temperatures are right, the plant can come out on the balcony or terrace, where it will also get enough light. The only thing to note here is that it gets enough water and also comes into the house as soon as the temperatures drop. You should also know that very young Monstera plants are better off avoiding direct sunlight if their leaves have not yet developed air holes. Because in this case the leaves could get sunburned because the plants don't tolerate the sunlight that well. In general, the window leaf can be placed outside, but only if the conditions are right. The outdoor temperature must be at least 20 degrees for the Monstera to feel comfortable.
Which location does it need in the house?
The tropical plant actually does well in the sun when it is fully grown. Therefore, a partially shaded place in the house is the right one for them. But if it is still a young window leaf plant, it should not get any direct sunlight for the time being, because young Monstera are a little more sensitive. Once winter arrives, it is very important for the window leaf to get a sun-drenched spot. Because during this time the tropical plant really longs for every single ray of sunshine. If you want, you can put the plant in the shade in spring and autumn to improve its growth. But this is not a must if you are already in thepenumbra.
Planter Requirements
Once you have chosen a location, the plant pot for the monstera should be prepared. This can be filled with normal potting soil, the Monstera tolerates this quite well. If you want, you can also mix in peat or compost. Be sure to choose a planter with one or more drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Although the Monstera is a tropical and moisture-loving plant, its roots can also be easily damaged by waterlogging. The pot also must not be too small. As already mentioned, the window leaf grows strongly and can reach a height of several meters. Conversely, this also means that the roots want to be able to spread well. In addition, the Monstera needs a climbing aid in its flower pot, usually a tree or branch is used for climbing. A slightly thicker stick or moss stick is ideal for giving the window leaf the necessary support. The climbing aid should not be smooth and slippery in the case of metal or plastic. Wood is better suited to provide the leaves with support.
Watering and fertilizing the window leaf
Watering the window leaf is actually very simple: If the layer of soil dries out, you should water the plant again. However, not only the conventional, only light wetting of the earth is required, but also some humidity. After all, the plant comes from the tropics. It is therefore advisable to get a small spray bottle and use it to spray lukewarm water over the leaves so that they also get their portion of moisture. Wiping the leaves with a slightly damp sponge is also very beneficial for the plant's leaves.
You do not have to fertilize the young window leaves. The fresh potting soil is usually sufficient for them. If the plant is a bit older, it can be fertilized more often in phases of growth. However, the fertilizer should be very heavily diluted or, in the case of compost, mixed with only a small proportion under the soil. The plant does not tolerate over-fertilization very well.
Does the window leaf have to be repotted?
Repotting and cutting are also part of caring for a houseplant. However, you only need to prune the plant if the plant's aerial roots are damaged, and then only to a very minor extent. Due to the brisk growth, the plant often has to be repotted. Whenever she's grown so tallthat it no longer has a stable stand in the pot, it needs a larger pot. In this case, the plant also needs a larger and more stable trellis.