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Trendwatch: The Monstera Leaf
The Monstera Deliciosa has invaded all the most stylish mood boards, wish lists and Insta feeds – and we are here for it
Plants are probably the most delightful interior macro trend of the past decade. A design craze that adds a natural splash of green to your home, is capable of cleaning your air, creating oxygen, growing and multiplying if treated well? Long may it last.
Maybe we shouldn’t play favourites when it comes to something that is pure and good, no matter which specific shape it takes. Nevertheless, here we are craving one micro-trend plant above all others. Put down the pineapples, step away from the fiddle-leaf fig and dial back the succulents, because there’s a new design obsession in town. The Monstera Deliciosa has invaded all the most stylish mood boards, wish lists and Insta feeds – and we are here for it.
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What’s In A Name?
Swiss Cheese Plant? No, thanks! Split Leaf Philodendron? Okay, tell us more… Monstera Deliciosa? Sounds amazing, we’ll take three! In fact, all of the above are just different names for one and the same plant, but we have to admit that the latter is A) the most-used, B) the most intriguing-sounding and C) most likely to turn a humble houseplant into a social media sensation, complete with its own Instagram hashtag (#MonsteraMonday).
Monstera In The Wild
Needless to say, the domesticated decoration we have brought into our homes is a mere shadow of what this monster of a plant (Geddit? You get it!) can become in the wild. Native to Central American rainforests, it can grow up to 20 metres in height under a tropical canopy, but will only reach two or three metres indoors. It also produces a large, pineapple-like fruit (which we wrote about here previously) that you are unlikely to ever harvest from the specimen in your living room. However, know that it really does taste, as the name indicates, delicious.
Monstera In Your Home
The fact that Monstera Deliciosa is extremely easy to care for and almost impossible to kill has definitely helped further its popularity. As a result of that, it is now also increasingly easy to find just about everywhere, from your local florist to your trusty Swedish furniture megastore. You can even propagate the unfussy plant by taking stem cuttings. Unless you’re a particularly impatient type, it’s a good idea to buy a small plant and watch it grow, rather than start with a huge specimen, leaving little room for expansion.
Find it a nice, bright spot away from direct sunlight, and water it regularly – that’s about it. The only caveat is that the plant’s leaves are mildly toxic to humans and more so to pets. If you have small kids and/or dogs, keeping your Monstera on a high shelf might do the trick, but if you have house cats that like chewing on greenery, it probably isn’t for you.
The Rise Of Monstera
As a houseplant, the Monstera Deliciosa is geometrically pleasing with a hint of tropical exoticism. It pairs well with millennial pink, as evidenced by countless Instagram posts, ad campaigns and magazine photoshoots showing that exact combination. Perhaps most importantly, it taps into the enduring preference for mid-century-inspired minimalism. Look closely at the interiors of retro TV shows like Mad Men, and you’ll spot more than one Monstera idling in a corner. Historically, the species was popular from the ‘50s through the ‘70s and then went the way of most houseplants – out of fashion. Now that the furniture and accessories of the era are back, so is the greenery.
Before And After The Monstera
Designs featuring cacti, succulents and palm trees have all come and gone over the past decade or so. However, just because their likenesses are less commonly found on wallpapers, bed linens, on towels or in fashion collections, the actual plants don’t have to go away. We’re still tending to our cacti, occasionally spritzing our succulents and watering our indoor palm trees. In the same way, a Monstera Deliciosa isn’t just for Christmas, so to speak. You can continue to enjoy the real live version even after the design trend has passed – and pair it with whatever plant becomes the next big thing (experts are predicting ferns and hanging plants).
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Real Or Rake Monstera Deliciosa?
Obviously, for all the reasons mentioned above, the best investment is an actual Monstera Deliciosa plant. It’s an enduring way to add a touch of green to your home that will bring you joy – and fresh oxygen – well after the trend is over. If you are sadly devoid of green fingers, afraid of poisoning your pets or reluctant to introduce living plants to your home for other reasons, you can fake it with one made from plastic or synthetic fabric. Unlike faux flowers that can usually be spotted a mile off, you’d struggle to pull a faux Monstera leaf out of a line-up. A single leaf looks elegant in a large vase.
Monstera Deliciosa For Your Interiors
Since the Monstera design trend is currently peaking, there are also countless other ways to introduce the plant to your interiors. A framed botanical illustration or abstract graphic print is a great way of sneaking it into an otherwise minimalist space. For a little more oomph, go for a statement wall featuring Monstera wallpaper. The calming green is perfect for bedrooms, and creates a botanical, yet more “urban cool”, look than flowery bedclothes. Finally, paired with pops of fresh colour, its tropical flair adds interest to boring bathrooms. Bonus points for combining any of the above with one or several real Monstera Deliciosa plant(s).
Monstera Deliciosa For Your Wardrobe
From designer fashion to high-street style, Monstera Deliciosa prints, patterns and accessories can be found at all price points. However, Etsy seems to have become the go-to source for unique, quirky and colourful takes on the trend. As always, jewellery is the first step for those willing to dip their toes in the trend pool before plunging in head-first. Earrings in Monstera shapes range from small and dainty to large and brash, they can be shiny and golden, colourful in acrylic or naturalistic in green.
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