Green Monstera Find: €4.99 Steal?
Hey plant lovers! Have you ever stumbled upon a deal that seemed too good to be true? Well, I think I just did! I recently snagged what appears to be a fully green Monstera for the unbelievable price of just €4.99. Now, I'm buzzing with excitement (and a little bit of disbelief), so I wanted to share my find and get your thoughts. Could this be the ultimate plant score, or is there more to this story than meets the eye? Let's dive into the wonderful world of Monsteras, explore the different variations, and figure out if this green beauty is truly the steal I think it is.
Monstera Mania: A Quick Intro
Before we get into the specifics of my green find, let's quickly recap what makes Monsteras so darn popular. These tropical beauties, scientifically known as Monstera deliciosa, are famous for their iconic split leaves, also known as fenestrations. They're relatively easy to care for, add a touch of jungle vibes to any space, and come in a variety of forms, making them highly sought-after by plant enthusiasts like us. The most common type you'll find is the variegated Monstera, which boasts stunning patterns of green and white on its leaves. But what about a completely green Monstera? That's what we're here to investigate!
The Allure of the Green Monstera
Most of us are familiar with the variegated Monsteras, but the all-green variety holds a special kind of appeal. Its lush, vibrant green foliage is incredibly striking and offers a different aesthetic compared to its variegated cousins. A healthy, green Monstera can be a showstopper, bringing a sense of the tropics indoors with its glossy leaves and impressive size. The deep green color is incredibly soothing and can create a calming atmosphere in any room. For those who love a minimalist or jungle-inspired look, a green Monstera is the perfect addition to their plant collection.
Understanding Monstera Variations
To understand the significance of my €4.99 find, it's important to understand the different types of Monsteras. While Monstera deliciosa is the most common, there are several variations, each with its unique characteristics.
- Monstera deliciosa: This is the classic Monstera we all know and love, with its large, fenestrated leaves. As they mature, the leaves develop characteristic splits and holes, giving them their iconic appearance. These are usually the variegated types we see most often.
- Monstera adansonii: Known as the Swiss Cheese Vine, this Monstera has smaller leaves with holes, giving it a delicate and whimsical appearance. They are mostly seen with fully green leaves.
- Monstera borsigiana: This variety is similar to Monstera deliciosa but generally grows faster and has smaller leaves. It's often mistaken for Monstera deliciosa, especially in its juvenile form.
- Monstera obliqua: This is a rare and highly sought-after Monstera with extremely fenestrated leaves, often appearing more hole than leaf.
Knowing these variations helps us appreciate the diversity within the Monstera family and identify what we're actually looking at (and potentially buying!).
My €4.99 Green Monstera: The Backstory
Okay, guys, let me set the scene. I was browsing through my local garden center, just doing my usual plant-loving rounds, when I spotted it – a lone Monstera sitting on a clearance shelf. It wasn't labeled as anything special, just a generic "houseplant" tag, and it was priced at a mere €4.99. Of course, my heart skipped a beat! Upon closer inspection, I noticed it was a decent-sized plant with healthy, vibrant green leaves. There were no signs of variegation, just a lush, uniform green. It looked like a Monstera deliciosa, but without the typical white markings. Naturally, I snatched it up without hesitation!
Initial Thoughts and Observations
My first thought was, "Wow, what a steal!" But then the questions started swirling in my mind. Is it truly a Monstera deliciosa? Could it be a different variety altogether? Or perhaps a juvenile plant that hasn't yet developed its variegation? I examined the leaves closely, looking for any clues. The leaf shape and size were consistent with Monstera deliciosa, and there were even some early signs of fenestration starting to appear. The stems seemed healthy, and the plant overall looked well-cared for. Still, the lack of variegation was puzzling.
Decoding the Green: Why No Variegation?
So, why is my Monstera completely green? There are a few possible explanations, and I've been doing some digging to try and figure it out.
1. It's a Young Plant
One possibility is that my Monstera is simply a young plant. Variegation often develops as Monsteras mature, so a juvenile plant might not yet show any white markings. This would explain the lack of variegation, but it also means I'll have to wait and see if it develops over time. The anticipation is killing me!
2. It's a Non-Variegated Variety
Another possibility is that it's a naturally non-variegated form of Monstera deliciosa. While less common, these do exist. They are still beautiful plants with the same iconic leaf shape and growth habit, just without the white patterns. If this is the case, I'm still thrilled with my purchase. A lush green Monstera is a stunning addition to any plant collection.
3. Reverted Variegation
Sometimes, variegated Monsteras can revert to their all-green form. This can happen if the plant isn't getting enough light or if a specific branch or stem produces only green leaves. If this is the case, it's possible that my plant was once variegated but has reverted over time. While it's possible to encourage variegation in reverted plants, it's not always guaranteed.
4. Misidentification
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: could it not be a Monstera deliciosa at all? It's possible, although the leaf shape and overall appearance strongly suggest that it is. It could potentially be a different Monstera variety or even a different species altogether. However, for the price I paid, I'm happy to take the risk and enjoy the plant regardless of its exact identity.
The Great Monstera Experiment: Care and Observation
Now that I've brought my green Monstera home, the real fun begins! I'm treating it like any other Monstera, providing it with bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and regular watering when the top inch of soil feels dry. I'm also keeping a close eye on it, watching for any signs of new growth or changes in leaf color.
My Care Routine
- Light: Bright, indirect light is key for Monsteras. I've placed mine near a window where it will receive plenty of light without being exposed to direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
- Watering: I water my Monstera when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
- Soil: Monsteras prefer well-draining soil. I'm using a mix of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark to ensure good drainage.
- Humidity: Monsteras thrive in humid environments. I mist my plant regularly and may consider using a humidifier during the drier months.
Observing for Changes
Over the next few weeks and months, I'll be closely monitoring my green Monstera for any signs of variegation. I'm also looking for new growth, which will give me a better indication of the plant's overall health and potential. If it is a young plant or a reverted variety, I'm hoping to see some white markings appear on new leaves. Fingers crossed!
Your Thoughts? Join the Discussion!
So, what do you guys think? Did I score the ultimate plant deal with my €4.99 green Monstera? Or is there a chance it's not quite what I think it is? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Have you ever found a similar deal? Do you have any tips for encouraging variegation in Monsteras? Let's chat in the comments below!
Share Your Monstera Stories
I'm always fascinated by the stories behind people's plants. Whether it's a rare find, a sentimental gift, or a plant that's been passed down through generations, each plant has its own unique history. Share your Monstera stories with me! I'd love to hear about your plant adventures and learn from your experiences. Let's build a community of plant lovers and share our passion for these amazing green companions.
Final Verdict (For Now)
For now, I'm calling my €4.99 green Monstera a win! Whether it's a non-variegated variety, a young plant, or something else entirely, I'm thrilled with my new addition. It's a beautiful, healthy plant that brings a touch of the tropics into my home. And who knows, maybe one day I'll be surprised by some unexpected variegation. Only time will tell!
Thanks for joining me on this Monstera adventure, guys! Stay tuned for updates as my green beauty grows and evolves. And happy planting!