Monstera is a very beautiful unusual flower. But today it is surrounded by numerous superstitions and myths. Most often, housewives ask themselves: why can't a monster be kept at home? We will deal with this further.
In fact, the fear of breeding such flowers at home is based solely on superstition and myth. For example, it is popularly believed that the plant is a real energy vampire, which not only absorbs the life energy of all the inhabitants of the house, but also negatively affects their health and even destroys the aura. Many people are sure that it is enough just to put the flower in question on the windowsill in their apartment, as the family members will begin to develop dangerous diseases, there will be problems in work and personal life. Such assumptions made the monstera flower a real enemy of lonely young ladies. The girl's absence of the long-awaited marriage proposal is attributed precisely to the negative influence of the plant.
In addition, some "experts" claim that with the onset of darkness, the monstera begins to actively absorb oxygen. This can lead to suffocation of sleeping people who are near the flower.
Another assumption concerns the toxicity of the plant. If the juice of a flower gets on the mucous membranes of an animal or person, it will cause severe poisoning, which can even lead to death.
Signs and superstitions associated with the plant
Interestingly, in Asian countries, monstera is considered a powerful talisman that brings good luck to its owner and ensures longevity. According to popular signs, if you plant a plant in front of the entrance to the house, then misfortunes, illnesses, failures and even just Bad mood... For example, in China it is customary to give it for weddings and various family celebrations.
There is one more positive sign associated with the monster. This is her influence on the composure and concentration of the inhabitants of the house. It is believed that next to such a plant, it is much easier for a person to put his thoughts in order, his memory and thinking improve.
But superstitious young ladies are sure that in no case should you bring a man you like to a room with a monster. Otherwise, the relationship that has just begun to emerge between partners will quickly come to naught.
Is the flower poisonous?
In the vastness of the network, you can find many references to the poisonousness of the flower in question. In fact, they are all unfounded. Any parts of the monstera do not contain any poisonous substances.
That is why it is completely safe not only for humans and animals, but also for other plants. The plant is allowed to be placed next to bird cages, and near aquariums, and even in a newborn's room.
Is it possible or not?
Monstera can be safely placed in your house.
Few people know that the plant has numerous beneficial properties:
- During the day, the flower absorbs carbon dioxide and enriches the air in the rooms with oxygen. It is always easier and more pleasant to breathe in a room with a monster.
- The plant is able to suppress fungi and viruses. As a result, the inhabitants of the house are much less likely to get sick.
- Monstera is a natural humidifier. In addition, its broad leaves are harvested a large number of dust, preventing it from spreading through the rooms.
- From the discussed plant, you can understand when to expect rain.
Where should the monstera stand in the house?
In general, the monster can be placed anywhere in the house. It depends on the preferences and convenience of the hostess.
Better not to put the flower in the immediate vicinity of the window. The plant has a peculiarity - it turns its leaves closer to the light, so only leaflets of leaves will remain in sight of the inhabitants of the house. An excellent solution will place the monster a couple of meters from the window with a bright diffused light. Ideally, there should also be an additional light source near it in winter period time.
Myths and truth about the monster
The main myth regarding the monstera says that in the dark, the flower begins in huge numbers absorb oxygen. As a result, there is literally nothing to breathe in the room and a person sleeping in it can simply die. Of course, this is not true. Currently no known home plant, which can lead a person to suffocation. It is true that plants emit carbon dioxide at night, absorbing oxygen, and vice versa during the day. But this is completely normal and does not cause any harm to the inhabitants of the house.
The second common myth says that the sap of a flower is very poisonous. It is enough to literally touch the plant so that this liquid gets on the skin and mucous membranes. The result is severe burns and poisoning. All this can ultimately lead to death. On the back of the flower leaves, there are indeed microscopic needle-like formations that cause a burning sensation when in contact with the mucous membrane. But for this you need to try the plant per tooth.
At the same time, it is absolutely true that some people in Australia and India eat parts of the monstera for food. Of course, you need to know how to do it correctly so as not to harm your health. The fruit of the flower is considered a special delicacy.
Another creepy myth says that a monstera can strangle a person or even "feed" on the flesh of the dead. These stories appeared among the people several centuries ago, when travelers found skeletons in the jungle. dead people through which the leaves and roots of the plant passed. In fact, these stories have no photographic evidence. In addition, the flower could release its parts through the bones of long-dead people and animals.
Monstera - beautiful tropical plant, from South America, from humid equatorial forests. The name of the monstera goes back to the Latin monstrosus - bizarre, amazing. And it really is unusual plant... Aerial roots, huge shiny perforated carved leaves of several tens of centimeters make it look really bizarre.
Due to its unpretentiousness and luxurious beauty, monstera has become a very popular houseplant. In Europe, it spread in the late 18th century as an exotic home decoration. Since then, many growers have bred this wonderful vine. But at the same time, many superstitions and myths are associated with the monster, because of which some are afraid to grow it at home. How are things really going?
The superstitions associated with the monster have been around for many years. A few centuries ago, Europeans conquering the New World were horrified by the pictures they saw in the jungle: the skeleton of an animal or a person through which this vine grows. Because of this, the monster was credited with the undeserved fame of a killer plant. But in fact, the monstera just sprouted through the skeletons, expanding its territory.
A lot of people don't like appearance monsters - it resembles living tentacles or hands with fingers, which subconsciously causes dislike for this plant and a feeling of fear. Although many people like the unusual and even luxurious look of the plant with large leaves, its exoticism.
Also, according to signs, monstera refers to those plants that do not promise marital happiness. Young girls may be threatened with being old maids, and married women are better off staying away from her to avoid marital discord.The belief that a monstera absorbs all the oxygen in a room, and one cannot sleep next to it, does not stand up to criticism - a plant cannot absorb so much oxygen.
In any case, there are no scientifically substantiated facts that a monstera is capable of causing physical harm, but whether to believe in omens, whether it is necessary and possible to keep a monster at home is up to you.
Benefit and harm
Monstera is famous big amount useful properties:
- Due to the large area of leaves, this indoor flower enriches the atmosphere in the house with oxygen and ionizes the air.
- Monstera is also famous as a weather predictor - before the rain, drops of moisture appear on its leaves, as if she were crying, hence her nickname among the people - "crybaby". In fact, these are droplets of sticky juice.
- Moisturizes air and absorbs dirt, soot, fine dust particles.
- It acts as an antibiotic against viruses, microorganisms and fungi - it releases phytoncides.
- Absorbs electromagnetic waves - it can be placed next to a TV, microwave or computer.
- Decorates the interior of a home or office - gives the room the charm of tropical thickets and colorful exoticism of the dense jungle.
- Absorbs harmful formaldehydes (substances found in plastics and other modern materials).
Monstera does not distinguish harmful substances, therefore, it is completely safe to be near her.
But the fact that this plant is poisonous is not a myth. Its leaves can cause burning of the mucous membranes with their tiny needle-like formations on the surface.Therefore, you should be wary of growing a monstera in an apartment where there are small children, or animals that may accidentally taste the leaves. But we must remember that this is not uncommon, many others indoor plants poisonous, for example, the popular dieffenbachia or geranium.
The influence of a flower on a person
In the esoteric tradition, it is believed that the monstera absorbs energy. This is a kind of energy vampire that sucks energy, positive emotions, destroys the astral body of a person. For this reason, keeping the plant in the bedroom is not recommended. Esotericists say that monstera absorbs negative energy, relieving people of illness or pain. But if it does not exist, then it is also positive, turning it into negative.
Therefore, there is a belief that a monstera grows very well in a house with poor energy and helps to get rid of negative manifestations. Also, according to esoteric concepts, monstera improves attentiveness, concentration, gives self-confidence, determination. Accordingly, it helps very well in mental activities.
Unlike the European tradition, in eastern countries the monster is definitely positive. Monstera came to the East through India, where it was brought by the British colonialists in the 19th century, and later spread further. The South American monstera has taken root very well in a hot climate that is comfortable for it. Here she is considered a physician, she is kept by the bed of a sick person, planted at the house. It is used as a talisman that brings good luck, protects against evil forces, and gives longevity.
Feng Shui Monstera
Feng Shui, which is designed to create a favorable space and harmonize the environment, endows the monster with an excellent property to streamline a person's thoughts, to be more decisive. Therefore, it will look great in the office, not only decorating it, but also contributing to successful negotiations and better work- its place in the office of the head, in the meeting room.
Where a monstera stands, there is no chaos. She is able to align the energy of space, with her help you can achieve harmony, calm down. The influence of the monstera on mental abilities is extremely positive.It is believed that monstera unites yang and yin, masculine and feminine- therefore, it does not contribute to a harmonious relationship, as it reduces libido. For this reason, you should also not put the monster in the bedroom. Ideal if the monstera is in the hallway, kitchen, dining room or living room. It is also good to keep the monster at home in the office for the same reasons as in the office.
Monster care
Taking care of a beautiful monster is easy:
- It needs to be watered frequently and abundantly.
- Wipe the leaves, so that dust accumulates on them so that the plant can effectively absorb harmful substances.
- Since the monstera is a vine, it needs to be tied up for vertical growth, otherwise it will grow in breadth.
- It is advisable not to put the flower pot in bright sunlight, partial shade is ideal for her.
- The pot should be large diameter... Young plants need to be replanted every year, and when they are five years old, then every 2-3 years.
- The topsoil needs to be changed every year.
- Aerial roots must be directed into a tub of earth, they cannot be cut off.
- Monstera does not bloom in our conditions, and even the most attentive care will not help here - this requires a tropical climate with moist air... Propagated by cuttings or aerial roots.
As you can see, the spectacular and unpretentious monstera is a real diamond for lovers of indoor vines and exotic plants... The signs associated with it are mostly superstitions, unsupported evidence. And the benefits that this plant brings are truly impressive. Therefore, if you like her luxurious appearance, you can safely decorate your home with a monster, and she will bring you joy.
But if you are in doubt about whether to start a monster at home, then it is better to refrain from this - growing vines will not bring you pleasure, and besides, the plants need to be treated with love, otherwise they will wither.
Is one of the most beautiful plants belonging to the genus of lianas. This plant grows in areas with humid tropical climates. To be precise, it can be found in the vastness of Guatemala.
Its height can be quite large. On some specimens, the size of one sheet can reach more than 30 centimeters. Horizontal arrangement plants take an excessive amount of time.
That is why people began to use special supports in order to set the stem with the leaves vertically. This flower is very popular among florists due to its extraordinary appearance.
Many people wonder if it is possible to keep this flower at home? But in fact, there are superstitions that the presence of this plant at home is extremely undesirable, but there is no weighty facts confirming this.
Monstera tends to bloom, but this one is possible only due to natural conditions. It is very difficult and practically impossible to achieve such a phenomenon at home.
Flowering is facilitated by a special climate, that is, air, since in tropical latitudes the air contains humid vapors.
Signs associated with the Monster
There are a number of plants that are said to possess magical properties... Monstera can be attributed to this list. Over the entire period of its existence, a large number of signs and superstitions have been set forth regarding this flower.
The negative opinion first appeared when Europeans saw this vine. The picture was terrible, as a vine grew from human skeletons. So people thought it was a killer. In fact, after long wanderings, people died in the forest due to exhaustion, and the monstera has nothing to do with it.
Specialists in the field of esotericism say that where there is a monstera, there is no place for peace and harmony. Growth is believed to be due to grief and sadness, that is, based on negative emotions.
There is a superstition that says that it is not desirable for the fair sex to have such a flower at home, and for those who managed to do this, it is better to get rid of it.
It's all about negative energy which destroys woman's happiness and does not allow a woman to go hand in hand with a loved one. They say that if you ignore this recommendation, then very soon the woman will be completely alone and this loneliness lasts until she throws the flower away.
Another superstition indicates that the monstera is poisonous. In fact, this is not entirely true. A flower can only be dangerous for animals. Therefore, it is necessary to restrict the access of animals to the flower.
5 reasons to keep a monster at home
Contrary to existing claims that it is not recommended to grow Monstera at home, there are 5 main reasons why you can:
- The leaves of the plant are quite large. Therefore, it should be noted the ability to clean the air in the room from the content of carbon dioxide, as well as the saturation of the room with oxygen increases several times compared to some other indoor flowers. In addition, monstera from its own leaves releases moisture and humidifies the air in the room.
- The plant absorbs:
- Soot.
- Dust.
- Unpleasant odor molecules.
- The leaves contain a special component that is released into the air and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
- On the surface of the leaves, one can judge about possible changes in the weather outside. If rain is expected ahead, then small droplets form on the leaves.
- This huge green plant has a very attractive appearance. Thanks to this flower, you can decorate even the most unattractive interior.
The tropical region has given us many of the most outlandish animals and plants. And if you won't keep the animal from the humid jungle at home, then with green spaces everything is much easier. The most simple option for cultivation is a monstera, why it is impossible to keep this decorative liana at home, no one can really answer.
Why are people afraid of the monster?
There are a couple of superstitions among the people. They all relate to:
- Or to the ability of the plant to absorb energy from the surrounding space.
- Or to the absorption of oxygen by the monster at night.
Lovers of mysticism will have to upset, not a single scientific study has proven that someone or something at all can absorb energy... Of course, this idea is based on the experience of growing creepers, they say, a difficult atmosphere is immediately created in the house and it is not known what other troubles may follow.
On this point, in defense, you can add the fact that the monstera is grown as a home plant in most of the world's cultures, without experiencing any additional difficulties with energy, aura, and so on.
It is stupid to argue about oxygen, all plants consume it at night. After all, every living being needs to breathe. Nevertheless, in the daytime, the vine gives out much more gas, so necessary for all living organisms, than it absorbs during the night.
Why do monstera leaves turn yellow?
By changing the appearance of the monstera reacts to changing conditions environment:
Normally, the leaves should not turn yellow and any such change indicates that not everything is fine ... Perhaps the plant is simply not enough nutrients, in this case, it is enough to use fertilizers.
It is worth considering the fact that monstera is not used to middle lane and our climate. The homeland of the vine is thousands of kilometers from the place where it grows now. And even if the plant has normally adapted to the changed conditions, this does not mean that it does not need support.
Why is the monstera drying?
As strange as it may sound, the drying up of the monstera is almost never associated with a lack of water. Usually the matter is in other conditions:
- Located next to the tub air conditioning blows on the plant, providing a draft. Exposure to air masses under pressure adversely affects the leaves of the vine.
- Most likely the problem is temperature conditions ... Cold air and too heat the environment will lead to approximately the same consequences.
- Do not forget about the love of monstera for the humid tropics, dry air is destructive for her.
- Maybe the plant has begun rot the roots, in this case, only a quick transplant will save the situation.
- Also, when watering, you must observe two simple conditions... Never water the monster after sunset and do not do it with the sun's rays falling on the vine.
Of course, everything is conditional, because in wildlife the plant may be in more unfavorable conditions. Only this does not mean that there will be no consequences if you violate the watering regime for a long time and keep a tub with a vine anywhere.
Long-term irritant factor in any case will lead to pathological changes the only question is how bad it will be.
What is the use of a monstera?
Thanks to its leaves, monstera not only looks strange, but can filter the air:
- Plant owners know that a layer of fine dust and sand accumulates on the leaves during the day.
- The plant does not just "collect" all the household dirt, in fact, it lets air in the room through its leaves, trapping all the most dangerous on them.
- But such an "artificial filter" requires manual cleaning, because if you do not wipe the dust from the leaves, the residents of the house will continue to inhale it and the whole meaning will be lost.
- Due to its ability to purify the air, the monster is considered one of the best plants in many Asian countries.
- If you give a vine to a family, it will definitely be placed in a room next to a sick person. It is believed in this region that monstera will help you recover faster.
But for the appearance of the monster, we are not particularly fond of. Just imagine that huge leaves will be next to the lamp, their distorted and enlarged image will be projected onto the nearest wall. This is definitely not something that everyone dreams of waking up suddenly at night.
But with all its shortcomings, liana produces special factors that are capable of destroying bacteria and viruses. A good tool for the prevention of viral and bacterial infections, but this does not mean that drug therapy should be abandoned.
Why don't they keep the monster in the house?
They prefer not to put the monstera at home:
- Because that's the way it is, that's the kind of tradition and a couple of superstitions.
- Due to the fact that many gardeners begin to notice the oppressive atmosphere in the house, after the vines appear in it.
- All this is subjective and at the discretion of everyone.
- Statements that the monstera is some kind of monster and directly feeds on human energy are nonsense and superstition.
- The stories that at night the plant absorbs oxygen and can thus "rob" the sleeping person come from ignorance of the course of biologists. Everyone breathes, but plants are still capable of producing oxygen.
The plant is not poisonous, practically no allergies occur... Therefore, there is no objective reason to refuse a gift in the form of a monstera. You just need to remember that it is completely inedible, and its contents can damage the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach.
Even superstition did not prevent many plants from penetrating into a person's dwelling. Among them is a monstera, why it is impossible to keep this plant at home is now clear - banal superstitions.
Video: monstera in your home
In this video, biologist and florist Elena Nekrasova will tell you how to care for a monster, and is it possible to grow this plant at home:
Monstera was introduced to European countries several centuries ago, and since then, disputes about its safety for human health have not subsided. There are many signs about this plant that highlight not only its negative properties, but also positive qualities. We propose to figure out whether it is possible to keep a monster at home, or is it better to give up such a green pet.
Most superstitions associated with the monster insist that it is better not to keep it at home.
Monstera - can you keep at home?
Most superstitions associated with a monster insist that it is better not to keep it at home, and for good reason.
- People say that you can't put a monster in the bedroom. This plant has wide leaves that absorb large amounts of oxygen and release carbon dioxide. It is believed that because of this, during sleep, a person may feel a fit of suffocation. Scientific explanation this statement does not have. Only one thing is known: not a single indoor flower is capable of such a thing. A certain amount of carbon dioxide is actually emitted, but its share is small and cannot lead to asphyxiation.
- Another sign calls this plant muzhegon, and therefore does not advise girls to start it. Otherwise, the young lady will not meet her soul mate and will remain lonely.
- If you turn to the signs of other nationalities, you can get a completely opposite result. For example, in Asia, monstera is perceived as a talisman that brings good luck to its owner. The locals are confident that the plant will help maintain good health and improve their financial situation.
- By their behavior, monsters in the people have learned to determine the weather. And if the leaves of the plant begin to intensively secrete juice, which collects in large, well-distinguishable drops, it will soon rain.
In Asia, monstera is perceived as a talisman that brings good luck to its owner.
Benefit and harm
According to the widespread version, if you keep a monster in an apartment, then it will deprive its inhabitants vital energy... When peace and tranquility reign in the house, the monstera will try to influence the situation, and not in the best way: she will absorb the positive energy and give back the negative.
The people say that negative energy this tropical plant receives from household members when they are in conflict: during a quarrel, the monstera begins to intensively absorb a negative charge. And here this property is positive. But as soon as there is a lull, the monstera immediately tries to break it, filling the room with streams of negativity.
However, this harmful quality can be used for your own good. To do this, place the flower pot in the place where it is necessary to reduce the harmful effects of radiation, for example, near a TV or microwave oven.
Actually positive qualities the monstera has much more than negative ones.
- Produces oxygen, which is necessary for normal work the body of every person.
- Enriches the air with ions, moisturizes it and absorbs microparticles that pollute it.
- Suppresses the growth of harmful microorganisms, bacteria and viruses.
- Picks up electromagnetic radiation indoors.
- Absorbs formaldehydes found in chemical products.
- Monstera actively exhibits beneficial properties during the flowering period.
The influence of a flower on a person
Esotericists agree with the opinion that monstera is capable of absorbing energy. This explains why a person feels weak in the morning if this plant is in his bedroom. However, it should be noted that persons with sensitivity to changes in energy flows are subject to this influence.
There is also the opposite opinion, according to which, if you keep this indoor flower at home, it will help improve your well-being. Monstera relieves headaches and prevents the development of diseases during the cold season. Moreover, such an effect on a person is obvious, especially if we take into account such plant properties as ionization and air purification.
Feng Shui Monstera
If we turn to the teachings of Feng Shui, then it says that monstera is amazing plant, which is able to align the energy in any space. Combining Yin and Yang, the flower creates an atmosphere of comfort and harmony. Moreover, it can be placed in the kitchen, in the living room, and in the hallway.
As for the bedroom, it is not considered the most suitable place for the monstera. If the plant is placed in this room, then it will negatively affect the relationship between spouses. The connection between them will begin to weaken, and soon they can completely cool off to each other.
It's good if you can allocate space for the monstera in your office. Thanks to her, working capacity will increase, thoughts will be more orderly, in business a person will begin to show decisiveness and bring what has been started to the end.
Monstera is an amazing plant that can even out energy in any space.
Is monstera poisonous or not?
There is a version that monstera is poisonous plant... To some extent, this statement is true. The fact is that the fruits and leaves contain a substance that, upon contact with the skin, can provoke the development of an allergic reaction. It usually manifests itself as irritation. If this substance gets on the mucous membranes, their serious damage is possible.
It is clear that an adult will not taste any parts of an indoor flower, and therefore the danger of its juice is automatically reduced to zero. However, it is worth remembering that if there are pets in the apartment, then they may well gnaw the leaves. AND similar situation quite capable of causing harm.
The same goes for small children. Toddlers tend to try to taste the things around them without realizing whether they are edible or not. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant.
Monstera in the office - signs
According to superstition, this plant helps improve concentration. And for this reason, it is recommended to grow it in offices and other similar in public places... It happens that with a large crowd of people, it is quite difficult to focus on your task. And the presence of the monstera in this case will be very useful.
It will enrich the air with oxygen, catch all the dust with its lush leaves, thanks to which brain activity will improve. In addition, such an atmosphere makes it easier to cope with stress and relieves stress.
If you are busy with business development, Monstera will help here too. Making important decisions quickly, you can easily find a way out of any situation and learn how to negotiate correctly. As a result, the support of reliable partners will be provided to you.
Monster care
In general, the monster can be called an unpretentious plant to care for. The basic rules of agricultural technology are quite simple and straightforward.
- The plant needs timely abundant watering, while it is desirable to use settled water at room temperature.
- Since the leaves collect a lot of dust on their surface, they should be regularly wiped with a damp sponge.
- A healthy monstera has dark leaves with a shiny surface.
- This indoor flower does not tolerate direct sunlight very badly, and therefore the pot should be installed in a shaded place.
- It is advisable for the monster to tie up so that its thin stems do not break under their own weight. In this case, a decorative column will help.
- Each year, the plant is transplanted into a new pot, with each subsequent container having a larger volume. After five years, the transplant is carried out less often - once every two to three years, in parallel, the top layer of the substrate is removed annually and replaced with a fresh one. This will provide adequate nutrition.
- Prune the plant as needed, but this should be done as little as possible. Otherwise, its leaves will lose their beauty and become small.
If you are afraid and sincerely believe in bad omens, then in this case, you better not start a monster in your house. The fact is that a plant can feel a hostile attitude and repay with flows of negative energy.
And here I would like to note that people who are engaged in the cultivation of this flower note only a positive impact on its part. In gratitude for the proper care, the monstera makes the air in the apartment cleaner, and the atmosphere is lively and comfortable.