Houseplant Care - Monstera, Ficus & More
Leafy plant care — Monstera, Ficus & more
The most popular green plants: personalized care tips, cleaning leaves, and solving common problems
Leafy plants are the interior stylists of the houseplant world — big, sculptural leaves that turn any room into an urban jungle. Here are the basic care tips for the most popular varieties.
Leafy plants for your home
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant)
The Instagram star of houseplants — its signature split leaves are unmistakable.
- Light: Bright to partial shade, no direct midday sun. The holes in the leaves (fenestration) only develop with enough light.
- Watering: When the top 3–4 cm of soil are dry. In summer every 7–10 days, in winter every 2–3 weeks.
- Humidity: Loves high humidity — mist regularly or use a humidifier.
- Support: A moss pole or coco pole gives the plant support as it climbs.
- Repotting: Every 1–2 years in spring. It grows fast!
Ficus (rubber plant, fiddle-leaf fig & more)
Ficus elastica (rubber plant)
- Light: Bright, and it can handle some direct sun. Varieties with variegated leaves need more light.
- Watering: Moderate — let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
- Leaves: Wipe the large, glossy leaves with a damp cloth — it instantly looks better and helps the plant absorb more light.
- Note: The milky sap released when pruning can cause skin irritation.
Ficus lyrata (fiddle-leaf fig)
- Light: Very bright — ideally right by a window. Doesn’t do well in dark corners.
- Watering: Water when the top 3 cm are dry. It hates both waterlogging AND drought — the diva of foliage plants.
- Moving it: Don’t relocate it — the fiddle-leaf fig reacts sensitively to change and may drop its leaves.
- Humidity: Mist regularly, especially in winter.
Philodendron
A large family with many varieties — from trailing types (Heartleaf) to giants (Philodendron bipinnatifidum). Generally easy to care for.
- Light: Medium to bright light, no direct sun. Very adaptable.
- Watering: Water when the top 2–3 cm are dry. Forgives the occasional lapse.
- Growth: Fast-growing — prune regularly or let it trail.
- Propagation: Extremely easy — place a cutting in water, and roots will form after 2–3 weeks.
Calathea (Prayer Plant)
Beautiful leaf patterns — but the most demanding foliage plant.
- Light: Indirect light, no direct sun (it burns the leaves). Perfect for partially shaded spots.
- Watering: Keep evenly moist — never let it dry out, but avoid waterlogging. Rainwater or filtered water is best (sensitive to limescale).
- Humidity: Needs at least 50%, ideally 60%+. Perfect for the bathroom. Or use a humidifier or a pebble tray with water.
- Special feature: The leaves fold up in the evening (which is why it’s called the “prayer plant”) and open again in the morning — fascinating!
Clean the leaves: Dusty leaves don’t just look unattractive — they also absorb less light. Wipe them down every 2–4 weeks with a soft, damp cloth. Large plants can be placed in the shower (lukewarm water).
Common problems with foliage plants
- Brown leaf tips: Air that’s too dry (especially from heating!). Solution: mist regularly, use a humidifier, or place it on a pebble tray.
- Yellow leaves: overwatering (the most common cause), nutrient deficiency, or too little light. More on watering.
- Brown spots: sunburn (direct sun), fungal infection, or cold water on the leaves.
- No new leaves: Too little light or not enough nutrients. Repot and fertilize in spring/summer.
- Drooping leaves: lack of water (check!) or root rot from overwatering (check the roots).
Foliage plants at MO BLUMEN Vienna
Monstera, Ficus, Philodendron, and more — delivered all across Vienna.
Frequently asked questions
Young Monstera leaves are always heart-shaped and without holes. The characteristic holes (fenestration) only develop as the plant matures, and especially when it gets enough light. Solution: move the plant to a brighter spot (no direct sun) and be patient. A climbing support (moss pole) also encourages the growth of larger, holey leaves.
Most foliage plants are easy to propagate from cuttings: cut off a shoot with at least one node (a thickened part of the stem), place it in water, and after 2–4 weeks roots will form. Then plant it in soil. This works especially well with Monstera, Philodendron, pothos, and rubber plant.
Many popular foliage plants are mildly toxic if eaten: Monstera, Philodendron, pothos, Ficus, and Dieffenbachia can cause stomach irritation in cats and dogs. Pet-friendly alternatives: spider plant, Calathea, banana plant, Kentia palm, and Boston fern.