Monstera Remains Popular, IPB University Expert Explains Why

Amidst the ever-changing trends in ornamental plants, monstera remains one of the favorites among plant lovers. Dr Krisantini, a lecturer at the Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, explains several reasons why this plant is still popular and the challenges in cultivating it.

“Actually, there is no certainty about the specific reasons why monstera continues to be a major icon in the ornamental plant trend,” said Dr Krisantini. 

However, she said that the unique shape of the leaves and its durability as an indoor ornamental plant make monstera remain popular. Moreover, monstera with variations in leaf color, commonly known as ‘variegata’, is currently in high demand because of its uniqueness and beautiful patterns.

“The variety of colors and sizes are also added values that make it attractive over time,” she added.

Dr Krisantini also discussed the challenges of cultivating variegated monstera so that it retains its variegated pattern. She explained that variegation can occur due to genetic factors, chimera (a condition where one tissue/individual has cells with different genetic traits), or chemical induction.

“If variegation is genetic, the trait will be consistently passed on to the next generation. However, if it is chimeric, only certain parts of the plant will retain the pattern.

In general, she continued, variegation caused by chemicals cannot be passed down because it is physiological and damages the plant’s chlorophyll.

Regarding the sustainability of the monstera trend in the next five years, Dr Krisantini believes that this is difficult to predict. According to her, the popularity of a plant is greatly influenced by marketing, especially through social media such as Instagram and TikTok.

“There are people who are very skilled at promoting the value of a species, so they function as powerful influencers,” she said.

She added that plant species that have many functions—such as being used as cut leaves or potted plants, and being easy to maintain—will remain in demand, even though their prices may fall due to abundance in the market.

Meanwhile, for the ornamental plant collection market, the price of monstera variegata tends to decline over time. However, for the indoor ornamental plant rental market, prices remain relatively stable due to demand for indoor decoration. (dr) (IAAS/LAN)