Creating your very own indoor jungle is a fantastic way to bring life and energy into your home. One of the most popular and eye-catching houseplants is the Monstera, known for its large, vibrant green leaves and tropical vibes.
Why stop there, though? To truly elevate your indoor jungle experience, consider adding companion plants that complement your magnificent Monstera.
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By carefully selecting complementary plants, you will not only enhance the aesthetics of your indoor space but also create an environment that supports the overall health and well-being of your plant family.
Think of it as a mini-ecosystem – your plants will thrive together, providing each other with beneficial nutrients, humidity, and air purification.
Plus, the varied foliage, textures, and colors of these companion plants will create a captivating visual harmony.
In this article, we’ll discuss 10 stunning companion plants that you can add to your indoor jungle, boosting the ambiance and vitality of your Monstera.
We’ll offer helpful tips for selecting the perfect plant partners and creating an exceptional indoor sanctuary that’s teeming with lush growth and breathtaking beauty.
Your home will be transformed into a welcoming oasis filled with verdant life and enchanting natural charm.
The Concept of Companion Planting
Creating a gorgeous indoor jungle doesn’t have to be a struggle.
Companion planting is an excellent way for you to beautify your space while ensuring the health and growth of your Monstera and other plants.
Companion planting is an age-old practice where plants are strategically placed close together to benefit one another.
This practice not only enhances the beauty of your space but also helps plants to grow healthier and more robust.
Some plants thrive when grown alongside specific species, enhancing each other’s growth, health, and natural pest resistance.
Here are some benefits of companion planting:
- Enhanced plant growth: Some plants release chemicals that stimulate the growth of their companions.
- Pest management: Many plants can repel pests, preventing infestations on their neighbors.
- Shade and support: Some plants provide natural shade, wind protection, or structure for their companions.
In the following section, we’ll dive into the 10 companion plants that will work harmoniously with your Monstera to create a stunning and healthy indoor jungle.
This list caters to various plant preferences, ensuring there’s a suitable companion for everyone’s unique taste and indoor environment.
10 Companion Plants for Your Monstera
Here are ten companion plants that pair perfectly with Monstera, along with their basic care instructions.
1. Philodendron
Philodendron is a large genus of plants that includes both trailing and upright types, with many variants like the popular Heart-Leaf Philodendron (see picture above).
There are dozens of species each with varying colors, shapes and features. Some of these include the Philodendron Verrucosum, Thaumatophyllum xanadu, and the Philodendron gloriosum.
Philodendrons love similar conditions to Monstera, making them perfect companions.
Ensure they have bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist. However, be careful not to overwater.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is an excellent companion for your Monstera. Its beautiful cascading vines create a stunning visual contrast.
It has many different varieties including the golden Pothos, marble queen, satin, Jessenia, manjula, neon (see picture above), and some variegated types.
Pothos is also easy to care for and can tolerate low light conditions, making it perfect for your indoor jungle.
Place your Pothos in medium to low indirect light, and water it when the top inch of soil is dry.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is known for its thick, dark green leaves, making it an excellent contrast to Monstera’s swiss cheese leaves.
This plant can tolerate lower light levels and prefers to be on the dry side. Water it only when the soil has dried out.
4. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Snake plants, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, are another great choice. They have tall, upright leaves that contrast with Monstera’s sprawling growth.
Snake plants are also air-purifying and can tolerate a wide range of light conditions. Snake Plants can survive in a variety of light conditions, but they prefer bright, indirect light.
Water them sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
5. Calathea
Known for their beautifully patterned leaves, Calatheas make a beautiful pair with Monstera.
They prefer low to medium light and consistently moist soil.
They also prefer higher humidity, so consider placing them in a bathroom or using a pebble tray to increase moisture levels.
6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lilies are renowned for their stunning white flowers, which contrast beautifully with the lush greenery of the Monstera.
They enjoy medium to low light and need to be kept consistently moist.
If your Peace Lily starts to droop, it’s a clear sign it needs watering.
7. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are classic indoor plants that will fit well within your Monstera jungle.
Their long, arching leaves create a wonderful visual balance with a Monstera’s broad foliage. Plus, spider plants are very easy to care for and have air-purifying properties.
They prefer bright, indirect light, and like their soil to dry out between waterings.
With its long, arching leaves and tiny white flowers, Spider Plants add a different texture to your indoor jungle.
8. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is a classic indoor plant that can add a touch of elegance to your Monstera jungle.
Its trailing vines create a beautiful cascading effect when grown alongside your Monstera. Just be sure to give it enough light to thrive.
It prefers medium to bright light and needs the soil to remain moist. Be careful, though, as this plant can be invasive if not managed properly indoors.
English Ivy, with its delicate vines and leaves, offers a wonderful contrast to Monstera’s large, bold leaves.
9. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plants bring height and architectural intrigue to your indoor jungle. Their dark, glossy leaves provide an eye-catching contrast to Monstera’s large, split foliage.
Rubber plants are also low-maintenance and can tolerate a range of light conditions.
With its large, glossy leaves, the Rubber Plant matches the scale of the Monstera and makes a great addition to your indoor jungle.
It prefers bright, indirect light, and needs the soil to dry out between waterings.
10. Dracaena
Dracaena plants offer unique foliage and intriguing height variation to your Monstera display.
They can grow quite tall, providing a gorgeous backdrop for your indoor jungle.
Dracaenas also help purify the air and are flexible when it comes to light conditions, but do best in bright, indirect light.
They prefer their soil to dry out between waterings.
Benefits of Creating an Indoor Jungle
Creating an indoor jungle with your Monstera and its companion plants offers numerous advantages.
Air Purification
One primary advantage of having an indoor jungle, is the improvement in air quality.
Many plants, including Monstera, are effective at purifying the air, removing contaminants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
These compounds can be harmful to your health, causing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
By adding a variety of plants to your indoor space, you can create a healthier and cleaner environment to live and breathe in.
Aesthetic Appeal
Indoor jungles are not just functional but also visually appealing. The lush greenery from your Monstera and its companions can transform any room into a serene oasis.
Vibrant foliage, interesting textures, and intriguing plant shapes add depth and character to your living space.
When carefully planning your plant selection and layout, consider:
- Color combinations: mix and match different shades of green for a dynamic look
- Foliage patterns: stripes, spots, and marbled patterns can create visual interest
- Plant height and growth habits: create layers with trailing, bushy, and tall plants for a true jungle feel
Stress Reduction
Surrounding yourself with a gorgeous indoor jungle filled with Monstera and companion plants has psychological benefits too.
Spending time in a green environment can soothe your mind and help you feel more relaxed and focused. Taking care of your indoor plants is a calming activity that can serve as a productive break from your daily routine.
Additionally, nurturing your plants and watching them grow can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost your overall well-being.
Each Plant Needs TLC
It’s essential to care for each of your plant companions properly.
Make sure to place your indoor plants in sunlight conditions that suit their needs, provide adequate watering, and consider the requirements of each species.
Lastly, enjoy the process of creating and maintaining your indoor jungle.
Personalize your space with plants that speak to your aesthetic preferences and create a retail haven in which you can find relaxation and inspiration.
Embrace the growing community of indoor jungle enthusiasts, and share your experiences with friends and fellow green thumbs.
Share this article to entice more gardeners to try indoor companion planting!
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