A closer look at the photos reveals that many of the leaves are sunburnt, with brown, crisp edges that sometimes spread further into the leaf. This is a common occurrence for split-leaf philodendrons when they experience sun scorch or a sudden change in their environment. While this may be a “psychological shock” for new plant parents, it’s something that long-time enthusiasts like Vân Trang have come to accept.
Vân Trang cultivates a variety of plants in her 1,000-square-meter villa in Ho Chi Minh City, including the split-leaf philodendron. The plants are positioned close to a wall, benefiting from ample sunlight and good ventilation—ideal conditions for their impressive growth.
The 9x actress is dwarfed by the enormous leaves of the philodendron. Despite being accustomed to leaf shedding, she still feels a sense of regret when her plants are affected by changing weather conditions.
Some of the leaves have turned yellow and are sunburnt, requiring trimming to prevent the spread of disease to the rest of the plant. However, for long-time Monstera enthusiasts like Vân Trang, this is just another day in the garden.
The “Bride Wars” actress further expressed her sentiments with a sad face emoji: “Because I believe that for every leaf that is cut, a new one will grow.”
Previously, she shared: “When I first started growing Monstera, I knew it preferred a shady spot, but I really wanted one on my rooftop terrace. So, I bought a plant for 800,000 VND, then had to spend an additional 1,800,000 VND on an umbrella and 350,000 VND on a sunshade to protect it from the sun. I really went all out for this plant.”
The beauty also recounted: “When I first started growing Monstera, I used to feel sad about every burnt leaf. I would cut them off with tears in my eyes, constantly blaming and reproaching myself throughout the day for forgetting to reopen the umbrella after a party, which resulted in the leaves getting sunburnt.”
“Now, I’m much more confident and decisive. If a leaf needs to be cut, I’ll trim it and either display or admire it indoors! It’s so enjoyable to look at them,” she enthused, explaining how she decorates her home with the elegant and aesthetically pleasing leaves.
The mother of four also takes care of her plants by spraying them with pesticides: “This morning, instead of admiring my plants, I was busy examining the leaves that I had neglected for several months. After the rainy season, I had to deal with various plant diseases. I carefully inspected each leaf, diagnosed the issues, and then prepared and sprayed the necessary treatments.”
The actress also cultivates variegated split-leaf philodendrons and humorously shares: “I bought a pair of gardening clogs to mark my obsession with variegated leaves… but no matter how much I look at them, they still remind me of agar-agar paintings.”
Split-leaf Philodendron—A Symbol of Modern Living
With the scientific name Monstera deliciosa, the split-leaf philodendron is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. The distinctive feature of this plant is its impressive leaf shape: large, glossy leaves with natural ridges or holes that aid in water drainage and reduce the risk of breakage during heavy rain or wind—an intelligent adaptation to the rainforest environment.
In Vietnam, this plant is commonly known as “trầu bà lá xẻ” or “Nam Mỹ trầu bà.” In recent years, Monstera has become one of the most popular houseplants among interior design enthusiasts due to its unique appearance and ability to instantly enhance living spaces. Whether placed indoors or outdoors, a pot of philodendron with its striking leaves can easily create a sense of elegance and connection to nature.
Aesthetic and Feng Shui Value
Beyond its decorative appeal, Monstera is believed to hold positive feng shui significance: attracting wealth and dispelling negative energy, while also purifying the air. Many people choose to place this plant in their living rooms, near windows, balconies, or porches to benefit from both natural light and fresh air, promoting the well-being of both the plant and the home.
In Vân Trang’s case, she has strategically planted her philodendrons along the curved white wall of her villa—a position that not only ensures good light diffusion but also accentuates the graceful curves of the leaves, almost like a living work of art. However, when the sun’s direction or intensity changes, the giant leaves can easily get scorched if their position is not adjusted or shielded, as seen in the photos.
Vân Trang incorporates split-leaf philodendrons among various other plants in multiple corners of her villa, from the front of the house to the balcony and rooftop…
Planting and Caring for Split-Leaf Philodendrons
Although considered an easy-going plant, ensuring the impressive growth of Monstera, as seen in Vân Trang’s home, requires attention to the following:
Light: Prefers indirect light. If grown outdoors, provide a shade net or place in an area with mild morning sun, avoiding the intense midday sun. For indoor plants, position them near a window with natural light.
Watering: Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering during the rainy season, and increase humidity during the dry season by misting the leaves.
Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. A mixture of light soil, coconut coir, and organic fertilizer can promote healthy root development.
Pruning: Regularly remove old, yellowing leaves to allow the plant to focus its energy on new growth. As in Vân Trang’s case, when leaves drop or show signs of disease, it’s crucial to clean up and trim the affected parts to prevent the spread of infection.
Pest Control: Monstera may be susceptible to red spider mites or mealybugs, especially in dry conditions. Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves and use biological controls if needed.
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