With their ornamental decorative leaves, popular Monstera species, such as the delicious window leaf, inspire us to imaginative decoration ideas. Find out here how you can conjure up an elegant bowl from a leaf or create a great eye-catcher with surprising added value in the vase.
How to use a monstera leaf decoratively?
A Monstera leaf can be used as a decorative bowl or vase ornament. For the shell you need air-hardening modeling clay, a base, a rolling pin and a sharp kitchen knife. As a vase decoration, you should cut the leaf diagonally and place it in lime-free water with a piece of charcoal.
From the leaf to the decorative bowl – this is how the feat is achieved
To turn a large Monstera leaf into a pretty bowl, all you need is air-hardening modeling clay (€7.00 at Amazon) from the craft store, a sturdy base, a rolling pin and a sharp kitchen knife. You should also have sandpaper handy for fine work. Follow these steps correctly:
- Shape the modeling clay into a ball with your hands
- Roll out the ball on the base using the rolling pin to the size of the sheet
- Cut off the leaf stem and place the back of the window leaf on the modeling clay
- Press the sheet and carefully remove it again
- Cut the contours of the leaf with the kitchen knife
Now lay out the modeled leaf shape and the base to dry in such a way that it inevitably has to bend. A woven basket or a flat cardboard box are well suited for this. The window leaf shell will be completely dry within 24 to 48 hours. By sanding any uneven edges with the fine sandpaper, you can add the finishing touches to your authentic Monstera leaf bowl.
Monstera leaf as vase decoration - eye-catcher with benefit
Your majestic window leaf is a green treasure trove for decorative vase decorations. The exotic climbing plant has long since evolved from being an extra to being a leading actor in creative living space design. So why not put the majestic leaves in a vase? This creative design variant also has a pleasant side effect. This is how it works:
- Cut the selected leaf with a sharp, clean knife
- Cut the bottom end slightly diagonally and let it dry for 60 minutes
- Fill the vase with rainwater or stale tap water
- Add a piece of charcoal to prevent rot formation
- Place in a bright, not full sunny location
By regularly replacing the lime-free water, the window leaf will last in the vase for weeks. With a little luck, fresh roots will sprout from the cut on the leaf stalk. If you've had enough of the vase decoration, don't throw the leaf away. Potted in a pot with potting soil, turn the decorative leaf into a cutting and grow a young window leaf from it.
Tip
Despite all your enthusiasm for the magnificent window leaf, please note that the exotic climbing plant has a dark side. The arum plant is permeated with toxic ingredients that can trigger unpleasant allergic reactions upon mere skin contact. Therefore, please wear gloves for all cutting and care work.
