Monica the Monstera: The Green Queen Who Started It All!

Monica the Monstera: The Green Queen Who Started It All

Once upon a time, in the chaotic jungle that is my living room, there lived a Monstera deliciosa named Monica. She didn’t just survive my early plant parent days—she thrived. And let’s be real, that’s no small miracle considering I’m the person who forgets laundry in the washer for a week. (Yes, it’s gross. No, I’m not changing. Moving on.)

Monica wasn’t just any plant. She was the first plant I didn’t kill.

And so the chaotic plant parent journey begun, with the green queen known as monica the monstera!

Monica: More Than Just a Plant

If you’re rolling your eyes and thinking, “Big deal, it’s just a plant,” let me stop you right there. Monica is not just a plant. She’s my OG, the HBIC (Head Botanical In Charge), and the green goddess who birthed Redefining Foliage.

Monica’s journey wasn’t just about surviving; it was about inspiring. Let me tell you how she went from Costco reject to literal queen of my plant chaos.

The Beginning of Monica’s Reign

Picture this: I’m 31, burnt out, and riding the rollercoaster of ADHD and autism while juggling kids and life chaos. Plants? Not even on my radar.

And then I saw her.

Monica was sitting on a shelf at Costco, a scrappy little $9.99 Monstera with big “take me home” energy. She was practically screaming, “You can’t possibly make my life worse!” How do you say no to that kind of vibe? Spoiler: you don’t.

Learning the Chaotic Way

Bringing Monica home was like adopting a green baby that was high-maintenance but weirdly forgiving. I knew nothing about plant care. Like, zero. Zip. Nada.

There were incidents. Overwatering? Check. Underwatering? Oh, absolutely. A crispy leaf sacrifice to the sun gods? RIP, you brave soldier.

But Monica didn’t just survive my chaos—she thrived. She taught me that plant parenthood isn’t about perfection. It’s about trial, error, and finding joy in the mess. Her roots weren’t just growing in her pot; they were rooting me in a calm and purpose I hadn’t felt in years.

Monica Getting Big! She was BEGGING for a thick AF pole at this point!

From Monica to Redefining Foliage

Monica wasn’t just the first plant I kept alive—she was the spark for a whole movement. With her as my muse, I launched Redefining Foliage, a community for plant parents who love their green babies fiercely, even if they don’t have their shit together.

Through Monica, I’ve learned that plant care can be messy, chaotic, and imperfect—and that’s where the magic is. It’s not about perfectly curated plant shelves or aesthetic Instagram feeds. It’s about connection, growth, and embracing the chaos.

The Queen Still Reigns

Fast-forward to today, and Monica is bigger, bolder, and more dramatic than ever. Her leaves are showstoppers, her aerial roots have taken over my living room, and her energy is pure royalty. She’s not just a plant; she’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much growth is possible—even in chaos.

Her Moss Pole Glow Up was IINCREDIBLE! check out these STUNNING Leaves! May 2024!

Monica’s Legacy

So here’s to Monica, the green queen who started it all. She’s the heart of Redefining Foliage and proof that even when life feels overwhelming, we can find our roots—and maybe a little joy—in the madness.

Got a Monica of your own? Give her some extra love today. Queens deserve their crowns—and maybe a good misting, too.

Stay chaotic, my planty friends. 🌿👑

P.S. Head Over to Instagram to stay in the loop on Monica and Check out how she is doing because YES, the green queen is still thriving - ish.