Monstera deliciosa is also popular with another name, the Swiss cheese plant, split-leaf philodendron, and Mexican breadfruit. It is a large floor plant with one of the design world’s most recognisable leaves. Its “Swiss cheese” nickname derives from the distinctive holes and splits in its leaves, while its “breadfruit” moniker refers to the shape of its fruit. If you buy it from a plant shop and don’t know how to care for and grow monstera delicious, here is a guide that will help you. Have a look….
How to Care Monstera Deliciosa Plant
- Light
This evergreen prefers constant temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees F and indirect, bright sunlight. During the warmer months, an excess of direct light can burn the foliage. Nonetheless, place indoor plants in direct sunlight outdoors at least once per year to promote lush growth.
Outdoors, the monstera deliciosa plant can thrive in the full shade of dense forests and partial shade of lighter forests.
- Soil
When grown in a container, a peat-based potting mix is required. Outdoors it is appropriate for neutral or acidic pH sandy, clayey soils, and loamy. However, it thrives best in moderately moist, well-drained soil.
- Water
Throughout the growing season, water the plant every one to two weeks. Until excess water drains through drainage holes. Do not return excess water to the plant’s container, as the plant has already absorbed all the water it requires. The soil must become slightly dry between waterings. Watering is infrequent during the winter and fall. To increase humidity indoors, mist the plants with drain water or demineralised water from a spray bottle.
- Pruning
If aerial roots become too unruly for the available space, prune them; however, it is preferable to tuck them back into the pot. In contrast to the roots of other houseplants, theirs do not damage surfaces. The stems and leaves are amenable to pruning and can be utilised for propagation.
How to Grow Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa can be propagated easily through stem cuttings taken during pruning. However, air layering is the most popular method for propagating Monstera deliciosa. Listed below are the steps for each method:
To reproduce via stem cuttings:
- Using a sharp, clean pruning shear, remove a stem that contains at least two leaves, a node (a small bump from which the roots will emerge), and an aerial root.
- Add a pinch of ground cinnamon (a common spice available in grocery stores) to the cut on the mother plant. This will prevent the disease from entering the wound and promote fast healing.
- Place the cutting piece in a glass of water. Every three to five days, replace the water, and if possible, use rainwater or filtered water instead of tap water.
- In a couple of months, a cluster of roots will develop. Then, you can place your new plant in a pot with fresh soil and keep it moist as it adjusts to its new environment.
Monstera deliciosa plants are a treasure to have in your home, and they require minimal maintenance. Care for your monstera to receive numerous compliments and a healthy plant.