Monstera deliciosa
On moss-pole 150
1MODEMK10
The Monstera comes in all shapes and sizes, is very easy to care for and the special leaves full of holes make it a trendy and popular plant. Would you like to know more about the care of this beautiful tropical Swiss cheese plant? Then read on quickly.
The Monstera is a creeping climbing plant that is native to the tropical rainforests from southern Mexico to Panama. The plant has a thick stem and large, glossy leaves. The leaves are distinctive because of their splits and the holes that develop in them. Because this is so unusual, the plant has been named ‘Monstera’, which means ‘abnormal’ in Latin. These holes and splits not only give the plant beauty, they are also very practical. They prevent the plant from being blown over in a storm because the wind and rain mostly pass through the splits.
The correct location
A Monstera prefers a bright environment. However, do not expose the plant directly to the sun and definitely do not put it in a window with the sun shining directly on it because that can lead to burnt leaves. If the plant does not grow any new leaves over the summer months, then the plant’s location is probably too dark. Move the pot so that it catches more sunlight. Do not expect any new leaves to grow during winter. The Monstera is dormant from October to April.
Watering the Monstera
In the spring and summer, a Monstera’s soil needs to be kept slightly moist. Give the plant more water as soon as the soil begins to dry up. In the winter, it is fine to leave the soil feeling dry for about a week. The amount of watering depends on several factors, such as the location and the size of the plant. Therefore, start with small amounts of water when watering. If the soil is still very wet after four days, reduce the amount you give when watering. Spraying the plant regularly is recommended. Particularly climbing species, with aerial roots, enjoy being sprayed.
Discoloured leaves
If the Monstera’s leaves become discoloured, the plant might be shedding old leaves to make space for new ones. In this case, it is often the lower leaves of the plant. If many leaves, all over the plant, suddenly become discoloured, it might be due to a mistake in the cultivation. Brown or yellow edges on a Monstera are commonly caused by overwatering. In that case, we recommend watering less frequently and reducing the amount of water given. If the leaves have a yellowish gleam and hang limp, this is most likely caused by too much sunlight. Move the plant a metre further from the window.
Guiding and pruning runners
A wild Swiss cheese plant grows round the trunk of another tree. A moss stick mimics the trunk and guides the plant upwards. When the Monstera is several years old, a number of offshoots appear. These are aerial roots that are searching for something on which to attach. Tie them to the stick to help the plant continue to grow upwards and maintain its attractive shape. Tip: keep the moss stick moist so that the roots can attach themselves more easily. Long runners, ugly leaves or old stalks can be cut off at the base of the offshoot using pruning shears.