How to grow Monstera Deliciosa?

Monstera Deliciosa is a tropical plant, having large leaves with splits. It is also known as Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron.

Monstera Deliciosa: Description

Native to central America, Monstera Deliciosa is a perennial vine that can grow up to 10 feet indoors and more if grown in a garden. An understory plant, this takes support from other plants and trees. Its leaves are leathery and heart-shaped with splits in them. Its leaves look like Swiss cheese; hence it got its name. Its leaves can grow up to two feet in diameter.

Deliciosa stands for the fruit produced by the Monstera Deliciosa. This is an edible fruit and is commonly known as Mexican breadfruit. The Monstera fruit takes a long time to mature and turns yellow when ripe. Indoor Monstera Deliciosa doesn’t yield fruits.

See also: Aloe Vera botanical name: Facts, types, benefits and care tips

Monstera Deliciosa: How to grow and maintain?

• Light: The plant thrives in bright and indirect light. It is advisable to keep it on a windowsill that receives good amount of indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight may burn its leaves. Note, if you find the leaves have small or no holes, then it means that the plant is not getting adequate light.

• Soil: Use soil that retains moisture. Peat moss, perlite, and compost helps in the plant growth.
• Watering: Ensure that Monstera Deliciosa is planted in a pot with good draining facility. The right time to water the plant is when the soil looks dry at the top. Note, overwatering may lead to root rot. During summers, the plant needs water regularly, however decrease the frequency of watering during winters.
• Humidity: This plant grows well in humid conditions. You can mist its leaves or place it in a water tray having pebbles to increase the humidity level around it.
• Temperature: Monstera Deliciosa grows well between 18°C and 29°C.
• Support: As Monstera Deliciosa is an understory plant with aerial roots and large leaves, it needs support to grow.
• Pruning: Prune the plant to maintain its shape. Remove yellow or damaged leaves so that the plant grows well.
• Propagation: Monstera Deliciosa can be propagated through stem cuttings that can be rooted into water or directly planted into soil. You can also choose the process of air layering that involves creating a root system in a mature stem when it is still attached to the mother plant. Once roots are developed, the stem can be separated.

Toxicity

Monstera Deliciosa’s leaves and stems contain calcium oxalate crystals that can be toxic to human beings and pets if ingested. It’s important to keep the plant out of reach from children and pets.

Monstera Deliciosa: Feng Shui placement

As per Feng Shui, Monstera Deliciosa is considered to bring in positive energy and abundance to a place.

Wealth and abundance: As the plant is associated with wealth and abundance, keep it at the place associated with finance and money in your home or office. The southeast corner of a house or office will be well-suited for it.

Balance and harmony: Monstera Deliciosa shows strong, and upward growth pattern. To create balance and harmony, place it in a room with tall furniture, or where the ceiling is high. This helps create a sense of vertical balance and promotes positive energy flow.

Entryway: Placing Monstera Deliciosa near the entrance of a house helps attract positive energy and invite abundance to your place.

Avoid cluttered space: Maintain a clutter-free space for positive energy to flow in. Keep the area around Monstera Deliciosa clean and organised, as this will support the plant’s energy.

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