Monstera deliciosa
| latin name: |
Monstera deliciosa |
| common name: |
Ceriman, Windowleaf, Split-leaf philodendron |
| family: |
Araceae (c) |
| group: |
Other green plants |
| origin: |
Mexico, India, Panama |
| climate: |
tropical |
| minimal winter temperature: |
10°C |
| ideal temperature: |
20°-24°C |
| light: |
shade |
| soil: |
peat-humus-loosely |
| Flower colour: |
yellow |
| rarity: |
yes |
| description: |
Monstera deliciosa is a popular foliage houseplant easily recognized by its large glossy leaves that are dissected with deep splits and perforated with oblong holes. In nature, Monstera is an evergreen liana that climbs high into the rain forest canopy, attaching itself to trunks and branches and supporting itself above the ground with long tentacle-like aerial roots. The aerial roots grow downward out of the thick stem and take root where they touch the ground. The vines are only sparingly branched and a single vine can reach more than 70%27 (170 cm) in length. The leaves of a young Monstera are heart shaped and without holes. They often overlap and cling closely to a tree trunk, and plants in that stage are called %22shingle plants.%22 Older plants develop the characteristic split and perforated adult leaves that stand away from the supporting tree trunk.
Monstera occurs naturally in the tropical jungles of Central America from southern Mexico to Panama.
Monstera is an easy houseplant to maintain. It tolerates dry air and semi-shade better than most plants. Add some liquid fertilize to the water every few weeks during the growing season. Direct the aerial roots into the potting medium to improve support for the weak stem. Wipe the dust off the leaves with a damp sponge periodically.
Monstera does best in half shade or a moderately bright position, but not in direct sun.
Moisture it during active growth, water Monstera plants thoroughly before the soil becomes dry. Water less in winter. Monstera tolerates the dry air typical of most homes fairly well, but it appreciates a little misting when humidity is very low.
House plants should not be exposed to temperatures below about 50°F (10°C) in winter or 55°F (13°C) at night in summer.
Start new Monsteras by cutting off a tip of stem just below an aerial root and potting the cutting. This can be done any time of the year.
All parts of Monstera deliciosa are poisonous except the ripe fruits. The plant contains oxalic acid and even the ripe fruits may be an irritant to particularly sensitive people.
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