Emm's Plant House

Monstera deliciosa 17cm H55cm

£22.00 GBP

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Pot Size 17cm H55cm

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Monstera deliciosa, commonly known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a popular tropical plant known for its large, glossy leaves with distinctive splits and holes. Native to the rainforests of Central America, Monstera deliciosa is a fast-growing plant that can be grown as a houseplant or in the garden in tropical climates. It is valued for its striking foliage and ability to thrive in a variety of indoor conditions, making it a favorite in both home decor and plant collections.

Full Botanical Name: Monstera deliciosa
Common Names: Swiss Cheese Plant, Hurricane Plant, Fruit Salad Plant
Country and/or Region of Origin: Native to Central America, including southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica
Growing Conditions in Native Habitat: Grows as a climbing vine in the shaded understory of tropical rainforests, where it thrives in humid environments and receives filtered sunlight.

Care Guide

Care Guide:

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate lower light, its growth and leaf development are best in moderate to bright light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.

Ideal Room: Ideal for living rooms, offices, or bathrooms with high humidity. It can also be placed on a climbing structure to allow it to vine, adding a lush, tropical feel to any space.

Feeding: Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer. Reduce feeding during the fall and winter months when the plant is in dormancy.

Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity, typical of its native tropical environment. It will thrive in bathrooms, kitchens, or rooms with a humidifier. It can also tolerate average household humidity levels.

Ideal Temperature: Best kept between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Protect from temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as it is sensitive to cold drafts and frost.

Watering: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the plant has good drainage and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. During the winter months, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging.

Pet/Child Safe: Toxic to pets (cats and dogs) and children if ingested. It contains compounds that can cause irritation, so keep out of reach of young children and animals.

Soil Type: Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. A mix designed for tropical plants or aroids works well, ensuring proper moisture retention without allowing the roots to sit in excess water.

Propagation: Propagate by stem cuttings. Simply cut a healthy stem with at least one node, place it in water or moist soil, and roots will develop within a few weeks. The cutting can be transferred to a pot once well-established.

Eventual Height and Spread: Can grow up to 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) tall in the wild, but typically grows up to 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) indoors. It has a spreading growth habit, and the leaves can reach up to 3 feet (90 cm) wide when mature.

Growth Rate: Fast-growing. Monstera deliciosa can grow several feet a year under ideal conditions, making it a great plant for adding a lush, tropical touch to any space.

Pests and Treatment: Generally pest-resistant but may occasionally attract spider mites, aphids, or scale insects. Treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap to keep the plant healthy.

Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage to promote healthy root growth.

Pruning: Prune dead or yellowing leaves regularly to maintain a tidy appearance. Pruning can also help control the plant’s size and encourage fuller growth. Cut back leggy stems to promote new growth.

Air Purification: Like many tropical plants, Monstera deliciosa helps improve indoor air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, making it a beneficial addition to your home or office.

Folklore: Monstera species are often associated with good luck, health, and abundance. The unique appearance of Monstera deliciosa is seen as a symbol of vitality and growth in many cultures.

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