Swiss Cheese Plant - Monstera Deliciosa
English name:
Swiss Cheese Plant, Custard plant, Indian ivy, Fruit salad plant, Mexican breadfruit
Latin name:
Monstera Deliciosa
About me: |
The Monstera deliciosa is one of the more popular houseplant for years and there's little wonder why! A speedy grower and easy-pleaser, the Swiss Cheese plant is a great introductory plant for novices. |
Origin: |
Monstera are species of evergreen tropical vines/shrubs that are native to Central America. |
Water & Light |
Monstera likes to dry out a little between watering. Give a drink whenever the top two inches of soil feel dry. Normally every 1-2 weeks. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light. The Swiss Cheese plant will be ok in a semi-shaded spot, but she’ll grow much better somewhere that gets lots of light but not direct sun. |
Temperature: |
Average to room temperatures from 18-24°C but can cope with as low as 15°C but I'll grow really slowly at this temperature! |
Height/Growth: |
You can leave me trailing down or support me with a moss pole. My vines can get to lengths of up to 2 meter!
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Feed: |
One a month over the growing season, feed me with a balanced fertiliser. |
Grooming: |
Prune any dead leaves and re-pot me when I'm bursting out of my container.
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Care: |
Wipe my leaves to remove dust.
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Toxicity: |
Keep me away from children and pets. |
Fact: |
I'm a good air purifier, so I'll help filter airborne toxins.
If I'm getting to wild, you could train me to climb bamboo or a moss pole. |
FAQ's about Monstera problems:
It is an easy-going plant and is generally pest-free.
Treat pests as soon as they appear with weekly sprays of horticultural (neem) oil and regular wipe-downs of the plant.
- Leaves turning brown and crispy at the edges
Thirsty plant, under watered or high salt build up
- Wilting plant, dry compost
Under watered or pot-bound
Yellowing leaves or black stems, wet potting mix
Over watered