Split-leaf philodendron – a plant full of holes

A beautiful plant with impressive, large leaves. This is Monstera deliciosa. In nature, you will find it in the tropical forests of Central and South America. The most noticeable and beautiful part of this plant are large leaves with a diameter of up to 60 cm. Monstera deliciosa also produces numerous aerial roots that allows it to climb. Young leaves are light green, but they darken over time and the characteristic notches and holes appear.

Split-leaf philodendron also blooms

An adult plant will surprise you with interesting flowers. They are beautiful, fluffy inflorescences surrounded by a creamy pith. The plant also produces edible fruits with a sour pineapple flavour… Did you know that? But you will rarely see fruits on philodendron grown in your apartment. Monstera deliciosa impresses with its size and exotic appearance. It also has pretty low growing requirements. Older plants can reach a height of 3 meters, but the growth is slow.

Photo: Pixabay

Cultivation

Split-leaf philodendron is rather undemanding and even a beginner can care for it. If you want your plant to bloom, you need to maintain temperature of about 24 °C. In winter, you need to reduce watering significantly. This plant cannot deal with too much water. Water the plant after the substrate has completely dried. Monstera deliciosa is a tropical plant and therefore loves high humidity so, you should moist leaves with an atomizer often. Use soft water. Good idea is to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth from time to time to remove dust and promote their beauty.

Soil

The best soil for cultivation is an airy, permeable, peaty soil. The spot should be partially shaded because monstera is sensitive to direct sunlight. Transplant the plant once a year – in the spring. If you have an older plant, your do not need to transplant it but replace the top layer of soil. Fertilize regularly with a fertilizer designed for indoor plants.

Preview photo: Pixabay