Monstera Deliciosa Growing Conditions and Caring Tips (Swiss Cheese Plant)
This article covers one of the most overrated plants, and yet this plant joined my garden family most unexpectedly. This plant is quite royal as compared to my other plants, not only because of its price but because of its unique beauty as well.
Monstera is native to Central America and has two different varieties- Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Adansonii. The only difference between these two is that of the structure of their leaves. In the case of Monstera Deliciosa, the holes at the leaf surface grow towards the edge. But in the case of Monstera Adansonii, the leaves are a bit longer, and the holes are entirely enclosed on the leaf surfaces. However, both varieties of Monstera require the same conditions to grow.
Also, there are very interesting fun facts about Monstera which will be revealed at the end of the article. I bet you guys might not be aware of them, and to know what they are, go on reading!
The Growing conditions of Monstera are as follows:
Water Requirements
This plant needs to be watered at least once a week, particularly when the soil surface gets hard and dry. The plant isn’t amongst the water-resistant plants, so avoid giving it extremely dry drought-like conditions. A pro-tip here is that Monstera loves filtered water. You can even leave leftover water overnight and then use it to water the plant in the morning.
Humidity
This is a secret to keep this plant green and happy. Monstera prefers humidity, and thus using a mister to spray water on its leaves will really soothen the plant, and give a boost to its growth.
Sunlight
Monstera requires light to medium sunlight, preferably in direct sunlight. Although the plant can be made accustomed to direct sunlight too, it thrives at its best when kept in indirect bright sunlight.
Temperature
Since Monstera is an indoor plant, it grows much well in the normal room temperature, somewhere between 15–30degree Celsius. This temperature range is the most ideal one for Monstera, a bit up and down can harm the plant.
Soil Type
I would suggest you all opt for an indoor potting mix soil. Just make sure to give Monstera a well-draining soil, but avoid overwatering the soil, else the sogginess can kill the plant.
Pest Problems
The good news is that usually, Monstera does not attract pests easily, yet if you see some on its leaves or stems, neem oil serves the best to get rid of them. In fact, you can wash the plant well, and this will too keep the pests away if any.
Precautions
The only precaution you need to keep in mind about Monstera is that it can cause irritation to pets like dogs and cats, and even humans if they eat up its leaves. So try keeping it away from your pets and children too.
FUN FACTS
As promised, here are the fun facts about Monstera.
· The first one is that the natural holes on the leaf’s surface make the plant so popular that it has got its nickname as the Swiss-cheese plant.
· These holes on Monstera leaf are termed as fenestrations and are known to increase the amount of sunlight captured by the plant as they expand the surface of the leaves.
· The last and the most interesting fact about Monstera, particularly Monstera Deliciosa is that it bears rare flowers and edible fruits. I look forward to that fruit on my plant, and if I got that chance, I’ll surely share it with you guys.
If you too plan to bring it home, then please do keep in mind all its growing conditions shared in the article.
I love to answer your queries, so if you have any doubts about Monstera Deliciosa, please feel free to ask in the response box below.
