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Monstera deliciosa - Swiss Cheese Plant
The Plant: The Monstera is a tough, rubbery climbing plant with
large, heart-shaped but deeply incised leaves. The leaves may reach 60
cm across. Given sufficient time and space the Swiss Cheese Plant may
grow very tall, climbing easily to the ceiling of a conservatory, and
using its aerial roots to attach to any available supports. It may
produce white flowers, resembling lilies, and occasionally green, scaly
fruit shaped like cucumbers. The flesh of this fruit is creamy and
pulpy, and tastes of swiss cheese.
Its Needs: Good light but not direct sun for this sub-tropical
climber. The Monstera requires a winter temperature above 10C with
additional humidity in dry conditions. Plant the Swiss Cheese Plant in
enriched organic compost which allows good drainage.
Care: Feed monthly with a liquid fertiliser through the growing
season. Water sparingly in winter. Mist spray foliage regularly, and
sponge leaves if they become dusty. The larger the pot used for the
Monstera deliciosa the larger the plant will grow. The main stem of the
plant can be cut back to prevent excessive height but this will
encourage side growth. If the aerial roots become long and straggly they
can be tied into the main stem support, or trailed down into saucers of
water to hydrate the plant. Suitable support should be provided for the
Swiss Cheese Plant to prevent it becoming top-heavy and tipping the
container over. A strong moss-pole is normally used. This can be kept
moist to help with humidity. Watch for Scale pest, mealy bug and red
spider mite. The Monstera can be propagated by air-layering or by taking
cuttings.
Good for: Superb dark green rubbery foliage, (there is also a
variegated form), a vibrant sturdy plant, suitable for a large empty
space with room for climbing. An excellent plant for growing in a large
heated conservatory, with the possibility of producing the novelty
fruit.
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