Monstera

The Monstera genus includes 27 species of evergreen climbing lianas with a lignified stem from 2 to 3 m long. The most famous species is Monstera deliciosa, which is widely distributed in indoor culture. This plant is also mistakenly called philodendron holed (Philodendron pertusum). Young leaves are dark green, heart-shaped, whole, later they reach 1 m in length and 60 cm in width, the edges become deeply indented, and numerous characteristic holes appear on the blades in the form of an elongated oval. Aerial roots are formed at the nodes of the stem, allowing the plant to attach to a tree or other support. Adult plants sometimes bloom: in summer, rather unsightly inflorescences appear-cobs, surrounded by a yellowish-cream leaf - blanket. It is less common in collections of Monstera punctured (M. pertusa) - a species with dark green symmetrical leaves. Monstera Pittera (M. pittieri) is distinguished by its thinner and more pointed silvery-green leaves.

The Monstera genus includes 27 species of evergreen climbing lianas with a lignified stem from 2 to 3 m long. The most famous species is Monstera deliciosa, which is widely distributed in indoor culture.

This plant is also mistakenly called philodendron holed (Philodendron pertusum). Young leaves are dark green, heart-shaped, whole, later they reach 1 m in length and 60 cm in width, the edges become deeply indented, and numerous characteristic holes appear on the blades in the form of an elongated oval. Aerial roots are formed at the nodes of the stem, allowing the plant to attach to a tree or other support.

Adult plants sometimes bloom: in summer, rather unsightly inflorescences appear-cobs, surrounded by a yellowish-cream leaf - blanket.

It is less common in collections of Monstera punctured (M. pertusa) - a species with dark green symmetrical leaves.

Monstera Pittera (M. pittieri) is distinguished by its thinner and more pointed silvery-green leaves.

Cultivation

Plants of the genus Monstera in indoor culture are valued for their ease of care and resistance to diseases and pests. Adult specimens require the installation of supports; ideally, bamboo sticks are wrapped in moss. The hydroponic method of growing monsters is widespread. The soil substrate consists of a mixture of peat, leaf humus and garden soil (1:1:1) and fill with a complex fertilizer at the rate of 20 g per bucket of soil. In the spring and summer period, a complex mineral fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation every 20-30 days at the rate of 10 g per bucket.

Location

Monstrosities require intense ambient light, and they should not be placed in direct sunlight, especially in summer, as this can cause leaf burns. In a shaded area, plants form very small leaves.

Temperature

The minimum possible winter temperature is 12-15 °C, the optimal temperature is about 20 °C; it is permissible to increase the temperature to 27-30 °C and even more if the room is well ventilated and high humidity is maintained.

Watering

Regular watering is a prerequisite for successful cultivation. In the spring-summer period, water is watered more often and more abundantly (however, water should not stagnate in the soil), in the autumn-winter period-less often and more moderately. It is important to maintain a certain humidity around the plant by wetting the moss wrapping the supports, setting the pot in a tray with wet pebbles or soaked peat, or regularly spraying the plant with water.

Transplant

Young plants are transplanted into a new container every spring, until the diameter of the pot reaches 30 cm. After that, monstera is transplanted every 2-3 years or limited to replacing the surface layer of soil.

Care

It is usually enough to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove the dust. Allow the use of lustrating solutions, but in moderation.

Reproduction

Monstera are easily propagated in spring by cuttings both apical and lateral; the section of the stem should be with leaves. The presence of aerial roots on the cuttings also contributes to better survival. They are planted in the ground from a mixture of sand and peat in equal parts to root; they maintain a fairly high temperature (24-27 °C) and high humidity. As soon as they have roots, cuttings are planted separately in pots.

Diseases

Leaf spots appear as a result of a lack or excess of moisture, light, or nutrients. If you strictly follow the recommended growing conditions, the leaves will be healthy. Spider mite, which multiplies rapidly with insufficient watering and dry air, is the cause of the appearance of dots on the leaves, gradually merging into one spot. On the underside of the leaf, you can find tiny cobwebs. Against the spider mite, some acaricidal preparation is used and subsequently the required humidity level is maintained around the plant. When worms appear and black leaves are rubbed with alcohol, after which the plant is treated with an anti-coccidal drug.

Acquisition

Monsteras are easily found in gardening centers and flower shops at any time. You should choose a well-formed plant, preferably with a wooden support wrapped in moss. The condition of the foliage should be perfect, the plant has already formed large leaves with holes, as well as young, green, shiny, heart-shaped leaves.

Interesting facts and some useful information Monstera attractive is called the Mexican bread plant, because its greenish fruits are edible. They are formed, as a rule, only in the conditions of natural growth. Their flesh has a pineapple-like smell. All representatives of the genus Monstera are characterized by the presence of aerial roots on the stem, some of which serve to attach to trees, while others reach the ground and take root. In potted plants, they cannot be cut off: freely hanging roots that do not wrap around the support should be directed in the direction of the pot so that they can take root. Monsters are often grown hydroponically: they very easily form roots in water, where they place a stem stalk with a pair of leaves located directly under the aerial root.

Interesting facts and some useful information

Monstera attractive is called the Mexican bread plant, because its greenish fruits are edible. They are formed, as a rule, only in the conditions of natural growth. Their flesh has a pineapple-like smell.

All representatives of the genus Monstera are characterized by the presence of aerial roots on the stem, some of which serve to attach to trees, while others reach the ground and take root. In potted plants, they cannot be cut off: freely hanging roots that do not wrap around the support should be directed in the direction of the pot so that they can take root.

Monsters are often grown hydroponically: they very easily form roots in water, where they place a stem stalk with a pair of leaves located directly under the aerial root.