Split leaf philodendron and its scientific name Monstera deliciosa, also called as Swiss cheese plant, fruit salad plant, fruit salad tree, monster fruit, Mexican breadfruit, windowleaf, is the only ornamental aroid also grown for its fruit.
Split leaf philodendron and its scientific name Monstera deliciosa, also called as Swiss cheese plant, fruit salad plant, fruit salad tree, monster fruit, Mexican breadfruit, windowleaf, is the only ornamental aroid also grown for its fruit. In spite of its common name, it is not a member of the genus Philodendron but is in the same family Araceae.
It is one of the most widely cultivated of ornamental plants. Its handsome dark leaves, slow rate of growth, and tolerance of shade and low humidity make it an excellent house plant for temperate regions. In the tropics it is widely grown both indoors and as a garden and patio plant.
IDENTIFY SPLIT LEAF PHILODENDRON - MONSTERA DELICIOSA
Split leaf philodendron is native to tropical forests of southern Mexico, south to Panama. It has been introduced to many tropical areas, and has become a mildly invasive species in Hawaii, Seychelles, Ascension Island and the Society Islands. In nature this plant grows high into the rainforest canopy.
It is a stout sprawling plant, rupestral or epiphytic with glossy, heart-shaped or rounded leathery leaves that develop deep clefts and oblong perforations as they grow older. The leaves may be as much as 18” wide on foot-long leafstalks. The cultivars ‘Variegata’ and ‘Albovariegata’ have variegated foliage, and the leaves tend to be somewhat smaller than the species. Other related species, such as Monstera obliqua, have smaller leaves.
It can grow 70 feet or more and rarely branches. The heavy, cylindrical, 2½ -3” stems are rough with leaf scars. It produces numerous, long, tentacle-like aerial roots as it grows upward which attach to nearby branches and tree trunks. The tough roots grow downward from the thick stem and will root if they touch the ground.
The flowers, which are rarely if ever seen on houseplants, are a 8-12” long, creamy-white, Jack-in-the-pulpit type. The fleshy upright spike (spadix) with tiny flowers is surrounded by the boat-shaped spathe. It takes a little over a year for the fruit to mature, swelling into a 9” cone-like structure that looks sort of like a green cob of corn with hexagonal kernels. The edible fruits, called cerimans or monsteras, supposedly taste like a combination of banana, pineapple and mango and are high in potassium and Vitamin C. They are used to flavor drinks and ice cream, or are eaten fresh.
SPLIT LEAF PHILODENDRON - MONSTERA DELICIOSA CARE AND CULTURE
Monstera deliciosa is unsurpassed for creating a tropical atmosphere, either outdoors or in interior landscapes. It is excellent as a single specimen or in mass plantings if ample room is available. It is a striking house plant and does well in containers with good drainage. Young plants are often grown on moss “totem poles” indoors. It may also be used on a trellis or to cover walls and steep rock-cuts. It makes a good bank cover for shady locations.
Light:
Split leaf philodendron does best in bright light in summer and direct sun in winter. Intense sun exposure may cause leaf scorching. It can be grown under florescent light, but will not develop the leaf perforations when light is inadequate.
The plants grown in full sun are more productive than vines grown in shade. However, the leaves of vines grown in shade are a darker green and more aesthetically pleasing than those grown in full sun. Leaves grown in full sun tend to be light green and may show signs of sun burn (excessive sun exposure).
If fruit production is the primary reason for growing this plant, select a part of the landscape away from other trees, plants, buildings and structures, and power lines. If fruit production is not the primary reason for growing, the plants may be grown under the canopy of landscape trees. Whether grown in full sun or shade, the plant can become very large if they are not cut back to contain their size. Select the warmest area of the landscape that does not flood (or remain wet) after typical summer rainfall.
Temperature:
Monstera deliciosa prefers warm room temperature and medium to high humidity, but is fairly tolerant of a wide range of conditions once acclimated. Plants do not grow below 50ºF, however, and frost will kill them. Leaves are damaged or killed at 30 to 32°F (-1.0 to 0°C) and stems at 26 to 28°F (-2 to -3°C). In areas that experience cool temperatures, vines grow better if lightly shaded; especially during the winter months.
Substrate and growing media:
Split leaf philodendron grow well in a rich soil mix, with ample root room to promote larger leaf growth. They can be very vigorous growers and need support to keep the stems from breaking. Provide a tree bark or strong, moss-covered support sunk into the pot for the aerial roots to attach to. Sphagnum moss wrapped around a wooden slat, secured with monofi lament fishing line or nylon thread, will work well.
Watering:
Water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, being sure to also water the moss-covered support so the aerial roots can obtain water and nutrients. The leaves will “sweat” if the growing medium is too moist. If this happens, reduce watering to prevent root rot. Plants kept on the dry side will have slower growth. Water less in winter.
Fertilizer:
Monstera deliciosa fertilizer requirements do not appear to be high. After planting, when new growth begins, apply 1/4 lb. (113 g) of a complete dry fertilizer mix with 20 to 30% of the nitrogen from organic sources. A complete mix includes nitrogen, phosphate, potash, and magnesium. Repeat this every 8 weeks for the first year, then gradually increase the amount of fertilizer to 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 lb. (227 g, 341 g, 454 g) but decrease the frequency to 2 to 3 times per year as the vines grow.
Pruning:
Split leaf philodendron growth is easily controlled by cutting the stem and pulling the shallow roots out of the ground. Periodically, vines should be cut back to maintain them in their appropriate space, otherwise they will take over a large part of the landscape.
Propagation:
Monstera deliciosa may be propagated by seed, stem cuttings, suckers, and tissue culture. Most commonly, monstera is propagated by stem cuttings, which may be rooted first in containers or partially buried in the soil where they are intended to grow. Plants generated from cuttings may come into bearing in 4 to 6 years, whereas suckers begin fruit production in 2 to 4 years.
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