We’re sure you’ve seen the false philodendron on the cover of a magazine, or in someone’s living room. It is one of the most popular species in decoration. Learn about its attributes and care here.
The false philodendron has fascinating large leaves, voluminous roots and captivating flowers. This South American plant is gaining popularity, thanks to its aesthetic appearance and ease of maintenance. Before, the tendency was to plant them in the gardens in a place where the sun did not burn them, but now the tendency is to grow them in pots inside the house.
In the field of professional decoration, the species has won a place. You can even see it on the covers of magazines.
On social networks, we often see her in the background. How to maintain and grow this famous plant? So read on to find out.
False philodendron, a plant that captivates indoors and outdoors
The tropical appearance of the false philodendron is one reason why this plant is highly prized. It is usually found in the patio, in the garden or on the balcony. But it is also found inside the house.
These plants thrive properly at temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, with shade and high humidity.
This species is often chosen for decorate residential and commercial buildings, resorts and hotels, for example. It is often found in the layout of gardens, parks and green spaces, occupying borders, flower beds or adorning the base of a tree.
The numerical identifier of the plant highlights that the use of the species indoors is due to its size, its ostentation and its feeling of freshness.
A few facts about the false philodendron
It’s about a perennial and robust with large heart-shaped green leavesvery divided and perforated.
Its scientific name is Yummy monstera. It belongs to the Araceae family, and from it a spathe-shaped flower is born, which grows between May and October. It is white in color and measures slightly over 20 centimeters in length.
The plant develops thick, even aerial roots capable of clinging to supports and resembling a vine. In these cases, it is necessary to integrate a tutor to help him stay upright.
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The care to be given to the false philodendron
These plants do not require strict care, although it is worth monitoring certain conditions. In general, they are easy to maintain. Let’s see how to help this plant thrive.
1. Moderate watering
Touch the earth to find out if it is wet. If so, avoid watering. If it is dry, proceed to watering without flooding.
For this, it is worth using pots with drainage. During the cold seasons, it is enough to give them water every week. During hot seasons or if the environment is very dry, it is necessary to water the plant several times a week.
There are those who do not consider it relevant to spray the leaves of this plant with water. Others defend this practice, considering it a method of prevention against pests.
2. Appropriate lighting and temperature
When you leave the plant outside, leave it in the shade or where the sun does not reach it directly. This contributes to the growth of flowers after three years. Indoors, delicious monstera does not require much light, but it does not flower either.
This species supports lower temperatures, as long as they are not lower than 0°C; the cold would burn her. It should also not be placed next to heat-generating devices.
3. Reproduction by cuttings
Propagation is by cuttings, taking advantage of aerial roots. It is enough to cut a stalk and put it in a prepared container with a light substrate. Put the plant in a lighted room, without the sun reaching it, and water it.
She can also be reproduced by seeds. However, this is only feasible in tropical climates and involves more rigorous care and higher cost.
4. Regular size
Before pruning the plant, it is necessary to sterilize garden tools. Pruning should be done diagonally, only with scissors.
It needs to be pruned to control growth, mainly indoors. The procedure involves chopping the stem and using it to reproduce a new specimen of delicious monstera.
5. Nutrient supply
Perlite, coir, and peat are some of the ideal components for the vegetable to thrive. The plant likes light, well-drained substrates.
Fertilization is essential once a month in spring and summer. In autumn as in winter, only once during the season is enough. When you do, don’t forget the irrigation water.
6. Transplanting in the spring
For transplanting it is worth waiting for the onset of spring. And this, because the climate and the light improve, which favors the photosynthesis of the species.
What can make the false philodendron?
Pests are the evil of every plant, and delicious monstera don’t escape it. Although it is a strong species, aphids and scale insects could destroy it. It is then advisable to apply a substance to exterminate the parasites.
You can wipe the plant with a cotton ball soaked in methanol or wood alcohol.
Discoloration with a tendency to yellowing is another possible condition in Monstera delicious. Transformation occurs due to excess water and too much sun exposure or lack of humidity.
To solve the first cause, you just have to lower the frequency of watering, waiting for the substrate to be dry enough to hydrate it. The second is solved by placing the plant in a less sunny area and spraying the leaves with water to increase the humidity.
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Everything is not perfect: beware of the toxicity of the species
These plants are striking to the human eye, but they also attract the attention of pets, due to the size of their leaves. If you have dogs or cats at home and they share the same room, it is a good idea to stay alert and place the plant where the animals cannot bite it.
delicious monstera contains calcium oxalate crystals which stimulate the release of bradykinin and histaminee. Ces substances prick like needles the tongue of animals that chew it.
The immediate effects are severe pain in the mouth and oropharyngeal region, dysphagia, respiratory failure and edema of the glottis may be present. To prevent accidents due to the consumption of this plant, it is advisable to mark a careful distance between it and pets.
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