Monstera deliciosa - Swiss Cheese Plant
Monstera deliciosa
Common Names: Swiss Cheese Plant, Split-Leaf Philodendron, Monsteria
Full Botanical Name: Monstera deliciosa
Country and/or Region of Origin: Native to the tropical forests of southern Mexico and Central America
Overview:
Monstera deliciosa, often referred to as the Swiss Cheese Plant due to its distinctive split and perforated leaves, is a true icon in the plant world. Its dramatic, oversized leaves create a bold, tropical vibe and are beloved for their unique appearance and ease of care. This fast-growing, low-maintenance plant is perfect for adding greenery to any space and can be trained to grow along a trellis or allowed to trail freely.
Growing Conditions in Native Habitat:
In its native environment, Monstera deliciosa thrives in the warm, humid understory of tropical rainforests, climbing trees and other structures in search of sunlight.
Care Guide
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Direct sunlight may scorch its leaves, leading to brown spots.
Ideal Room: Ideal for living rooms, home offices, or bathrooms with ample light. Its size makes it perfect for large spaces or as a statement plant.
Feeding: Feed once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring to summer) to support healthy growth.
Humidity: Enjoys moderate to high humidity. If your home is dry, occasional misting or a humidifier will keep it happy.
Ideal Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Protect from cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Watering: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. In the winter months, reduce watering as the plant’s growth slows down.
Pet/Child Safe: Toxic to pets and humans if ingested, causing irritation and swelling. Keep out of reach of animals and children.
Soil Type: Use a well-draining, loamy potting mix. A combination of peat, pine bark, and perlite works well to ensure good drainage and aeration.
Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings in water or soil. Look for a cutting with at least one node to ensure successful root development.
Eventual Height and Spread: Can grow up to 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters) tall indoors, with a spread of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) if allowed to climb or spread freely.
Growth Rate: Monstera deliciosa is a fast-growing plant under the right conditions, often producing new leaves and vines quickly.
Pests and Treatment: May attract spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to treat infestations promptly.
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes rootbound. Choose a slightly larger pot with drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Pruning: Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or damaged leaves, and control its size. Aerial roots can also be trimmed back if they become unruly.
Air Purification: Known for its air-purifying properties, Monstera deliciosa helps remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air.
Folklore: The Monstera deliciosa is often seen as a symbol of strength and resilience. Its unique appearance has made it a beloved plant in modern décor, bringing a touch of tropical style to any room.
Important Information
You're in good hands with Aroma QuartzWe're committed to delivering quality plants with top-notch service. Every plant is backed by our 7-day guarantee, ensuring it arrives in good health.
Our team carefully prepares each plant for its journey, but since plants are living things, they can be sensitive to changes. Minor cosmetic imperfections may occur, but we always strive to photograph and disclose any flaws before shipping. After all, traveling across the country in a box can be a bit of an adjustment!
If you experience any issues within 7 days of receiving your order, reach out to our customer support team via our contact form with your order details and photos of the issue. Please note that once the guarantee period ends, we can’t offer refunds, as we can’t account for care and environmental factors. Also, repotting your plant within the first 7 days voids the guarantee—so let it settle in first!
We've been shipping plants across the country for many years now, and we like to think we've perfected the process!
To keep your plant secure, we carefully wrap the soil with tissue paper and tape if needed, then protect the plant with corrugated cardboard. If extra protection is required, we’ll cushion the leaves with additional tissue paper. The plant is then placed into a sturdy box, and any empty spaces are filled with eco-friendly void fill made from cornstarch—it dissolves in water, so it’s as kind to the planet as it is to your plant! 🌱♻️
Sometimes, we’ll add a note on your packing slip to water your plant upon arrival, so keep an eye out for that. This is because shipping a freshly watered plant can lead to sogginess, and being in darkness during transit can make it unhappy.
If your plant arrives looking a little worse for wear, send us a photo of the plant and packaging (if relevant) right away, and we’ll be happy to advise.
Select Click & Collect at checkout to pick up your order from our Shrewsbury shop. You’ll receive an email when your order is ready—where possible, please collect it the same day, as we have limited space.
If you need to collect later, just let us know in the message box at checkout. Some items, like gift boxes, kits, and pre-orders, may take longer—drop us a note with your preferred collection date, and we’ll confirm if there are any delays. 😊
We don’t offer free returns for change of mind, but if you’re unhappy with your order, please get in touch. If your parcel arrives damaged, send us photos so we can look into it.
Need an exchange? We’re happy to help—just reach out. Additional delivery charges may apply.
For plants, we offer a 7-day return policy, while other items can be returned within 30 days (excluding sale and personalized items, which are non-returnable).
You can return or exchange items for free at our Shrewsbury shop. In-store purchases follow different policies, so check our "In-Store Returns & Exchanges" section for details.
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