5 main rules of care for Monster

Monstera - tropical perennial giant carved with decorative leaves and unusual aerial roots. The dimensions of the adult plant is impressive (if well cared for it grows up to 5 m in height!), So do not buy it for a small space.

Florists boldly take up the cultivation of this flower because it is quite unpretentious and with the right care is able to create in the room a unique tropical atmosphere.

Interesting! Among the fans of indoor plants are of the opinion that the name tropical guest received the word monster (monstrum), and its bizarre form justifies the appearance of such a myth. In fact, in Latin Monstera (monstrosus) is amazing, bizarre.

Monstera popular with growers, not only because of unpretentiousness and appearance. It creates a unique microclimate in the room: absorbs carbon dioxide and noxious fumes, releases oxygen, moisturizes and ionizes the air.

Care Monster

Nothing complicated in growing this perennial is not enough to place the plant correctly, timely watering and monitor the temperature of the air.

5 Basic Rules Care Monster:

• Adequate lighting and optimal space
• Proper watering, plant hygiene and timely dressing
• Optimum temperature
• Taking care of the air roots
• regular transplant

Lighting and space

For any tropical plant detrimental scorching sun, so Monstera prefers diffused light to direct sunlight.

But we should remember that too dense shade slows the growth of "Tropikanka" and can lead to changes in color and shape of leaves (not the best).

Important! Flower growing quite rapidly, reaching sometimes gigantic sizes, so you need to choose the appropriate room for him (spacious, with high ceilings).

The best place for a native of the tropics - near a wide window (better if it is east or west side of the house). Often move the plant is not worth it, because it can also slow down its growth.

temperature conditions

Drafts flower does not like, but it is necessary to ventilate the room (even in the summer you can make a pot with a plant on an outdoor terrace).

Monstera can tolerate changes in temperature, but there is a limit: in winter the thermometer should fix the air temperature is not lower than 10, and in the summer - no more than 25 degrees.

At too low a temperature of the plant ceases to grow, and leaves become ugly brown color.

At too high temperature performance - starts to grow rapidly, reaching and thinned, resulting in the loss of decorative appearance.

Watering and fertilizing

• A native of the tropics requires a clean, moist air, so the leaves of the plant must be cleaned from dust and moisturize regularly by wiping them with a damp cloth and spraying water from a spray from a distance of 20-30 cm.
• Watering the flower should be frequently and intensively, but it is important not to overdo it. Before the next watering the earth's surface in the pot should dry out a bit. soil waterlogging can cause rotting of the root system!
• In winter, the multiplicity and intensity of irrigation need a little cut.
• In no case can not be used for irrigation water straight from the tap! It should stand at room temperature for at least a day.
• Monstera feed should be in the spring or summer. It is better to use a compound fertilizer containing both mineral and organic materials, with top dressing should be selected and root, and crown.

• In the spring and summer to make fertilizer needs 2 - 4 times per month. If the thermometer in the winter in the room does not show below 18 degrees, it is possible to feed additional Monstera (every 2 - 3 weeks). During the period when the temperature is kept below 18 degrees, it is better not to fertilize the soil.

Care for the aerial roots

Monstera - a vine, and outer root system it is necessary for additional power, absorbing moisture and strengthen on surfaces.

Aerial roots plants also require care. Usually they tie up the trunk wrapping moss and moistened periodically with water from a spray.

Transfer

• With good care the young vine is growing very fast, so it needs an annual transplant before the age of 3 - 4 years. Older plants do not require frequent transplanting is enough to do every 2 - 3 years.
• Monstera powerful roots, so to tub it must be sufficiently broad and deep (at each transplant is taken utensils higher capacity). In this year of the upper layer of soil need updating.
• When transplanting 1/3 Pot capacity filled drainage, the remaining volume is filled ready-ground, usually consisting of turf, peat, humus and sand.
• When the plant reaches significant proportions, it is imperative to establish his footing length of at least 1.5 m.

Monstera - a delightful tropical "giantess" that can decorate any home or office space, creating in it a pleasant atmosphere. The main thing - stick to simple rules for the care of this undemanding plant.