Worth Knowing About Monstera
Monstera, also known by its Danish name "fingerphilodendron," originates from tropical Central and South America.
Choosing a pot and soil
We recommend choosing a terracotta pot, as clay is a breathable material. The pot should have drainage holes at the bottom. This prevents the roots from rotting. You can also plant in a plastic container, but you will need to pay more attention to the soil's moisture.
We recommend using
Maintenance
Roots
Due to the Monstera's origin in the dense Central and South American rainforests, it is in the plant's nature to compete for water. Therefore, Monstera has evolved with aerial roots, which in the rainforest are designed to capture humidity. These roots should not be planted in the soil but should be allowed to hang freely in the air.
Light conditions
We recommend placing your Monstera in indirect light, as they cannot tolerate being directly by a sunny window, nor in a dark corner. Approximately two meters away from a sunny window, where it can see the sky, is the most optimal placement for the Monstera.
Propagation
If you wish to propagate your Monstera into small cuttings,
Caladium is a tuberous plant with beautiful, thin, colorful, heart-shaped leaves. The plant thrives in warm, humid environments, but without direct sunlight. In Denmark, it is cultivated as a houseplant.
The Tuber
The tuber must not be soft. If the tuber is soft, it may be rotten. The tuber should feel firm.
Storage
Store the tubers in a dry, dark place. The tubers should be stored in a well-ventilated area and at a temperature not below 15 degrees Celsius.
Before Planting
Before planting, the tuber can be softened in water for a couple of hours. Afterward, plant the tuber with the more pointed side facing up and the flatter side of the tuber facing down.
Choosing a Pot and Soil
We recommend choosing a clay pot, as clay is a breathable material. The pot must have drainage holes at the bottom. This prevents the tuber from rotting. You can also plant in a plastic container, but you will need to pay more attention to the moisture level of the soil. You can choose a peat-based soil, which provides a soil environment with both air and moisture. Peat absorbs a lot of water, so after planting in peat, the tuber should not be given much additional water.
Planting
The tuber is planted in late winter to early spring. The better the weather and the warmer the spring, the faster the tuber will sprout. The growing season will typically be in July-August. The tuber requires light and warmth, as well as moisture. If you have challenging planting conditions, e.g., lack of light and warmth, we recommend using grow lights, heating mats, and mini-greenhouses. The tuber should not be planted too deeply. Depending on the size of the tuber, you can fill approximately 2/3 of the pot with your chosen soil. Place the tuber with the pointed side facing up and cover it with a thin layer of soil. Only the tip of the tuber should be visible at the soil surface. Moisten the soil thoroughly and then do not give it much water. Cover with a plastic bag, glass cloche, or mini-greenhouse, which creates a moist and warm environment around the tuber.
During Sprouting
Your planted tuber should now be kept warm at approximately 18 degrees Celsius. The tuber should be allowed to dry out slightly, which prevents rot. Water only when the soil is dry. The tuber should be kept in a bright location, but not in direct sunlight. For successful growth, pay particular attention to light, warmth, and humidity (not wet).
During Growth
Once the plant has reached a certain size, having developed roots and leaves, the tuber can potentially be repotted into a larger pot. Here you can use potting soil and perlite. Place the plant in a bright location (not in direct sunlight) and a warm location (between 20-26 degrees Celsius). The more light it receives (not direct sunlight), the more numerous and distinct the colors of the leaves will be, depending on the variety's colors. The plant requires humidity and can be regularly misted with water that has a low lime content (e.g., cold water from an electric kettle). Watering during the growing season should be done gently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. The soil should be moist, but not wet.
Dormancy
Caladium has a dormancy period from autumn to spring. During this time, the plant's leaves will wither, and the plant will not have leaves during dormancy. The leaves will reappear in spring. The plant should be stored at temperatures between 15-18 degrees Celsius during this period, and placed in a dark location. At lower temperatures, the tuber risks dying. In spring, you can gradually begin watering the plant.
