split-leaf philodendron question
kwie2011
9 years ago
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Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
9 years agoRelated Discussions
Growing Monstera deliciosa Liebm / Split Leaf Philodendron
Comments (6)Hi Sheri! If the plant is truly Monstera deliciosa it isn't a Philodendron at all. The genus Monstera contains 33 to 36 or so species depending on the scientific source quoted. There are many scientific names in the genus but almost all have been sunk into synonymy with a much smaller number of accepted species names. It sounds as if you've done your homework already since you know the name of the botanist that originally published the plant or at least his abbreviated name so I'd say you actually have that species. Monstera deliciosa has a number of natural variations and some produce leaves that remain very small for the entire life of the plant. I was recently given a cutting from a 20 year old plant the the largest leaves weren't 12 inches wide. Philodendron is a very large genus with something close to 1000 species divided into three major sections but that is a totally different discussion. The same common name is used for Philodendron bipinnatifidum (P selloum) since it has multi-lobed leaf margins (edges). Even if the plant were P. bipinnatifidum the growth method is basically the same. It sounds as if your growing conditions are good for Monstera deliciosa since it is very tolerant. I doubt you can over water it since it naturally grows along steam banks in southern Mexico and most of Central America. However, the soil mixture may not be good for this species. Monstera require a very fast draining soil so if you have it in Mississippi clay the roots may not be able to freely grow and gather water and nourishment. The other possible cause would be either lack of or over fertilization. Either is just as bad. Most commercial growers prefer something like Osmocote 30-30-30 for large aroids. If the soil is good I'd try the fertilizer first. If the soil has not been amended I would suggest you mix a large quantity of moisture control potting soil with about 20% peat moss and add a BUNCH of cypress mulch. If you can find a bag of cheap orchid bark with charcoal add that as well along with any compost you can find. I know it may be a big job but if you dig the plant up and replant it in this mix it should begin to thrive. My big question is the weather in your area. Although Monstera deliciosa will likely survive, it will be temporarily stunted by extreme cold. The species is not know to do great much north of Orlando so keep that in mind. You can shield it from the cold during any really cold nights but try to keep it from long exposure. You should know this species craves to climb. I have several large specimens in my own atrium and one is now 10 feet up the nearest tree. I've seen them in the tropics and in South Florida at least 50 feet into the canopy and have read of them climbing much higher. Other than that, without photos to examine I'm not sure what other advice to offer....See Morewhere to buy split leaf philodendron or how to transplant? West
Comments (8)Thank you, cocoabeachlorax! I will check Lowes. I did read that they are toxic to cats and dogs but not horses....which doesn't really make sense to me but that is what I read. I will say...seems like EVERYONE has them in their yard and does not seem to have a problem with any animals eating them. I have a few in my yard now, and some over the fence...and my mini horse has paid no attention to them (although you should see what he did to my 2 year old avocado tree...*sob*). I just need to get them along the fenceline so I can have some privacy. Thanks again!...See MoreSplit leaf Philodendron drooping
Comments (19)Yes, she'd probably enjoy more light, but what is that under a window? If that's an AC, she shouldn't be in front of it whether it's turned on cooling or heating, both would mess her up. If whatever the unit is isn't turned on, then yes, definitely put her in front of the window on those days, she'll love you for it (provided it's not a full-South exposure and she doesn't get torched there). She looks much happier. Where in the world are you? In high latitudes you don't want to repot a plant until it is spring, generally, because that's when they really kick the growth to high gear. For a Monstera, I'd recommend a large sturdy plastic or ceramic pot with a good drainage hole. Note that it will grow huger the bigger pot you give it, and you don't want to get into the game of pot-one-upMonsteraship with it. Give it a pot and see how big it gets, and give larger pot only if you want the plant larger. If you are happy with size, just let it live in the pot it has, and maybe trim it occasionally (you can root the cuttings in water for more plants, sometimes they even have air roots so you'll be ready to plant more or less right away). I am so glad Monstera is making a fashion comeback - I loved them when I was little and they were everywhere, and now that we bought a house with a large living room, I am growing one of my own - mine is tinier than yours, I bought her with still-unperforated leaves (total babyhood for Monstera), but she's now up to 8 perforations on the newest leaf, and I am very excited! :D...See MoreHelp me save my split leaf philodendron!!
Comments (6)Yeah soft mushy stems is rot! :( You would need to see the roots to see the extent of the damage, hopefully you can save it since the plant still looks healthy for the most part. It may be more than one plant once you remove the soil and only the rotting plant would need to be removed, if it’s all one plant you need to remove the black stems with sharp, sterilised snippers or scissors as well as any black/brown mushy roots. If theres still healthy solid white roots left after pruning then it should recover. You can then repot in a well draining mix or leave to dry a little. I’d sterilise the pot to be on the safe side and definitely change up the potting mixture so it doesn’t hold as much water. If you leave it in the current soil it may just progress and get worse depending how wet it is and how bad the roots are. Keep us updated! Hopefully it bounces back :) Chloé...See MoreUser
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9 years agoTiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
9 years agokwie2011
9 years agoTiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
9 years agoPhoto Synthesis
9 years agodellis326 (Danny)
9 years agopetrushka (7b)
9 years agopetrushka (7b)
9 years agopetrushka (7b)
9 years agokwie2011
9 years agodellis326 (Danny)
9 years agotropicbreezent
9 years agopetrushka (7b)
9 years agopetrushka (7b)
9 years agodellis326 (Danny)
9 years agokwie2011
9 years agoPhoto Synthesis
9 years agopetrushka (7b)
9 years agokwie2011
9 years agodellis326 (Danny)
9 years agoPhoto Synthesis
9 years agokwie2011
9 years agokwie2011
9 years agopetrushka (7b)
9 years agopetrushka (7b)
9 years ago
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