Garden Q&A: Split leaf philodendrons don’t need much care

Can you tell me how to take care of a split leaf philodendron?

The split leaf philodendron (Monstera deliciosa) is known for its tropical oversize leaves with what appears to be cuts within them. It is also known as the Swiss cheese plant.

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I have found the split leaf philodendron to be a low- maintenance houseplant. The one thing to watch with this house plant is that, due to its oversize foliage and the ability to grow in large proportions, you may need to stake the stems.

The split leaf philodendron prefers medium lighting, so it is best to keep this plant located within 5 to 8 feet of a window. However, be careful when choosing the location, because once you have placed it somewhere, it does not like to be moved. It has an attitude of its own, because if you then move it to another location it may drop its leaves in revolt to your moving it. Also, if the light level is too low, the leaves will not develop their unique perforations.

It requires moderate watering. Water once every seven to 10 days. Most do not seem to mind being dry once in a while either. Water thoroughly, keeping the soil evenly moist.

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If the lower leaves begin yellowing, you may not be giving the plant enough light or you’re over watering it. While the split leafed philodendron is generally pest-free, aphids, mealy bugs, scales and spider mites can infest it. If this occurs, simply spray the plant with an insecticidal soap solution.

On a special note, this houseplant is one of the many poisonous houseplants found in people’s homes. Please be extra careful so that your pets or children do not eat the plant.

The split leaf is sometimes planted outside in this area, but suffers cold damage in freezes.

What can you tell me about a new gardening technique called “side planting”?

Normally when people use a coco liner basket, they place some potting mix in the liner, put plants in the liner and then fill the liner with more potting mix.

With side planting, the coco liner has several holes cut in the side of the liner around the circumference. The liner is then filled with potting soil up to the bottom of the holes. Plants are then placed in the holes, with the roots on the inside and the flowers and/or leaves on the outside. More soil is placed in the container and plants placed in the top of the liner.

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With this technique, the arrangement is more appealing to the eye because the liner is almost completely hidden with a variety of plants.

You can purchase coco liners with the holes already in them, or simply buy a liner and put the holes in yourself. The coco liners are available as hanging baskets, half-round baskets for placing on a wall, windowsill containers and patio stands.

I did a search on the Internet and discovered that Pamela Crawford has done a lot of work on this subject. She has written several books dealing with container gardening for Florida, including side planting.

There is some excellent information at www.sideplanting.com. At that site there are several short videos on side planting techniques, along with a host of information on the subject including planting, fertilizing, trimming, container care and watering techniques.

Side planting is a new and interesting alternative to normal hanging baskets that we are used to seeing.

Tom Bruton is a master gardener with the Duval County Extension Service and the University of Florida/IFAS.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor