Today's subject of 'Successfull Guide To Growing
Tropical Plants' is Monstera deliciosa and
Alpinia formosana.
Monstera deliciosa known by many names, including....
• Ceriman
• Cheese Plant
• Delicious Monster
• Fruit Salad Plant
• Mexican Breadfruit
• Monstera
• Monstereo
• Monsterio delicio
• Split-leaf Philodendron
• Swiss Cheese Plant
Monstera deliciosa is a member of the Araceae, Arum,
family and an epiphyte with aerial roots which can grow
up to 60 feet or more in its natural habitat which extents
from southern Mexico to Panama.
It grows best at temperatures above 70 degrees and
should not be exposed to temperatures below
50 degrees. It tolerates dry air pretty well but
appreciates an occasional misting.
It also benefits the plant if it is wiped with a moist
cloth periodically to remove any dust accumulation.
During active growth water it thoroughly before the
potting medium becomes dry.
Fertilize it with a fertilizer high in Nitrogen, like 9-3-6.
It also appreciates some fish fertilizer and Epsom
Salt periodically.
The fruit of Monstera deliciosa, like all members in
the Araceae family, often contain Raphides and
Trichosclereids, which are needle like structures
of calcium oxalate.
It takes one year for the fruit to fully ripen.
Fruits that have not ripened contain oxalic acid.
When the fruit is ingested in this unripened state,
it immediately causes blistering, painful irritation
and swelling.
Other interesting uses of Monstera deliciosa....
In Peru, the aerial roots are used as ropes and in
Mexico they are used to make baskets.
In Mexico the leaves and roots are used to make an
infusion to get relief from arthritic pain.
In Martinique the roots are used to treat snakebites.
Alpinia formosana is a member of the Zingiberaceae,
Ginger, family.
It has beautiful green leaves with white pinstriping hence
it's other name pinstripe ginger.
If planted in the ground, it can grow as tall as 6 to 8 feet,
in pots 3 to 4 feet.
It grows very well in pots and if supplied with good light,
adequate moisture and fertilizer grows quite fast.
It's flower are porcelain white and red.
It makes a good houseplant and looks stunning in the
company of red and pink Caladiums.
Next, for your FREE Tropical Plant Guide, Grow Your Own Tropical
Garden, which includes useful tips on how to grow tropical plants
in any climate, visit Tropical Indoor Plants.
Copyright © Bob Walsh Enterprises 2010
www.bestindoortropicalhawaiianhouseplants.com
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