Can you help me identify this plant and tell me how to care for it?
by
Bonnie
+3
What is this plant. I thought it was a split leaf philendrom but don't know. Had it outside for couple weeks in summer. Now it keeps dropping leaves. Can't root water rots everytime. I haven't watered in a while. Letting rest. Help.
Hi Bonnie,
It might be that it's still adjusting to the inside air. Here's an article from one of my favorite garden sites. I hope you'll find more help at that site. Wishing you the best.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/philodendron/caring-for-philodendrons.htm
Split Leaf Philodendron
Monstera deliciosa
Philodendron-Split Leaf
The Split leaf philodendron, also called monstera deliciosa or swiss cheese plant, is a large, popular, easy- care houseplant that is not really in the philodendron family. There is a great deal of confusion about what to call this plant; the various names have become inter-changeable over the years. Some other other names for this plant are: windowleaf plant, ceriman, and Mexican breadfruit plant. Whatever we call them, these plants are native to the jungles of Mexico, Panama, and India, have big glossy heart- shaped leaves that, as the plant matures, split from the leaf edge to the center vein. These slits in the leaves are called cuts. A split leaf philodendron grows rapidly and often has leaves that are up to 3ft. long and 2ft. wide. If you want a big, tropical, low maintenance plant, this one is perfect. The leaves, stems, and roots of a split leaf philodendron contain oxalic acid. This plant prefers warm temperatures and doesn't do well in temperatures below 50°F (10°C) .
H
Split leaf philodendrons grow better in high humidity, but adapt to household humidity.
Watch out for bacterial diseases such as Erwinia Blight, Xanthomonas leaf spot, and leaf tip burn especially in warm, humid environments.
Does well in a rich soil that contains a good amount of peat moss. The soil needs to drain quickly to prevent root rot.
Unlike most indoor plants, a split leaf philodendron prefers to be in a large pot. These bigger pots promote larger leaves.
Try to keep the large leaves clean and dust free. This plant needs to be aggressively trimmed or it can take over your room.
Cut a stem. Be sure to include a few leaves and a few plant nodes on each cutting and to allow the cutting to sit out over night before planting. This helps prevent the developing roots from rotting.
I think it's a plant called Monstera, a type of philodendron. Don't keep the soil wet, they can tolerate being dry for days, but not saturated roots (root rot is fatal!)
Your plant is some type of aroid, possibly an anthurium or philodendrum. These type of plants need soil different from most plants and that could be why it's not thriving. Most aroid lovers mix their own soil consisting of sphagnum moss chopped up, bark chips (small such as for orchids), perlite, and a bit of soil.
https://www.exoticrainforest.com/Grow%20or%20Growing%20Philodendrons.html
http://herebutnot.com/aroids-anthuriums-philodendrons-care-culture-tips-for-growing-indoors/
The Missouri Botanical Garden uses: a very loose soil mix with 30 % Miracle Grow Moisture Control Potting Soil combined with 20% high quality peat moss, 40% orchid potting media that has hard wood, charcoal and gravel mixed with 10% Perlite.
That is a monstera plant. I have mine in water (hydroponics)