History of Monstera

Monstera also a close relative to the Swiss Cheese Plant is found in Central America of southern Mexico tropical forests and south to Panama. They are species of evergreen tropical vines and shrub plants.

Monstera is generally known for having leaf holes, scientifically called Perforate leaf or fenestrate. They can grow 6 to 8 feet tall, 1 to 3 feet wide indoors.

Two Monstera species are deemed as indoor plants: Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Adansonii.

The difference between these two Monstera species is that Monstera Adansonii has longer tapering leaves as well as leaf holes; whereas Monstera deliciosa have leaf holes that grow around the corners and spread as they bloom.

How to look after Monstera indoor plants?

Sunlight

Monstera love to grow in bright to medium indirect light. They do not like strong direct sunlight, although they can adapt to endure it.

Water

Water every 1-2 weeks or when it looks dried. Allow Monstera to dry out about 75% between watering. You will have to water more frequently in brighter light and less often in lower light.

Humidity

Monstera prefers humid conditions but can live in normal humidity indoors. You can use a wireless  750ml humidifier. You can use a wireless  750ml humidifier to improve the humidity of your home.

Temperature

Most Monstera indoor plants prefer a temperature between 18°C to 30°C. Make sure the temperature doesn’t drop below 15°C.

Potting

Use a high-quality potting mix that encourages root growth and plant development. We highly recommend Premium Aroid and Hoya Potting Mix.

Common Issues

Issue 1: My Monstera plant has pests on it.

Solution: Monstera Plants are friendly plants and usually pest-free. However, if pests do appear, regularly wipe the plant, or you can spray natural pesticides weekly.

Issue 2: My Monstera plant’s leaves are turning are brown and crispy from the edges.

Solution: Water it more. This is due to Monstera being thirsty, not watered enough, or excessive salt developed.

Issue 3: Monstera is Wilting, and potting mix is dry

Solution:

• Water it more, if underwatered.
• If pot-bound, repot Monstera in a large box or container, prune the roots, and repot in the same box or container.

Issue 4: Leaves are turning yellow, black stems, potting mix is wet.

Solution: Your Monstera has been overwatered. Reduce watering.

Precautions

Keep your cats, dogs, and humans away from Monstera as its leaves can be harmful if eaten. Keep it out of reach from your kids and pets.

History of Orchid

The word ‘orchid’ was named by Theophrastos, an ancient Greek plant scientist who thought the roots of the orchid shared a resemblance to the male masculine anatomy. In a natural habitat, orchids plants are mainly epiphyte plants who love to grow around the trees and on rocks as opposed to growing in the ground.

The Orchid family are scientifically called Orchidaceae and are found in every natural habitat globally except iceberg areas. Different variations of orchids can be found around the tropical region.

Tropical orchids are available in many colours. Mostly famous for their bright colourful flowers that stand out visually. In fact, Orchidaceae are known to have over 25,000 different variants globally.

The most popular orchids are Phalaenopsis orchids, as they are one of the simple varieties to maintain in a home. Perfect for beginners due to the plant’s friendly nature.  Phalaenopsis orchids originate from Indian, China, and Southeast Asia.

As a houseplant, Phalaenopsis with leafy stems will bloom bright, warm flowers once a year, up to three months. After the blooming phase, the flowers will start to fall off. But don’t worry, your orchid hasn’t died; instead, it’ll start to restore energy to re-bloom again for the next season.

How to look after Phalaenopsis

Orchid Plant?

Sunlight

Orchids love to grow in good, bright, indirect light. Although they can endure medium indirect light. 

Water

Water the orchid every 1 to 2 weeks as potting soil needs to dry out between watering.

Remember to keep it damp but not overwater. Sometimes, you may have to water more frequently in brighter light and less watering in lower light.

Fertilize

Fertilize orchid once per month. After flowering, cut back to a strong bud to about 20 cm above the soil to encourage flower blooming. When repotting, choose Orchid Mix.

Humidity

Orchid plants do not prefer dry air.  Do make sure to keep the humidity levels around the plant from 50% to 70%. During autumn and winter, you can use a wireless  750ml humidifier to improve the humidity of your home.

Temperature

Ideally, the home temperature should be around 18 to 23 degrees for orchids. Although, they can endure low as 12 degrees to high as 29 degrees.

Small Orchid Potting

You can pot small orchids in coco plug or sphagnum moss. Orchids can remain in this potting medium for 1 to 2 years. Once the roots and leaves start to grow out of the small pot, the orchid will require fresh nutrients and a bigger room. When repotting these orchids, choose an orchid mix.

Large Orchid Potting

Pot large orchids using bark. Bark will keep the grown roots healthy, as barks provide. Orchid needs efficient airflow since orchids are epiphytes that grow on trees in their natural habitat. Remember, the traditional potting mix will not work as roots will need airflow in them.

Common Issues

Issue 1: My orchid plant is wilting and wrinkling leaves.

Solution: Water it more as It’s most likely not watered enough.

Issue 2: Orchid Leaves are turning yellow

Solution:

• Reduce watering if it has been overwatered.
• Reduce sun-light if it’s been exposed to a lot of sunlight.

Issue 3: Wilting flowers

Solution: It’s natural for orchid phalaenopsis’s flowers to fall off. This indicates that the blooming season is over, and the plant is restoring energy to re-bloom for the next season.