Gardeners' World: How to care for houseplants
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With huge, glossy leaves, Monstera deliciosa, known by its common name Swiss cheese plant, is one of the most popular houseplants. It is great for those new to caring for houseplants and can be a nice addition to any room in the home. With winter on its way, one expert has shared how to look after the plant.
Swiss cheese plants can help to purify the air as well as being full of vitamin C, proteins, calcium and phosphorus.
They come in various different sizes and can be potted to make it easier when watering.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, founder of Beards & Daisies, Jo Lambell, shared how to look after a Swiss cheese plant throughout the colder months.
Jo said: “Native to the tropical rainforests of Southern Mexico and Panama, the Swiss cheese plant thrives in warm and humid conditions.
“This can require a little extra care and maintenance to replicate come the winter months.”
This means that those with a Swiss cheese plant may need to put more time into taking care of it.
Jo added: “Make sure you are misting this plant regularly with lukewarm water and keep away from any dry heat vents as this will upset it.
“The Swiss cheese plant is best known for its infamous big, holey leaves.
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“Make sure these are kept dust-free all year round, but this is especially important in winter when there is less sunlight.
“When dust builds up on the leaves of plants it clogs their pores and prevents them from absorbing light.”
The expert explained that this hinders their ability to photosynthesise.
How can you keep a Swiss cheese plant dust-free?
Jo said: “Gently remove dust from its leaves with a damp cloth – easy!”
This step is crucial in keeping a Swiss cheese plant healthy but must be done so gently, to make sure no leaves get broken in the process.
It is also important to keep the houseplant watered, without overwatering it.
The soil should be kept moist from November to March, and every couple of weeks should be optimal.
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Another popular houseplant which is low maintenance is the snake plant.
Jo explained that the snake plant is “almost unkillable” but needs plenty of light throughout winter.
She said: “There’s not much that can upset a snake plant, they are almost unkillable!
“However to keep it super happy during winter, keep in a spot that gets plenty of bright, indirect light.
“As for watering, do this just enough so that the soil doesn’t completely dry up – you can probably get away with going three to four weeks without watering.
“When you do hydrate it, avoid getting water on the leaves or in the centre of the plant – this can lead to rotting.”
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