One of the elements that we usually pay attention to when choosing a plant as a decorative element is the showiness of its leaves. As each species is unique and different, we base our choice on the colors, shapes or sizes that we like best.
But what if we told you that there is a plant in which all these elements break with what we are used to seeing? This is Adam's rib, an incredible species, with sinuous leaves, whose beauty and spectacularity will make you feel love at first sight.
Today we will talk about the care of Adam's rib, and everything related to the cultivation of this magnificent plant.
Adam's rib: description, cultivation and care
Of the genus monstera and the family Araceae, its technical name is monstera deliciosa, a climbing species native to the jungles of Central and South America.
The name Adam's rib is due to the holes or indentations in its leaves, which generate a silhouette that visually resembles a thorax. Its leaves reach large dimensions, and that is precisely why each plant has a small number of them. Their stems are strong and thick, and they grow by flexing downwards, although they can be easily straightened. The green hue of the leaves is intense and elegant.
In its natural habitat, it produces whitish flowers with rounded shapes. It also generates an elongated fruit with an appearance that may seem a bit strange. Its flavor is similar to that of pineapple and you have to be careful when consuming it, because if it is not ripe enough it could be toxic.
If you like to combine the lushness of the jungle with the urban environment in your décor, Adam's rib is the perfect choice! Its undoubted jungle appearance and easy maintenance make it an original, versatile, resistant plant suitable for any style.
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How to Grow Adam's Rib
Light- & Location Light
exposure will vary depending on your location. Placed indoors, it will need a well-lit environment, although without direct sunlight. On the other hand, if you put it on the terrace or garden, you should find a rather shady corner for it. Direct exposure to sunlight could damage and burn the leaves, but insufficient lighting will make it difficult for them to become indented.
- Soil
Adam's rib does not need a specially elaborated substrate. With a mixture of peat moss, soil, and leaf mulch you'll have all the organic matter you need. It is very practical to add a small layer of terracotta at the bottom to facilitate drainage.
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- Temperature
Temperate climates are their favorites, as these types of environments are common in their places of origin. The ideal temperature would be around 25 degrees. It could withstand slightly lower temperatures occasionally. Below 10 degrees it begins to deteriorate, and below 5 degrees it will eventually succumb. Thanks to the holes in its leaves, which allow better airflow, it withstands drafts better than other plants.
Watering
should be moderate, increasing the frequency during the hottest months. Make sure that the surface of the soil is moist, without waterlogging. Rehydrate it when you see the substrate start to dry out. You can also mist water on the leaves to moisten them, although this is not strictly necessary as this plant is able to withstand relative dryness.
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- Fertilizers and fertilizers
For fertilization, it is recommended to dissolve a liquid fertilizer in the irrigation water approximately every 3 or 4 weeks. Perform this throughout the spring and summer. As for the type of fertilizer, preferably use one specifically for green plants, with a good amount of nitrogen.
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- Adam's
rib adapts well to small or medium-sized pots, so changing the pot every two years will be enough. It will also be time to do this when the roots are too tightly packed inside the pot. Transplanting should be done during the spring. If you don't do it any year, take the opportunity to clean it up by removing the leaves and roots that are dry or rotten.
Pests
Adam's Rib is exposed to attacks by mealybugs, spider mites or aphids.
- Cochineal Cochineal
causes serious damage to plants and produces small spots on the underside of the leaf. The spots can be brown or whitish, depending on the type of mealybug (brown or cottony). To remove it, apply a small piece of paper with alcohol to the damaged areas, or use a sponge and neutral soap if the plant is large. Be sure to rinse the plant thoroughly when you're done.
- The
spider mite produces a characteristic yellowish color of the leaves and can cause them to fall. Its arrival is mostly due to dryness, so using a sprayer is the best remedy. If it doesn't work, apply the appropriate insecticide.
- Aphids
are one of the most well-known and feared pests among plant enthusiasts. This infection is detected with the naked eye, as they look like black or green spots on the back of the leaf. The aphid feeds on the sap of plants, which causes them to be greatly weakened. They are eliminated with specific products sold in DIY and gardening stores.
- Adam's
rib is not usually pruned. However, it is advisable to remove the leaves that are drying out to prevent the arrival of parasites. If you want the plant to look more compact, cut off any small buds that appear.
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Adam's rib is one of the most spectacular houseplants you can find. In addition to its fantastic appearance, there are other qualities such as its high resistance and adaptability to all types of environments.
Do you want to enhance your living room with an exotic and elegant touch? Adam's rib is the perfect choice!