Adam's rib: everything you need to know

One of the elements we usually look at most when choosing a plant as a decorative element is the attractiveness of its leaves. As each species is unique and different, we base our choice on the colours, shapes or sizes that we like the most.

But what if we told you that there is a plant in which all these elements break with what we are used to seeing? We are talking about the Adam's rib, an incredible species, with leaves of sinuous shapes, whose beauty and spectacularity will make you feel love at first sight.

Today we will talk about the care of the Adam's rib, and everything related to the cultivation of this magnificent plant.

Adam's rib: description, cultivation and care

From 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 slits in its leaves, which create a silhouette that visually resembles a thorax. Its leaves are very large, which is precisely why each plant has only a small number of them. Its stems are strong and thick, and grow bending downwards, although they can easily be straightened. The green colour of the leaves is intense and elegant.

In its natural habitat it produces whitish flowers with rounded shapes. It also produces an elongated fruit with a somewhat strange appearance. Its flavour is similar to that of pineapple and care must be taken when consuming it, as if it is not sufficiently ripe 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 unmistakable jungle look and easy maintenance make it an original, versatile, hardy plant suitable for any style.

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How to grow Adam's Rib

  • Light and Location

Light exposure will vary depending on its location. Placed indoors it will need a well-lit environment, but not in direct sunlight. On the other hand, if placed on the terrace or in the garden, you will need to find a shady spot. Direct exposure to sunlight could damage and burn the leaves, although, on the other hand, insufficient lighting will make it difficult for the leaves to develop their characteristic cracks.

  • Soil

Adam's rib does not need a particularly elaborate substrate. A mixture of peat, soil and leaf mould will provide all the organic matter it needs. It is very practical to add a small layer of baked clay at the bottom to facilitate drainage.

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  • Temperature

Temperate climates are preferred, as this type of environment is common in its native places. The ideal temperature would be around 25 degrees. Slightly cooler temperatures may be tolerated 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 a better air flow, it withstands draughts better than other plants.

General care

  • Watering

Watering should be moderate, increasing the frequency during the warmer months. Make sure that the surface of the soil is damp, but do not allow it to become waterlogged. Re-water when the substrate begins to dry out. You can also mist the leaves with water to moisten them, although this is not strictly necessary as this plant can withstand relative dryness.

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  • Fertilisers and fertilisers

For fertilisation, it is recommended to dissolve a liquid fertiliser in the irrigation water approximately every 3 to 4 weeks. Do this throughout the spring and summer. As for the type of fertiliser, preferably use a specific fertiliser for green plants, with a good amount of nitrogen.

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  • Transplants

Adam's rib adapts well to small to medium sized pots, so repotting every two years will be sufficient. This is also the time to do it when the roots are too tight in the pot. Transplanting should be done in spring. If you don't do it one year, take the opportunity to clean it up by removing the leaves and roots that are dry or rotten.

Pests

Adam's Rib is susceptible to attacks from mealybugs, spider mites and aphids.

  • Mealybug

Mealybug causes severe 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 finished.

  • Spider mite

Spider mites produce a characteristic yellowing of the leaves and can even cause them to fall off. They are mostly caused by dryness, so using a spray is the best remedy. If this does not work, apply the corresponding insecticide.

  • Aphids

Aphids are one of the most well-known and dreaded pests among plant enthusiasts. This infestation is visible to the naked eye as black or green spots on the back of the leaf. The aphid feeds on the sap of the plants, causing them to become very weak. They are eliminated with specific products sold in DIY and gardening shops.

  • Pruning

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 have a more compact appearance, cut off the small shoots as they appear.

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Adam's rib is one of the most spectacular houseplants you can find. In addition to its fantastic appearance, it has other qualities such as its high resistance and adaptability to all kinds of environments.

do you want to enhance your living room with an exotic yet elegant touch? adam's rib is the perfect choice!
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About the author
Yvonne Briones

There is something that plants and content creation have in common: natural geometry. I love creating visual content and managing Be.Green campaigns.

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