Giving plants away comes with a different kind of satisfaction than any other gift. I’ve got into plants in the first place by receiving a sansevieria and a schefflera on a rock, that I still have. Since then, I have given away lots of plants, including babies from my first two plants. Obviously,I have received many freebies myself, but what I’m trying to do now it’s a bit different. 

The Manor Road Gym is hosting a Macmillan Coffee Morning on 16th of September, at 11.30 to raise money for people living with cancer. The event includes sweet and savoury snacks, refreshments and a visit from a nurse from the Horizon Center to answer any questions. 

Macmillan Cancer Support is using the donations from thousands of Coffee Mornings to help raise vital funds to support the 3 million people in the UK living with cancer, from the moment they are diagnosed, throughout treatment and beyond.

Also, as part of the fundraising efforts for a Macmillan Coffee Morning, donations from local businesses are required as prizes for a charity raffle. 

This is why I’ve got four Monstera Deliciosa young plants from my giant planter and repotted in a ceramic pot. Before that I’ve got into DIY a bit and painted the pot with a white spray paint. I added Green Monstera logo on the side and now it’s ready to go to a worthy cause. Naturally, I’ve used a simple aroid soil mix: compost, orchid bark and perlite. 

Since I’m not sure who’s going to win this prize and how accustomed they are with houseplant maintenance, I’m adding a Monstera Deliciosa care guide to this article. 

Light

 * Bright, indirect light: Monsteras prefer bright, indirect light.

 * Avoid direct sunlight: Direct sunlight can burn the leaves.

 * Low light tolerance: While they prefer brighter conditions, they can tolerate lower light levels.

Watering

 * Allow soil to dry slightly: Let the top inch or two of the soil dry out between waterings.

 * Avoid overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot.

 * Adjust watering based on humidity: Higher humidity requires less frequent watering.

Humidity

 * Moderate to high humidity: Monsteras prefer moderate to high humidity.

 * Increase humidity: Use a humidifier, mist the plant regularly, or place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.

Temperature

 * Warm temperatures: Monsteras thrive in warm temperatures between 65-85°F (18-30°C).

 * Avoid drafts: Cold drafts can shock the plant.

Soil

 * Well-draining soil: Use a well-draining potting mix.

 * Potting mix options: A mix of peat moss, perlite, and coco coir works well.

Fertilizing

 * Fertilize during growing season: Feed your Monstera once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

 * Avoid fertilizing in winter: The plant is dormant in winter and doesn’t need fertilizer.

Pruning

 * Prune to shape: Remove any leggy or unwanted growth to maintain the desired shape.

 * Support large leaves: Use stakes or moss poles to support large leaves.

Propagation

 * Stem cuttings: Propagate Monsteras using stem cuttings with at least one node and aerial root.

 * Water or soil propagation: Place the cutting in water or moist soil.

 * Wait for roots to develop: Once roots have developed, transplant the cutting into a pot.