Planting Knowledge in the Community, Apr2026: Plants for Cooper Memorial Library & Clermont City Hall

For the month of April 2026, Clermont Garden Club member Tina Worrell loaned a Swiss Cheese Plant (Monsteradeliciosa) to Cooper Memorial Library. The Swiss Cheese Plant is a popular tropical climbing vine known for its dramatic, hole-filled leaves. Native to Central American rainforests, it is a stunning ornamental houseplant. The plant undergoes Leaf Transformation: Young Monstera leaves are solid and heart-shaped. As the plant matures and receives enough light, it develops “fenestration” – the characteristic holes and splits that help the plant withstand heavy rain and wind in the wild. Monstera deliciosa can grow 30-70 feet in the wild but usually reaches 6-8 feet indoors. They thrive in bright, indirect light, but can tolerate some shade. Soil should be kept slightly damp, allowing the top inch to dry out between waterings. As epiphytic climbers, the plant may benefit from having support such as a moss pole or stake.

Leslie Lugo loaned a Philodendron Bipinnatifidum (also called Philodendron selloum or ‘Ring of Fire’) to Clermont City Hall. The Philodendron Ring of Fire is a sought-after hybrid houseplant known for its long, striking variegated leaves that feature a blend of colors including green, yellow, orange and even red with serrated edges.

 

This slow growing plant is native to South America, and like other Philodendron plants is toxic if ingested by pets or humans. As a tropical plant, it enjoys warm slightly humid conditions and bright indirect light to maintain its variegation. Direct sunlight may scorch the leaves. Keep soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.