Monstera dubia – Shingle Plant
Sprouts of BristolThis stunning plant can grow to gigantic size, but it starts off small with its heart-shaped, silver-green leaves growing flat to the surface it grows against (whether that is a tree, a climbing support or itself), looking like roof shingles and giving it its common name. As the plant matures, it sprouts even larger leaves with the fenestrations so characteristic of the Monstera genus. So if your Shingle Plant is growing huge leaves with holes in, you know you're looking after it right! A real statement plant, this one will really grow on you as it flourishes in your home - and if you're not quick enough, it might literally grow on you like it would an Amazonian tree.
Scientific Name
Monstera dubia (doubtful monster)
Synonyms: Marcgravia dubia, Monstera acreana, Monstera irritans, Monstera gigantea
This plant was originally cultivated in 19th Century Europe as Marcgravia dubia before it was identified as an Aroid, and its current name was first published in 1914.
Common Name(s)
Shingle Plant, Dubia Monstera
Origin
Native to tropical rainforests of Central & South America, where it climbs tree trunks.
Light
Thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. Ideally, keep it near an east- or north-facing window or use a grow light for consistent lighting.
Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top third of the soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter, allowing the soil to dry out slightly more between waterings. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot. If your Monstera is growing up a moss pole or plank, it will benefit from misting the aerial/adventitious roots to keep them happy and hydrated
Humidity
This rainforest plant thrives best in above-average humidity, preferably over 60%. Use a pebble tray or humidifier to increase the moisture in the air around this plant in drier air. Crispy, brown leaf tips are a sign that the air may be too dry.
Soil
A well-draining potting mix designed for Monstera or Philodendrons will work well here. This epiphytic aroid will appreciate a combination of coir, perlite and bark to balance soil aeration and moisture. Repot every few years as the plant grows.
Food
Feed every four waters in the growing season (spring and summer), reduce to every six in autumn and winter. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser.
Temperature
Ideal temperature is 18-30°C; make sure it does not get colder than 15°C in winter, and protect from cold draughts or air-conditioning vents.
Pet-safe
No, this plant is toxic if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets and children.
Sprouts Top Tips
Provide a support structure like a moss pole or trellis for the plant to climb, as this mimics its natural growth habit and encourages healthy, larger leaves. Wipe the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust and help maintain good levels of photosynthesis.
Did You Know?
This Monstera's shingling growth pattern helps it absorb light more efficiently in the dappled light of the rainforest.
Important Information
If you have any questions, please check out the below or get in touch via our contact formWe're devoted to sending our customers quality plants with the best service around. Every plant is backed by our 7-day guarantee, so they arrive in good health.
Our team takes extra steps when prepping plants for transportation, but they're still sensitive to changes, so there may be minor cosmetic issues. We always aim to photograph and disclose any flaws before shipping, but a living creature travelling across the country in a box can take a hot minute to adjust to its new life.
If you have any issues within 7 days of receiving your order, holler at our customer support team on our contact form with your order details and some pics of the issue. After the guarantee has expired, though, we can't refund as we can't guarantee care and environmental factors. If you repot the plant during the 7 days, the guarantee is void.
We have been sending plants up and down the country for many year now and we like to think we have our way down to an art.
We protect the plant from falling out of the soil with tissue paper and tape if needed, then we wrap the plant in corrugated cardboard, and sometimes we protect the leaves with extra tissue paper if required. This is then placed into a box and if there is any empty space, we fill this with void fill to stop the plants moving around inside the box. Sometimes we will write a note on your packing slip to water the plant on arrival, so please look out for this. This is due a freshly watered plant going in a box will not only be soggy, but as the plant is in darkness this can sometimes make the plant unhappy when just freshly watered.
If your plant arrives to you unhappy, please send us a photo of the plant and packaging if relevant straight away, so we can advise you.
Online orders are packed and dispatched within a few days. Usually depending on volumes, we aim to get your order dispatched within 1 working day. We have collections from Royal Mail 6 days a week so deliveries tend to be speedy.
Our standard parcel delivery service is £4.99 for Royal Mail Tracked48, you can upgrade to Tracked24 for £2.50.
We do offer a Tracked48 Large Letter option for £2.99, and Tracked24 for £1 extra, but this only applies to products less than 2.5cm thick.
*Deliveries 7 days a week only included Tracked24 parcels.
Link to your shipping policy
We get a lot of boxes, packaging and whatnot at Sprouts from all our various supplier's deliveries. We re-use this packaging material where possible, plus we take in donations from local businesses and customers to our shop to avoid excess packaging going to landfill. Sometimes your delivery might look a little different, or come in a branded box from another company, but rest assured the items inside are carefully packed with love and attention inside. We use paper tape and all our branded materials included are fully recyclable. Sometimes we use polystyrene, bubble wrap or plastic wrap in the packaging, all these items are not new and where possible, please use them again.
We have partnered with Zedify to offer low-carbon deliveries in Central Bristol for £6.99.
Zedify collect and deliver orders from us Monday - Friday and will usually deliver your order the same day its collected. If you place your order before 11am, we will aim to get it collected the same day but this isnt always possible. When you have received your dispatch email, Zedify should be delivering your order the same day, anytime before 6pm.
We cannot give an idea of time, but if you would prefer delivery on a certain date (Monday - Friday) please get in touch or leave a note at check out with your preferred delivery date and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Zedify deliver to the following postcodes BS1, BS2, BS3, BS4, BS5, BS6, BS7, BS8 (1, 2, 3A - 3N, 4), BS9 (1,3,4).
Select click and collect at checkout to collect your order from our Bristol shop.
You will get an email when your order is ready to collect, where possible please come and collect your order the same day as we have limited space. If you are going to collect your order at a later date, please let us know in the message box at check out so we know when to expect you. Some items such as gift sets, kits and pre-order items may not be ready to collect the same day, again please let us know what day you would like to collect and we will let you know if there's any issues.
We do not offer free returns, but if you are unhappy with your delivery, please get in touch. If your parcel or order has been damaged, please take photos and send these over to our team so we can look into this for you.
If you have ordered an item and you would like to exchange it, we should be able to do this for you. There may be an extra charge for delivery, but get in touch to discuss. For plants there is a 7 day return policy and 30 days for everything else, apart from sale items which are none returnable.
You can return or exchange in our Bristol shop for free.
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