You may remember my post last year “Massive Monstera is Sick” when I was trying to identify what was on the leaves of the Palm Springs Public Library’s 50 year old monstera (it was scale, ew).
This is the one year update on that post, and also a call to all Southern California plant lovers for some help.
For those who don’t know our library has a koi pond and in the center is a monstera. It’s a closed ecosystem where the fish and algae actually fertilize the plant! After learning about the scale, I managed to get into the pond using waders, giving it a good chop and cleaning as many of the many of the leaves as I could. I guess the plant liked that because for the first time ever it FLOWERED!!!! We got a fruit, but were sadly a little too eager and inexperienced so it didn’t survive long enough for us to taste.
The library is getting ready to undergo a 2 year renovation (it needs a lot of updating). Two weeks ago we had a “Going Away Party,” and during the event I was able to give away over 40 cuttings! I can’t tell you how happy it made me to see people so happy to get a piece of our plant! I know it will live on regardless of what happens next.
Now here’s the sad part. Despite my best efforts…I have not found anybody able to take this massive 50 year old plant. I get it, it’s huge! The community is terribly sad about the plant dying for the sake of the renovation and so am I. But I’m at a point where I don’t know what else to do.
So I’m putting it out there! If anyone is interested or knows someone who might be capable of caring for this plant (either permanently or temporarily) please let me know! Or if you’d like a cutting! I’ve been climbing into the pond for anyone who wants a piece and would be happy to do so if you can come by to get it.
Our last day open is in one week, Friday August 8th. That will be your last day to come see the plant. But if you wanted a piece we’ll be working inside for a few days after that. You can call and ask for Madison if you want to talk about getting a piece or if you want to take it.
And finally, thank you! In my post last year I met so many interesting people and got some fantastic advice. This community has been really nice. I know this isn’t the end we wanted for the monstera, but it will live on and I’m proud of that.
by read-2-much
11 Comments
Man…maybe one of the hotels would take it? A plant that big has to go to a commercial space.
This must be saved! Thank you for the update! As others said, there must be even just commercial interest in this plant!
not in socal but maybe a botanical garden could take it?
You can divide it and give a leaf or two to community members
There’s got to be a business with a big pond or landscaped waterfall that would love this plant. Maybe try calling local aquarium or hydroponics/indoor grow stores. I think those folks would appreciate what you’ve got and maybe they have clients with the capacity to house and care for it.
Have you posted in the California or Palm Springs subs?
Hi! I’m going to DM you! I used to study there when I lived in the valley and would love a cutting. I’m not too far.
Ugh, I frigging HATE scale. Disgusting, half-alive, moist flesh barnacles. And they are so goddamn *tenacious*. I have been fighting them on one of my orchids for a full year or so. I remove them all, they stay gone for weeks and months, then suddenly they are back.
Huntington maybe?
Maybe The Huntington, Descanso, or the LA Arboretum would take it? Could also check with university botanical, csuf has an arboretum, UCLA a small botanical garden, etc.
Aw. That’s too bad. I remember commenting on the original post. I’m glad you were able to save it though! That’s no small feat. By being able to save it, you’ve been able to share it with other people, and the plant lives on, even if you don’t find a place to take it.