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Monstera deliciosa
Swiss-Cheese Plant, Windowleaf, Breadfruit Vine
| These giant vines have adapted handily to life in homes, offices, and hotel lobbies. They are often confused with -- and sold as -- Philodendrons, since the young leaves have a similar unbroken heart shape. Intriguing Swiss-cheese holes and deep-cut lobes accent the mature leaves. In the Central American jungle they climb 60 feet into the canopy, sending out long, corky aerial roots. Grow outdoors only in humid subtropical and tropical gardens. Indoor plants need good indirect light and high humidity, or they tend to grow gangly and have fewer leaf holes. Plant in coarse, fertile, moisture-retentive soil and keep constantly moist, but not soggy. Too much or too little water causes leaves to yellow. Feed well-established plants once in early spring and again in early summer. They stay more bushy as climbers than on the ground, so train up a slab of bark or pole of sphagnum moss, or an outdoor standard or lattice. Best with day temperatures of 70º to 80º F, nights 60º to 70º F. Need fresh air without strong drafts. Keep leaves dusted with a damp sponge. Grow from fresh seed (kept moist), cuttings with one leaf, or by air-layering. |
In ideal conditions it produces fragrant fruit a year after blooming. Ceriman blends flavors of banana and pineapple, and is good for fruit salad. Do not eat until fully ripe, when the rind knocks off easily. Before then, the sticky kernels can cause a burning sensation.
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Attributes - Monstera deliciosa
Plant Type: Perennial
Bloom Season: Mid Spring through Early Summer
Flower Color: White
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 10 ft. to 30 ft.
Width: 30 ft.
Sunlight: Partial Sun, Shade
Climate: Zones 10, 11
Notes: Thrives in Acid Soil. Container Plants, Cut Flowers, Long Blooming, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers.
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