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Monstera deliciosa

Also Known As

  • Cheese Plant
  • Split-leaf Philodendron
  • Swiss Cheese Plant
  • Windowleaf

Plant type

perennial, vine

size

  • H: 4'-40'
  • W: 4'-10'

planting zones

  • 10a-12

More Options

Monstera deliciosa plant details

Monstera deliciosa is a broadleaf evergreen perennial vine with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with bright shade - shade and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Monstera deliciosa

Plant type: perennial vine
Plant family: araceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 4 FT - 10 FT - wide, 4 FT - 40 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: big leaves, container plant, exotic, houseplant, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Monstera deliciosa

USDA Zones: 10a - 12
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Potentially MASSIVE fenestrated, glossy green leaves, that gains more fenestration with age. Must recieve some direct light to produce best results. Leaves can get 36" or larger if given space. Climbing growing habit. The species name "deliciosa" translates to "delicious" for their delicious fruit. Haven't tried...can't confirm.
Monstera deliciosa is an impressive houseplant that brings drama to a room! This native plant of Mexico and other tropical parts of the Americas features massive, heart-shaped leaves. A young plant will give off solid foliage, but over time will produce leaves of increasing size with large fenestrations (the leaf splits). Allow to climb on a trellis or pole. Prefers bright, indirect light. Make sure to not let the soil dry out completely! Protect your PRINCE OF PARADISE™ from frost!
The plant is a fast-growing, stout, herbaceous vine spreading over the ground and forming extensive mats if unsupported, but climbing trees to a height of 30 ft (9 m) or more. The stems are cylindrical, heavy, 2 1/2 to 3 in (6.25-7.5 cm) thick, rough with leaf scars, and producing numerous, long, tough aerial roots. The leathery leaves, on stiff, erect, flattened petioles to 3 1/2 ft (105 cm) long, are oval, cordate at the base, to 3 ft (90 cm) or more in length and to 2 3/4 ft (82.8 cm) wide; deeply cut into 9-in (22.8 cm) strips around the margins and perforated on each side of the midrib with elliptic or oblong holes of various sizes. Several inflorescences arise in a group from the leaf axils on tough, cylindrical stalks. The cream colored spadix, sheltered at first by a waxy, white, calla-lily-like spathe, develops into a green compound fruit 8 to 12 in (20-30 cm) or more in length and 2 to 3 1/2 in (5-8.75 cm) thick, suggesting an ear of corn. The thick, hard rind, made up of hexagonal plates or "scales", covers individual segments of ivory-colored, juicy, fragrant pulp much like diced pineapple. Between the segments there are thin, black particles (floral remnants). Generally there are no seeds, but sometimes, pale-green, hard seeds the size of large peas, may occur in a dozen or so of the segments. Monstera deliciosa, It also known as Ceriman, Swiss Cheese Plant, Cheese Plant, Fruit Salad Plant, Monster fruit, Monsterio Delicio, Monstereo, Mexican Breadfruit, Monstera, split-leaf philodendron, Locust and Wild Honey, Windowleaf, Delicious Monster,
Monstera deliciosa is a common South American plant. Commonly used in tropical hot houses it is more commonly known as the swiss cheese plant. Plants usually have heart shaped leaves but as they mature or climb they produce large heart shaped leaves with holes all through the leaves. A mature plant is very impressive. Monstera plants are climber and this species can grow up over 40 feet or more if given the space.

Gardening facts about Monstera deliciosa plant

How to Grow Monstera deliciosa

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade - shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy
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