Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa is a hardy species of flowering plant native to tropical forests of southern Mexico, south to Panama. It is able to grow up to 20m high in the wild, with large, leathery, glossy, pinnate, heart-shaped leaves. The leaves on young plants are smaller and entire with no lobes or perforations but produce their signature holey leaves as they mature. The older the plant, the more the leaves are covered with its familiar large perforations. The Monstera is a popular plant to grow indoors due to it's beauty and tolerance for a range of conditions.
Although it can grow very tall in nature, it only measures between 2-3m when grown indoors. The fruit of Monstera deliciosa only grows on a mature plant and takes a year to ripen. It looks like a green ear of corn covered with hexagonal scales. As the fruit ripens, these scales fall off the fruit, releasing a strong and sweet scent. The smell has been compared to a combination of pineapples and bananas.
The fruit is edible and safe for humans. Monstera deliciosa is moderately toxic to both cats and dogs.
Source: WikipediaHow to care for a Monstera Deliciosa
- Place in bright but indirect light
- Use a peat based soil and a pot with good drainage
- Water when the top 2-3cm of soil is dry
- Mist regularly to increase humidity if you are in a dry environment
- Use a sturdy support pole and twine made of natural fibres
- Prune at the start of Spring ensuring you prune above a node to encourage thick growth
- Fertilise the soil during warmer months