Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa
Produces edible fruit when mature. The fenestrations develop with age and light exposure, making each leaf more dramatic than the last.
Buy this plant $28 In Stock- Light
- Bright Indirect
- Humidity
- 40-60%
- Temperature
- 65-85°F
Light Requirements
Bright Indirect. Place within 3-5 feet of a south or east-facing window, out of direct sun. Direct afternoon sun will scorch leaves.
Watering
Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry, roughly every 7-10 days in summer. Soak thoroughly until water runs from the drainage hole, then let it dry down before watering again.
Humidity
Target humidity: 40-60%. Average home humidity of 40-50% is usually sufficient. Avoid placing near heating vents, which dry the air significantly.
Temperature
Keep between 65-85°F. Avoid cold drafts from windows in winter and hot air from vents year-round. Most tropical houseplants suffer below 55°F and should never be exposed to frost.
Soil and Potting
Equal parts quality potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite. Fast-draining but moisture-retentive. Avoid dense, peat-heavy mixes.
Propagation
Cut a stem section with at least one node and one leaf, just below the node. Root in water or moist sphagnum moss in a warm, bright spot. Roots appear in 4-8 weeks; transplant to soil when roots reach 2-3 inches.
Common Problems
Yellow leaves indicate overwatering; check soil moisture first. Brown tips come from low humidity or fluoride in tap water. No fenestrations usually means insufficient light or a plant under 2-3 years old.
Worth Knowing
- The fruit is real and edible once fully ripe, tasting like a cross between pineapple, banana, and passionfruit. Unripe fruit contains calcium oxalate crystals that will burn your mouth.
- Wild Monstera seedlings practice skototropism: they grow toward darkness to find a tree trunk, then reverse course and climb toward light. No other major houseplant does this.
- Fenestration theory is still debated. Leading hypotheses include allowing light through to lower leaves, reducing wind resistance, and mimicking insect damage to deter herbivores.
Toxicity
Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causing oral irritation and throat swelling if ingested.