Growing Guide: Monstera
Growing Tips
Plant Monstera deliciosa in part shade to shade and provide fertile, moist, loose, well-draining soil. This vigorous evergreen vine loves to climb on shady trees and other sturdy supports, where it can eventually reach up to 70 ft. outdoors. Indoors, provide a sturdy support and maintain adequate room for growth. Keep the soil consistently moist without allowing it to become waterlogged. Outdoors, Monstera is suited to Zone 9 and above with frost protection, while it can be grown on a patio or in a greenhouse in Zone 4 and above. Our Monstera is grown from seed and can be capable of harvest within about two years, though the fruit takes almost a full year to fully ripen.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Monstera deliciosa |
| Common Names | Swiss Cheese Plant, Split Leaf Philodendron |
| Family | Araceae |
| Origin | Tropical Mexico and Central America |
| Plant Type | Perennial Evergreen Fruiting Vine |
| Harvest Season | Fall, Winter |
| Mature Size | Outdoors: up to 70 ft.; Indoors: up to 10 ft. |
| Soil & Moisture | Fertile, moist, loose, well-draining soil |
| Light Requirements | Part Shade, Shade |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Zone Hardiness | Outdoors 9+ with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Propagation | Grown from seed |
| Time to Harvest | Capable of harvest within 2 years; fruit takes almost a year to fully ripen |
| Leaf Size | 2–4 ft. across |
| Foliage | Large, glossy, naturally fenestrated leaves |
| Flowers | Large, white, showy flowers |
| Fruit | Tropical fruit with a scaly outer shell |
| Fruit Flavor | Sweet, tropical, reminiscent of mango, banana, and pineapple |
| Uses | Fresh fruit, tropical landscaping, houseplant |
| Special Features | Rare edible fruit, dramatic foliage, vigorous climbing habit |
