Mexican Breadfruit
Family
Araceae
Origin
Mo'orea
Description
Monstera Deliciosa is an easy-to-grow houseplant with show-stopper foliage. Each bright green leaf is full of natural oval-shaped holes that earn the plant its nickname, "Swiss Cheese Plant." philodendron.
Young monsteras have solid, heart-shaped leaves, and have no slits or holes. They almost look like a philodendron plant ! As Monstera deliciosa ages, around 2-3 years, it will eventually develop those beautiful leaves with more and more fenestrations (holes) and slits among the leaves, given good light, the right amount of water, and a little fertilizer. Monstera can grow to be enormous: dozens of feet tall with leaves that spread to nearly two feet wide.
The flower of M. deliciosa is composed of a special bract called a spathe enclosing a spadix and the inflorescences are adorned with a cream-white spathe uniform, velvety appearance, covering, like a hood, a yellowish white spike 10 to 15 cm high and about 3 cm in diameter. In ideal conditions it flowers about three years after it is planted. Flowering is rare when grown indoors.
Botanists believe that the holes in its leaves help the plant to stand up to high winds and allow light to pass through to lower parts of the plant in its natural environment. Kept as a houseplant, Monstera Deliciosa will happily climb up a trellis or vine down the sides of its pot. Similar in growth habit to its botanical cousin, the philodendron, Swiss Cheese Plant's vines can eventually grow quite long.
Environment
They are very easy to grow, both in soil and water filled bottles, jars and any container. Monstera can grow in both direct and indirect sun light. However, too much direct sun light can turn the leaves yellow and even burn them.
It grows best between the temperatures of 20-30 C (68-86 F) and requires high humidity and shade. Growth ceases below 10 C (50 F) and it is killed by frost.
Monstera can grow up trees and other plants in the rainforest, and would benefit from some support indoors, too. Consider adding a small trellis or pole nearby.
Water Monstera moderately and evenly, about once a week. Wait until the soil is fairly dry before watering again. Keep in a fairly humid environment.
To curb excessive growth, avoid re-potting too often and prune regularly by pinching off new growth
Landscape Uses
Indoor hanging baskets, Climbers, Balcony , Plantation near water fountain
Note
All Epipremnum varieties can be toxic to pets if ingested.
