Other Names: Mexican Breadfruit
Scientific Name: Monstera
Family: Araceae
Genus: Monstera
Native: West Indies, Central and South America
Closely related to Epipremnums and Philodendrons, Monsteras are their more dramatic counterparts. They usually have extremely large leaves and grow to great heights as a creeper. They are undeniably big statement pieces in any garden or home. Their aerial and subterranean roots enable the plant to trail, climb and creep. Monsteras come in various types. This variety is the very popular and extremely dramatic "Deliciosa" with its trademark holes and indents (fenestrations) on the leaf surface. Once in a while, if grown outdoors and exposed to sufficient sunlight, a mature plant will bear fruit (see pic above) that is edible. A delicacy in tropical Americas, where it is grown as a crop and known as 'Mexican Breadfruit' it makes an instant snack when ripe, and is also used in jams and salads. A quick growing aroid that will thrive in high humidity, warm temperatures, good airflow and bright indirect light.
*Highly rated as an airpurifier when placed indoors.
**Sold as a starter plant (two leaves), in a small 1 liter/4" container without a moss-stick and in an extra large 9 liter/9.85" standing plastic container with a moss stick as statement pieces for large spaces - based on availability.
***All our plants are grown in organically enriched living soil without the use of any chemical fertilizers, fungicides or pesticides.
Monstera Deliciosa
GROWING: Re-pot in a larger container or grow in-ground to increase root and foliage growth. Grow separately as this plant is quite demanding of soil/water resources. Trim off old, drying leaves from time to time and add this as shredded foliage around your plant to increase humus and soil health.
LIGHT: If growing indoors, place in a bright spot with exposure to indirect sunlight/ambient light for at least six hours daily. If growing outdoors, place in semi-shade as exposure to strong direct sunlight will burn the leaves of this plant.
WATERING: Alternate days in summer and twice a week rest of the year. Allow soil to dry out completely between watering events. Never let its roots sit in stagnant water. If growing indoors, ensure that drip trays are emptied regularly.
FERTILIZING: Our plants are sold in organically enriched, NPK+MagSulf strong, potting mixes that would need no additional soil amendments for at least one year. If re-potting/migrating to a larger container, we recommend the use of Mandy's Farm Foliage Plant Potting Mix or one similar to it.