Monstera Deliciosa

Question

I have a Monstera deliciosa that I keep outdoors in summer and indoors in winter. After bringing it in this year, it has recently decided to flower. I have much knowledge in how to grow, but not much in its blooming and fruiting. I am willing to pamper my plant in order to get the fruit to maturity, but I am needing to know what to do. I don’t even know if the flower needs to be pollinated. Am I just going to lose the unfertilized bloom?

Answer 1

Congratulations! Getting one of these plants to bloom in a partial indoor environment is an accomplishment.

When the flowers from these plants do come to maturity, the fruit is actually much like a cross between bananas and pineapples (though it is poisonous to eat before it is ripe).

Unfortunately, it can take up to a year for the fruit to ripen and in order to do do, they need to be exposed to temperatures and conditions that far greater than the normal household can provide.

They need conditions that mimic conditions like growing zones of 10 or higher. High heat, high humidity and lots of bright, indirect light.

Answer 2

The Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is a slow-growing species that can take several years to flower and produce fruit. To encourage fruiting, you'll need to provide your plant with the right growing conditions.

Light: Ensure that your plant receives bright, indirect light, as too much direct sun can damage the leaves.

Humidity: Monstera deliciosa thrives in high humidity, so you may need to mist the leaves or use a humidifier to maintain the right level of moisture in the air.

Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and allow the top inch to dry out between waterings.

Pollination: The flowers of the Monstera deliciosa are monoecious, which means that each flower contains both male and female reproductive structures. To increase the chances of fruiting, you can hand-pollinate the flowers by gently transferring pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers using a soft brush.

It's important to note that even with the best care, not all flowers will result in fruit. But with proper attention, you may be able to enjoy a delicious and juicy fruit from your Monstera deliciosa.