Unveiling Edible Fruit from Monstera Plants: Houseplant Experts Share Delicious Harvest Secrets.
**"Alright, let's chat about my beloved monstera plant, the star of the show in my humble abode. It's nearly tripled in size since I first brought it home, wrapping around its moss pole and popping out beautiful fenestrated leaves every year. And, like a hidden treasure, I've only recently stumbled upon its fruit and flowers - dang, they're a sight to behold!
But here's the thing, not many houseplant enthusiasts know about monstera fruit and flowers because, well, they're kinda tricky to coax out in a non-tropical home. That said, it's not impossible!
I've asked a few plant gurus to spill the beans on these wonderful surprises coming from our tropical indoor friends and the best ways to create an environment that'll encourage ye olde monstera to drop some fruit at home.
Monstera fruit and flowers: the lowdown
Most of us don't think about our monstera as one of the indoor flowering plants, but in their natural high humidity environment, they blossom into stunning, peace-lily-like blooms. These curving blooms encase the monstera fruit - take a peek at the snap I snagged above!
However, don't expect young plants to start producing fruit and flowers - that usually happens when the monstera is at least a couple of years old, if at all in our homes.
Anup, who runs Houseplants Nook, shared that his oldest monstera, a five-year-old specimen, once grew a spathe, but it didn't go anywhere beyond that. And as for fruiting, the monstera needs to be mature and well-established, taking anywhere from three to ten years, depending on the growing conditions.
The fruit is worth the wait, though, and can set you back a cool $100! It's edible, but only when fully ripe. Before that, it contains oxalic acid, which isn't exactly tongue-tingling fun. Some folks describe the taste as a delicious mix of pineapple and banana, dubbing it the 'fruit salad plant.'
Create a monstera-friendly habitat
Like most tropical indoor plants, a monstera thrives in high humidity, similar to its rainforest native environment. To achieve this, you'll need:
- Bright, full-spectrum grow lights for 12-14 hours a day to mimic the tropical sun.
- A humidifier to keep those humidity levels between 60-80%.
- Warm temperatures consistently between 70-85°F, like a sauna, but not too sauna-y.
Achieving these conditions in an average home might be a bit tricky, but you can experiment with methods to boost humidity or use a heat mat to increase temperatures for your monstera.
Don't forget to give your monstera a little support, too, to keep it from becoming a wild, unruly beast. If it starts getting out of hand, it's worth training it with a trellis or moss pole.
Lastly, pollination is key for fruit production, and monsteras don't exactly self-pollinate. You'll need to mimic the process, which can be a rare and challenging feat, especially if you're not cultivating them intentionally.
FAQs
Do all monsteras produce fruit?
Nope, not every variety of monstera plants will fruit and flower. The Monstera deliciosa is the most well-known one with its name literally meaning 'delicious fruit.' 'Variegated Monstera deliciosa also fruits,' says Jeannie Psomas, houseplant expert.
How do I know when my monstera fruit is ripe?
The fruit should only be consumed when ripe, as unripe fruit contains toxins. One way to tell if your monstera fruit is ready: 'The fruit ripens from the bottom up, and the hexagonal scales fall off gradually,' says Anup. 'Don't eat it until the scales have fallen off.'
Monstera fruit and flowers are fascinating additions to these jungle houseplants, even if achieving them in a home environment is like trying to climb Everest in flip flops. There are other creative ways to grow monsteras, like growing them in water or making kokedama.
Shop your monstera care kit:
Feed your monstera with this plant food during its growing season.
Get a support for your monstera with these moss poles that can be molded to fit your plant.
Choose a potting mix that will provide all the essential nutrients your monstera needs for growth and good drainage."
Bonus Insights: To increase humidity for indoor plants, place a tray of water near your monstera, or use a humidifier. A heat mat can be placed under the pot to raise the temperature for your monstera, but be cautious not to overheat it. Keep your monstera away from drafts and vents to maintain consistent temperature and humidity. Regularly pruning your monstera will maintain its size and promote new growth. If your monstera becomes top-heavy, stake it with a support.
Indoor lifestyle should consider including home-and-garden items like indoor plants such as the monstera, due to their captivating charm and potential for blooming. Providing a monstera-friendly habitat with adequate humidity, light, and temperature can help encourage the growth of flowers and fruit in your home, although it may require additional effort.
