Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant, Fruit Salad Plant)

How big can Monstera deliciosa grow to?

Monstera deliciosa can grow to 3 m tall and the same width. However, when grown indoors in a pot, they tend to grow to just 1 m tall and the same width. This is due to the pot restricting the plant's growth. If you are concerned about it becoming too large, you can always cut through the stem to reduce the plant's size. This won’t hurt it at all, and you can even plant the cut-off stem in growing media to grow another plant!

Monstera deliciosa fruit

Monstera deliciosa produces a unique fruit that is edible when ripe. The fruit resembles a green ear of corn, measuring up to 25 cm in length and covered in hexagonal scales. It takes over a year for the fruit to mature, with the scales starting to turn yellow and lift. A strong, sweet scent, often compared to pineapple and banana, is released as it ripens. When fully ripe, the fruit has a tropical flavour usually described as a blend of pineapple, banana, and sometimes with hints of mango, passion fruit, strawberry, or coconut. Only eat the fruit when the green scales begin to fall off on their own, and the fruit underneath is soft and yellow. Unripe fruit contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause a burning sensation and irritation in your mouth and throat. Gently brush or pull off the ripe scales to reveal the edible flesh underneath. In its native regions, the ripe fruit is eaten fresh or made into jams. It can also be used in desserts like puddings, ice cream, fruit salads, cakes, smoothies, and tropical cocktails.

Growing Monstera deliciosa indoors

Growing Monstera deliciosa indoors is popular due to its attractive foliage and ability to cope with lower light levels. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Please think of the light it receives under the canopy of a rainforest. Water when the top 2-4 cm of soil feels dry to the touch. When watering, do so thoroughly until the water drains out the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root ball is moistened. Don't let the pot sit with water still in the saucer. Monstera deliciosa thrives in humidity levels of 40-60% or higher, mimicking its tropical origins. Mist the leaves a few times a week, especially in dry conditions. Maintain temperatures between 18°C and 30°C and protect your plant from cold drafts from windows or doorways, as well as sudden temperature fluctuations. It is essential to avoid temperatures below 15°C.

Monstera deliciosa soil mix

Choosing the right soil mix is crucial for a happy and healthy Monstera deliciosa, especially when grown indoors. The key characteristics of a good soil mix are, firstly, excellent drainage. This is paramount as Monstera is an epiphyte in nature and doesn't like its roots sitting in sodden soil. Next, the roots need access to oxygen, so a chunky mix with plenty of air pockets is ideal. While it needs to drain well, the mix should also retain enough moisture to keep the roots hydrated between waterings. The media should be slightly acidic to neutral pH, and most indoor potting mixes fall within this range and are suitable. Be sure to add indoor plant fertiliser to the top of the soil after planting. Do not use regular garden fertiliser or put any fertiliser under the roots of the plant.

Young Monstera deliciosa care

Young Monstera deliciosa plants thrive in bright, indirect light, warm temperatures, and moderate to high humidity. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, using well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot. Feed monthly during the growing season with a diluted liquid fertiliser, and reduce watering and feeding in the cooler months. Ensure the pot has drainage holes, and consider repotting the plant annually as it grows. While young Monstera don’t need support right away, they may benefit from a moss pole later on. Regularly clean the leaves, watch for pests, and avoid direct sunlight to keep your Monstera healthy and happy.

What to do with an overgrown Monstera deliciosa?

If your Fruit Salad plant has become overgrown, there are several steps you can take to manage its size while maintaining its health and attractiveness. Start by pruning back excessive growth using secateurs. Focus on removing leggy stems or damaged leaves to encourage fuller, more balanced growth. If the plant is sprawling too much, consider staking it or using a moss pole to support vertical growth, which mimics its natural climbing habit. Repotting into a larger container may be necessary if the roots are tightly bound. However, if you want to limit its size, keeping it in its current pot can help slow its growth.

Can you grow Monstera deliciosa outdoors in NZ?

Yes, you can grow Swiss Cheese plants outdoors in New Zealand, particularly in the warmer, frost-free regions such as Northland, Auckland, and parts of the Bay of Plenty. This tropical plant thrives in humid environments with filtered sunlight or partial shade, making it well-suited to sheltered outdoor areas, such as under trees or beside buildings, which protect it from strong winds and direct afternoon sun. In cooler regions, Monstera can still be grown outdoors during the warmer months but may need to be brought inside or given frost protection in winter, as they are sensitive to cold and can suffer damage from frost. With the right conditions, they can grow impressively large and even produce fruit.

How long does it take for Monstera deliciosa to grow?

Monstera deliciosa typically takes 2 to 3 years to reach a mature size under ideal conditions. However, noticeable growth can be seen within just a few months of proper care. Growth rate depends heavily on factors such as light, temperature, humidity, and soil quality. In bright, indirect sunlight with consistent watering and regular feeding during the growing season (spring and summer), Monstera can produce new leaves every few weeks. Young plants often have solid leaves, but as they mature, the iconic splits and holes begin to develop, usually within the first year or two. Indoors, it may grow more slowly compared to outdoor tropical environments, but with patience and good care, it becomes a lush, striking centrepiece.