Find out about the history of Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant). Discover where the plant comes from and about its native habitat and growth habits. Also discover how the plant creates delicious fruit that takes a year to ripen. Monstera has been used to make baskets and has medicinal value.
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Today, we have another installation of plant stories. I’m going to be talking about this beautiful plant, one of my favorites: monstera deliciosa, also known as split-leaf philodendron and Swiss cheese plant. Now, it is actually not a philodendron; Monstera deliciosa is its botanical name. It is sometimes called the split-leaf philodendron because it has split leaves. This one is an adolescent, so it doesn’t have as many split leaves as when the plant gets to be a lot more mature. It will start to split its leaves a lot more often for you, so that’s something to look forward to.
They are a relative of pothos and philodendron, which is one reason why they are called the split-leaf philodendron. However, they aren’t the same; they are not actually a philodendron. They originate from tropical regions in Central America, ranging from the southernmost part of Mexico to Panama. Monstera is also found in other areas where it was introduced, like Hawaii, where it thrives because it’s used to the jungle floors, growing up into the trees in the jungle. It loves a humid tropical climate.
There are 22 species of monstera, and by the way, monstera does mean monster. The botanical Latin name comes from the word “monster,” and deliciosa, as it also suggests, is for delicious. This plant will actually get a delicious fruit that tastes like pineapple and vanilla. It’s amazing! I have a video on it because one of my plants has given me several fruits. You need to have a really mature plant to do that, and also keep in mind, as I mentioned in the other video on when I sampled the fruit, it takes a year to ripen. So you have to be very patient, but if it does happen, it’s very exciting.
This plant, as mentioned, is very tropical in its native habitat. It can reach over 20 feet—20, 40, 50 feet high—climbing up into trees. Probably not quite 50, but it can definitely get up there. It climbs by aerial roots. This plant doesn’t have any aerial roots yet, but when it gets mature, it will have cord-like roots that are tan in color. These roots allow the plant to grow up into trees.
I do have a care video on monstera deliciosa to tell you more about them. One thing to keep in mind is don’t necessarily cut off those cord-like roots, and don’t be alarmed by them. They are actually very good; they are thick, fibrous stems and also aerial roots. So that’s one thing you want to note.
They thrive in dense rainforests; they love the rain and humidity. No one really knows for sure why they have their iconic holes, which give them some of their nicknames, like Swiss cheese plant. It’s theorized that the holes develop so the leaves can withstand high winds without tearing and also very hard rainstorms that occur in the jungle. Instead of ripping, they have pre-ripped leaves for that purpose. This also allows the sunlight to filter through to the bottommost part of the plant to give it some light because the plants do need light to survive as well. It’s best if the whole plant gets light if possible.
They have these beautiful heart-shaped leaves, and as mentioned before, they are still very pretty even if they aren’t making that nice Swiss cheese look for you. The fruit has a long history of being used as food and medicine. The roots of this plant have also been used over centuries to weave baskets and ropes, and parts of the plant have even been used to treat arthritis and other ailments in some areas of the world. So it is a very versatile and pretty plant, and actually very fascinating too, especially with the fact that it does have the fruit that it can produce for you.
It was originally cultivated in England in the late 1700s for its fruit and as an ornamental, so it has been around as a houseplant for many years. That is a nice thing to know, and that’s why you will find it in books that date back decades as well. It’s definitely a designer-oriented sort of plant that really makes a place pop. So I would definitely recommend, if you can find one of these plants, to grab it. They aren’t always easy to find because they can be in demand, but when you do find them and it looks healthy, nab it and grow it in your house. You will be very happy that you did.
So that is all on this beautiful plant. As long as you provide it with what it needs, it will really look nice and grow well in your indoor garden. Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave any comments about any indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video, and please check the bell if you’d like to be notified when we release new content.
Frequently Asked Questions about Monstera Deliciosa
What is Monstera deliciosa commonly known as?
Monstera deliciosa is commonly known as the split-leaf philodendron and Swiss cheese plant.
Is Monstera deliciosa a philodendron?
No, Monstera deliciosa is not a philodendron; it is a different species altogether.
Where does Monstera deliciosa originate from?
Monstera deliciosa originates from tropical regions in Central America, specifically from the southernmost part of Mexico to Panama.
How tall can Monstera deliciosa grow?
In its native habitat, Monstera deliciosa can grow over 20 feet high, often climbing into trees.
What kind of climate does Monstera deliciosa thrive in?
Monstera deliciosa thrives in a humid tropical climate and loves rain and humidity.
What does the fruit of Monstera deliciosa taste like?
The fruit of Monstera deliciosa tastes like a mix of pineapple and vanilla.
How long does it take for Monstera deliciosa fruit to ripen?
The fruit takes about a year to ripen, requiring patience from the grower.
What are the unique characteristics of Monstera deliciosa leaves?
The leaves of Monstera deliciosa have iconic holes, which help them withstand high winds and heavy rain, allowing sunlight to filter through to the lower parts of the plant.
Can Monstera deliciosa be used for anything other than decoration?
Yes, parts of the Monstera deliciosa plant have been historically used for food, medicine, and even to weave baskets and ropes.
When was Monstera deliciosa first cultivated?
Monstera deliciosa was originally cultivated in England in the late 1700s for its fruit and as an ornamental plant.
What should I do if I find a healthy Monstera deliciosa plant?
If you find a healthy Monstera deliciosa plant, it is recommended to buy it as they are often in demand and can be hard to find.
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