Monstera deliciosa — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Monstera deliciosa |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–28 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 21.1–29.4 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 730–1095 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 91.4–152.4 |
| Mature height (cm) | 152.4–609.6 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 91.4–182.9 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 10–11 |
| Light | Partial sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Cutting |
Growing directions
Root cuttings in moist mix and transplant to rich, well-drained soil in part shade; Monstera deliciosa (ceriman, Mexican breadfruit) is the beloved houseplant grown everywhere, but in frost-free zones 10–11 it grows outdoors as a vigorous climbing vine with its characteristic enormous, deeply split and hole-perforated leaves reaching 3 feet across, producing exotic 6–8 inch cone-shaped edible fruits that taste like a combination of banana, pineapple, and vanilla. The fruit takes over a year to ripen from flower to harvest — it ripens from the base upward as the hexagonal scale-like sections of the outer husk lift and fall away, revealing the white, creamy, flesh underneath. Unripe fruit contains oxalate crystals that cause severe mouth irritation; only fully ripe sections should be eaten. The flavor of ripe ceriman is exceptional and unlike any common fruit. It climbs vigorously by aerial roots and makes a dramatic specimen in tropical landscapes.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
OpenPlantDB · monstera-deliciosa
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0