Monstera Deliciosa Curious Fruit
Since the days of the lion king when I was a child I have been in love with the look of this plant. Disney showed these plants in the jungle scenes in the lion king and they always reminded me of "Hakuna Matata" No Worries :) So for me this plant signifies relaxation, an escape from reality, of vacationing somewhere tropical in a nice hammock made of vines :) Awe what a wonderful escape indeed :D
Young plants have leaves that are smaller and entire with no lobes or holes, but soon produce lobed and holed leaves.
Wild seedlings grow towards the darkest area they can find until they find a tree trunk, then start to grow up towards the light, creeping up the tree.
The Monstera Deliciosa In the right conditions will grow fruit. It is said to taste like a combination of banana, pineapple and mango. I plan to taste this fruit one day to see what I really think it tastes like :)
They say that all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested except for the ripened fruit.
I may end up having to wait a long time to get a fruit to grow on my monstera as it is still very young and being grown in a pot atm .. I'll have to find room to grow it in ground first before getting fruit.
Plant Care:
Culture
Windowleaf is an easy houseplant to maintain. It tolerates dry air and semi-shade better than most plants. Add some liquid fertilize to the water every few weeks during the growing season. Direct the aerial roots into the potting medium to improve support for the weak stem. Wipe the dust from the leaves with a damp sponge periodically.
Light: Windowleaf does best in half shade or a moderately bright position, but not in direct sun.
Moisture: During active growth, water windowleaf plants thoroughly before the soil becomes dry. Water less in winter. Water with rain water or demineralized water. Windowleaf tolerates the dry air typical of most homes fairly well, but it appreciates a little misting when humidity is very low.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 10 - 11. Windowleaf can be grown outside in tropical climates. In southern Florida they are often grown in half shade and allowed to climb large trees. House plants should not be exposed to temperatures below about 50ºF (10ºC) in winter or 55ºF (12.7ºC) at night in summer. Growth is best at temperatures of 70-75ºF (20-23.9ºC).
Propagation: Start new windowplants by cutting off a tip of stem just below an aerial root and potting the cutting. This can be done any time of the year.