Most Monstera species flower only when grown in conditions exactly similar to their natural habitat.
Read on to discover:
- The basics of the Monstera deliciosa plant
- Whether or not Monstera plants flower
- What Monstera flowers look like
- The fruits produced by Monstera flowers.
And more!
The Basics of the Monstera Deliciosa Plant
Genus Monstera consists of over 45 to 50 plant species from the Arum family of Araceae, native to the tropical regions of Central and South America.
They grow and climb upwards in their natural habitat by clinging to other trees with their aerial roots. But their large and shiny foliage, beautifully fenestrated leaves, and adaptive nature also make them wonderful plants to grow indoors.
The name ‘Monstera’ is a Latin word for ‘abnormal’ or ‘monstrous,’ which represents the large size and unique, holey leaf structure of Monstera plants.
The most popular Monstera species and varieties include Deliciosa, Adansonii, Borsigiana, Obliqua, Variegata, and Siltepecana.
These plants commonly go by many other nicknames, like Swiss Cheese Plant because the tiny holes on its leaves resemble the holes in Swiss Cheese, Fruit Salad Plant because its fruit tastes like a fusion of many other fruits, and Split Leaf Philodendron because of its similarity to the Philodendron genus.
Does Monstera Flower?
Yes, Monstera or the Swiss Cheese plant flowers, but only if it’s growing in the same wet and tropical conditions as it originates from.
You might never see some types of Monsteras producing flowers as houseplants because it’s almost impossible to replicate the exact conditions of their natural habitat indoors.
If you still want them to produce flowers indoors, try exposing them to conditions similar to their native region.
Once the flowers are pollinated, they turn into a tasty, edible fruit commonly known as the Mexican Breadfruit.
Note: Never eat the unripe fruit of a Monstera plant; it can cause a stinging sensation in your mouth and other allergic reactions.
What Does a Monstera Flower Look Like?
Most Araceae (aroid) plants – including Pothos, Anthuriums, Philodendrons, ZZ Plant, and Peace Lily – feature the same flowering structure, which is why it’s sometimes difficult to tell them apart.
Since Monstera, a.k.a the Swiss Cheese plant, also belongs to the same family, it produces a similar-looking inflorescence as others.
The inflorescence’s primary shoots, called sympodium, bear two cataphylls, an erect spadix, and a surrounding leaf-like bract called the spathe.
The Spadix
The spadix is a cylindrical structure in the middle that can grow about four to six inches long. Its color is usually green or white in the bud stage, which changes to white or yellow when the flower opens.
In other words, the spadix is a closed white spike that eventually opens up to reveal the fruit inside. It is surrounded by a spathe similar to a large petal.
Most Monstera plants produce a cluster of two to four spadices, except for Monstera Obliqua, which may grow up to eight clusters, and Monstera Lechleriana, which usually produces a single spadix.
The spadix is covered with numerous tiny inflorescence flowers arranged spirally, with those at the base sterile.
The Spathe
The spathe is a boat-shaped or hemispherical, leaf-like, waxy bract surrounding the spadix from behind.
Its color depends on the Monstera plant you have, but it’s usually green while emerging. It later turns white, deep yellow, or rose and eventually falls off two to three days after it has opened.
The Flower Stalk
Technically called the peduncle, Monstera’s flower stalk is either flat or terete with an approximate length of 2 to 18 inches and a width varying from 5/64 to 1/8 inches.
Monstera Deliciosa Fruit
- Bees, beetles, and some flies can pollinate monstera flowers.
- The female part of the flower reaches maturity early by a day or two to avoid cross-pollination.
- The flowers mature upwards, beginning from their base.
- The spadix of Monstera Deliciosa may increase the temperature by 59°F (15°C) when it opens.
- The spadix ripens into green, cone-like fruit, approximately 8 to 14 inches long and 2 to 3.5 inches wide. This fruit has an outer peel with hexagonal scales over white, juicy pulp sections.
The greenish scales fall off the fruit when it ripens. Its segments may have small black remnants of flowers; make sure you pick those black flecks off and discard them because they contain oxalic acid.
Remember: Unripe green fruits of Monstera contain calcium oxalic acid that can irritate the mouth and throat and cause dietary problems. The fruit mostly matures after 2 to 15 months, depending on the species you have, so make sure you don’t eat them before ripening.
Monstera fruit contains a mix of useful nutrients for the body. Athletes drink smoothies made from this fruit as it is rich in vitamin C and potassium, which boosts energy and stamina. Some people even make drinks using the monster fruit to soothe arthritis.
Do Indoor Monsteras Produce Flowers?
You may see a Monstera flowering if you grow it in a greenhouse or outdoors in a year-round warm region, but it’s very rare for this plant to flower indoors.
Although Monstera plants can adapt well to growing indoors, the conditions of an indoor environment are still not favorable enough for them to reach maturity and bloom flowers.
To flower, they require extreme conditions similar to their native environment, like warm temperatures, high humidity, adequate light, plenty of water, and enough room to grow. Conclusively, it’s rare but not entirely impossible for a Monstera to flower indoors.
Monstera Deliciosa can also self-pollinate and produce edible fruit because they have both male and female flowers.
Do Outdoor Monsteras Produce Flowers?
Monstera plants growing outdoors can flower if exposed to an environment similar to their native region.
This means you can expect flowers and fruits if you grow these plants outdoors in a tropical region featuring naturally warm temperatures and humid conditions.
However, you must take some precautions if you want to see Monstera plants produce flowers outdoors.
- Keep the plant in a semi-shaded area because growing it under direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and dry up all the moisture essential for its growth.
- You must follow a regular watering and fertilizing schedule in the growing season because growing a plant outside can quickly evaporate its moisture.
- Remember that Monstera plants don’t thrive well in cold temperatures. So, bring your Monstera indoors when the weather turns too cold in winter.
Is It Rare For Monstera To Flower?
Monstera plants are more likely to flower and fruit in the wild – under high temperatures and humidity levels. However, it is very rare for them to flower when grown indoors, where they don’t have the right conditions to grow large enough and reach maturity.
A Monstera plant can flower indoors only if exposed to conditions similar to its native tropical region (enough water, light, and room to grow).
What Age Does A Monstera Flower?
Monstera’s growth can be divided into three stages: The baby or seedling, juvenile or adult, and the mature stage. It begins to produce fruit and flowers only after reaching maturity.
In its native tropical region or a place with similar environmental conditions, it can take about two or three to five years for a Monstera to mature and produce flowers.
A Monstera growing in the wild has no specific blooming month or time. Flowering can start during any month as long as the plant reaches maturity, but it is most likely to happen in summer after an active growing winter season.
You might never see flowers on this plant when grown outside of its typical tropical habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Monstera Deliciosa Flowers Smell?
- The inflorescence of a Monstera Deliciosa plant has a fruity scent.
- Monstera flowers develop a stronger smell when ready for pollination; otherwise, their smell is very slight.
- The inflorescence is quite receptive when it opens (usually in the evenings), giving off a strong smell to attract pollinators.
- The fruit of Monstera Deliciosa also releases a strong, sweet scent when it ripens.
How Long Does It Take For A Monstera Deliciosa To Flower?
Monsteras produce flowers upon reaching maturity, usually within three to five years.
Since it takes a lot of time to transform an inflorescence into a mature fruit, the plant may produce flowers and fruits at the same time.
This means it’s possible to see a Monstera bearing ripe fruits, immature fruits, and unopened inflorescences all at once. It takes 12 to 14 months for a Monstera fruit to ripen.
Do All Monstera Species Produce Flowers?
Most Monstera species and varieties, including Monstera Albo, Monstera Deliciosa, and Monstera Adansonii, can bloom when growing in tropical regions.
Even the unrelated but rightly named “Mini Monstera” can flower. However, it is rare to see these plants flowering indoors.
The flowers on Monsteras plants aren’t particularly attractive anyway, but they mature into a delicious, edible fruit that tastes like a fruit salad.
Are Monstera Flowers and Fruits Toxic to Cats & Dogs?
Monstera plants are mildly toxic to pets because they contain calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals can cause irritation to the mouth and throat if ingested.
Although unlikely to cause fatal harm, some pets may also have a unique and rare allergic reaction to Monstera plants. So, make sure you keep your pets away from them.
The fruit of this plant loses oxalic crystals after ripening and becomes an edible delicacy with a sweet fruity taste.
How to Make the Swiss Cheese Plant Flower Indoors?
Monstera produces flowers only in its native tropical regions or similar areas. You can try to mimic the conditions of its native environment if you want to see its flowers and fruits grow indoors.
- Provide filtered light; you can use grow lights if the area you live in doesn’t have enough Sun.
- Use well-draining soil to prevent the roots from burning.
- Water the Swiss Cheese Plant Regularly
- Maintain High Humidity Levels (an indoor humidifier or a tray filled with pebbles will do the job)
Conclusion
Monstera Deliciosa plant, a.k.a Swiss Cheese plant, can produce flowers and fruits only in their native tropical region or areas with similar environmental conditions.
They can’t flower indoors because the conditions aren’t perfect for them to reach maturity.
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
