Publisher's Synopsis
The flowering plant Monstera deliciosa, or Swiss cheese plant, is indigenous to the tropical rainforests of southern Mexico and the Caribbean coast all the way to Panama. Large, glossy green leaves with unusual splits and holes, resembling Swiss cheese, make this Araceae plant stand out. The plant's lovely and distinctive foliage makes it a popular option for houseplants and other interior décor.
As a climbing plant, Monstera deliciosa is capable of growing in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. In its native environment, it frequently alights atop trees and other man-made buildings. Under ideal circumstances, this plant can yield edible fruit, which is where the term "deliciosa" comes from.
Popular names for this fruit include "Monstera fruit" and "Swiss cheese fruit." It resembles a pineapple and is composed of a cluster of green hexagonal scales. Unripe fruit is poisonous due to oxalic acid, but ripe fruit is edible and has a flavor described as a cross between banana and pineapple.
Keeping Monstera deliciosa alive and well in a home environment is not too difficult. It does best in soil that drains properly and is exposed to indirect light. The top inch of soil needs time to dry out in between waterings, so be sure to water regularly. Helping the plant climb can also promote the growth of its distinctive fenestrated leaves.
