Plant of the week – Monstera deliciosa

Plant of the weekMonstera deliciosa, is as the name implies a bit of a green space monster. The leaves are huge, measuring up to 90 cm in diameter. The plant has a high trend factor as a houseplant in temperate areas. A popular nickname is Swiss cheese plant, derived from the leaves being punctuated with holes similar to that of the cheese. As can be seen from the photos, here the plant is captured in the outdoors, more specifically Málaga, Spain.

Plant of the week - Monstera deliciosa - GardenRoomStyle

Plant of the weekMonstera deliciosa

Monstera originates from southern Mexico to southern Panama. When you see it as a house plant it’s not immediately obvious that it’s a climber, clinging itself upwards thanks to aerial roots. It can work itself up a support as high as 20 metres. An impressive sight considering the mighty leaves. As a houseplant it only reaches around 2-3 metres.

Plant of the week - Monstera deliciosa - GardenRoomStyle

Monstera deliciosa climing up the trunk of a Pinus tree.

This plant prefers partial shade. The soil should be moist but well-draining. Whilst the leaves are monstrous, the fruit is not. Maturing in summer/autumn it has a delicious fruit salad flavour. From a northern European perspective this plant may be moved outside in the warmer months, brought back inside again when temperature is dropping. Can only be grown outside in sheltered, frost free areas.

Plant of the week - Monstera deliciosa - GardenRoomStyle