Did you know that the plant commonly known as the monstera plant is a type of yam? Yup. The fruit of the monstera plant is referred to as the deliciosa, and is actually edible. It is also referred to as the fruit of the monkeypod tree and is also sometimes referred to as the fruit of the vining yam, or the vining fruit. The plant is native to the rainforests of Central America and can grow up to 25 feet in height. It is a slightly lax, evergreen perennial that can grow in a variety of climates and soils. The plant can be propagated from cuttings or seed and is generally easier to grow from cuttings than from seed.
What Is The Monstera Deliciosa?
The monstera plant is a member of the yam family, along with other plants such as the sweet potato, potato, and Chinese yam. The deliciosa is the edible fruit of the plant and can grow up to 2 inches in diameter. The fruit is sweet when ripe, and has a spongy texture that is somewhat reminiscent of watermelon. When unripe, the fruit is green in color, and when ripe it turns yellow with brown spots.
Where Can You Find The Monstera Deliciosa?
The deliciosa fruit is native to Central America, specifically Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. It can also be found in parts of Mexico, and the Caribbean. The fruit is also grown in South America and has been cultivated in Brazil for more than 100 years.
How to Grow Monstera Deliciosa
The deliciosa is a moderately easy plant to grow, and can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 – 11, or indoors as a houseplant in cooler climates. It prefers a warm and humid environment and can do well in either full or partial sun. It can be grown as an indoor or outdoor plant and enjoys moist soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant also benefits from being kept consistently moist and can tolerate some drought. It is also very forgiving, and can be easily propagated from either vegetative or flower buds.
Propagate Monstera Deliciosa
To propagate the deliciosa plant, you can divide the clumps of mature plants, or take cuttings from the main trunk. The best time to take cuttings is in the summer, while the plant is actively growing. You can also purchase stem cuttings to grow the plant, or plant tip cuttings to root.
Conclusion
The fruit of the monstera plant is referred to as the deliciosa, and is actually edible. It is also referred to as the fruit of the monkeypod tree, and is also sometimes referred to as the fruit of the vining yam, or the vining fruit. The plant is native to the rainforests of Central America, and can grow up to 25 feet in height. It is a slightly lax, evergreen perennial that can grow in a variety of climates and soils. The plant can be propagated from cuttings or seed, and is generally easier to grow from cuttings than from seed.