Monstera Deliciosa - The Ultimate Statement Plant
There's a reason Monstera Deliciosa has remained one of the world's most beloved houseplants for decades. Those enormous, glossy leaves with their distinctive splits and holes have become an icon of interior design, instantly transforming any space into a lush tropical retreat.
Native to the rainforests of Central America, this magnificent climber has earned countless common names around the world. In Australia, we often call it the Fruit Salad Plant (for its edible fruit that tastes like a tropical fruit salad) or the Swiss Cheese Plant (for those characteristic holes in the leaves). Whatever you call it, there's no mistaking this botanical superstar.
What makes Monstera Deliciosa truly special is the combination of dramatic good looks and remarkably easy care. This is a plant that rewards beginners and experienced growers alike, growing steadily larger and more impressive with each passing year.
Those Famous Leaves
Young Monstera Deliciosa plants produce heart-shaped leaves without any splits or holes. As the plant matures and the leaves grow larger, the characteristic fenestrations (holes) and splits begin to appear. This natural adaptation allows light to pass through to lower leaves in the dense rainforest and helps the plant withstand strong winds and heavy tropical rain.
The more light your Monstera receives (without direct sun), the larger the leaves will grow and the more dramatic the fenestrations become. A mature Monstera with proper support can produce leaves up to a metre across, each one a natural work of art.
Light Requirements
Monstera Deliciosa is wonderfully adaptable when it comes to light. It thrives in bright indirect light, where it will grow fastest and produce the largest, most fenestrated leaves. Position near an east or west-facing window, or a few metres back from a north-facing window.
The plant will tolerate lower light conditions, making it suitable for rooms that don't receive bright natural light. Growth will be slower and leaves smaller, but the plant will remain healthy. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, and very dark corners where even this adaptable plant will struggle.
Watering
This is where Monstera Deliciosa really shines for beginners. It's remarkably forgiving of occasional neglect. Allow the top few centimetres of soil to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot.
In warmer months when the plant is actively growing, you'll water more frequently. In winter, reduce watering as growth slows. The plant will tell you if it's thirsty, with leaves beginning to droop slightly before any damage occurs.
Overwatering is the most common mistake. If in doubt, wait another day or two before watering. Yellow leaves often indicate too much water, while brown, crispy edges suggest underwatering or low humidity.
Humidity and Temperature
While Monstera Deliciosa appreciates humidity (it is a rainforest plant), it adapts well to average household conditions. If your home is particularly dry, especially in winter with heating running, the plant will benefit from occasional misting or grouping with other plants to create a humid microclimate.
Keep temperatures above 13°C and away from cold draughts. The plant thrives in the same temperatures humans find comfortable, making it ideal for indoor growing.
Support and Climbing
In nature, Monstera Deliciosa climbs trees using its aerial roots, reaching towards the light filtering through the canopy. Indoors, providing a support structure encourages larger leaf growth and more impressive fenestrations.
A moss pole or Grow Vertical Propstick gives those aerial roots something to grip, mimicking the plant's natural growth habit. Without support, the plant will eventually sprawl or trail, which can also be attractive but produces smaller leaves.
Those aerial roots that emerge from the stem are completely normal. You can train them into the pot, onto a support, or trim them if they become unruly. The plant won't be harmed by trimming aerial roots.
Potting and Repotting
Monstera Deliciosa likes its roots to have room to grow but doesn't mind being slightly rootbound. Repot every 1-2 years in spring, moving up one pot size. Use a well-draining aroid mix that retains some moisture while allowing excess water to escape.
Our Ultimate Aroid Mix provides the perfect balance of drainage and moisture retention that Monstera roots love.
Feeding
During the growing season (spring through autumn), feed monthly with Growth Technology Foliage Focus at 3-5ml per litre. This provides all the nutrients your Monstera needs for lush, healthy growth. Reduce or stop feeding in winter when growth naturally slows.
Add Growth Technology Rootzone at 1ml per litre every 2-4 weeks to support strong root development, particularly important for this climbing plant.
The Edible Fruit
The name "deliciosa" refers to the plant's edible fruit, which reportedly tastes like a combination of pineapple, banana, and mango. However, fruiting requires mature plants in warm, humid outdoor conditions and is extremely rare for indoor plants in Australia. The fruit takes almost a year to ripen and must be completely ripe before eating, as unripe fruit contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause throat irritation.
Perfect For
- Beginners looking for an easy, rewarding plant
- Creating instant tropical ambience in any room
- Low to bright light positions
- Those wanting a long-lived statement plant
- Interior styling and design
- Offices and commercial spaces
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't my Monstera have holes in the leaves?
Young plants produce solid leaves without fenestrations. As your plant matures and leaves grow larger, splits and holes will develop naturally. Providing bright indirect light and a support for climbing encourages larger, more fenestrated leaves. Be patient; this process takes time but is worth the wait.
What are the brown strings growing from my plant?
These are aerial roots, and they're completely normal. In nature, Monstera uses these to climb trees and absorb moisture and nutrients. You can train them into the soil, guide them onto a moss pole, or trim them if they become unruly. The plant won't be harmed either way.
Can I grow Monstera Deliciosa outdoors in Australia?
Yes, in frost-free areas with protection from direct sun and strong winds. It grows beautifully in subtropical and tropical regions, where it can climb trees, fences, or walls. In cooler areas, keep it as a houseplant or move outdoors only in the warmer months.
How big will my Monstera get?
Indoors with support, expect your plant to eventually reach 2-3 metres tall. Without support, it will sprawl wider rather than grow tall. You can control the size through pruning and pot size. A Monstera can live for decades and continue growing throughout its life.
Is this the same as a Split-Leaf Philodendron?
While commonly called Split-Leaf Philodendron, Monstera Deliciosa is not actually a Philodendron. They're related (both Araceae family) but different genera. True Philodendron bipinnatifidum (now Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum) is a separate plant with different leaf characteristics.
Please Keep in Mind
Monstera Deliciosa is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. The calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves and stems cause mouth and throat irritation. Keep out of reach of curious pets and children.
Young plants may not display the characteristic fenestrations (splits and holes) that this species is famous for. These develop as the plant matures and produces larger leaves. Providing bright indirect light and climbing support encourages fenestration development.
Each plant is unique. Leaf size, shape, and fenestration patterns vary naturally between individual plants and leaves.
If you are from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase this plant, we recommend using Paradise Distributors concierge service. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing: info@rareplants.net.au
LET'S TALK ABOUT HOW YOUR PLANTS GET TO YOU & HOW YOU CAN PICK THEM UP!
Alright, so here's the deal with shipping - we try our best to send all our plants potted and ready to go, but sometimes due to larger orders or when we're moving through some big changes, we'll send some plants semi-bare rooted. If you haven't come across this before, it basically means we carefully remove a bunch of the soil before packing them up. I know that might sound a bit scary if you've never ordered plants online before, but trust me, this is actually a really smart way to do it! The main reason we do this is because it creates so much more room in the box, which means we can fit way more plants in one shipment for you. More plants in one box = more green goodness arriving at your door at once! The plants honestly handle the journey better without all that heavy, wet soil sloshing around too. Just make sure you've got some fresh potting mix ready to go when your green babies arrive, because they'll want to get tucked into their new home pretty quickly!
Now, let's chat about what actually fits in our boxes. We can safely fit about 4-6 plants in one box, or if you're stocking up on supplies, one box can hold 3 bags of medium plus 1L of Growth Technology. We really don't recommend adding heavy items with your plants though - it just puts extra stress on your precious plants during transit and limits how many we can fit. If your order ends up being heavier than our standard box can handle, we'll reach out to you about additional postage fees. We're always transparent about costs, no sneaky surprises!
When Does Everything Ship Out?
Here's how our timeline works - we process and ship orders the week after you place them. So if you order on a Tuesday, your plants will get packed and sent out sometime the following week. We ship Monday through Friday (because let's be real, we all need weekends to recharge!), and we're aiming to get your order out within 4-6 business days of processing. Sometimes things take a tiny bit longer because we're a small but mighty team, and we take absolute care in making sure every single plant is packed perfectly. Like, we're talking individual attention for each plant here. We don't rush this stuff!
Once your order ships, you'll get an email with your tracking number. If you haven't received that tracking email, it just means we're still working on your order - it hasn't left us yet. Please be patient with us! We promise we're working as fast as we can while still making sure everything is done right. We pack orders in chronological order to keep things fair for everyone, so no one's getting special treatment or jumping the queue. First come, first served, that's how we roll!
The Journey to Your Doorstep
All our orders ship with Australia Post, and here's something cool - they operate 24/7! That means even if your order gets sent out on a Friday afternoon, it's still making its way to you over the weekend. The postal system doesn't sleep, and honestly, that's pretty amazing for getting plants to you quickly. You can generally expect your plants to arrive within 2-7 days after we ship them, depending on where you are in Australia. Metro areas tend to be quicker, regional spots might take the full week, but either way, your tracking number will keep you in the loop the whole time.
And here's the thing that always blows people's minds - our plants are absolute troopers. We've tested this extensively, and they can genuinely survive in their boxes for up to three weeks if needed. Obviously we don't want them sitting around that long, but life happens, mail gets delayed sometimes, and we want you to know that your plants are prepped and ready to handle whatever the postal system throws at them. While we do our best to avoid delays, occasional unforeseen circumstances may slightly impact delivery times, but rest assured, your plants are packed with extra care and are tougher than you think!
Quarantine States (WA, NT, TAS)
We currently only ship directly to non-quarantine states. Unfortunately, biosecurity restrictions make it pretty complicated to send plants to Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania. But don't worry, we've got a solution for you! If you're from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase plants from us, we recommend using Paradise Distributors' concierge service. They're absolute legends and can handle all the biosecurity paperwork and requirements for you. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing so they can give you all the details and help you out: info@rareplants.net.au
Come Visit & Pick Up from the Greenhouse! (Rockdale)
If you're local or just love the idea of picking up your order in person, we've got you covered! Greenhouse collection from our Rockdale location is available the same week you make your purchase. Our opening hours are always changing, so make sure to check booking availability on our 'BOOK TO VISIT' page before purchasing. After you've paid for your order, just head over and book a time slot that works for you. You'll get to pick up your plants AND have a wander through the greenhouse while you're here, which honestly is such a vibe. Just please wear a mask if you're feeling unwell - it's a small space and we want to keep everyone safe and healthy!
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT WE DO NOT SHARE THE GREENHOUSE ADDRESS PUBLICLY BECAUSE ITS OUR HOME ASWELL AS BUSINESS, AFTER YOU BOOK YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL OR TEXT WITH OUR ADDRESS, IF THE GATE IS CLOSED ON ARRIVAL DON'T WORRY WILL BE RIGHT WITH YOU :) AND PLEASE NO BIG BOUNCY DOGS AS ITS A SMALL SPACE & PLANTS GET DAMAGED WITH HAPPY TAILS :)
Catch Us at Markets!
We do regular markets around Sydney and would love to meet you in person! If you'd prefer to skip shipping altogether and grab your order at one of our market stalls, just email us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com and we can arrange collection at an upcoming market. It's a great way to chat plants face-to-face, see what else we've got on the day, and save on postage!
Questions? We're Here for You!
If you've got any questions about shipping, tracking, or literally anything else, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com. We love chatting with you guys and we're always happy to help troubleshoot, answer questions, or just talk plants!
Much love from the GG's Team 🌱
