Rare Monstera Plant Fruit - What is This Exotic Jungle Fruit?

An Introduction to the Exotic Monstera Plant Fruit

The monstera plant has become an incredibly popular houseplant in recent years. With its large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves full of holes and dramatic splits, it's easy to see why the monstera is often referred to by its nickname - the Swiss cheese plant.

But beyond its ornamental foliage, the monstera plant has another claim to fame - its exotic fruit. The monstera fruit has recently been gaining a lot of attention, particularly on social media.

But what exactly is the monstera fruit? And is it actually safe and tasty to eat? Keep reading to learn all about this unusual edible plant and its jungle origins.

What is the Monstera Plant?

Monstera is a genus of around 45 species of flowering tropical plants that originate in the rainforests of Central and South America. The most popular variety grown as a houseplant is Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant.

In the wild, monsteras grow as vine-like epiphytes, climbing up tree trunks and branches using their aerial roots. They can reach staggering heights of 66 feet (20 meters). As they mature, the leaves develop signature holes and fenestrations that give them a lace-like appearance.

The monstera is prized by houseplant enthusiasts for its unusual leaves and easy care. It thrives in bright, indirect light and can tolerate a range of indoor conditions. With the proper care and environment, a monstera can grow rapidly to become a focal point of any indoor jungle.

The Rare Monstera Plant Fruit

In addition to its ornamental appeal, the monstera is a fruiting plant. But encounters with the monstera fruit outside of the tropics are rare. That's because the plant only produces fruit when it reaches maturity, which takes an impressive three to five years when grown as a houseplant.

In the wild rainforest environments where they naturally occur, monsteras will eventually begin flowering and fruiting once they climb high enough to reach sufficient light. By that time, the plants are massive, fully mature specimens.

The monstera fruit is a type of berry that begins forming under the plant's iconic split leaves. When young, the green fruit has a reptilian scale-like appearance. But as it ripens, the scales open up to reveal edible fruit inside - looking somewhat like an ear of corn covered in pineapple-like scales.

Each fruit contains edible flesh and dozens of seeds. The ripe fleshy part tastes like a combination of banana, pineapple, and mango - sweet and tropical with a soft, creamy texture.

Are Monstera Fruits Edible?

So the monstera plant produces an intriguing and exotic-looking fruit. But the next question is - can you eat it and is it actually tasty? Let's take a closer look at the edibility and flavor of the monstera fruit.

Yes - Monstera Fruit is Edible!

The fruit of the monstera deliciosa plant is entirely edible and safe for human consumption when completely ripe. In fact, the name "deliciosa" was given to this species because its fruit is delicious!

Green, unripe monstera fruit can result in an itchy, burning sensation in the mouth and throat. This reaction is caused by the high concentration of calcium oxalates present in the plant's tissues while the fruit is still immature.

But once the scales open up and the fruit ripens, these irritating compounds break down into edible sugars and the fruit becomes completely enjoyable and safe to eat raw.

What Does Monstera Fruit Taste Like?

The ripe flesh inside a monstera fruit is described as tasting like a tropical combination of banana, pineapple, and mango or citrus fruits like lemon and orange. It is sweet and soft with juicy, dripping flesh reminiscent of a perfectly ripe peach.

Others compare the flavor to juicy fruit gum or fruit punch. There are also notes of banana or melon. The pulp has even been described as tasting like a sweet, tropical version of an ear of corn.

Overall the monstera fruit is a sweet, fragrant, tropical tasting treat for the adventurous eater seeking exotic new flavors.

Preparing & Eating Monstera Fruit

Monstera fruits can be eaten fresh once ripe. Simply cut or twist them off the plant. Use a paring knife to peel away the scales and rind and slice open the fruit to scoop out the soft flesh inside. The pulp can be eaten raw and fresh like any other tropical fruit.

The juice from the flesh can also be used to make smoothies, cocktails, jams, jellies, and other recipes. Some people even dehydrate the fruit to make fruit leathers.

If you're lucky enough to get fruit from your own monstera plant, harvest them once they emit a strong tropical fragrance and the scales begin separating and opening up.

Growing Monstera Plants for Fruit

Want to experience this unique fruit for yourself? Growing your own monstera plant is an option - but cultivating the fruit takes time and perfect conditions.

Caring for a Monstera Houseplant

Caring for a young monstera plant as a houseplant is simple. Provide bright, indirect light, regular watering to keep the soil slightly moist, humid conditions, and support as it climbs.

Use fertilizer to encourage growth. Repot into progressively larger containers filled with drainage material and aerated potting mix as needed. Trellises and moss poles provide support and allow the monstera to grow upwards.

Getting a Monstera to Fruit Indoors

While monsteras grown as houseplants may occasionally surprise owners by fruiting, getting a monstera to reliably produce fruit indoors takes effort. Even mature monsteras may only bear fruit sporadically when grown as houseplants.

To improve the chances of fruiting, mimic the conditions monsteras enjoy in their native habitat. This means providing bright light, high humidity, warm temperatures, ventilation, adequate space, and proper support for growth.

You may need to prune and train the monstera vines to encourage upward/outward growth until they eventually reach maturity and produce flower buds after a few years.

Supplementing with fertilizer and using supplemental lighting can also help provide the high light levels monsteras need to fruit indoors. But even with perfect care, fruiting cannot be guaranteed.

Growing Monstera for Fruit Outdoors

Monsteras grow best and are more likely to bear fruit when cultivated outdoors in USDA zones 10-11. Plants grown in the ground in warm climates can truly thrive and achieve impressive mature sizes.

Provide a position in part sun to part shade and tutor the vines up supportive trellises and pergolas. Fertilize and water regularly. Prune as needed to encourage bushy outward growth.

With ideal warm conditions and room to grow, flowering and fruiting are much more likely than when keeping monsteras as indoor container plants.

Buying Monstera Fruit

What if you don't want to wait years for your own monstera to produce fruit? Purchasing imported ripe monstera fruit is an option - albeit a pricey one.

Rare fruit collectors and specialty growers are able to source limited quantities of ripe monstera fruits imported from the tropics to sell to adventurous exotic fruit fans.

Due to the short shelf life, quick-ripening characteristics, and rare nature of monsteras, prices for the fruits start at over $50 each and can top $100+ per fruit.

When shopping for pre-ripened monstera fruit, look for fruits that are fragrant, with scales that have started to open up, indicating ripeness. Fruit imported while still immature will not ripen further off the vine.

Are Monstera Fruits Worth the Hype?

Part of the intrigue and appeal of the monstera fruit is its exotic, tropical origins and the mystique surrounding such a rarely-encountered plant.

The fruit's flavor lives up to the hype surrounding it as a delightful tropical tasting treat. However, some people may not feel the expensive price justifies the cost when similar tasting fruits are much cheaper and easier to find locally.

For committed foodie hobbyists, exotic fruit collectors, and anyone fascinated by rare jungle finds - sampling an ultra-ripe monstera fruit may be considered a must-try bucket list food experience worth splurging on.

The Bottom Line on Monstera Plant Fruits

The monstera deliciosa produces an intriguing scaly fruit that tastes like a delicious mix of pineapple and banana. Though they take years to reach maturity and fruit, monsteras are enjoying a huge wave of popularity as houseplants.

While home growers may need patience and luck to successfully harvest monstera fruits, foodies can seek out rare imports or exotic fruit tastings. Trying this jungle fruit can be an adventurous and tasty culinary experience!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.