Monstera plant?

Question

I have a Monstera, AKA, split leaf philadendron. In my plant book it says that under ideal conditions it creates a fruit called a Mamay fruit that tastes like a creamy pineapple/banana. It also says that it rarely happens indoors. I'd like to defeat the odds, grow the fruit, and feast on such glory. Tips?

Answer 1

We used to have this growing in the yard when I was a kid.
We did get fruit off it.

It was growing in a coastal town in northern NSW, Australia, on the north/west side of the house. (Southern hemisphere - north is the sunny side)
Temperatures rarely got below 6C in winter, or above 32C in summer. It was in sun for about 1/2 the day. It was fairly humid all year round. We didn't really water it too much. Mainly relied on rainfall - and a bit of hand watering if it hadn't rained for a while.

Based on this, it should do OK inside provided you make sure it gets regular sunshine. (I think my grandma may have had an inside one with fruit - but I can't be sure).

Answer 2

I hope you have a LOT of space inside. Our backyard Monstera plant covers an area of about 10 feet by 4 feet and it would have been bigger if I hadn't chopped a bit off. The stem gets to at least 3 inches diameter, too. It is way bigger than those wimpy little indoor Philodendrons. The fruit ripeness has to be just right otherwise it is a bit "pricky" to eat because the flesh is full of sharp crystals called raphides.

Answer 3

Where does the plant originate? How long is the day there? Soil? Water and humidity?
the day length and temperature correctly should work, but my guess is it will be a very strange sauna:)

Answer 4

full sun