Monstera 'Monkey Mask'
An evergreen climber, grown in temperate areas as a greenhouse, conservatory or house plant, and is up to 1m high, with elliptic to oblong-lanceolate, rich green leaves, up to about 20cm long, each with several perforations; flowers are borne on a spadix up to 3.5cm long, and followed by white fruits 5-8mm across, but plants grown in containers rarely produce flowers or fruit
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing, Trailing
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Monstera are evergreen climbing shrubs with aerial roots, and usually ovate leaves which are often pinnately cut or lobed; arum-like flowerheads with white spathes arise from the leaf axils on mature plants
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
In cooler climates, grow in a warm greenhouse or as houseplant (minimum 10-15ºC) in a draught-free position, in moist but well-drained, loam-based potting compost such as John Innes No. 2, in bright indirect light with moderate to high humidity; sponge the leaves to keep them free of dust and dirt, and water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month in the growing season, but water sparingly in winter; it can use its aerial roots to climb if given support, for example on a moss-covered pole; in warmer climates, grow outdoors in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. See houseplant cultivation and Monstera for further information
Propagation
Propagate by internodal softwood cuttings, by tip cuttings with one leaf attached, or by leaf cuttings, all with bottom heat in a sandy propagating mix in summer; or by air-layering in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Pruning group 11 (climbers) in spring, if it is necessary to keep plant restricted within the space available
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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