Do Monsteras Flower? How to Get Your Plant to Bloom

The Monstera deliciosa, celebrated for its deeply cut, glossy leaves, is a fixture in many homes. Its iconic foliage is a primary reason for its popularity, but many who cultivate this plant wonder if it will ever produce a flower.

The Monstera Flower and Fruit

Yes, the Monstera deliciosa does flower. The bloom is not a traditional petal-filled structure but an inflorescence, a characteristic of its plant family, Araceae. This consists of a creamy-white, hood-like leaf called a spathe, which unfurls to reveal a central, fleshy spike known as the spadix. The entire structure is large, often 8 to 12 inches in length, and resembles the flower of a peace lily.

When the flower is pollinated in its native environment, it begins the process of developing a fruit. This is where the plant earns the second part of its scientific name, deliciosa. The resulting fruit, called ceriman or Mexican breadfruit, looks like a green ear of corn covered in hexagonal scales. It can take over a year for the fruit to fully ripen. As it matures, the green scales lift to reveal an edible pulp said to taste like a combination of pineapple and banana. It is important to only consume the fruit when it is fully ripe, as unripe portions contain oxalic acid, which can cause significant irritation.

Flowering in the Wild Versus Indoors

There is a stark contrast between a monstera’s behavior in its native habitat and in a living room. In the tropical forests of southern Mexico, flowering is a regular event for a mature plant. As a climbing epiphyte that scales large trees to reach canopy light, blooming and fruiting are standard parts of its life cycle.

Indoors, the story is quite different. It is exceptionally rare for a Monstera deliciosa grown as a houseplant to flower. The indoor environment does not replicate the specific combination of factors present in its natural setting. A non-flowering indoor monstera is the norm, and its health is best measured by its vibrant leaves rather than the absence of blooms.

Conditions Required for a Monstera to Bloom

For the rare possibility of an indoor bloom, a specific set of environmental triggers must be met consistently. These factors mimic the plant’s wild habitat.

Age and Maturity

A monstera must be sufficiently mature before it is capable of flowering. A young plant will not have the developmental maturity to produce a bloom. This means the plant must be many years old, often in the range of 5 to 15 years.

Light

While monsteras are tolerant of lower light levels, flowering requires significantly more energy. To bloom, the plant needs several hours of bright, indirect sunlight every day. This level of light is a primary reason why indoor flowering is so uncommon.

Space and Support

A monstera’s growth habit is directly linked to its reproductive cycle. The plant needs a large pot for an extensive root system and important vertical support. Providing a sturdy moss pole or trellis encourages the plant to climb, a natural trigger for maturation.

Consistent Environment

The overall environment must be consistently warm and humid, replicating tropical conditions. This means maintaining steady temperatures and high humidity levels year-round, without the fluctuations common in household settings.