Do Monstera Plants Produce Flowers?

Written by August Croft
Published: November 17, 2022
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Whether you are brand new to houseplant ownership or are interested in learning more about popular plants, you may be wondering: do monstera plants produce flowers? Members of the aroid plant family, monsteras are exceedingly popular when kept as an indoor, tropical houseplant. But does it produce a flower, and what might you expect such a flower to look like?

So, do monstera plants produce flowers? Yes, monstera plants do in fact produce flowers! However, these flowers rarely occur indoors except in optimum conditions. You are more likely to see a monstera flowering in its natural habitat, in ideal temperatures and humidity levels. In addition, monsteras produce flowers that become a delicious fruit with time.

In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about monstera flowers, including whether or not you can expect one from your very own houseplant. We’ll even go over every different type of monstera and whether or not it flowers! Let’s get started now.

What Do Monstera Flowers Look Like?

do monstera plants produce flowers

While they are unlikely to bloom indoors, monstera plants do produce flowers.

©ribeiroantonio/Shutterstock.com

Given the fact that monsteras produce flowers, you may be wondering what they look like. Similar to other members of the aroid family, monsteras produce flowers with a unique spadix that eventually becomes a fruit! Just like lilies and other members of the aroid family, monstera flowers are large and grouped in singles on fleshy stems.

To keep things technically correct, monsteras make inflorescences rather than flowers. The large white inflorescence it produces contains multiple smaller flowers on its spadix; the white portion of the plant is simply a spathe. While all of this isn’t technically necessary to enjoy your monstera plant, it is still important to note!

Do Monstera Flowers Have a Scent?

Do Monstera Plants Produce Flowers

No matter what, monstera flowers will rarely bloom on a plant that is younger than 2 to 3 years old.

©Khairil Azhar Junos/Shutterstock.com

In theory, monstera flowers do have a light scent to them, but it is reportedly mild and pleasant. Some studies suggest that monstera flowers have a stronger smell closer to their pollination time in order to attract other pollinators and insects to them. No matter what, monstera flowers will rarely bloom on a plant that is younger than 2 to 3 years old, so keep this in mind if you are waiting for your newly established monstera to produce flowers! 

Do Indoor Monsteras Produce Flowers?

do monstera plants produce flowers

The conditions of the average home are rarely optimal for monsteras to dedicate their time and energy to produce flowers.

©AngieYeoh/Shutterstock.com

For the most part, indoor-grown monsteras do not produce flowers. The conditions of the average home are rarely optimal for monsteras to dedicate their time and energy to produce flowers. Even the healthiest and strongest monstera houseplant is unlikely to bloom, despite your vigilant efforts! The humidity and light levels required by these tropical beauties are difficult to mimic indoors. However, there will always be beautiful monstera foliage to enjoy!

Do Outdoor Monsteras Produce Flowers?

monstera outdoors

Monsteras can grow well outdoors in the right conditions, even producing flowers.

©ArtBackground/Shutterstock.com

If you are located in a tropical environment that can closely mimic the native region of the monstera, you may notice that your outdoor-grown monsteras produce flowers regularly. Native to South and Central America and capable of growing well in Florida, monsteras can produce flowers outdoors. In fact, many monsteras produce flowers without any assistance or help outdoors, thriving in humid conditions and naturally warm temperatures!

Do All Types of Monsteras Produce Flowers?

do monstera plants produce flowers

Even the unrelated but aptly-named mini monstera still produces flowers, though they are fairly boring.

©DJD_Media/Shutterstock.com

While it is rare to see indoors, all types of monsteras produce flowers. This includes the monstera deliciosa, the monstera adansonii, the monstera albo, and more. Even the unrelated but aptly-named mini monstera still produces flowers. However, much like other monsteras, it is next to impossible to get the mini monstera to flower indoors. And, like all other monsteras, the flowers aren’t very attractive anyway!

Do Monsteras Produce Fruit?

do monstera plants produce flowers

Monstera fruits can be mildly toxic and irritating if eaten before they are fully ripe.

©ribeiroantonio/Shutterstock.com

Yes, monstera plants do indeed produce fruit- and a reportedly delicious one at that! In fact, the infamous monstera deliciosa was so classified because of its delicious fruits. Capable of self-pollinating, monstera flowers transform into large fruits. The spadix becomes edible after pollination, often reaching over 5 inches long. However, keep in mind that monstera fruits can be mildly toxic and irritating if eaten before they are fully ripe!

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © ribeiroantonio/Shutterstock.com


Sources

  1. Flowering and thermogenetic cycles in two species of Monstera (Araceae), Available here: https://www.academia.edu/download/48273403/Flowering_and_thermogenetic_cycles_in_tw20160824-10761-1k1d3t1.pdf
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About the Author

August Croft is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on astrology, symbolism, and gardening. August has been writing a variety of content for over 4 years and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater from Southern Oregon University, which they earned in 2014. They are currently working toward a professional certification in astrology and chart reading. A resident of Oregon, August enjoys playwriting, craft beer, and cooking seasonal recipes for their friends and high school sweetheart.

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