Monstera deliciosa
A tropical climber with splits and holes in mature leaves and stems that climb supports.
- Scientific name
- Monstera deliciosa
- Family
- Araceae
- Other names
- Swiss cheese plant · Ceriman
- Reviewed
A reference photograph of Monstera deliciosa. Splits and holes in the leaves can vary with age and growing conditions.
Photo credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
License: CC BY-SA 4.0
The photograph was resized and converted to JPEG.
Names and classification
Monstera deliciosa is an evergreen climbing plant in the arum family. Check its scientific name, Monstera deliciosa, to avoid confusing it with other Monstera species.
Observable features
Young leaves are relatively entire; splits along the margins and holes within the blade become more conspicuous with maturity. Leaf shape also varies with age and growing conditions such as light.
Distribution and habitat
It occurs in tropical regions from Mexico into Central America. In cold regions it is grown indoors for foliage, but its size in a small indoor pot does not represent its wild growth potential.
Ecology and life cycle
In forests it climbs when it encounters a support and develops aerial roots. Mature plants can produce inflorescences and fruit, but flowering and fruiting are uncommon in ordinary indoor cultivation.
Cultivation and care
Provide warmth, bright indirect light, a well-drained growing medium and stem support. Water according to drying of the upper medium, rather than automatically on fixed days of the week.
Observation and use precautions
Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals can irritate the mouth and digestive tract when chewed by people, dogs or cats. Keep it where children and pets cannot chew it, and do not eat leaves or unripe fruit.