Monstera deliciosa
A fast-growing tropical climber with large perforated leaves that develop fenestrations as it matures, it needs a climbing support, thrives indoors in bright indirect light with warmth and humidity, and can bear a long edible fruit with pulp high in oxalic acid.
Common Names
Swiss Cheese Plant, Split-Leaf Philodendron, Fruit Salad Plant, Hurricane, Mexican Breadfruit, Ceriman
Summary
Monstera deliciosa is a tropical climbing vine native to Central America and southern Mexico, renowned for large glossy leaves that develop fenestrations as they mature, giving a Swiss Cheese Plant appearance. It climbs with aerial roots and indoors typically reaches 6–8 ft tall, while in its natural habitat it can grow much larger.
Care emphasizes bright, indirect light and warm temperatures around 65–85°F, with soil kept evenly moist but not soggy. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil dry, using a well-draining, light mix, and provide a sturdy climbing support such as a moss pole; regular feeding during active growth and occasional repotting support size and vigor. Humidity helps, and propagation is easy from cuttings; caution: plant parts are toxic if ingested by humans or pets. In ideal conditions, fruit can form and be edible, but indoor fruiting is rare.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
36-792 inches
Spread
0.5-3 feet
Hardiness Zones
Zones 10a-12b
Sunlight Requirements
Full Sun: Not ideal; full sun can burn foliage, Partial Sun: Ideal; thrives in bright indirect light and should avoid direct sun, Partial Shade: Ideal; tolerates gentle indirect light and should avoid direct sun, Full Shade: Can thrive in Full Shade
Soil Type
Well-draining, airy potting mix rich in organic matter, amended with perlite, pumice, or orchid bark to improve drainage and aeration
Soil Drainage
Well-draining soil
Soil pH
6.0-7.0, Acidic to neutral
Bloom Color
White
Bloom Time
Summer
Foliage Color
Green (including dark green, deep green, and glossy dark green)
Fall Foliage Color
No fall color change, green
Leaf Lifecycle
Evergreen broadleaf
Growth Rate
Fast growth; about 1–2 feet per year; faster during active growth in spring and summer and slower in winter.
Seasons of Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Propagation Methods
Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division, Tissue culture
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- Liebm.
- Publication
- Vidensk. Meddel. Naturhist. Foren. Kjøbenhavn 1: 19 (1849)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Alismatales
- Family
- Araceae
- Genus
- Monstera
Synonyms
Monstera borsigiana Monstera lennea Philodendron fenestratum Tornelia fragrans Monstera deliciosa var. borsigiana Monstera deliciosa var. sierrana Monstera borsigiana Monstera lenneana Philodendron anatomicum Philodendron pertusum