Tropical

Monstera deliciosa

A popular tropical houseplant known for its distinctive split leaves, unique appearance and easy care.

Overview

Monstera deliciosa is a climbing vine native to the rainforests of Central America.

Thriving in warm and humid conditions, this plant's large and unique foliage adds a special touch to any indoor space.

Plant Specifications
Botanical name	Monstera deliciosa
Common name	Swiss Cheese Plant, Monstera, Ceriman, Custard Plant, Indian Ivy
Family	Araceae
Genus	Monstera
Plant type	Vine (perennial)
Foliage	Evergreen
Maturity	2 to 3 years
Lifespan	40+ years
Native area	Central America
Toxicity	Toxic to humans and other animals

Plant resilience

Not flood
tolerant

Not drought
tolerant

Growing season

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Monstera Deliciosa is known for its large and lush leaves

Plant care

Monstera deliciosa thrives with minimal effort and attention, making it a great choice for both new and experienced plant owners. With just a few simple care practices, you can easily keep your plant healthy and strong, ensuring it adapts to your home environment.

Monstera deliciosa

Light

Prefers bright indirect light, but it can adapt to lower light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods, as it can cause leaf burn.

Soil

Thrives in a well-draining mix, such as orchid bark, perlite, peat, or coco coir, mimicking its natural environment and preventing compaction. To avoid root rot, the soil should remain moist but not soggy.

Water

Water when the top of the soil is dry. Water thoroughly to ensure moisture reaches the roots but avoid standing water, as overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and root rot.

Humidity

Thrives in moderate to high humidity, ideally around 40%-60% or higher. If the air is too dry, consider using a humidifier to keep the humidity high.

Temperature

Best kept in a warm environment, ideally between 18-27°C (65-80°F). Avoid exposure to cold drafts or temperatures below 10°C (50°F), as cold stress can damage the leaves.

Pruning

Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to trim damaged, yellowing, or unruly stems. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and larger leaves.

Fertilizer

Feed it with a balanced fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer. Reduce feeding in autumn and pause it entirely during the winter, when the plant enters dormancy.

Propagation

This plant is easily propagated through stem cuttings. Select a stem with at least one leaf node, trim it below the node, and place it in water for a few weeks before transitioning to soil.

Common pests

Watch for pests like spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. Signs include webbing, sticky residue, or discolored spots, which can be treated with neem oil or insecticidal soap, covering both sides of the leaves.

Troubleshoot

Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or poor drainage, while brown edges often signal low humidity or underwatering. Drooping leaves may suggest thirsty roots, overwatering, or pests.

Close-up of Monstera deliciosa's perfurated leaves and patterns

More information

Monstera deliciosa is a striking plant known for its unique, split leaves and rapid growth, which adds a tropical and eye-catching element to any space. Beyond its distinctive appearance, this plant has several fascinating characteristics that make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.

Why do its leaves split?

The iconic splits and holes in Monstera leaves, known as fenestrations, aren't just for show. This evolutionary adaptation allows light to pass through to lower leaves and helps the plant withstand heavy tropical rains and winds. Young Monstera leaves start without these splits, which develop over-time as the plant matures.

Monstera can become very large, even indoors

A closer look at its fenestrations

How big will it get?

In their natural habitat, Monsteras can grow to impressive heights of almost 20 meters (66 feet) as they climb up trees. Indoors, they typically reach 1.8-2.4 meters (6-8 feet) tall with proper care. The leaves can expand to an impressive 1 meter (3 feet) wide.

Using a moss pole or trellis supports their natural climbing instinct and encourages larger leaf development.

The fruit of Monstera deliciosa

Can you eat its fruit?

Monstera produces an edible fruit in the wild, which takes about a year to ripen, gradually changing from green to yellow. The fruit has a flavor often described as a blend of pineapple, banana, and mango. However, it must be fully ripe before consumption, as unripe fruit contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and discomfort.

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Monstera deliciosa

Overview