1 / 12
Monstera deliciosa
Swiss Cheese Plant
Tropical rainforests of southern Mexico and Central America (Mexico through Panama); epiphytic climber in humid understoryGrowing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
10 - 11These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancetender
Overview
Monstera deliciosa is the Swiss cheese plant (split-leaf philodendron), an evergreen epiphytic climbing vine growing 72-120 inches (180-300 cm / 6-10 feet) indoors and up to 70 feet (21 m) in the wild. Glossy dark green leaves: juvenile leaves are heart-shaped and entire; mature leaves develop fenestrations (holes) and deep pinnate splits, up to 36 inches (90 cm) across. Thick fleshy aerial roots attach to supports — a moss pole, trellis, or tree trunk. In the aroid family (Araceae). The fenestrations may function to allow wind passage and dappled light to lower leaves. Rarely flowers indoors: requires tropical conditions and 5+ years of maturity. The cream-colored spadix in a white spathe produces fruit that takes 12+ months to ripen — edible when ripe (pineapple-scented segments), but unripe fruit contains calcium oxalate and is toxic. All vegetative parts contain calcium oxalate crystals: toxic to pets and humans if ingested (mouth pain, swelling, drooling). Direct sun burns the leaves — bright indirect light only. Repot every 2-3 years. The large mature leaves require space — a single leaf can span 36 inches (90 cm). Zones 10-11 outdoors only; a houseplant elsewhere. Growth rate is moderate indoors, fast in tropical conditions.
Native Range
Native to tropical rainforests of southern Mexico and Central America (Mexico through Panama). An epiphytic climber in the humid understory of tropical forests.Suggested Uses
Grown as a houseplant in bright indirect light with a moss pole or trellis. Containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). Outdoors in zones 10-11 only. The large fenestrated leaves require space. All parts toxic. Tender.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Rarely flowers indoors. In tropical conditions, a cream-colored spadix enclosed in a white spathe. The fruit takes 12+ months to ripen. Flowering requires maturity (5+ years) and tropical humidity.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Cream-colored spadix 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) enclosed in a white spathe — rare indoors; the fruit (if produced) ripens to edible pineapple-scented segments after 12+ monthsFoliage Description
Glossy dark green; juvenile leaves heart-shaped and entire; mature leaves develop fenestrations (holes) and deep pinnate splits, up to 36 inches (90 cm) acrossGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Bright indirect light — direct sun burns the leaves. Well-drained chunky aroid mix (peat, perlite, bark). Water when the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil is dry. Humidity 40-60%. 65-85 degrees F (18-29 degrees C). Moss pole or trellis for climbing. Repot every 2-3 years. All parts contain calcium oxalate — toxic. Zones 10-11 outdoors.Pruning
Remove yellowed or damaged leaves at the base with clean shears. Trim unwieldy aerial roots (leave some for climbing support). Pinch growing tips to encourage branching. Wear gloves — the sap contains calcium oxalate crystals.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early springlate springsummer
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons