Monstera deliciosa (F)
Swiss cheese plant
An evergreen shrub to 5m or more, climbing by aerial roots, with heart-shaped, pinnatisect and often perforated, glossy deep green leaves to 90cm; flower spathes 30cm, white, followed by cone-like cream fruit
Other common names
cerimancustard plant
see morefruit salad plant
Indian ivy
Mexican breadfruit
monstera
Synonyms
Philodendron pertusum
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | Cream | |
| Autumn | Green | Cream | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Monstera are evergreen climbing shrubs with aerial roots, and usually ovate leaves which are often pinnately cut or lobed; arum-like flowerheads with white spathes arise from the leaf axils on mature plants
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico to Panama
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow outdoors in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade in a sheltered frost-free area. Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in bright indirect light with moderate to high humidity. See houseplant cultivation and Monstera for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed, root tip or stem cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Sub-tropical
- Houseplants
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.