Monstera dubia
A compact, slow-growing, evergreen trailing houseplant with heart-shaped, silvery green leaves with attractive mosaic-like veining. As the plants become larger, they develop tear-drop or oval-shaped perforations (known as 'fenestrations'). Plants grown in containers rarely produce flowers, but if they do the flowers appear as creamy-yellow spathes
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing, Trailing
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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 Bolivia & Trinidad
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost, in bright indirect light with moderate to high humidity. Water when in growth and keep just moist in winter. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly when in growth. See houseplant cultivation and Monstera for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed, root tip or leaf cuttings or by layering in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Sub-tropical
- 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.