The Monstera plant, including the Swiss Cheese Plant varieties Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii, is a beloved houseplant celebrated for its unique foliage and easy care.
Monstera, often hailed as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a popular and visually striking genus of plants known for its unique foliage that features natural holes or fenestrations. This genus has become a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts and interior designers thanks to its lush, tropical appearance and relatively easy care requirements.
Monstera plants are characterized by their large, glossy, green leaves with distinctive cutouts or holes, which resemble Swiss cheese, giving rise to one of its common names. The most well-known species, Monstera deliciosa, showcases this feature most prominently, with leaves that can grow quite large, making a dramatic statement in any space.
Native: Monstera is native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, where they thrive in the warm, humid under-canopy. Their native habitat influences their care as houseplants, requiring environments that mimic tropical conditions to flourish.
Monstera plants belong to the arum family (Araceae), along with Zantedeschia (Calla Lily), Caladium (Angel Wing), Philodendron, or Colocasia (Elephant Ear). The genus includes 59 species, with Monstera deliciosa being the most widely recognized. Other species, such as Monstera adansonii, also share the genus’s characteristic fenestrated leaves but on a smaller scale.
Growth Habit: Monstera plants are evergreen climbing shrubs, often seeking support in their natural habitat by attaching to trees through aerial roots. Indoors, they can be encouraged to climb using moss poles or left to cascade naturally in hanging baskets.
Size: The size of a Monstera plant can vary significantly depending on the species and growing conditions. Monstera deliciosa, for example, can reach up to 8 feet (240 cm) in height indoors, with leaves spanning up to 3 feet in width (90 cm).
Flowers: Monstera can produce flowers, though it’s a rare occurrence in indoor settings. The flowers are arum-like, consisting of a white spathe surrounding a spadix, typical of the Araceae family.
Foliage: The foliage is the most striking aspect of the Monstera plant, with its large, leathery leaves adorned with holes and splits. This unique adaptation allows rain and sunlight to pass through to lower leaves in dense tropical forests.
Hardiness: When planted outdoors, Monstera plants are hardy in USDA zones 10-12. They prefer temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C and 29°C) and high humidity levels.
Uses: Beyond their use as ornamental houseplants, Monsteras are also valued for their air-purifying qualities, capable of removing toxins from the environment. Their dramatic foliage makes them popular in interior design, adding a lush, tropical feel to living spaces.
Toxicity: Monstera plants are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. They contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause mouth and stomach irritation. Contact with the sap may cause skin irritation.
Invasiveness: While not typically invasive in temperate climates, Monstera species can become problematic in tropical and subtropical regions where conditions allow them to grow unchecked outdoors.
| Hardiness |
10 - 12 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Climbers, Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Monstera |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
3' - 70' (90cm - 21.3m) |
| Spread |
1' - 10' (30cm - 3m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral, Alkaline |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
Monstera plants hold a special allure in the world of houseplants for several reasons:
Unique Foliage: Monstera plants are celebrated for their striking leaves, which feature natural holes or splits, earning them the nickname “Swiss Cheese Plant.” This distinctive appearance adds a dramatic, tropical flair to any space.
Air Purification: Like many houseplants, Monstera contributes to cleaner indoor air. These houseplants are known to purify the air by absorbing toxins, making them not just beautiful but also beneficial for your home environment.
Easy Care: Despite their exotic appearance, Monstera plants are relatively easy to care for. They thrive in indirect light and require moderate watering, making them suitable for a wide range of indoor conditions and perfect for beginners.
Versatility in Growth: Monsteras can adapt to various environments, from climbing up a support to sprawling outwards as a more bushy plant. This versatility allows for creative displays in homes and offices.
Rapid Growth: Under the right conditions, Monsteras can grow quite quickly, offering gratifying visual changes and the opportunity to propagate new plants from cuttings, which can be shared with friends or used to expand your own collection.
Symbolism and Feng Shui: In Feng Shui, Monsteras are believed to symbolize abundance and good fortune, making them a popular choice for those looking to add not only greenery but also positive energy to their space.
Light: Monstera prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light may lead to less leaf perforation and slower growth. A spot near a window with sheer curtains is ideal.
Soil: Use a peat-based, well-draining potting mix. A mix that includes perlite or vermiculite will help ensure adequate drainage and aeration, mimicking the loose, fertile soil of their natural rainforest habitat.
Water: Water your Monstera when the top inch of soil feels dry. These plants like evenly moist soil but can tolerate some dryness. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
Temperature and Humidity: Keep your Monstera in temperatures between 65°F (18°C) and 85°F (29°C). Avoid placing it in drafty areas or near heating and cooling vents. Monsteras thrive in high humidity but can adapt to average household levels. For drier environments, consider using a humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water to increase humidity.
Fertilization: Feed your Monstera with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
Pruning: Prune any dead or damaged foliage to encourage healthy growth and shape your plant. Regular pruning can also stimulate more compact, bushy growth.
Repotting: Repot your Monstera every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Spring is the best time for repotting, providing fresh soil and a slightly larger pot to support continued growth.
Support: As Monstera plants grow, they may benefit from structural support such as a moss pole or trellis to mimic their natural climbing habit.
Monstera deliciosa or Swiss Cheese Plant
Propagating Monstera plants is a straightforward and rewarding process, allowing you to create new plants from an existing one. Here’s how to do it:
Choose the Right Time: The best time for propagation is during the spring or early summer when the plant is in its active growth phase.
Select a Stem: Look for a healthy stem with at least one node (a small bump on the stem where leaves, roots, or aerial roots grow) and one leaf. Aerial roots are a good sign that the stem is ready for propagation.
Cut the Stem: Using a clean, sharp knife or pair of scissors, make a cut just below a node. Ensure your cutting includes at least one leaf and one node, but it can be beneficial to include an aerial root if available.
Rooting the Cutting:
Care After Rooting: Once the roots have developed and you’ve chosen to start in the water, transplant the cutting into a pot with well-draining soil. For those started in the soil, continue to care for the plant as usual.
Aftercare: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Monstera prefers high humidity, so consider placing it in a humid room or using a pebble tray or humidifier. Continue to provide the plant with bright, indirect light.
Monstera deliciosa flower and fruit
Monstera can encounter pests, diseases, and other common problems, especially when grown indoors.
Spider Mites: These tiny pests cause yellow stippling on leaves. Increase humidity and wash leaves with water or use insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs: Look for cottony deposits in leaf axils or undersides. Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs or apply neem oil.
Aphids: Small, pear-shaped pests that cluster on new growth and undersides of leaves, sucking plant sap and weakening it. Combat them with a gentle spray of water, neem oil, or insecticidal soap to protect the plant’s health and appearance.
Scale insects: Hard, brown bumps on leaves/stems indicate scale. Scrape off manually and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, characterized by mushy, brown roots and yellowing leaves. Ensure good drainage and allow soil to dry between waterings.
Leaf spot: Fungal or bacterial leaf spots appear as discolored patches on leaves. Improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, and treat with fungicides if severe.
Yellowing Leaves: Overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies can cause leaves to yellow. Adjust watering habits and consider repotting or fertilizing.
Brown Leaf Tips/Edges: Low humidity or drought stress might cause brown tips. Increase humidity around the plant with a pebble tray or humidifier.
Leggy Growth: Insufficient light can lead to sparse, leggy growth. Move your Monstera to a brighter location with indirect sunlight.
Fenestration Not Developing: Young plants or those not receiving enough light may not develop the characteristic leaf holes or splits. Provide brighter indirect light to encourage fenestration.
How Many Types of Monstera Are There?
There are about 59 recognized species of Monstera, each with unique characteristics. Beyond these species, numerous cultivars and varieties have been developed, each boasting distinct leaf patterns, sizes, and other traits.
What Is the Rarest Monstera?
One of the rarest Monsteras is the Monstera obliqua, particularly known for its extremely fenestrated leaves. It’s often confused with Monstera adansonii, which is more commonly available. The true Monstera obliqua is rare and seldom found in collections due to its specific growth requirements and slow rate of propagation.
What Is the Largest Species of Monstera?
Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is among the largest species. In its natural habitat, it can produce leaves that are several feet across and can climb as high as 70 feet (about 21 meters) using aerial roots to attach to large trees.
What Is the Most Exotic Monstera?
“Exotic” can be subjective, but Monstera pinnatipartita is often noted for its exotic appearance, with leaves that start solid and gradually split into unique patterns as they mature.
What Is the Most Expensive Monstera Ever Sold?
One of the most expensive Monstera sales recorded involved a variegated Monstera adansonii, which sold for over $5,000. Its high price was due to its rare variegation pattern.
Why Are Thai Monstera So Expensive?
Thai Monstera, specifically variegated varieties such as Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo Variegata’ or ‘Thai Constellation,’ are expensive due to their stunning variegation, slower growth rates, and the complexity of maintaining the variegation through propagation. Their high demand and limited supply in the market also drive up the price.
| Hardiness |
10 - 12 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Climbers, Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Monstera |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
3' - 70' (90cm - 21.3m) |
| Spread |
1' - 10' (30cm - 3m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral, Alkaline |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
