A Swiss cheese plant with large glossy leaves that split and perforate as it grows, and one of the easiest big houseplants to keep.
Monstera deliciosa comes from the forests of southern Mexico and Central America, where it climbs. Indoors it does the same thing, sending out thick aerial roots and reaching two to three metres over time if you give it something to hold. The leaves are the point: dark, glossy and heart-shaped at first, then cut into deep lobes and pierced with holes as the plant matures. Young plants have not started this yet, so do not be surprised by plain leaves on new growth.
Stand it in bright indirect light and keep it out of direct sun, which scorches the leaves. Water when the top few centimetres of compost have dried out, and water less through autumn and winter. It likes warmth and humidity, so keep it between about 18C and 27C, away from radiators and cold draughts, and mist it or stand the pot on damp pebbles. Feed monthly in spring and summer. Push a moss pole into the pot and tie the stems in as they lengthen; a supported plant makes bigger, better split leaves. Wipe the leaves occasionally, because they gather dust.
Supplied as one established plant with a 3 litre root ball, ready to pot into a container of your own. Monstera is harmful if eaten and irritates skin and eyes, and it is toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of their reach.
Cultural Information
Common Name: Swiss cheese plant, cheese plant
Fully Grown Height and Spread: 2 to 3m x 1 to 2m indoors with support
Growth Habit: Climbing evergreen with aerial roots
Perfect For: Living rooms, hallways, offices and conservatories
Foliage: Large, glossy, dark green leaves that split and perforate with age
Flowering Time: Grown for foliage; it does not flower reliably indoors
Planting Position: Bright to medium indirect light indoors, out of direct sun
Soil Type: Free-draining, peat-free houseplant compost
Hardiness: Tender, indoor only; keep above 12C
Maintenance: Easy; wipe the leaves and give it something to climb
Seasonal Interest: Evergreen foliage all year
Type: Evergreen climbing houseplant, supplied in a 3L pot
