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Swiss cheese plant

Monstera deliciosa

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Swiss cheese plant · Monstera deliciosa

Large lobed and perforated leaves give a living room its signature look.

Care and placement

Prefers bright indirect light, high humidity and roughly 16–29 °C (60–85 °F); water when the top of the mix is dry and give the climbing stem sturdy support.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 250 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 150 cm

Things to consider

Toxic to dogs and cats through insoluble calcium oxalates: burning, swollen mouth, drooling, vomiting (ASPCA); NC State rates the poison severity as low. Sap may irritate skin. Ripe fruit is edible but unripe fruit burns the mouth; do not eat it unless you are certain.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Plant in a draining pot with a chunky, airy mix (bark, perlite, coir). Install a moss pole or sturdy stake early so the stem can climb. Repot and prune in spring if needed.

  2. Light

    Bright indirect light gives the fastest growth and the strongest leaf splits. Avoid harsh direct sun; variegated forms need more light than dark green ones.

  3. Watering

    Water thoroughly, then let the top quarter to third (3–5 cm) of the mix dry before watering again; about every 2–3 weeks when cool. Keep humidity high with a pebble tray or humidifier and wipe dust off leaves.

  4. Feeding

    Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer about monthly in the growing season; reduce or stop when it is cool.

  5. Pruning

    Cut yellow or damaged leaves at the stalk base and trim tops to control height or shape. Use a clean knife and gloves; the sap irritates.

  6. Propagation

    Stem cuttings: take a section with one node (and an aerial root if present) and a leaf, set the node in water or moist mix. Roots show in 2–4 weeks; pot when about 5 cm long. Air layering also works.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Usually few problems; fern scale and spider mites in dry air; root rot if waterlogged. Yellow leaves usually mean overwatering; brown edges mean dry air.

  8. For plentiful, healthy leaves

    For bigger, more split leaves: place near a bright window (indirect light), let it climb a moss pole so aerial roots grip, keep humidity high and feed steadily. Young plants always have solid leaves; splits appear on mature plants (often after 1–3 years) with enough light. Indoors it rarely flowers or fruits.