Monstera

Monstera deliciosa is an evergreen climbing aroid native to the rainforests of southern Mexico and Central America. In the wild it scrambles up tree trunks using thick aerial roots, eventually reaching heights of 20 feet or more.

Its signature feature is the fenestration — the natural holes and slits that appear in mature leaves, thought to help the plant withstand heavy rain and dappled light in the forest canopy. Young plants produce solid, heart-shaped leaves and only develop fenestrations as they grow.

As a houseplant it is famously forgiving, making it a favorite for both beginners and collectors. The species name deliciosa refers to its edible fruit, which tastes like a blend of pineapple and banana when fully ripe.

• Leaves: Large, glossy, heart-shaped and deep green, often 1-3 feet wide indoors, with characteristic oval holes and deep marginal splits in mature foliage
• Habit: Climbing or sprawling vine that produces thick brown aerial roots from the stem
• Stem: Stout green stems marked with leaf scars; supports itself with cord-like aerial roots
• Size: Reaches 8-10 feet indoors; far larger in the wild
• Flowers/fruit: Rarely flowers indoors; outdoors produces a creamy spadix enclosed by a pale spathe, followed by an edible cone-like fruit

Do not confuse it with Monstera adansonii, which is smaller with more numerous, fully enclosed holes.

Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Tolerates medium light but grows slower and develops fewer fenestrations. Avoid harsh direct sun, which scorches leaves.

Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out, roughly weekly. Allow excess to drain; never leave it sitting in water.

Soil: A chunky, well-draining mix of potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite.

Temperature: Prefers 65-85°F (18-29°C) and moderate to high humidity.

Feeding: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during spring and summer.

Propagation: Easily propagated from stem cuttings with a node and aerial root, rooted in water or soil. Provide a moss pole for support and larger leaves.

Monstera deliciosa is native to the tropical rainforests of southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Panama, where it grows as a hemiepiphyte climbing on rainforest trees from sea level to around 6,500 feet.

It has naturalized in many tropical regions, including Hawaii and parts of Florida, and is cultivated outdoors in USDA zones 10-12. Worldwide it is one of the most widely grown indoor foliage plants.

Ornamental: A cornerstone of indoor plant design, valued for its bold architectural foliage and easy care.

Culinary: The ripe fruit is edible and sweet, tasting of pineapple and banana, though unripe fruit and all other parts contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals and should not be eaten.

Ecological: In its native range it provides habitat structure in the forest understory.