Monstera as a Houseplant

Each year the National Garden Bureau (NGB) selects a "Year of the" plant in each of six categories: annuals, edibles, perennials, bulbs, shrubs, and houseplants. Selection characteristics include genetic diversity, popularity, adaptability, versatility, and ease of growing. For houseplants, the NGB deemed 2025 the "Year of the Monstera." Monstera is commonly known as split-leaf philodendron, cut-leaf philodendron, and Swiss cheese plant, due to the structure of its leaves.

Monstera is not a philodendron, though both are in the arum plant family, Araceae. This plant family also includes calla lily, elephant ear, Jack-in-the-pulpit, and the titan arum (the corpse flower). They all share the same type of flower—an inflorescence of a spadix and spathe. All parts of the monstera plant are toxic to humans and pets if ingested, with the exception of the fully ripe fruit (rarely seen in a houseplant). It is also recommended that you use gloves when handling the plant due to the possibility of contact dermatitis. The toxic agent is calcium oxalate crystals—oxalic acid.

Monstera is a tropical, understory plant, native to the rainforests of Central America. There are more than 50 species of monstera and many cultivars. The most well-known houseplant species is Monstera deliciosa. In the wild, this species is a climbing, evergreen vine that grows 30 to 70 feet tall with a spread of 6 to 10 feet. As it climbs into the trees, it becomes epiphytic, meaning it grows on the tree but gets its nutrients from rain and air.  Indoors, it will still reach a hefty 6 to 8 feet tall and will need something sturdy to climb. Moss sticks, trellises, bamboo stakes, and boards covered with sphagnum moss will all work. The plant will need to be gently attached to the support using its roots or stalk. In nature, monstera uses the aerial roots that form at the base of its leaves to attach to the rainforest trees. 

Monstera is most noted for its large leaves, which are simple, alternate, cordate (heart-shaped), and with a long petiole. Juvenile leaves are small, green, and mostly entire (uncut).  As the leaves mature, they become very large, glossy green, and perforated or cut—pinnatifid. The fenestrations are thought to allow for the wind to pass easily through the leaves. Leaves can reach up to one foot or more, wide and tall.  Wipe the leaves when you notice that they are dusty.

Monstera prefers warm temperatures between 60° to 85°F. They abhor cold drafts. Select a site near a sunny window where it can receive bright light but not direct sun. It will get "leggy" in lower light. As in its native environment, monstera likes humidity, preferably above 50%. This is one plant that may benefit from the addition of a nearby humidifier if the indoor space is very dry. Water thoroughly and let the top 1 to 2 inches of the soil dry out between watering. Overwatering can result in root rot. When planting and repotting, use a well-draining soilless potting mix that is rich with organic matter and has a neutral pH (6.0 to 8.0). Charcoal, bark, or perlite can be added to a purchased mix.  Fertilize every two weeks through the growing season and monthly through the winter with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. 

Monstera is propagated most easily through air layering or stem cuttings. It grows quickly and is a great floor plant for large spaces. Its structure and form make a bold statement.

Few diseases plague this plant. As with other houseplants, watch for scale, aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, thrips, and fungus gnats. Treat accordingly. To reduce the incidence of problems, give monstera the cultural requirements it desires.

Monstera deliciosa 'Ablo Variegata' and Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation' are both variegated varieties of this species. They are stunning and quite coveted. 'Thai Constellation' is a fuller, more compact plant due to having shorter internodes (spacing between leaves).

Monstera adansonii is another commonly found houseplant. It shares the same common names as Monstera deliciosa, but is also known as Adanson’s monstera, cheese plant, and five-hole plant. In its native environment, it grows only 10 to 13 feet tall. As a houseplant, it can eventually become 3 to 8 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide.  The leaves of Adanson’s monstera are much smaller than Monstera deliciosa and have unique oval holes. The plant is much denser and quite vigorous. Monstera adansonii 'Archipelago' is a variegated cultivar.

Another houseplant species is Monstera siltepecana. It is commonly known as the silver leaf monstera or silver monstera.  It has very interesting lanceolate leaves that are silvery-green but with dark green veins. It can be grown as a trailing houseplant.  If trained to grow upright on a support, the leaves will become greener, larger, and develop the typical mature monstera leaf fenestrations (cuts and holes).