About
Plants grown in containers rarely produce flowers, but if they do the flowers appear as creamy-yellow spathes. A compact, slow-growing, evergreen trailing houseplant with large, lance to heart-shaped, leathery green leaves. As the plants become larger, they develop tear-drop or oval-shaped perforations (known as 'fenestrations') but they are not slit.
About the genus
Monstera are evergreen climbing shrubs with aerial roots, and usually ovate leaves which are often pinnately cut or lobed; arum-like flowerheads with white spathes arise from the leaf axils on mature plants
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClimbing, Trailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Sub-tropical
Native toMexico (Chiapas) to Belize
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost, in bright indirect light with moderate to high humidity. Water when in growth and keep just moist in winter. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly when in growth. See houseplant cultivation and Monstera for further information
PruningPruning group 11
PropagationPropagate by seed, root tip or leaf cuttings or by layering in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free