About
This slow-growing, climbing, evergreen houseplant which can reach up to 5m in height given the right conditions,but generally reaching smaller heights as a houseplant It has large, ornamental, glossy, heart-shaped variegated green foliage with streaks of paler mint green and large amounts of tear-drop or oval-shaped perforations (known as 'fenestrations'). Plants grown in containers rarely produce flowers, but if they do the flowers appear as creamy-yellow spathes.
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, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClimbing, Trailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Sub-tropical
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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. Provide support if you wish the plant to climb. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly when in growth. See houseplant cultivation and Monstera for further information
PruningSee pruning group 11
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed at 18-24°C as soon as ripe, take tip or leaf cuttings with bottom heat in summer, layer in autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free