About
Monstera deliciosa is a perennial vine that can reach heights of over 5 meters, utilizing aerial roots for support. Its leaves are large, heart-shaped, and can measure up to 90 centimeters in length, featuring a unique split and perforated structure with a glossy deep green finish. This species produces white flower spathes of about 30 centimeters, which are followed by cone-shaped fruit that is cream-colored.
About the genus
Monstera consists of evergreen climbing shrubs characterized by aerial roots. The leaves are typically oval and may feature pinnate cuts or lobes. Mature plants produce arum-like flowerheads with white spathes that emerge from the leaf axils.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1B
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Sub-tropical, Houseplants
- Native to
- Mexico to Panama
- Toxicity
- Harmful 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
- Cultivation
- Under glass, grow 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. May be kept outdoors in warmer regions, but at temperatures no less than 18°C, in most moderately fertile, humus-rich soils in partial shade. See houseplant cultivation and Monstera for further information
- Pruning
- Pruning group 11
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, root tip or stem cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free