About
An evergreen climber, grown in temperate areas as a greenhouse, conservatory or house plant, and is up to 1m high, with elliptic to oblong-lanceolate, rich green leaves, up to about 20cm long, each with several perforations; flowers are borne on a spadix up to 3.5cm long, and followed by white fruits 5-8mm across, but plants grown in containers rarely produce flowers or fruit.
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 typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClimbing, Trailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
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
CultivationIn cooler climates, grow in a warm greenhouse or as houseplant (minimum 10-15ºC) in a draught-free position, in moist but well-drained, peat-free, loam-based potting compost, in bright indirect light with moderate to high humidity; sponge the leaves to keep them free of dust and dirt, and water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month in the growing season, but water sparingly in winter; it can use its aerial roots to climb if given support, for example on a moss-covered pole; in warmer climates, grow outdoors in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. See houseplant cultivation and Monstera for further information
PruningPruning group 11 (climbers) in spring, if it is necessary to keep plant restricted within the space available
PropagationPropagate by internodal softwood cuttings, by tip cuttings with one leaf attached, or by leaf cuttings, all with bottom heat in a sandy propagating mix in summer; or by air-layering in autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free