Botanico

Plant profile

Swiss cheese plant

Monstera deliciosa Liebm.

Family: Araceae · Genus: Monstera

Photo of Swiss cheese plant
Image: unknown author. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons. · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Classic indoor plant with large fenestrated leaves. Grows fast in bright indirect light with moderate watering.

From Wikipedia

Monstera deliciosa, the Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron, is a species of flowering plant. The common name "Swiss cheese plant" is also used for the related species from the same genus, Monstera adansonii. The common name "split-leaf philodendron" is also used for the species Philodendron bipinnatifidum.

Monstera deliciosa — Text CC BY-SA. See the original article.

Open-data facts

Life form
Lives climbing as a liana in the canopy or on supports.
Climate
Originates from humid tropics: frequent rain and little extreme drought.
Origin / area
According to taxonomic sources, it comes from: Mexico (Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas) to Guatemala.
Native distribution
Cited native regions: Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, North America · Southwest Mexico, Mexico, North America · Southeast Mexico, Mexico, North America · Guatemala, Central America, South America.
Documented uses
Human food · Environmental · ornamental · Vertebrate poisons

Traits (USDA)

Botanical group
Monocot means that the seedling starts with a single initial leaf.
Duration
Perennial plant: once established, it can accompany you through many seasons.
Growth habit
Climbing-herbaceous habit: ideal with a light stake indoors.

Recommended products for Swiss cheese plant

    Ecological interactions

    • Acts as a host plant for:

      Phytophthora nicotianae, Leptostromella elastica, Colletotrichum philodendri, Macrophoma philodendri, Phyllosticta, Diplodia, Dothiorella vagans, Mycosphaerella…

    • Species that feed on this plant:

      Ischnaspis longirostris, Sophonia orientalis

    Basic care

    Watering
    Water thoroughly, then wait for the surface to dry again.
    Light
    Good filtered brightness; direct sun can scorch leaves.
    Temperature
    Keep off blasting radiators and open cold doors.
    Humidity
    Appreciates higher-than-average air humidity.

    Pet toxicity

    Treat it as a pet-risk plant: distance and supervision.

    Cats: yes (toxic). Dogs: yes (toxic).

    Sources