No results. Is a plant missing? Tell uscontact@wikiplant.net
Native to the rainforests of southern Mexico, Monstera deliciosa climbs tree trunks in the wild using aerial roots, which is exactly why the split, hole-punched leaves (called fenestrations) only appear once the plant matures. Young plants start out with solid, heart-shaped leaves.
I have this plantSign in to add this plant to your library
Watch for strong direct sun at south / west windows.
| Best position | right by the window | about 1 m | about 2 m | about 4 m | 4 m or more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| north | works well | works well | too dark | too dark | too dark |
| north-east | works well | works well | too dark | too dark | too dark |
| east | works well | works well | works well | too dark | too dark |
| south-east | works well | works well | works well | too dark | too dark |
| south | just about | works well | works well | too dark | too dark |
| south-west | just about | just about | works well | too dark | too dark |
| west | just about | works well | works well | too dark | too dark |
| north-west | works well | works well | too dark | too dark | too dark |
works well just about too dark too much direct sun
A rough guide based on window direction and typical daylight through the year. Window size, curtains and whatever stands outside matter just as much.
Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
Chewing it can irritate the mouth, causing drooling and trouble swallowing.
If your pet has eaten some, contact your vet.
Source: ASPCA
Monstera fenestrations likely evolved to let dappled sunlight pass through to leaves below and to help the broad leaves survive heavy tropical rain and wind without tearing.
Usually because the plant is still young or is not getting enough light. Young plants make solid, heart-shaped leaves, and the splits only develop as the plant matures in bright, indirect light. Move it closer to a window and give it a pole to climb.
Yes, a moss pole or sturdy stake is worth adding. In the wild it climbs trees, and a supported plant grows larger leaves with deeper splits than one left to sprawl. The support also stops the heavy stems from snapping.
Water when the top 2-3cm of compost is dry, which is roughly every 1-2 weeks. Water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage holes, then empty the saucer. In winter the plant needs less.
The most common cause is overwatering. Compost that stays wet suffocates the roots, and yellowing leaves are the first sign of root rot. Let the compost dry out more between waterings and check that the pot drains freely.
It is better to leave them on. The plant uses them to grip its support and to take up water. Guide them onto the moss pole or tuck them into the compost instead.
In spring, about every two years, or sooner if roots grow out of the drainage holes. Choose a pot only one size larger. A pot that is much too big holds extra wet compost around the roots, which encourages rot.
Yes, Monstera deliciosa is toxic to cats and dogs. The plant contains needle-like calcium oxalate crystals, and chewing it irritates the mouth and can cause drooling and vomiting. Keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
Only when it is fully ripe, and a Monstera grown indoors rarely fruits at all. Unripe fruit contains calcium oxalate crystals that burn the mouth and throat. The fruit is ripe when its green scales fall off by themselves.
