Large Monstera deliciosa

Description

Meet the Monstera Deliciosa—the original influencer of the plant world! Long before social media existed, this Swiss cheese plant was already stealing hearts with her dramatic, split leaves that look like nature's own modern art installation. Also known as the split-leaf philodendron, she's basically the Audrey Hepburn of houseplants: timeless, elegant, and absolutely iconic.

This tropical beauty hails from the rainforests of southern Mexico and Central America, where she's been perfecting her climbing skills for centuries. Those signature holes (called fenestrations, if you want to sound fancy at dinner parties) aren't just for show—they help her survive windy rainforest conditions by letting air pass through. 

What makes her extra special? She's an epiphyte in nature, meaning she climbs trees using aerial roots while absorbing nutrients from the air. And here's a fun fact: her species name "deliciosa" refers to her edible fruit that tastes like a blend of pineapple and banana—though you'll probably never see fruit indoors (she's saving that party trick for the wild!).

Care 

How do you care for an indoor Monstera deliciosa?

Caring for an indoor Monstera deliciosa means providing bright indirect light near windows, weekly watering when the topsoil feels dry, and maintaining comfortable temperatures between sixty-five to eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit throughout the entire year for optimal growth.

She's surprisingly forgiving for such a dramatic diva! With proper care, she'll reward you with those gorgeous split leaves. A well-draining potting mix with some perlite keeps her roots happy, and she appreciates a monthly feeding during the growing season with Monstera fertilizer. 

Should I mist my Monstera deliciosa?

Misting your Monstera deliciosa helps increase humidity levels around her gorgeous leaves. She truly appreciates it since she naturally thrives in humid rainforest conditions, where moisture levels stay consistently high throughout the growing seasons for healthy development.

While not absolutely necessary, a light misting session makes her feel more at home, especially during dry winter months when indoor heating can zap moisture from the air. Just don't go overboard—she prefers a gentle spritz over a tropical downpour. You can also boost humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier if you want to really pamper her.

How often should I water a Monstera deliciosa inside?

Water your Monstera deliciosa inside every one to two weeks during growing season, carefully checking that the top two to three inches of soil feel completely dry before giving her another thorough drink to promote healthy growth.

Your watering schedule will depend on factors like light, temperature, and humidity in your home. In brighter spots, she'll be thirstier and may need water weekly, while in lower light she can go longer between drinks. The key is consistency—stick your finger into the soil to check moisture levels rather than following a rigid calendar. She's much happier with a "when thirsty" approach than a "because it's Tuesday" watering schedule.

What does a Monstera need to thrive?

A Monstera needs bright indirect light from windows, well-draining nutrient-rich soil mixtures, moderate to high humidity levels, consistent moisture without sogginess, adequate room to grow and climb upward, plus warm, stable temperatures year-round for optimal health and development.

Give her space to spread those magnificent leaves, and consider adding a moss pole or trellis for her aerial roots to grab onto—she's a natural climber who loves having something to lean on. Good air circulation helps prevent any fungal issues, and keeping her away from cold drafts or heating vents ensures she stays comfortable.

What do Monstera deliciosa like to be potted in?

Monstera deliciosa like being potted in well-draining organic-rich soil blends with excellent drainage, typically combining high-quality potting soil with perlite and orchid bark chunks for optimal aeration and proper drainage throughout the root system for healthy plant development.

The magic formula is a mix that holds some moisture but never gets soggy—think "moist brownie" not "chocolate soup." Adding some perlite or bark chips creates air pockets that keep her roots breathing easy. And always, always choose a pot with drainage holes! She'd rather deal with occasional thirst than constantly wet feet, which can lead to root rot faster than you can say "Swiss cheese plant" five times plants. 

Where is the best place to put a Monstera plant?

The best place to put a Monstera plant is near large windows that provide bright indirect light throughout the day, such as living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices with east or west-facing window exposure for optimal growing conditions.

Bathrooms and kitchens with natural light are also fantastic options because of their naturally higher humidity levels. Avoid placing her directly in a south-facing window where harsh afternoon sun might scorch those beautiful leaves—she prefers the gentle morning light or filtered afternoon glow. Think "bright but not blinding" and you'll have found her sweet spot.

Should I put my Monstera in the window?

You should place your Monstera near a window with bright filtered light rather than directly in harsh afternoon sun exposure, which can easily scorch her delicate leaves and cause permanent brown damage throughout the foliage that ruins her natural beauty.

East or west-facing windows are perfect—she can handle a few hours of gentle morning sun, but those intense afternoon rays are too much for her rainforest sensibilities. If you only have a south-facing window, position her a few feet back or use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light. She wants to see the world, just not get sunburned while doing it!

Is monstera deliciosa a good indoor plant?

Monstera deliciosa is an excellent indoor plant choice because it adapts remarkably well to home environments, tolerates various indoor conditions gracefully, purifies air effectively, and creates absolutely stunning visual impact in any space while requiring minimal daily care.

She's practically designed for indoor living—forgiving of occasional neglect, adaptable to various light conditions, and grows at a manageable pace that won't overtake your space overnight. Plus, she's a natural air purifier, helping filter out harmful toxins while adding that lush, tropical vibe to any room. For plant parents wanting maximum impact with reasonable effort, she's pretty much perfect.

Pet-friendly?

The Monstera deliciosa is not pet-friendly, as all parts of the plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets if eaten. Keep this gorgeous but problematic plant safely out of reach of curious furry friends who might be tempted to take a nibble.

Is monstera deliciosa toxic to dogs?

Monstera deliciosa is definitely toxic to dogs. The calcium oxalate crystals present throughout the entire plant, cause uncomfortable oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if any parts are ingested by pets, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

While rarely fatal unless consumed in large quantities, even small nibbles can cause uncomfortable symptoms for your furry friend. The crystals act like tiny needles, irritating mouth and throat tissues. If your dog has a history of plant munching, it's best to keep your Monstera up high or in a room where curious pups can't reach her gorgeous but problematic leaves.

Is Monstera deliciosa toxic to cats?

Monstera deliciosa is definitely toxic to cats, containing harmful calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate mouth irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and potentially more severe symptoms if large amounts are consumed by curious felines who enjoy chewing on plants.

Cats are often more sensitive to plant toxins than dogs, so even small tastes can cause discomfort. The good news is that the immediate irritation usually deters most cats from eating more, but it's still not worth the risk. Consider hanging planters or tall plant stands to keep those tempting split leaves out of reach of curious kitties who think every houseplant is a potential salad bar.

Factoids

Is monstera deliciosa toxic to touch?

Monstera deliciosa sap can potentially cause mild skin irritation or uncomfortable rashes in sensitive individuals due to calcium oxalate crystals present in the plant tissues, but it's generally not highly toxic to touch during normal handling and basic plant care.

Most people can handle the plant without issues, but it's always wise to wash your hands after pruning or repotting. If you have sensitive skin or notice any irritation, wear gloves when working with her. The sap is much more problematic when ingested than when touched, so casual handling during normal care shouldn't cause problems for most plant parents.

Is it safe to have a Monstera in your bedroom?

Having a Monstera in your bedroom is completely safe for most people, provided that pets and children cannot easily access the plant, and it offers excellent air-purifying benefits for better sleep quality throughout the night while creating beautiful ambience.

She's actually a great bedroom companion—those big leaves work overtime to filter toxins from the air while you sleep. Just make sure she gets enough light near a window and that curious pets or little ones can't reach her. Many plant lovers swear by the calming effect of having greenery in their sleep space, and her dramatic silhouette creates beautiful shadows in morning light.

Are Monstera deliciosa air purifiers?

Monstera deliciosa are highly effective air purifiers that help filter harmful toxins and significantly improve indoor air quality levels, making them extremely popular choices for homes and offices seeking natural air purification solutions that also provide stunning visual appeal.

Those big, dramatic leaves aren't just for show—they're working hard to clean your air! She's particularly good at removing formaldehyde and other common indoor pollutants. While she won't replace a mechanical air purifier, she definitely contributes to a healthier indoor environment while looking absolutely stunning doing it. It's like having a gorgeous, living air filter that also happens to be Instagram-worthy.

What is the origin of the name Monstera deliciosa?

The name Monstera deliciosa combines two Latin words meaning "monstrous" referring to the unusual split leaves with dramatic fenestrations, and "delicious" specifically referencing the plant's edible fruit when it reaches full ripeness in natural habitats where it grows wild.

"Monstera" comes from the dramatic, almost otherworldly appearance of those fenestrated leaves—they're so uniquely beautiful they seemed "monstrous" to early botanists. "Deliciosa" celebrates her edible fruit that tastes like a tropical fruit salad when properly ripened (though you'll likely never see fruit on indoor plants).

Is Monstera deliciosa known by any other names?

Monstera deliciosa is known by many popular names including Swiss cheese plant, split-leaf philodendron, fruit salad plant, delicious monster, ceriman, windowleaf, Mexican breadfruit, and Penglai banana, with names varying by different geographic regions worldwide and local plant communities.

The "Swiss cheese plant" nickname is probably the most popular because of those distinctive holes that look like someone took a cookie cutter to her leaves. "Split-leaf philodendron" is technically incorrect (she's not actually a philodendron), but the name stuck anyway. Different regions have their own favorites—"Mexican breadfruit" and "Penglai banana" reflect her edible fruit, while "windowleaf" perfectly describes those natural fenestrations.

Why does Monstera deliciosa have holes in its leaves?

Those holes aren't just for Instagram appeal—they're brilliant evolutionary adaptations! In her native rainforest, they stop wind damage by letting air flow right through them. They also ensure rainwater reaches the forest floor, helping the entire ecosystem.

Can you eat Monstera deliciosa fruit?

You can eat Monstera deliciosa fruit only when it reaches full ripeness, which tastes like a delightful blend of pineapple and banana. But unripe fruit contains irritating calcium oxalate crystals that cause mouth discomfort and should be avoided.

Buy a Monstera Deliciosa

Right now your home is missing the queen of statement plants. This Monstera deliciosa is your ticket to instant jungle vibes and serious plant parent credibility. With her iconic split leaves and easygoing personality, she'll transform any space from "nice apartment" to "botanical paradise."

Our live video shopping calls mean you can meet your exact plant before she ships—no mystery boxes here! Point to the one that makes your heart skip a beat. Then we'll make sure that gorgeous specimen arrives at your door looking exactly as fabulous as when you first fell in love. Because when it comes to plant matchmaking, we believe in love at first sight!