Swiss Cheese Plant

(Monstera deliciosa)

Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Monstera deliciosa image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Monstera deliciosa, commonly known as Swiss Cheese Plant, is an evergreen perennial vine native to tropical rainforests of southern Mexico, south to Panama. It has a climbing habit and is known for its large, leathery, glossy, heart-shaped leaves with distinctive holes, resembling Swiss cheese. The plant can reach up to 20 m (66 ft) high in its natural habitat but typically grows between 2 and 3 m (6.6 and 9.8 ft) indoors. The inflorescence consists of a cream-white spathe and spadix, with the plant being monoecious, containing both male and female structures for self-pollination.

The Swiss Cheese Plant is valued for its ornamental foliage and is widely cultivated indoors in temperate regions and outdoors in tropical and subtropical gardens. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers temperatures between 20–30 °C (68–86 °F). The soil should be rich, loose, and well-draining, with a mix of garden soil and compost. Watering should maintain slight soil moisture without waterlogging. Monstera deliciosa is hardy to USDA zone 11, tolerating a minimum temperature of 13–15 °C (55–59 °F) for continuous growth. It is susceptible to root rot if overwatered and may become invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Vine
  • Height: 30-70 feet
  • Width: 6-10 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Potted Plant

Natural Habitat

Tropical rainforests of southern Mexico to Panama

Other Names

Common Names: Tarovine, Fruit-Salad-Plant, Monstera, Cut-Leaf-Philodendron, Mexican-Breadfruit, Philodendron, Großes Fensterblatt, Piñanona Monstera, Balazos, Harpón

Scientific Names: , Monstera deliciosa, Monstera borsigiana, Monstera deliciosa var. sierrana, Monstera deliciosa var. borsigiana, Tornelia fragrans, Monstera tacanaensis, Monstera lennea, Monstera deliciosa subsp. borsigiana, Monstera deliciosa subsp. sierrana

GBIF Accepted Name: Monstera deliciosa Liebm.