Monstera deliciosa (F) | Swiss cheese plant

Other common names

ceriman, custard plant, fruit salad plant, Indian ivy, Mexican breadfruit, monstera

Synonyms

Philodendron pertusum

Shrubs Conservatory Greenhouse

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An evergreen shrub to 5m or more, climbing by aerial roots, with heart-shaped, pinnatisect and often perforated, glossy deep green leaves to 90cm; flower spathes 30cm, white, followed by cone-like cream fruit

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height: 4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H1B

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Araceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Climbing
Potentially harmful: Harmful if eatenskin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eatenskin/eye irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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
Name Status: Correct
Horticultural Group

Horticultural Classification Codes

Horticultural Classification Codes are often given to genera which have a large number of species or cultivars. They are used to categorise cultivated plants based on specific, shared characteristics such as shape, colour, size or flowering time, and can be displayed as letters or numbers

For example:
Dahlia ‘Sunset Kate (Sin) = Single flower
Rosa ‘Marigold’ (HT) = Hybrid Tea: This genus produces fruit, but not necessarily edible fruit
Plant Range: Mexico to Panama

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright, indirect light with moderate to high humidity. Water when in growth and keep just moist in winter. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly when in growth. May be kept outdoors in warmer regions, but at temperatures no less than 18°C, in most moderately fertile, humus-rich soils in partial shade. See houseplant cultivation and Monstera for further information

Propagation

Propagate by seed, root tip or stem cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Sub-tropical
Houseplants
Low Maintenance
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Pruning group 11

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free