Monstera deliciosa

Where Monstera deliciosa comes from

The natural range of Monstera deliciosa lies in southern Mexico and Guatemala, where it grows as a climbing vine in wet tropical forest. Its stem extends from node to node while aerial roots attach the vine to trunks and other surfaces as it climbs.

Indoor care for Monstera deliciosa

• Set up support before the vine becomes heavy: A rigid pole, board or trellis gives the main stem somewhere to climb. Fasten the stem loosely and leave leaf stalks, new leaves and aerial roots free.
• Keep it in bright, filtered light: A bright position supports larger new growth. If you want to give it direct sun, increase exposure gradually so leaves produced in shade are not suddenly scorched.
• Water thoroughly, then wait: Soak the root ball and let excess water escape. Water again after the upper part of the mix has dried.
• Repot for a reason: Move up one pot size when roots are crowded or the plant becomes unstable. Use an airy mix and feed during active growth, easing off when new growth slows.
• Use a stem node for propagation: A cutting needs at least one viable node to produce a new shoot. A detached leaf with only its leaf stalk cannot grow into a new vine.

Troubleshooting Monstera deliciosa

• Later leaves are getting smaller: Check the climbing setup first. If the stem has lost contact with its support, secure it again; if the position is dim, increase filtered light gradually. Roots packed tightly into the pot or badly compacted mix can also hold growth back. Look for improvement in the next leaves, because an open leaf will not enlarge or add new splits later.
• Several leaves yellow while the pot stays wet: Give the mix more time to dry and empty any water trapped in the outer pot. If yellowing comes with wilting or a soft stem base, inspect the roots. Healthy roots should feel firm; rotted sections may be brown or translucent, mushy, collapsing or unpleasant-smelling. Remove only the damaged tissue and repot the remaining healthy roots in fresh, open mix. The root rot guide gives the full recovery process.
• One side of a leaf develops pale, dry patches: Damage concentrated on the brightest side after a change of position usually points to sun scorch. Pull the plant back from the direct exposure and introduce stronger light more slowly. Scorched areas will remain marked.
• There is sticky residue, white cottony material or hard bumps around the nodes: Fixed brown or tan bumps with sticky residue indicate scale, while white cottony or waxy clusters, sometimes with sticky residue, indicate mealybugs. Inspect the leaf undersides, leaf-stalk joints and old sheaths for these signs. If you confirm scale or mealybugs, isolate the plant and remove visible insects from the leaf undersides, leaf-stalk joints, nodes and old sheaths by wiping or rinsing. Apply a treatment labelled for the confirmed pest to those same hiding places, then repeat it at the intervals stated on the label for the full course. For identification and follow-up, see the mealybug guide.

Monstera deliciosa is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

What does Monstera deliciosa mean, and who first published it?

Monstera comes from Latin monstrum or monstrosus, words for something unusual or abnormally formed, referring to the striking holes and divisions in the leaves. The Latin epithet deliciosa means delicious, referring to the edible ripe fruit.

Michel Adanson established the genus Monstera in 1763 in Familles des plantes, volume 2, page 470.

Frederik Michael Liebmann first described Monstera deliciosa in 1849 in Videnskabelige Meddelelser fra den Naturhistoriske Forening i Kjøbenhavn, volume 1, page 19.