Monstera deliciosa

Native to southern Mexico and Guatemala

Wild Monstera deliciosa comes from southern Mexico,Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tabasco and Veracruz,and Guatemala. It grows from about 90 to 2,750 m, ranging from warm lowlands to cool, humid mountain forest.

Its habitats include dry forest, humid lowland and foothill forest, and cloud forest. Plants may root in soil, grow over rock, spread across the ground or climb high into trees. The species is now cultivated and naturalised in many warm regions beyond its native range.

Care for fenestrated aroid roots and climbing growth

Growth and support: A mature plant becomes heavy and needs a broad, rigid support anchored in a stable pot. Fasten the main stem, leaving the leaf stalks and aerial roots free.

Light: Provide bright, filtered light for strong growth and large leaves. The plant can adjust to a range of indoor light, but darker conditions slow growth and intense sun can damage shade-grown foliage.

Watering: Once the top of the rootball feels slightly dry, water thoroughly and allow the container to drain. Judge the timing from the rootball, because a large leafy plant may use water much faster than a newly rooted one.

Troubleshooting Monstera deliciosa: leaf, node and root changes

Yellowing, wilt or brown edges

One oldest leaf may yellow naturally. If several leaves yellow or wilt while the substrate remains wet, inspect the roots before watering again. Living roots are firm. Roots are badly decayed when their outer layer slips away, hollow sections remain or many fine roots have died. Consider when the damage appeared, inspect the roots and feel if the black area is firm or soft before cutting. Clear droplets may appear at the tips when roots push water into the leaves. This normal guttation can leave a removable mineral ring on the surface.

Spots, scorch or physical damage

Spots that remain flat may come from prolonged moisture, temperature injury, sprays or an active leaf problem. Keep the leaves dry and place the plant away from nearby plants if the marks continue to enlarge. Yellow spots bearing raised orange to brown powder suggest an active leaf problem. Separate the plant and avoid disturbing the affected leaves while the powder is fresh.

Pest signs on leaves and nodes

A new leaf can blacken after chilling or a sudden rise in temperature. Root failure, thrips inside the roll and advancing soft decay can produce similar damage. Long-tailed mealybugs and soft scales may leave cottony wax, fixed insects, sticky residue and black surface mould on this species. Fine speckling with mites or webbing requires a mite control; silver scars with black dots call for inspection of thrips. Match treatment to the pest seen.

Smaller leaves or lost climbing contact

Young leaves are naturally entire. A mature vine producing successively smaller leaves usually needs better light or climbing contact, or may have unhealthy roots. Give the stem a stable surface to climb and correct the weakest condition. An existing simple leaf will not develop splits after it has opened.

Changes to check

Fungus-gnat adults often accompany moist organic substrate. Traps monitor the adults, while moisture correction and a larval control address the insects in the pot. Compare the change with root firmness, exposure and new growth before taking action.

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.