This climber has branched stems with aerial roots at the nodes for support and forms a dense cover. It has large glossy dark green leaves that are perforated with round or elliptical holes and the creamy white flowers appear in a spadix during summer.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Monstera deliciosa is naturally found from Colombia in Central America to southern Mexico growing in tropical rainforests.

It prefers a well drained, organic rich moist soil with a pH range from 5.5 to 7.0 and grows in an open sunny to semi shaded humid position and is frost and drought tender.

Monstera is grown for its foliage and climbing habit. It is planted against walls or structures as a specimen or is grown into trees for a tropical effect. It is suitable for coastal or low mountain regions establishing in 1-2 years and is moderately long lived. It is also commonly grown as a potted indoor plant when young tolerating neglect and can be used as a ground cover on an embankments. In cold regions is grown under glass as a specimen requiring a bright humid position and under ideal conditions it may be become a weed. ID 135

Monstera(mon-STE-ra) deliciosa(de-lis-ee-OH-suh)

'Monstera': monstrous or strange; 'deliciosa': of good flavour.

Araceae(a-RAY-see-ee)