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Monstera epipremnoides

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
mon-STER-uh ep-ih-prem-NOY-deez
Description

'Swiss Cheese Plant' is named so because of its huge leaves with holes in them that resembles Swiss cheese. Leaf shape changes as the leaves mature from entire to having holes to eventually having perforations often extending to and breaking through the outer edges of the leaves and result in a pinnatifid leaf shape.  It is an evergreen epiphytic vine that grows up to 13' tall.

This plant is intolerant of direct sunlight and wet soil. It prefers interior environments with moderate light and average humidity. It needs rich, well-drained soil that is not allowed to dry out completely. A good soilless recipe works well. It is easily propagated by cuttings. It has no serious pest or disease problems.

Quick ID Hints:

  • Leaves contain several large, natural holes
  • Indoor vine with glossy, heart-shaped leaves
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant#houseplant#white flowers#interiorscape#large leaves#moist soil#spadix#fragrant fruits#fantz#white fruits#tropical feel#container plant#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant#houseplant#white flowers#interiorscape#large leaves#moist soil#spadix#fragrant fruits#fantz#white fruits#tropical feel#container plant#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Monstera
    Species:
    epipremnoides
    Family:
    Araceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Leaf Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Costa Rica
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Climbing
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    White
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Description:
    This plant produces a crowded aggregate of white berries that are aromatic.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Green
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spadix
    Flower Description:
    Flowers are greenish-white and small. Inflorescence is a spathe and spadix with a long peduncle. The spathe grows up to 1.3' tall. The spadix grows up to 7.5' long and is covered with small flowers. It sort of resembles a giant Jack-in-the-pulpit bloom.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leathery
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Elliptical
    Oblong
    Pinnatifid
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    13-21 inches long and 13 inches wide leaves are alternate, simple, and 2-ranked. The shape is cordate to oblong-elliptic to rotund. Leaves have oblong holes with some extending to and through the margins. Leaves are glossy, leathery, and have long stems. Juvenile leaves are often entire.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Stems are thick, long, sprawling, and cling by aerial roots.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants