Happy Flower Pot

Monstera (Swiss cheese plant)

Monstera deliciosa (Araceae)

Also called Cutleaf Philodendron, Hurricane Plant, Ceriman, Mexican Breadfruit.

Cats and dogs

Toxic to cats and dogs

Cats: toxic Dogs: toxic

What makes it toxic: Insoluble calcium oxalates.

Signs to watch for: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.

Source: ASPCA entry "Swiss Cheese Plant", checked October 3, 2026.

Light

  1. Low light 3+ mol
  2. Medium light 6+ mol Copes
  3. Bright indirect 10+ mol Best
  4. Direct sun 12+ mol

NC State recommends moderate brightness without direct sun, while Wisconsin says bright light in summer and some direct sun in winter. With too little light the leaves do not develop their typical holes.

Direct sun: a little gentle morning sun is fine.

On our scale it grows well from about 10 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 1.1 (how these numbers are set).

Will it grow in my window?

Care

Care level: Moderate. Water: Water thoroughly, then let the top quarter to third of the soil dry before watering again; water less in winter.

Variegated forms need more light than plain green ones.

Pet-safe plants for similar light

Sources