University of Florida Plant Information Monstera Growing in the Florida Home Landscape1
HS1071
Scientific Name: Monstera deliciosa Common Names: monstera, ceriman, windowleaf, cut-leaf philodendron, swiss-cheese plant, split-leaf philodendron (English).
Family: Araceae Relatives: Numerous species including Monstera lechleriana, M. friedrichsthalii, M. dissecta, and M. pertusa (all ornamental houseplants). Numerous Philodendron species including the common landscape plant P. bipinnatifidum.
Origin: Monstera is indigenous to the hot, humid, tropical forests of Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama. Distribution: Monstera is grown in tropical and warm subtropical areas of the world and in protected culture in temperate areas.
History: Monstera was introduced to England in 1752, Singapore in 1877, and India in 1878. The fruit was introduced to the US in 1874.
Importance: The plant is grown more for its ornamental value both in the landscape and as a containerized plant.