Species guide
Monstera (Swiss cheese plant)
Toxic if eatenMonstera deliciosa
How to recognise it
A climbing houseplant with large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that develop dramatic holes and deep splits as they mature.
Is it dangerous?
A hugely popular houseplant, but every part contains calcium-oxalate crystals that cause painful mouth and throat irritation if chewed — toxic to cats and dogs, and irritating to people.
What to do
Keep it out of reach of pets and toddlers, and wear gloves if your skin is sensitive to the sap.
Never decide what's safe to eat or touch from a photo or a web page. Identification here is for learning and curiosity only. For anything you might eat, handle or that could harm you or a pet, consult a qualified local expert — and seek medical or veterinary care if exposure has happened.
Recorded 6,169 times in the wild worldwide.
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