Monstera deliciosa is a species of flowering plant. Monstera is member of the arum family Araceae is an epiphyte with aerial roots, able to grow up to 20 m (65 feet) high with large, leathery, glossy, heart-shaped leaves 25–90 cm (9 to 35 inches) long by 25–75 cm broad. Young plants have leaves that are smaller and entire with no lobes or holes, but soon produce lobed and fenestrate leaves.

Monstera deliciosa is commonly grown for interior decoration in public buildings and as a houseplant. It grows best between the temperatures of 20–30 °C (68–86 °F) and requires high humidity and shade. Growth ceases below 10 °C (50 °F) and it is killed by frost. In the coastal zones of Sicily, especially in the Palermo area, where it is called “zampa di leone” (“lion’s paw”), it is often cultivated outdoors. In ideal conditions it flowers about three years after it is planted. Flowering is rare when grown indoors. The plant can be propagated by taking cuttings of a mature plant or by air layering.

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