SPECIMEN NO. #1 ⚠️ TOXIC TO PETS Family: Araceae

Monstera deliciosa

Common Name: Swiss Cheese Plant

Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa) is a houseplant in the Araceae family, native to Caribbean. It is a medium to bright-light species that thrives between 1500 and 5000 lux. Optimal indoor care calls for watering roughly every 7 days, temperatures of 18–30°C, and about 60% humidity. According to ASPCA data, it is toxic to dogs and cats; reported symptoms include oral irritation, intense burning of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. It is also known as Ceriman.

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) botanical field specimen photograph

ASPCA Pet Toxicity Determination

Toxic to Dogs? YES (Toxic)
Toxic to Cats? YES (Toxic)
Clinical Symptoms:

Oral irritation, intense burning of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.

Quantitative Care Thresholds

Light Level Profile Medium to Bright
Minimum Light Requirement 1500 Lux
Maximum Light Tolerance 5000 Lux
Watering Frequency Every 7 Days
Temperature Envelope 18°C – 30°C
Ideal Ambient Humidity 60% RH

Taxonomic & Field Verification

GBIF Usage Key 2868241
Native Biogeographical Range Caribbean; East Africa; Galápagos Islands; INTRODUCED; Middle America; North Ame...
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