Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The reported severity is mild. Also known as Swiss Cheese Plant, Ceriman and Mexican Breadfruit.

dogs cats horses

Mild Moderate Severe Critical

If your animal ate this plant, call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline on (855) 764-7661. Fees may apply.

Symptoms to watch for

Oral Irritation Drooling Vomiting Difficulty Swallowing

The color of each symptom follows the severity scale above.

About

Monstera deliciosa, the Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron, is a species of flowering plant. The common name "Swiss cheese plant" is also used for the related species from the same genus, Monstera adansonii. The common name "split-leaf philodendron" is also used for the species Philodendron bipinnatifidum.

How this plant poisons

Monstera deliciosa is moderately toxic to both cats and dogs because it contains needle-like insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals may cause injury to the mouth, tongue, and digestive tract. It also causes dermatitis by direct contact with cat and dog skin.

Common Names

  • Swiss Cheese Plant
  • Ceriman
  • Mexican Breadfruit
  • Fruit Salad Plant

Also recorded as Delicious Monster, Mexican-breadfruit, Swiss-Cheese Plant, Tarovine, Windowleaf Philodendron and cut-leaf-philodendron.

Facts

Family
Araceae
Duration
Perennial
Growth habit
Forb/herb, Vine
In the wild
AU, US, MX, BR, CR, CO + more
Source
Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Elsewhere

Countries with the most wild observations, from GBIF data.