The Monstera Deliciosa: perhaps one of the most popular houseplants in the world. This trendy plant has large, dark green leaves with striking holes. At Air So Pure, we’re putting the Monstera in the spotlight this month as our Air-Purifying Plant of the Month for May. Curious to know why? Then read on.
Origin of the Monstera Deliciosa
The Monstera Deliciosa is also known by its nicknames, the Swiss Cheese Plant or the Hole Plant. The plant grows wild in the tropical rainforests of South and Central America. It can be found in countries such as Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Colombia. There, the Monstera grows in the lower layers of the tropical forests, where it is humid and warm. Here, it grows as an epiphyte and semi-epiphyte. This means it can grow both on the ground and on other plants.
The Monstera usually begins its life on the forest floor, where its seeds germinate. As the plant grows, it uses its long, aerial roots to attach to trees and other structures. These aerial roots help the Monstera climb higher into the light.
The leaves of the Monstera Deliciosa develop their characteristic holes and incisions as the plant matures. It is also said that these holes help the plant withstand heavy rainfall and strong winds by offering less resistance to these elements. Additionally, the holes allow light to pass through to the leaves below, enabling more efficient photosynthesis. In the wild, the leaves of the Monstera can grow up to a meter long. No wonder the Monstera was chosen as the Air-Purifying Plant of the Month for May 2026!

Air-purifying properties
Like other plants in the Air So Pure range, the Monstera Deliciosa contributes to a healthier indoor environment. Not only is it beautiful, but it also purifies the air. This is because the Monstera filters harmful substances such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air and converts them into oxygen. Especially in well-insulated houses, where the air can become “dirty” more quickly, this is no superfluous luxury.
In addition, the Monstera slightly increases humidity, which helps against dry air and complaints such as dry skin, irritable cough or irritated eyes.
Who grows the Monstera Deliciosa?
At Air So Pure, the Monstera is grown by two nurseries: JK Plant and Forever Plants. Together they grow the Monstera in 6 different pot sizes. As a result, you will always find a suitable Monstera for your space at Air So Pure.
JK Plant is a family business that specializes in growing exclusive house and garden plants, including the Araucaria, Dahlia, Canna and Monstera Deliciosa. With their nurseries in Honselersdijk, JK Plant is known for its high quality plants. JK Plant grows the Monstera in the pot sizes 14cm, 17cm and 21cm.
Forever Plants Group is our second member growing the Monstera Deliciosa. This innovative family business, also located in Honselersdijk, is known for its wide range of tropical houseplants such as the Areca, Dracaena, Ficus Lyrata, Monstera and Strelitzia. Forever Plants grows the Monstera Deliciosa in pot sizes 24cm, 27cm and 35cm.

How do you care for the Monstera Deliciosa?
The Monstera Deliciosa is a very easy plant to care for. As such, it grows fast in most home environments. Here are some tips to enjoy the July Air Purifying Plant of the Month for as long as possible:
- Light: The Monstera Deliciosa likes plenty of indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves, while too little light can stunt growth. So place the plant in a spot with plenty of indirect light.
- Water: Water the Monstera Deliciosa regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure no water remains in the pot.
- Nutrition: During spring and summer, you can give the Monstera Deliciosa some plant food every month to encourage healthy growth.
- Humidity: The Monstera Deliciosa likes high humidity. Spray the leaves regularly with water to increase humidity.
- Growth: In a good environment, a Monstera Deliciosa can grow quickly. You may need to repot the plant annually to provide adequate space for the roots.
- Climbing plant: In nature, the Monstera Deliciosa grows up along trees. At home, you can use a moss pole or other support to help the plant climb.
Did you know?
- The Monstera is a climbing plant that can grow up to 20 meters tall in the wild?
- The gaps in the leaves are also called “fenestrations”?
- You can easily take cuttings from the plant? Cut off a stem with aerial roots, put it in water, and within a few weeks the first roots will appear.
- The plant becomes more and more impressive with age? This is because older Monsteras develop deeper and larger incisions in their leaves.
- A mature Monstera Deliciosa in the wild can produce beautiful flowers and fruits? Unfortunately, this rarely happens in the living room.
- The Monstera is also nicknamed “Swiss Cheese” because of the gaps reminiscent of hole cheese?

Is the Monstera Deliciosa poisonous?
The Monstera Deliciosa is beautiful, but can cause mild irritation if ingested. Therefore, it’s best to keep the plant out of reach of curious little mouths and paws.
Air-Purifying Plant of the Month for May 2026
Why is the Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, the Air-Purifying Plant of the Month for May? Thanks to its impressive leaves, air-purifying properties, and easy care, it is one of the most popular houseplants right now. By giving the plant the right care, you can enjoy this air-purifying plant for years to come!
Whether you choose a smaller tabletop model, or go for a large eye-catcher, there is always a Monstera to suit you. Enjoy nature indoors as well and experience the benefits of air-purifying plants, such as increased creativity, productivity and concentration!
Check out our store locator to find a garden center in your area and get your Air-Purifying Plant of the Month for May today!
