Monstera deliciosa Monstera: Toxicity, Irritation, and Edible Fruit
Monstera deliciosa, also called monstera, Swiss cheese plant, split leaf monstera, fruit salad plant, or ceriman, contains sharp calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate skin and mucous membranes. Contact or chewing can cause burning or stinging in the skin, mouth, and throat, as well as stomach upset. If plant parts are ingested, drink water or milk. Only the fully ripe fruits are edible.
Is Monstera deliciosa poisonous?
Monstera deliciosa is considered a mildly toxic houseplant due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals present throughout most plant tissues leaves, stems, unripe fruit. These needle like crystals can cause mechanical irritation on contact or when chewed. It is typically not life threatening but can be very uncomfortable.
Symptoms after contact or ingestion
Skin contact
- Immediate stinging, burning, or redness
- Local irritation where sap touches the skin
Mouth and throat exposure chewing or biting
- Burning or stinging sensation on lips, tongue, and oral mucosa
- Swelling and irritation in the mouth and throat
- Excessive drooling and difficulty swallowing in sensitive individuals
Gastrointestinal symptoms after swallowing
- Nausea, vomiting
- Abdominal pain and general stomach upset
Pets (cats and dogs)
- Similar oral irritation pawing at the mouth, drooling, vomiting, decreased appetite
- Contact your veterinarian for guidance if your pet chews the plant
First aid and what to do
If ingested
- Rinse the mouth and spit out plant material
- Drink water or milk to help soothe irritation
- Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or involve children or sensitive individuals
- Contact your local poison information center for individualized guidance
If skin or eye contact occurs
- Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water
- Rinse eyes gently with lukewarm water for several minutes if exposed
- Obtain medical advice if irritation persists
Are Monstera fruits edible?
- Only fully ripe Monstera deliciosa fruit is edible and safe to eat
- Unripe fruit contains irritating calcium oxalate crystals; wait until the fruit is fully ripe before consumption
Safe handling and placement
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
- Wear gloves when pruning or repotting to avoid skin irritation
- Wash hands after handling plant parts or sap
Common names and identification
- Common names: Monstera deliciosa, monstera, Swiss cheese plant, split leaf monstera, fruit salad plant, ceriman, windowleaf
- Identification: Large, glossy green leaves with characteristic splits and holes; climbing growth habit
- Photo credit: Flora Dania
SEO friendly quick facts and questions
- Is Monstera deliciosa poisonous or toxic? Yes, due to calcium oxalate crystals
- Symptoms: skin irritation, mouth and throat burning, gastrointestinal upset
- What to do if you eat Monstera? Rinse mouth, drink water or milk, seek advice if needed
- Are Monsteras toxic to cats and dogs? Yes oral irritation and GI upset are possible
- Can you eat Monstera fruit? Only when fully ripe; unripe fruit is irritating
