good drainage to thrive. Flowering is rare when grown indoors. In the UK Monstera deliciosa and the cultivar 'Variegata' have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Other uses The aerial roots have been used as ropes in Peru, and to make baskets in Mexico. In Martinique, the root is used to make a remedy for snakebites. In Mexico, it is used in the relief of arthritis symptoms. Toxicity Monstera deliciosa is moderately toxic to both cats and dogs because it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (needle-like). This crystal may cause injury to the mouth, tongue, and digestive tract. It also causes dermatitis by direct contact with cat and dog skin. Gallery References External links Monstera deliciosa How to care for a Monstera deliciosa deliciosa House plants Flora of Central America Flora of Mexico Tropical fruit Epiphytes Plants described in 1849 Taxa named by Frederik Liebmann Poisonous plants