Splitleaf Philodendron: Big Plant, Small Apartment

Big tropical plant, tiny apartment—can this work? Splitleaf philodendrons (Monstera deliciosa) are stunning, but their massive leaves (up to 3 feet long) demand floor space many lack.

The solution? Buy a leaf or two from your local florist instead of a full plant. That's all you need to bring the tropics home.

Monstera deliciosa—also called splitleaf philodendron, Swiss cheese plant, or monster plant—native to tropical rainforests of southern Mexico and Central America. It climbs trees with tentacle-like roots. Leaves and stems are poisonous, but the fruit tastes like banana-pineapple-mango.

The plant's large glossy leaves with deep lobes and elongated holes have become interior design staples. While it won't dethrone the fiddle leaf fig, it's a strong contender. Tolerant of dry air and indirect light, it does well in containers—if you have the space. A 6-inch pot starter is $25 from Pernell Gerver.

No room for a full plant? Two Monstera leaves from the corner florist ($4 each) in a vase with water lasted over three weeks with water changes every few days.

Florist leaves likely won't root, but if you have access to a plant with aerial roots, you can root a cutting in water and repot later.

For more permanent options, browse all our Houseplant posts.