Philodendron and Monstera, Delivered and Planted in SW Florida

Philodendron and Monstera give Southwest Florida shade beds a big, glossy, jungle look and grow easily in sandy soil with regular water. We plant three: Selloum, the large split-leaf shrub, Red Congo, a compact clumper with red-flushed new growth, and Monstera, the climbing Swiss cheese plant. All do best out of hot afternoon sun and need cover on frost nights.

Light:: Part shade to full shade; Selloum takes more sun if kept moist
Water:: Moderate; evenly moist, let the top inch dry between waterings
Salt:: Low; keep out of direct salt spray and salt buildup

Text Me a Planted Price Call (239) 799-5594

Philodendron & Monstera sizes we deliver and plant

Every size below is planted by our crew, set at the right depth and watered in. Send the size and how many, and we text back a planted price, usually within the hour during the day.

Variety or form	Sizes	Good to know
Philodendron Selloum	3 Gallon, 7 Gallon	The big, deeply cut tree philodendron that grows fast into a wide, bold shrub with a trunk that lengthens with age, carried in 3 and 7 gallon.
Philodendron Red Congo	7 Gallon, 15 Gallon	A compact, non-climbing clumper whose new leaves open with a red flush and age to green, good for mid-height beds and carried in 7 and 15 gallon.
Philodendron Monstera	3 Gallon	The Swiss cheese plant with large, split and perforated leaves that climbs a tree trunk, trellis or wall, carried in 3 gallon.

Philodendron & Monstera in SW Florida, at a glance

Mature size here: Red Congo 3 to 5 ft tall and wide; Selloum 6 to 12 ft tall and 10 ft wide or more; Monstera climbs 10 ft or more on a support
Light: Part shade to full shade; Selloum takes more sun if kept moist
Water: Moderate; evenly moist, let the top inch dry between waterings
Salt tolerance: Low; keep out of direct salt spray and salt buildup
Cold tolerance: Leaves burn near freezing, and Monstera and Red Congo are touchier than Selloum. Many regrow from the base after a frost
Growth rate: Moderate to fast
Spacing: 3 to 4 ft for Red Congo; 5 to 8 ft for Selloum and Monstera
Florida native: No, native to tropical Central and South America
Botanical name: Philodendron bipinnatifidum (Selloum), Philodendron 'Red Congo' hybrid, Monstera deliciosa

Where Philodendron & Monstera works in a SW Florida yard

Use Selloum as the large, leafy anchor at a corner or entry, Red Congo as a mid-height clump along walls and walkways, and Monstera trained up a tree trunk, fence or trellis. Plant them in the shade of oaks and palms or on the north and east sides of the house.

Layer alocasia, bromeliads and cast iron plant at the base for contrast. Give Selloum at least 4 feet from paving, since it grows much wider than people expect.

Shady foundation beds
Lanai and pool-side foliage
Bold tropical screens
Under oak and palm shade
Large container plantings

How our crew plants it

Dig the hole twice as wide as the pot and the same depth, and set the top of the root ball level with the soil without burying the stem or trunk. These plants like rich, moisture-holding soil, so blend compost into the bed and mulch 2 to 3 inches.

Water in well and keep the root zone moist for the first weeks, which Lee and Collier rules permit for new plantings. Give Monstera a stake or trellis from day one.

Care after planting

Water on your assigned days through the November to May dry season, when shaded beds dry out, and let the top inch dry between waterings during the summer rains.
Feed in spring and fall with a balanced slow-release fertilizer that includes micronutrients; nitrogen and phosphorus products are banned in Lee County, Naples and Marco Island from June 1 to September 30.
Move or cover plants on frost nights, especially inland, and wait for warm weather before cutting off burned leaves, since many regrow from the base.
If leaves scorch brown or bleach yellow, the plant needs more shade or more water, so adjust before the dry season.
Rinse leaves after salt-spray days on coastal lots, because these plants do poorly with salt buildup.

What to watch for

All three contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause mouth pain, drooling and vomiting if chewed, and they are toxic to cats, dogs and people, so keep pets and small children from chewing the leaves.
Mites and scale show up occasionally on the leaves, and soggy soil in the rainy season causes root rot.
Selloum gets far bigger than most buyers expect, with a trunk that lengthens with age, so plant it where it can reach 6 to 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide or more.

Philodendron & Monstera questions we hear

Is philodendron or Monstera toxic to dogs and cats?+

Yes. Philodendrons and Monstera contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause mouth pain, drooling and vomiting if a pet chews them. Plant them where pets cannot reach the leaves, and call your vet if your pet chews one and signs continue.

Can philodendron take full sun in Florida?+

Selloum tolerates more sun than the others if it stays moist, but all three do best in part shade to shade. Hot afternoon sun scorches Monstera and Red Congo leaves. Morning sun with afternoon shade is the safest exposure in Cape Coral and Fort Myers.

How big does a Selloum philodendron get?+

Bigger than most people expect. UF/IFAS lists mature plants at 6 to 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide or more, with a 3 to 4 foot trunk that develops over time. Plant it 5 to 8 feet from walks and walls. Red Congo stays much smaller, around 3 to 5 feet.

How cold can philodendron take in Southwest Florida?+

Leaves burn near freezing, and Monstera and Red Congo are touchier than Selloum. Many regrow from the base after a frost. Coastal Lee and Collier usually escape it, but in Lehigh Acres or North Fort Myers, cover plants on frost nights or plant under a tree canopy.

Does Monstera grow outdoors in Florida?+

Yes, SW Florida's warm winters suit it. It climbs trees and trellises with aerial roots, and the big leaves can reach 2 to 3 feet. Give it shade and frost cover. Ripe fruit is edible, but unripe fruit irritates the mouth, so treat the plant as an ornamental.

What does planting philodendron or Monstera cost?+

The type, pot size and number of plants decide the price. Text your address and a rough bed size, and we send back a planted price, usually within the hour during the day. Half down holds the plants and a delivery day.

Updated October 2026