Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa is the definitive statement houseplant, and for good reason. Its large, glossy, deep-green leaves develop the distinctive holes and splits that give it the common name Swiss Cheese Plant, a pattern that develops as the plant matures and as each new leaf gets more architectural than the last. Young plants start with heart-shaped leaves and gradually work up to dramatic perforated forms that can reach two feet wide on established specimens. In the wild it's a forest climber native to southern Mexico and Central America, hauling itself up trees with aerial roots.

Indoors, Monstera is among the most forgiving of the large-leaved tropicals. It tolerates a range of light conditions from bright indirect down to moderate low light, though it grows faster and produces larger leaves with better light. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, and wipe the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to keep them glossy and dust-free.

Train it up a moss pole or let it sprawl naturally.