Monstera deliciosa—also known as Swiss cheese plant—is a striking addition to any room. It’s a tropical climbing plant with waxy, deep green leaves on each of its vinelike, woody stems; the leaves develop the holes behind its whimsical nickname as they get bigger. In its native setting in the tropics of North and South America, Monstera can reach 70 feet tall, and their stylish leaves can grow up to three feet wide. Rest assured the potted one in your living room won’t get that big, but you may need to prune it back every once in a while. Aside from that, Monstera is such a popular houseplant because it’s so low maintenance, generally unfussy, and resistant to pests or diseases. That makes it a great choice for newbies and experienced plant people alike.

We love Monstera because it’s gorgeous and fairly easygoing. Unfortunately, no, you can’t eat Swiss cheese plant, but you can use it to decorate your home inside and out, depending on where you live. Read on to learn everything else you need to know about this conversation-starting houseplant.