The Swiss cheese plant is a woody vine. Its seeds germinate in the rainforest canopy, usually on a spot where a tree branches. There they begin their life already in a place where sunlight is plentiful. The seedling first grows away from the light (negative phototropism) until it meets the trunk or branch of the tree, after which it begins to grow upwards towards the light. 

The large leaves of the Swiss cheese plant ensure efficient photosynthesis. The Swiss cheese plant and other photosynthetic plants of the rainforest produce about 20% of the Earth's oxygen. At the same time, they bind huge amounts of carbon from the air and thus have a major impact on Earth's climate by mitigating climate change. 

The Swiss cheese plant is a popular houseplant. In some countries of the world, it is also grown for its delicious fruits. The scientific name of the species deliciosa (delicious) refers to the fruits, while the genus name Monstera (monster) refers to its large and showy appearance.