Monstera

( mon - STAIR - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

These hemi-epiphytic plants (growing part of their lives as terrestrial plants and the later part as epiphytes)​ are popularly cultivated as houseplants, and produce large shiny green leaves. There are many variegated forms, as well. These plants are native to Central and South America for the most part, preferring the surroundings of a tropical rainforest. 

Monstera Species and Varietals

The genus Monstera includes 70 species, and is a member of the plant family Araceae. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

​Monstera acacoyaguensis
This species has 'swiss cheese'-like openings in leaves, and is native to Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. Leaves are large and green, and the plant reaches about 6 feet tall when grown as an indoor houseplant and up to 20 feet tall when in its native habitat.

Monstera acuminata (Shingle Plant)
​Widespread in its native distribution from Mexico down through Central America, this species of Monstera grows as a prostrate herbaceous plant on forest floors. This is the most cold-hardy species of Monstera, and has the ability to raise from the floor and climb trees or other structures. After climbing, it detaches itself from its terrestrial roots and becomes an epiphytic plant.

Monstera adansonii (Swiss Cheese Plant, Adanson's Monstera, Five Holes Plant)
This tropical foliage plant is native to Central and South America, and has heart-shaped leaves with fenestration. Widely grown as a houseplant, Swiss Cheese Plant reaches between 3 and 13 feet tall. There are many varieties of this species, some with variegated foliage. A popular cultivar is 'Archipelago'.

Monstera alcirana
This species is named for a Venezuelan botanist, Alcira Perez de Gomez, and is endemic to Panama. These plants love living in their native rainforest surroundings, and are also grown as houseplants. Flowers bloom from January through April and fruits that follow stay on the plant until May.

Monstera aureopinnata
This species is endemic to Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. These climbing plants produce large, shiny green leaves that split deeply when mature.

Monstera barrieri
Native to French Guiana, adult plants in this species can reach up to 32 feet tall. Leaves produced are large, green, and deeply cut. 

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant, Split-Leaf Philodendron, Fruit Salad Plant, Fruit Salad Tree, Ceriman, Ojal, Hojadillo, Mexican Breadfruit, Balazo, Penglai Banana)
​This species is the most widely grown of the genus, and is commonly cultivated as an indoor plant. It is native to forested areas from southern Mexico through Panama. Young leaves are entire, but as they mature they develop deep cuts and holes. Flowers bloom on a spike surrounded by a white spathe. The specific epithet 'deliciosa' refers to the delicious edible fruits produced by the plant.

Monstera dissecta
This species of Monstera is native to many areas in Central and South America, and produces elongated leaves that are deeply cut. 

Monstera dubia
This native of Central and South America has soft, variegated young foliage that develops fenestrations as it matures. Older leaves are green and glossy. These plants are great examples of plants with leaf dimporphism.

Monstera glaucescens
This species of Monstera is native to Nicaragua and Colombia, and is commonly seen climbing trees in its native range. 

Monstera gracilis
This species of Monstera has very deeply cut leaves and thin leaf portions that curl somewhat. It is native to Peru and Venezuela.

Monstera minima
This is the smallest species of Monstera available, and flowers commonly extend past foliage. These plants are native to Panama through northwest Colombia along the Caribbean coastline.

Monstera obliqua
Native to Central and South America, this species has highly perforated foliage. It is not a commonly cultivated species.

Monstera siltepecana
Native to the wet biomes of Mexico and Central America, this species produces young leaves that are entire, which eventually will develop splits and holes. Young leaves also have a silver tint to them, which is lost at maturity.

Monstera standleyana (Five Holes Plant)
This species of Monstera is native to Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama and was first formally described in 1967. Leaves are green and elongated, and there are also many varieties with variegated foliage. 

Monstera tuberculata (Velvet Leaf Monstera, Giant Monstera, Giant Velvet-Leaf Monstera)
​This species is native to Mexico down through Panama, and produces a large plant with young leaves that cup tree structures. Older leaves are entire, lacking fenestrations, and are held away from the rest of the plant.

Caring for Microsorum

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Colocasia plants are susceptible to the following issues and pests:​
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For more information on these problems, including how to correct them, see the following links.
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Gallery
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

Learn about these interesting houseplants.
An educational video about Cast-Iron Plant.

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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