Monstera is a genus of 59 species of flowering plants in the arum family, Araceae, native to tropical regions of central and south America.

Description

Growth pattern

They are evergreen vines, growing to heights of in trees, climbing by means of aerial roots which act as hooks over branches; these roots will also grow into the soil to help support the plant. Since plants in the genus root both into the soil and over trees, it is considered a hemiepiphyte with roots in soil but climbing on trees. Aerial roots hanging directly to the ground have, according to Madison, measured up to long.

Leaves

The leaves are alternate, leathery, dark green, very large, from long (up to long in M. gigas) and broad, often with holes in the leaf blade. The fenestrated leaves allow for the leaves to spread over greater area to increase sunlight exposure, and to allow light to reach other leaves below, by using less energy to produce and maintain the leaves.

thumb|right|Monstera lechleriana leaf

Inflorescence

The flowers are borne on a specialized inflorescence called a spadix, long; the fruit is a cluster of berries, with significant variation in color, edible in some species.

Cultivation and care

thumb|alt=Monstera adansonii|Monstera adansoniiMonsteras are widely cultivated as ornamental houseplants around the world for their large, decorative foliage and tolerance of indoor conditions. They thrive in bright, indirect light similar to the dappled sunlight of their native tropical forests. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while low light may slow growth and reduce leaf splitting.

These plants prefer well-draining, aerated soil rich in organic matter, often containing components such as peat, perlite, or orchid bark. Watering should be moderate—allowing the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings helps prevent root rot. High humidity and warm temperatures between 18–29 °C (65–85 °F) encourage vigorous growth.

Regular pruning helps maintain shape, promotes larger leaves, and encourages new growth. Monsteras can be easily propagated from stem cuttings that include a node, which can root in water or soil under bright, indirect light. Fertilizing during the growing season with a balanced houseplant fertilizer supports healthy foliage and consistent growth.

Indoors, Monsteras are often trained to climb moss poles or trellises, mimicking their natural growth habit in tropical forests. With suitable care, they can live for many years and become a prominent feature in interior spaces.

  • Monstera acacoyaguensis
  • Monstera acuminata – Shingle plant
  • Monstera adansonii
  • Monstera adansonii subsp. adansonii
  • Monstera adansonii subsp. blanchetii
  • Monstera adansonii subsp. klotzschiana
  • Monstera adansonii subsp. laniata
  • Monstera alcirana
  • Monstera alfaroi
  • Monstera amargalensis
  • Monstera anomala
  • Monstera aureopinnata
  • Monstera barrieri
  • Monstera bocatorensis
  • Monstera boliviana
  • Monstera buseyi
  • Monstera cenepensis
  • Monstera costaricensis
  • Monstera croatii
  • Monstera deliciosa – Ceriman, Swiss-cheese plant
  • Monstera dissecta
  • Monstera donosoensis
  • Monstera dubia
  • Monstera egregia
  • Monstera epipremnoides
  • Monstera filamentosa
  • Monstera florescanoana
  • Monstera gambensis
  • Monstera gentryi
  • Monstera gigas
  • Monstera glaucescens
  • Monstera gracilis
  • Monstera guzmanjacobiae
  • Monstera integrifolia
  • Monstera juliusii
  • Monstera kessleri
  • Monstera kikiae
  • Monstera lechleriana
  • Monstera lentii
  • Monstera limitaris
  • Monstera luteynii
  • Monstera maderaverde
  • Monstera membranacea
  • Monstera minima
  • Monstera mittermeieri
  • Monstera molinae
  • Monstera momoi
  • Monstera monteverdensis
  • Monstera obliqua
  • Monstera oreophila
  • Monstera pinnatipartita
  • Monstera pittieri
  • Monstera planadensis
  • Monstera praetermissa
  • Monstera punctulata
  • Monstera siltepecana
  • Monstera spruceana
  • Monstera standleyana
  • Monstera subpinnata
  • Monstera tablasensis
  • Monstera tacanaensis
  • Monstera tarrazuensis
  • Monstera tenuis
  • Monstera titanum
  • Monstera tuberculata
  • Monstera tuberculata var. brevinoda
  • Monstera tuberculata var. tuberculata
  • Monstera vasquezii
  • Monstera wilsoniensis
  • Monstera xanthospatha

Previously included:

  • Monstera alticola
  • Monstera bocatorana
  • Monstera coloradensis
  • Monstera fortunense
  • Monstera gigantea <small>(Roxb.) Schott</small> - Epipremnum giganteum <small>(Roxb.) Schott</small>
  • Monstera jefense
  • Monstera pirrense

Commonly misidentified as Monstera:

  • Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
  • Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum

References

  • Aroid Society