The Monstera is a tropical plant, originating from the humid, warm regions of the Americas. This genus of flowering plants is native to the tropical forests from southern Mexico down to Panama. The species most commonly grown as a houseplant, Monstera deliciosa, is widely known for its large, dramatic foliage. Its popularity stems from its ability to bring a lush, jungle aesthetic to indoor spaces.
The Biological Traits That Define Monstera
The Monstera genus belongs to the Araceae family, referred to as aroids, a grouping almost entirely made up of tropical species. In its native environment, the plant is a hemiepiphyte, meaning it begins life rooted in the ground but then climbs trees using its thick aerial roots to reach the dappled sunlight of the canopy. These aerial roots allow the plant to anchor itself and absorb nutrients and moisture from the air and rain run-off.
The name Monstera is derived from the Latin word for “monstrous,” referring to its unusual, perforated leaves. These characteristic holes and splits, known as fenestrations, are an adaptation to its jungle habitat. Fenestrations help the leaves withstand heavy tropical rain and wind by allowing air and water to pass through. This structural design ensures that lower leaves receive light, as sunlight is diffused through the holes. The plant thrives in the humid understory, accustomed to warm temperatures and indirect light.
Replicating the Native Environment Indoors
Growing Monstera indoors requires mimicking the conditions of its environment. The plant requires consistent warmth, with temperatures between 65°F and 85°F. Exposure to cold drafts or temperatures below 55°F can cause damage to the foliage and growth.
This translates to a need for bright, indirect light when grown inside. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch the leaves, leading to sunburnt patches. Insufficient light will slow growth and can prevent fenestrations from developing. A location near an east or west-facing window, or a few feet away from a south-facing one, typically provides the correct light intensity.
Replicating high humidity is important in indoor care. While Monstera can tolerate average household humidity, levels above 50% are preferable for lush growth and to prevent the leaf edges from turning brown. Gardeners can increase humidity by using a humidifier, placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, or grouping several plants together to create a microclimate.
When watering, allow the top one to two inches of the soil to dry out completely between waterings, as the plant dislikes soggy roots which can lead to root rot. A well-draining soil mix supports the plant’s need for aeration and prevents water retention.
Important Safety and Identification Facts
All parts of the Monstera plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. These microscopic crystals cause immediate irritation, pain, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat if the plant is chewed or ingested. While the effect is painful and temporary, it is important to keep the plant out of reach of small children and pets.
The plant is often mistakenly called a “split-leaf philodendron,” but it belongs to the distinct Monstera genus. The genus includes several varieties, such as the large-leafed Monstera deliciosa and the smaller-leafed Monstera adansonii, often referred to as the Swiss cheese vine. Knowing the correct species helps in understanding the plant’s growth habit and care needs. The toxicity risk remains consistent across all common Monstera species due to the presence of calcium oxalates.