Monstera plant, also known as monstera deliciosa, is a fickle plant that thrives in humidity but dislikes extreme sunlight. It is suitable for terrariums, indoor gardening, and houseplant varieties.
Besides its beauty, monstera plant has a number of health benefits. In this blog, we’ll tell you all about monstera plant varieties and how to take care of them. We’ll also talk about the different types of monstera plants and their benefits.
What is a monstera plant?
Monstera plants are popular houseplants and aquarium inhabitants. They are varieties of vines that grow up to 25 feet long with large, jagged leaves and succulent fruit.
Monstera plants require a warm and humid environment to thrive. They like sunlight and warm water, but not too much of either of these.
They can handle light frost but prefer temperatures between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to provide them with consistent sunlight and water to avoid stunting their growth.
Some varieties of monstera plants can be difficult to care for. Their leaves are prone to developing stains or spots, and they may require extra attention to ensure that they stay healthy and green.
If you’re looking for a plant that can withstand low humidity levels, monstera plants are a great option. They can handle low humidity without being damaged, making them an easy choice for anyone looking for houseplant with strong tolerance of the elements.
While monstera plants might be difficult to care for in some cases, they are worth the effort if you’re looking for a houseplant with strong tolerance of the elements and great looks.
Monstera Plant Meaning and Symbolism – The Essentials
In eastern traditions, Monstera plants symbolize regard for people, elders, and long life. In the language of flowers, grandiose plans, joyful news, and deep relationships are all symbolized by monstera flowers.
Monstera plants may also represent suffocation in various cultures across the globe due to their fast expanding vines and aerial root systems.
About Monstera Plants
Taxonomy
The Araceae (Arum) plant family contains approximately 45 species of Monstera plants.
Etymological Meaning
The plant’s strange-looking leaves and size are reflected in the genus name Monstera, which comes from the Latin word for monstrous or abnormal.
In their natural environments, they may grow up to 66 feet tall as they climb through the trees. They grow to be around 10 to 15 feet tall indoors.
Where are Monstera Plants Native?
The tropical areas of the Americas are home to all plants from the Monstera genus.
Monstera Plant History and Origins
For centuries, Monstera vines have been utilized to weave baskets, manufacture ropes, and build other products in the tropical Americas.
The edible fruit of the Monstera deliciosa was also considered to have medicinal properties, which made it valuable.
Monstera plants were first described in western literature in the late 17th century, and they were given the name “monstera” in the late 18th century, as many plants native to the tropical forest of America are.
Botanical Characteristics
Hemiepiphytes, or Monstera plants, may root on trees or rocks as well as in the soil. They can grow in a vining and climbing style thanks to their aerial root systems.
This would enable them to ascend the trunks of trees and spread out their leaves, allowing them to soak up sunlight up to 66 feet above the ground in nature.
Monstera plants are most recognized and identified for their huge and spreading leaves, despite their impressive growing habits.
The leaves develop fenestrations (holes) when the plants are mature, which may stay hole-like or grow to cover the whole length of the leaf, giving it a finger-like appearance.
Monstera leaves are typically lustrous and dark green, but having white spots on them is a common variegated cultivar.
White flowers and a spadix that look like peace lilies and calla lilies are produced by monstera plants.
Breadfruit, a type of fruit that tastes like a blend of pineapple and banana or tutti-fruity, is also available in certain varieties. When cultivated indoors, monstera plants are rare to flower or produce fruit.
How to identify a monstera plant
Look for monstera plants that are stiff and upright with broad leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs. The leaves of monstera plant are bright green, oblong in shape, up to 5-6 inches long, and have smooth edges.
The flowers of monstera plant are large, bright yellow or orange in color, with five petals that are usually brightly colored. The fruit of monstera plant is a large pod filled with shiny black seeds.
Monstera plants grow best in warm and humid environments such as near a water source. They can survive in low-light conditions and adverse weather conditions.
Monstera plants are hardy plants that can survive in low-light conditions and adverse weather conditions. They’re easy to care for and can withstand light frost and occasional exposure to strong sunlight without suffering damage.
So if you’re looking for an easy-to-manage house plant with bright green leaves and beautiful flowers, consider monstera plant as your choice!
Best Monstera Varieties
There are many varieties of monstera plants, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some of the types of monstera plants include variegated monstera, monstera deliciosa, pumlumon-plant, and fiddle-leaf plant.
When choosing a monstera plant, consider looking for one that is tolerant of low light conditions or one that can grow in warm climates. This will help to ensure you get a monstera plant with leaves that are large, healthy, and resistant to disease and pests.
Look for a monstera plant with large leaves as these indicate it has access to sunlight and nutrients needed for growth. Also, be sure to purchase your monstera plant from a reputable source to avoid any potential risks. Finally, once you have chosen your ideal monstera plant, be sure to water and care for it properly to get the most out of it!
1. Monstera Deliciosa (Monstera Deliciosa)
The Monstera deliciosa is the one you’re most likely to come across in Instagrammable designer houses.
It’s the most readily available and well-known of all the monstera species. This exotic-looking plant is super easy to grow indoors, with its large foliage having striking fenestration.
Individual leaves reach a length of up to 3 feet and benefit from the upward vining growth habit and aerial roots. It thrives best against a pole or trellis.
You may notice creamy flowers and then edible, succulent fruit in your yard if you grow it in the appropriate environment outdoors.
- Native Area: South and Central America
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 12
- Height: 10 to 15 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Bright indirect sunlight, partial shade
2. Monstera Acuminata (Monstera Acuminata)
It’s a fantastic pick for tiny, tight-for-space apartments or trailing over hanging baskets if you’re lucky enough to locate this uncommon species.
The foliage and height are more compact than those of Monstera adansonii, which makes it look similar.
- Native Area: South and Central America
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 12
- Height: Up to 7 feet when grown outdoors
- Sun Exposure: Bright indirect sunlight, partial shade
3. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Adansonii)
This monstera species, sometimes known as the Swiss cheese or monkey mask plant, is second in terms of popularity and availability behind the Monstera deliciosa.
When cultivated indoors, it has a climbing, fast-developing growth habit that may benefit from occasional trimming, even if it is a little smaller. It can reach heights of up to 8 feet.
The Swiss cheese plant’s mature foliage fenestration is not surprising, given its common name.
- Native Area: South and Central America
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 12
- Height: Up to 8 feet indoors
- Sun Exposure: Partial sun
4. Monstera Dubia (Monstera Dubia)
The shingle plant is a lesser-known variegated monstera species with heart-shaped leaves. The foliage gets close to whatever its vines are trailing up against as a result of the vining pattern.
It thrives in low-light environments but benefits from bright, indirect light for its striking variegation. This is one of those species that you’ll have to pay a premium price for from specialized retailers.
Although mature plants may develop fenestration, those raised at home are more likely to stay juvenile.
- Native Area: South and Central America
- USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11
- Height: Up to 3 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Partial sun
5. Monstera Peru (Monstera karstenianum)
You won’t have to worry about caring for or taking up too much space for this uncommon climbing species if you can get your hands on it.
In the right conditions, this little member of the genus grows quickly and vigorously. Peru, on the other hand, does not develop fenestrations on its leaves, unlike many other monstera species.
The dense foliage has stunning deep ridges and a lustrous dark green color, despite the eye-catching nature.
- Native Area: South and Central America
- USDA Growing Zones: 10b to 12b
- Height:6 to 8 feet
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
6. Monstera Obliqua (Monstera Obliqua)
The obliqua, sometimes known as the unicorn plant, is one of the most unusual of the monstera species.
The holes may take up to 90% of the leaf surface when mature, and it has significant fenestration. They are incredibly fragile and difficult to locate in the wild due to their wafer-thin structure.
Even among the best specialists, it’s unlikely you’ll be lucky enough to locate this species, and if you do, it might cost a small fortune.
Nonetheless, for the keenest species enthusiasts, it’s nice to dream.
- Native Area: South and Central America
- USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11
- Height: 6 to 10 feet outdoors
- Sun Exposure: Partial sun
7. Monstera Pinnatipartita (Monstera Pinnatipartita)
The pinnate, feather-like adult, huge, and glossy leaves distinguish this monstera species from other fenestrated foliage.
These rare beauties are harder to come by than the Deliciosa or Adansonii, but you may find one online if you’re lucky.
- Native Area: South and Central America
- USDA Growing Zones: 11 to 12
- Height: Up to 6 feet when grown indoors
- Sun Exposure: Partial sun
8. Silver Monstera (Monstera Siltepecana)
The Monstera siltepecana has an unusual color, and it is more widely available than some of the other rare varieties on this list, which is encouraging.
Blue-silvery gray with green veins, the solid, young, and lance-shaped foliage is attractive. The black, glossy green leaves of mature plants have fenestration and a climbing habit.
The silver coloring of a juvenile plant will last you at least two years if you purchase it.
- Native Area: South and Central America
- USDA Growing Zones: 11 to 12
- Height: Up to 6 feet indoors
- Sun Exposure: Bright indirect sunlight, partial shade
9. Monstera Standleyana (Monstera Standleyana)
The distinctive and variable color changes in this uncommon, tiny monstera species stand out. Watch for yellow, cream, or white against glossy green with speckles, splotches, or stripes.
It won’t always develop fenestration in an indoor environment, and it’s also known as the 5 holes plant.
- Native Area: South and Central America
- USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11
- Height: Up to 5 feet tall indoors
- Sun Exposure: Bright indirect sunlight, partial shade
10. Monstera Deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’
This lab-cultivated monstera is without a doubt gorgeous. The fenestrated foliage has a distinctive pattern of variegation that, for some enthusiasts, makes it a worthy investment.
The splotchy, creamy white, and yellow pattern on the fenestrated foliage produces a different kind of variegation.
It still has a relatively high price tag, despite being one of the most widely available variegated kinds.
- Native Area: N/a
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 12
- Height: Up to 8 feet indoors
- Sun Exposure: Bright indirect sunlight, partial shade
11. Monstera Deliciosa Albo Borsigiana Variegata
Albo has a gorgeous, irregular pattern on the leaves that makes it highly desired, tiny, costly, and variegated.
The splotchy white patterns may progress to be pure white on some leaf surfaces of mature plants, making it resemble a ‘Thai constellation.’
- Native Area: South and Central America
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 12
- Height: Up to 6 feet indoors
- Sun Exposure: Bright indirect sunlight, partial shade
12. Variegated Monstera Deliciosa (Monstera deliciosa ‘variegata’)
Any monstera enthusiast’s must-have list includes variegated varieties. They are uncommon and costly because they are difficult to propagate and develop.
As a consequence of a genetic mutation, the deliciosa ‘variegata’ has inherent variegation. This mutation is still difficult to find because of its unpredictability.
- Native Area: South and Central America
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 12
- Height: 10 to 15 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Bright indirect sunlight, partial shade
13. Monstera Peru (Variegated)
Consider the variegated form of the Monstera Peru if you’re looking for a small monstera with lovely distinct patterns on its thick leaves.
Regardless of how mature it is, remember that this plant will not produce fenestrations on its leaves.
- Native Area: South and Central America
- USDA Growing Zones: 10b to 12b
- Height:6 to 8 feet
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
14. Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma)
The honorary monstera is this plant. Despite its popular name, care requirements, and appearance, this compact little plant with distinctive fenestrated foliage is actually part of the Rhaphidophora genus.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, readily accessible substitute, this is definitely the option for you.
- Native Area: Africa, Asia
- USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 12
- Height: 6 to 8 feet tall indoors
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
15. Monstera Lechleriana (Monstera Lechleriana)
With bigger leaves than the comparable Adansonii, this is one of the hardiest and fastest-growing monstera species.
The center of the leaves of the small holes in Monstera lechleriana develop.
You’ll probably have to provide it with some support and make sure it has enough room to grow if you can get your hands on one of these plants.
- Native Area: South and Central America
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 12
- Height: Up to 6 feet when grown indoors
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
How to take care of a monstera plant?
- Water the plants regularly and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Fertilize the plant once a month with an organic fertilizer diluted half and half with water.
- Prune the plant back to 1/3 of its original size every other month in late winter or early spring
The different types of monstera plants are easy to take care of and can be grown easily in any house or garden as long as it receives indirect sunlight and good drainage.
When taking care of monstera plant, ensure that it gets regular watering and sunlight. It is also essential that it is fertilized once a month with an organic fertilizer diluted half and half with water.
What are the benefits of having a monstera plant?
Monstera plants are unique houseplants that can be grown indoors or outdoors in warmer climates. They require low-to-moderate water and sunlight, making them easy to care for. Their dense foliage and vibrant flowers make them stunning additions to any home or office.
– The leaves of monstera plants are delicatelyshaped and silky-soft, making them a great choice for people with sensitivities to plant leaves.
– They are easy to grow and maintain, making them a great choice for beginners. Plus, monstera plants are durable and can withstand moderate pruning and handling.
– This makes them an excellent choice for offices and homes with young families or those who prefer household plant varieties with similar traits.
– Plus, monster bonsai plants are unique houseplants with a wide variety of uses from houseplant enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any risks in consuming monstera plants?
There can be some minor risks when consuming monstera plants, but they are generally less serious than risks associated with other types of plant-based foods.
Some of the possible risks include stomach upset, dizziness, and nausea. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming monstera plants if you are pregnant or have a medical condition.
Should I grow my own monstera plants outdoors or indoors?
If you live in a shady area or want to grow monstera plants indoors, then you should grow them inside. However, if you have a sunny window or patio where they can receive plenty of sunlight, then you should grow them outdoors. When growing monstera plants outdoors, be sure to provide them with humidity and temperature control.
Conclusion
Monstera plants are beautiful houseplants. They require little to no attention and thrive easily in low-light conditions. They are tropical houseplants that can be found in other warm climates as well, making them ideal for indoor plant keeping.
Besides looking great, monstera plants are also beneficial for your houseplant collection. They are tolerant of low-light conditions, have a low requirement of water, and thrive easily indoors.
If you’re looking to add one of these houseplant beauties to your plant collection, share this blog on social media and tell your plant-lover friends about it to increase plant awareness!