Species in Monstera

A hemiepiphytic climber native to Mexico and Central America. Adult leaves are ovate to elliptic, featuring numerous fenestrations (holes) along the midrib, but unlike Monstera deliciosa, the leaf margins are typically entire and not pinnatifid. The specific epithet refers to the village of Acacoyagua in Chiapas, Mexico.

Monstera acuminata is a climbing aroid native to Central America and southern Mexico. It produces elongated, acuminate (tapering to a sharp point) leaves that develop fenestrations (natural holes or perforations) and sinuses (indentations along the margins) as the plant matures. Juvenile leaves are smaller and entire, while adult leaves can reach 30–60 cm in length. The species is a hemiepiphyte, beginning life on the forest floor and climbing host trees using aerial roots.

A smaller, faster-growing cousin of Monstera deliciosa with heart-shaped leaves featuring oval-shaped holes throughout. An agile climber that makes an excellent trailing or climbing houseplant. Also known as Swiss Cheese Vine.

A robust hemiepiphyte described in recent years, historically confused with other large species in Panama. It features large, pinnatifid leaf blades that can develop fenestrations near the midrib. The spathe is distinctively pale green to white. It is primarily found in the Coclé province of Panama.

Monstera alfaroi is a climbing hemiepiphytic aroid native to Central America. It produces fenestrated leaves with elliptic to ovate blades that develop characteristic holes and perforations as the plant matures. The species is characterized by its relatively slender stems and elongated internodes.

Monstera amargalensis is a climbing aroid native to Central America, characterized by its fenestrated leaves with holes and splits typical of the Monstera genus. It produces aerial roots that anchor the plant to host trees as it climbs. The leaves are large and leathery, developing fenestrations as the plant matures.

Monstera anomala is a climbing aroid native to Central and South America. It produces fenestrated leaves with irregular holes and perforations, which are characteristic of the genus. The species is an epiphytic or hemiepiphytic vine that attaches to host trees using aerial roots.

A hemiepiphyte from the western Amazon. The species name refers to the golden or yellowish color of the pinnules (leaf segments) when dried or possibly the sap, though living specimens have green leaves. The leaves are pinnatifid and can become quite large.

A species described from French Guiana. It is a nominal hemiepiphyte with a distinct juvenile phase where the leaves are appressed to the host tree (shingle plant). Adult leaves are entire or perforated but rarely pinnatifid. It is named to honor the botanist who collected the type specimen.

Endemic to Panama, specifically the Bocas del Toro region. This species typically has entire, oblong-lanceolate leaves and does not usually develop fenestrations. It is a smaller climber compared to the giant Monstera species and is found in wet forest habitats.

A high-elevation species found in the Andean foothills of Bolivia and Peru. It is a vigorous climber with large, leathery leaves that are typically entire or sparsely fenestrated. It is often found growing in cloud forests, making it more tolerant of cooler temperatures than lowland Amazonian species.

A hemiepiphytic climber native to Costa Rica and Panama. The leaf blades are pinnatifid (deeply lobed) and typically lack fenestrations (holes), characterized by a subcoriaceous texture and deeply sunken primary lateral veins, giving the leaf a somewhat quilted or bullate appearance.

A species described from the Amazonas region of Peru. It has entire, oblong-elliptic leaves that are unequal at the base and do not develop fenestrations or pinnatifid margins. It is distinguished by its specific floral characteristics and relatively small size compared to other Monsteras.

A vigorous climber native to Central America. The adult leaves are entire at the margins but typically develop fenestrations (holes) within the blade. It is often confused with Monstera adansonii but can be distinguished by thicker leaves and floral details. The juvenile leaves are entire and imperforate.

A species named in honor of botanist Thomas Croat. It is a hemiepiphyte with entire, narrowly ovate to lanceolate leaves that do not develop fenestrations. The petioles are vaginate (sheathed) for most of their length. It is found in premontane rainforests.

Iconic tropical climbing plant with large, glossy leaves featuring distinctive holes and splits (fenestrations). In the wild, produces edible fruit with a flavor reminiscent of pineapple and banana. One of the most popular houseplants worldwide.

A widespread species characterized by its deeply pinnatifid (dissected) leaves. Unlike Monstera subpinnata, the leaf segments are connected at the base rather than fully separated. The seeds are distinctively large and rounded. It grows as a hemiepiphyte on large trees.

A recently described species from the Donoso District in Panama. It is characterized by entire, oblong-elliptic leaf blades and distinctive floral morphology. It lacks the fenestrations found in many other Monstera species.

Notable for its distinct heteroblasty. The juvenile phase is a "shingle plant" with variegated silver and green leaves appressed flat against the host tree. The adult foliage dramatically transforms into large, fenestrated, and pinnatifid leaves that hang from the stem.

A distinct species from Mexico and Belize featuring coriaceous (leathery) leaves that are deeply pinnatifid. The pinnae (segments) are broad, and the leaves typically lack fenestrations. The inflorescence is notably large and stout.

A rare species endemic to Costa Rican cloud forests. It features large, pinnatifid, and perforated leaves. It is the true species often confused with the "Esqueleto" clone in cultivation. It differs from Monstera adansonii by its larger size, pinnatifid margins, and high-elevation habitat.

A species found in Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. It is characterized by pinnatifid leaf blades and petioles that have sheaths degrading into persistent, reddish-brown fibers (filaments), for which the species is named.

Often considered a smaller, more delicate version of M. adansonii with more rounded leaf bases.

An epiphytic climber with large, leathery leaves. Fenestrations occur near the midrib in mature specimens.

Famous for its extremely thin leaves and massive fenestrations that can occupy up to 90% of the leaf surface.

A species with highly distinct juvenile and mature forms. Juvenile leaves are entire and silvery-green; mature leaves are deeply pinnately lobed.

Large hemiepiphytic species with velvety, dark green leaves and many small fenestrations along the midrib.

A climbing hemiepiphyte known for its lanceolate juvenile leaves with silvery markings. Mature leaves are larger, green, and develop fenestrations.

Large climber with pinnately lobed leaves in maturity. Juvenile leaves are shingle-like (appressed to the host tree).

Commonly referred to as Philodendron Cobra, it features lanceolate leaves that do not develop fenestrations even in maturity.

Unique species with leaves that appear pinnately compound, resembling a palm frond rather than a typical heart-shaped Monstera.

A "shingle" species where the heart-shaped leaves lie completely flat against the support. Known for its warty (tuberculate) stems.