Monstera belongs to the Araceae family, a group of tropical plants that includes philodendrons and peace lilies. With approximately 59–70 species, Monstera is known for its distinctive foliage and climbing or trailing growth habits. Common names include Swiss cheese plant, split-leaf plant, and hurricane plant, reflecting the unique perforations or splits in their leaves that resemble cheese or weathered patterns. These names often emphasize their tropical, ornamental appeal.
Monstera plants were first documented by European botanists in the 18th century during expeditions to the Americas, with the genus name derived from the Latin “monstrum,” meaning monster, due to their large, unusual leaves. Indigenous peoples in Central and South America used the plants for food, medicine, or structural purposes, such as basket weaving. Their popularity as houseplants surged in the mid-20th century, fueled by their striking appearance and adaptability to indoor environments.
Monstera plants are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, spanning from southern Mexico to Panama and extending into parts of Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil. They thrive in humid, shaded understories, often climbing trees or rocks as epiphytes or hemiepiphytes, using aerial roots to anchor and absorb moisture. This natural adaptability to low light and high humidity makes them well-suited for indoor cultivation across diverse climates.
Monstera plants are characterized by their large, glossy, heart-shaped or lobed leaves, which often develop fenestrations—natural holes or splits—as they mature, an adaptation to maximize light capture in dense forests. Their leaves can grow several feet long, supported by thick, climbing stems or aerial roots. They produce cream-colored, spadix-type flowers in the wild, though blooming is rare indoors. The foliage varies in texture and perforation patterns, contributing to their dramatic aesthetic.
Monstera plants are primarily grown as ornamental houseplants, valued for their bold, tropical foliage that enhances indoor spaces, from homes to offices. They are air-purifying, removing toxins like formaldehyde, and their climbing or trailing growth makes them versatile for trellises, hanging baskets, or as statement pieces. In their native regions, some species have edible fruit or are used for traditional purposes, while globally, they’re popular in decor for their sculptural beauty and relatively easy care.
Monstera Plants
Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
The Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa) is the quintessential Monstera, featuring large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves with deep splits and fenestrations, growing up to 3 feet long. Native to Mexico and Panama, it can reach 10 feet indoors with support like a moss pole. It thrives in bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and watering when the top inch is dry, making it a popular, bold choice for homes.
Swiss Cheese Vine (Monstera adansonii)
The Swiss Cheese Vine (Monstera adansonii), or Monkey Mask, has smaller, oval leaves with large, oval fenestrations covering about 50% of the leaf surface. Native to Central and South America, it grows as a trailing or climbing vine, reaching 6–10 feet. It thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, needing regular watering, and is ideal for hanging baskets or trellises.
Borsigiana Monstera
The Borsigiana Monstera, a subspecies of the Swiss Cheese Plant, has smaller, less ruffled leaves and faster growth. Its fenestrations form neat rows, and it lacks the puckered leaf-stem connection of its parent. Growing up to 8 feet indoors, it prefers bright, indirect light and moderate humidity, ideal for smaller spaces with a classic Monstera look.
Variegated Monstera
The Variegated Monstera is a rare cultivar with stunning white or cream variegation splashed across its fenestrated leaves. Native to the same regions as the Swiss Cheese Plant, it requires bright, indirect light to maintain variegation and careful watering to avoid root rot. Its striking, high-demand appearance makes it a collector’s favorite.
Thai Constellation Monstera
The Thai Constellation Monstera boasts creamy yellow, marbled variegation that’s more stable than other variegated types. Developed in a Thai lab, its fenestrated leaves are slightly smaller, needing bright, indirect light and high humidity. Its speckled pattern and relative hardiness make it a coveted houseplant.
Mini Monstera
The Mini Monstera, though not a true Monstera but closely related, resembles a smaller Swiss Cheese Plant with split leaves. Native to Southeast Asia, it grows 6–12 feet as a vine, thriving in bright, indirect light and moderate watering. Its compact size and fast growth suit small spaces or vertical displays.
Obliqua Monstera
The Obliqua Monstera is a rare species with thin, delicate leaves featuring large, irregular fenestrations, often more holes than leaf. Native to South America, it’s challenging to grow, requiring high humidity, bright indirect light, and careful watering. Its lace-like appearance is a holy grail for collectors.
Siltepecana Monstera
The Siltepecana Monstera has small, lance-shaped leaves with silver-gray markings when juvenile, developing fenestrations as it matures. Native to Mexico and Central America, it’s a compact climber, thriving in bright, indirect light and high humidity. Its unique juvenile foliage appeals to collectors.
Peru Monstera
The Peru Monstera, also called Karstenianum, features thick, glossy, dark green leaves with a puckered, quilted texture and minimal fenestrations. Native to Peru, it’s a slow-growing climber, thriving in bright, indirect light and moderate watering. Its tactile foliage adds texture to collections.
Pinnatipartita Monstera
The Pinnatipartita Monstera has deeply lobed, almost feathery leaves with dramatic slits rather than holes. Native to South America, it grows tall with support, preferring bright, indirect light and high humidity. Its jagged leaf shape adds a wild, tropical vibe to indoor spaces.
Standleyana Monstera
The Standleyana Monstera, or Philodendron Cobra, features elongated, green leaves with white or yellow variegation but no fenestrations. Native to Central America, it’s a climbing or trailing plant, thriving in bright indirect light and moderate watering. Its variegated, softer look is unique among Monsteras.
Epipremnifolia Monstera
The Epipremnifolia Monstera has large, deeply fenestrated leaves with elongated, irregular slits, resembling a dramatic Swiss Cheese Vine. Native to Central and South America, it’s a robust climber, needing bright light and high humidity. Its bold, lacy foliage suits spacious areas.
Acuminata Monstera
The Acuminata Monstera features smaller, heart-shaped leaves with moderate fenestrations, often mistaken for a juvenile Swiss Cheese Vine. Native to Guatemala, it’s a compact climber, thriving in bright light and high humidity. Its manageable size is great for smaller spaces.
Aurea Monstera
The Aurea Monstera is a variegated cultivar with golden-yellow streaks across its fenestrated leaves. Similar to the Swiss Cheese Plant, it needs bright, indirect light to maintain variegation and careful watering. Its vibrant, sun-like coloration is a rare, eye-catching addition.
Dubia Monstera
The Dubia Monstera has small, heart-shaped juvenile leaves with silver-green variegation, resembling shingles, and develops fenestrations when mature. Native to Central and South America, it’s a slow-growing climber needing high humidity and bright light. Its juvenile phase is prized by collectors.
Subpinnata Monstera
The Subpinnata Monstera features deeply lobed, palm-like leaves with minimal fenestrations, giving a feathery look. Native to South America, it’s a rare climber, thriving in high humidity and bright light. Its unusual leaf structure appeals to those seeking unique Monsteras.
Lechleriana Monstera
The Lechleriana Monstera has elongated, glossy leaves with small, irregular fenestrations, less pronounced than the Swiss Cheese Vine. Native to Peru and Ecuador, it’s a vigorous climber, needing bright light and moderate watering. Its sleek look suits minimalist decor.
Esqueleto Monstera
The Esqueleto Monstera is a rare species with large, deeply fenestrated leaves featuring intricate, skeletal-like holes. Native to Central America, it grows tall with support, requiring high humidity and bright, indirect light. Its dramatic, lacy foliage is a collector’s dream.
Splendid Monstera
The Splendid Monstera, a hybrid, features glossy, dark green leaves with moderate fenestrations and a velvety texture. It thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, growing as a robust climber. Its lush, elegant appearance adds luxury to indoor jungles.
Acacoyaguensis Monstera
The Acacoyaguensis Monstera has medium-sized, glossy leaves with small, irregular fenestrations, resembling a less perforated Swiss Cheese Vine. Native to Central America, it’s a compact climber, thriving in bright light and moderate humidity. Its subtle beauty suits smaller spaces.
Costata Monstera
The Costata Monstera features elongated, ribbed leaves with minimal fenestrations and a puckered texture. Native to South America, it grows as a climber, needing bright, indirect light and regular watering. Its unique leaf texture adds variety to collections.
Dissecta Monstera
The Dissecta Monstera has deeply lobed, fern-like leaves with irregular slits rather than holes. Native to Central America, it’s a rare climber, thriving in high humidity and bright light. Its feathery foliage offers a delicate Monstera aesthetic.
Spruceana Monstera
The Spruceana Monstera features medium-sized, glossy leaves with moderate fenestrations and a slightly wavy edge. Native to Colombia, it grows as a climber, needing bright, indirect light and high humidity. Its balanced look is versatile for decor.
Laniata Monstera
The Laniata Monstera has large, glossy, fenestrated leaves with a slightly velvety texture, similar to the Splendid Monstera. Native to South America, it’s a robust climber, thriving in bright light and high humidity. Its lush, tropical vibe enhances indoor spaces.
Burle Marx Flame Monstera
The Burle Marx Flame Monstera, a rare cultivar, features elongated, flame-shaped leaves with minimal fenestrations and a glossy finish. Native to Brazil, it’s a slow-growing climber, needing bright, indirect light and high humidity. Its unique shape is a standout for collectors.
Albo Borsigiana Monstera
The Albo Borsigiana Monstera is a variegated form of the Borsigiana Monstera, featuring creamy white or pale yellow patches on its smaller, fenestrated leaves. It grows up to 6–8 feet indoors, needing bright, indirect light to maintain variegation and moderate watering. Its striking contrast and compact growth make it a highly sought-after collector’s plant.
Green Galaxy Monstera
The Green Galaxy Monstera, a cultivar of Monstera deliciosa, has dark green, fenestrated leaves with subtle, speckled variegation resembling a starry sky. It thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, growing as a robust climber. Its unique, understated variegation appeals to those seeking a less flashy but distinctive Monstera.
Mint Monstera
The Mint Monstera is a rare variegated cultivar with mint-green or pale yellow variegation across its fenestrated leaves, often resembling the Thai Constellation but with a cooler tone. It requires bright, indirect light and high humidity to preserve its delicate coloration. Its soft, pastel aesthetic is a favorite among rare plant collectors.
Sport Monstera
The Sport Monstera refers to a spontaneous mutation of Monstera deliciosa with irregular, sectorial variegation, often showing white or cream patches on fenestrated leaves. It needs bright, indirect light and careful watering to avoid stress. Its unpredictable, one-of-a-kind variegation patterns make it a unique addition to collections.
Yellow Splash Monstera
The Yellow Splash Monstera, a variegated form of Monstera adansonii, features small, oval leaves with yellow splashes and large fenestrations. It grows as a trailing or climbing vine, thriving in bright, indirect light and high humidity. Its vibrant, speckled foliage adds a playful touch to hanging baskets or trellises.
Variegated Siltepecana Monstera
The Variegated Siltepecana Monstera has lance-shaped leaves with silver-gray markings and creamy variegation, developing fenestrations as it matures. Native to Mexico, it’s a compact climber, needing bright light and high humidity. Its striking, variegated juvenile foliage is highly prized by enthusiasts for its unique look.
Punctulata Monstera
The Punctulata Monstera features large, glossy leaves with small, scattered fenestrations and a slightly puckered texture. Native to Central America, it grows as a robust climber, thriving in bright, indirect light and moderate humidity. Its understated fenestrations offer a subtler take on the Monstera aesthetic.
Friedrichsthalii Monstera
The Friedrichsthalii Monstera has elongated, glossy leaves with moderate fenestrations, similar to the Swiss Cheese Vine but with a more robust structure. Native to Central America, it grows as a climber, needing bright light and regular watering. Its balanced, tropical look suits various indoor settings.
Membranacea Monstera
The Membranacea Monstera features thin, glossy leaves with irregular fenestrations, giving a delicate, almost translucent appearance. Native to South America, it’s a rare climber, thriving in high humidity and bright, indirect light. Its airy, lacy foliage is ideal for collectors seeking unique textures.
Tenuis Monstera
The Tenuis Monstera has slender, elongated leaves with deep, irregular slits, resembling a more delicate Pinnatipartita. Native to Central America, it grows as a climber, needing bright light and high humidity. Its feathery, almost fern-like leaves add a graceful touch to indoor jungles.
Dilacerata Monstera
The Dilacerata Monstera features deeply lobed leaves with dramatic, irregular fenestrations, giving a torn, jagged appearance. Native to South America, it’s a vigorous climber, thriving in bright, indirect light and high humidity. Its wild, rugged foliage appeals to those seeking a bold, untamed look.
Klotzschiana Monstera
The Klotzschiana Monstera has medium-sized, glossy leaves with small, oval fenestrations, resembling a less perforated Swiss Cheese Vine. Native to Central America, it grows as a compact climber, needing bright light and moderate watering. Its subtle fenestrations suit smaller spaces or minimalist decor.
Luteynii Monstera
The Luteynii Monstera features large, glossy leaves with moderate fenestrations and a slightly wavy edge. Native to South America, it’s a robust climber, thriving in bright, indirect light and high humidity. Its lush, balanced foliage makes it a versatile choice for indoor plant displays.
Variegated Obliqua Monstera
The Variegated Obliqua Monstera is an ultra-rare cultivar with thin, lace-like leaves featuring creamy white variegation and extensive fenestrations. It’s extremely delicate, requiring high humidity, bright indirect light, and careful watering. Its ethereal beauty makes it a top prize for serious collectors.
Glaziouana Monstera
The Glaziouana Monstera has large, glossy leaves with irregular fenestrations and a slightly puckered texture. Native to Brazil, it grows as a climber, needing bright light and moderate humidity. Its bold, tropical foliage adds a dramatic flair to spacious indoor areas.
Xanthospadix Monstera
The Xanthospadix Monstera features medium-sized, fenestrated leaves with a glossy finish and a slightly elongated shape. Native to Central America, it’s a compact climber, thriving in bright, indirect light and regular watering. Its understated elegance suits various decor styles.
Filamentosa Monstera
The Filamentosa Monstera has slender, thread-like juvenile leaves that develop into fenestrated, glossy mature leaves. Native to South America, it’s a slow-growing climber, needing high humidity and bright light. Its unique juvenile phase adds intrigue to collections.
Praetermissa Monstera
The Praetermissa Monstera features large, glossy leaves with deep, irregular fenestrations, resembling a more robust Esqueleto. Native to Central America, it grows tall with support, needing bright light and high humidity. Its dramatic, skeletal leaves are a collector’s favorite.
Spemona Monstera
The Spemona Monstera has medium-sized, glossy leaves with small, scattered fenestrations and a slightly ribbed texture. Native to South America, it’s a compact climber, thriving in bright, indirect light and moderate watering. Its subtle, textured foliage adds variety to Monstera collections.
Pittieri Monstera
The Pittieri Monstera features elongated, glossy leaves with minimal fenestrations and a slightly wavy edge. Native to Costa Rica, it grows as a climber, needing bright light and high humidity. Its sleek, understated look is ideal for modern, minimalist decor.
Falcifolia Monstera
The Falcifolia Monstera has sickle-shaped, glossy leaves with moderate fenestrations, giving a graceful, curved appearance. Native to Colombia, it’s a vigorous climber, thriving in bright, indirect light and high humidity. Its elegant, flowing foliage enhances tropical displays.
Variegated Peru Monstera
The Variegated Peru Monstera is a rare cultivar with thick, puckered leaves featuring creamy or yellow variegation and minimal fenestrations. It’s a slow-growing climber, needing bright light and moderate watering. Its textured, variegated foliage is a standout for collectors.
Lacerata Monstera
The Lacerata Monstera has deeply lobed, almost shredded leaves with irregular slits, resembling a more extreme Dissecta. Native to South America, it’s a rare climber, thriving in high humidity and bright light. Its wild, jagged leaves add a bold, untamed vibe.
Variegated Standleyana Monstera
The Variegated Standleyana Monstera features elongated leaves with bold white or cream variegation, lacking fenestrations. Native to Central America, it grows as a trailing or climbing plant, needing bright light and moderate watering. Its vibrant, non-fenestrated foliage offers a softer Monstera aesthetic.
Marmorata Monstera
The Marmorata Monstera, a variegated cultivar of Monstera deliciosa, has large, fenestrated leaves with marbled cream or yellow variegation. It requires bright, indirect light and high humidity to maintain its striking pattern. Its luxurious, mottled foliage is a prized addition for enthusiasts.
Adansonii Narrow Monstera
The Adansonii Narrow Monstera is a cultivar of the Swiss Cheese Vine with elongated, narrower leaves featuring smaller, more elongated fenestrations compared to the standard form. Native to Central and South America, it grows as a trailing or climbing vine, reaching 6–8 feet, and thrives in bright, indirect light with high humidity. Its slender, lacy foliage adds a delicate, airy touch to hanging baskets or trellises.
Variegated Esqueleto Monstera
The Variegated Esqueleto Monstera is an ultra-rare cultivar with large, skeletal-like leaves featuring dramatic fenestrations and creamy white or yellow variegation. Native to Central America, it’s a tall climber requiring high humidity, bright indirect light, and careful watering to maintain its delicate coloration. Its intricate, variegated foliage is a showstopper for serious plant collectors.
Ecuador Monstera
The Ecuador Monstera has medium-sized, glossy leaves with moderate fenestrations and a slightly puckered texture, resembling a compact Esqueleto. Native to Ecuador, it grows as a climber, thriving in bright, indirect light and moderate humidity. Its balanced, tropical look makes it a versatile choice for indoor spaces seeking a less dramatic Monstera.
Anomala Monstera
The Anomala Monstera features large, glossy leaves with irregular, almost chaotic fenestrations, giving it a wild, untamed appearance. Native to South America, it’s a robust climber, needing bright light and high humidity to thrive. Its unique, highly perforated leaves make it a rare and striking addition to Monstera collections.