Credit: Shutterstock

The National Garden Bureau has chosen Monstera as its houseplant to promote during the year 2025. Since gardening for most is an indoor endeavor during the winter, January seems like an appropriate month to investigate further this interesting genus of tropical plants.

First described in 1763 by French botanist Michel Adanson, Monstera adansonii bears its discover's name. The genus name is derived from the Latin word for "monstrous" or "abnormal," and refers to the unusual leaves with perforations(holes) or fenestrations(slits) and that is characteristic of most members of the genus.

The holes and slits in mature Monstera leaves are thought to be a method of allowing light and water to reach immature plants below as they establish themselves on a rainforest floor. (Credit: Pixabay)

The best-known species of the genus is Monstera deliciosa which found its way to plant literature in 1849, with the description originating from a plant collected in Mexico. Scientists continue to discover wild monstera species, with two record-breaking varieties found in 2021. One species (M. titanium) bears the largest known inflorescence of any monstera, with its inflorescence larger than a human head. The other (M. gigas) possesses the largest leaves of any species in this genus and grows more than nine feet in length.

Native to tropical regions of the Americas, monsteras can grow to amazing heights—some up to 90 feet tall. As hemi-epiphytes, monsteras grow roots in the soil, as well as in the air. The latter attach themselves to trees or other plants, absorbing nutrients and water. In the wild, the plant begins its life on the forest floor, climbing up trees and other plants in its quest for light. While the monsteras used as houseplants stay much smaller, it's helpful to know about their native habit and growth to understand how best to care for them indoors. For those living in a warm zone (USDA zone 10+), these perennial plants add a gorgeous tropical atmosphere to a garden. Anywhere cooler, they'll need to grow indoors as houseplants (but they can be placed outside in the summer.)

Monsteras range in leaf size, as well as leaf shape. Some grow easily without much fuss, while others display a bit of a diva attitude. You'll find highly fenestrated leaves, as well as some varieties without perforations or only tiny holes. Additionally, variegated forms exist which command attention and top dollar—if you can find them available in commerce.

Monsteras come in many different sizes. Pictured is Monstera adansonii which is relatively small, making it an ideal houseplant. (Credit: Shutterstock)

Some of the most popular monsteras include:

Monstera deliciosa—Commonly known as split-leaf philodendron, this plant is not a philodendron at all. In the wild, it's an evergreen perennial vine that produces large, perforated leaves on thick plant stems. Its heart-shaped leaves are deep green, glossy, and distinctly cut and perforated when mature. While it grows more than 50 feet tall in the wild, it usually reaches only seven to eight feet indoors. Mature plants may produce arum-like flowers with a spadix surrounded by a white spathe.

Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation'—This cultivar is a showstopper. When first introduced, this plant fetched out-of-this-world prices—if you could find it. While it's more commonly available today, it still commands a good portion of your plant budget. But it's worth since this beauty sports a gorgeous cream and green marbled pattern on its leaves.

'Thai Constellation' is striking with its large, highly variegated leaves. (Credit: Pixabay)

Monstera deliciosa 'Borsigiana Variegata'—This is the unicorn of the monstera world and one of its most sought-after cultivars. With big, slit leaves that can also develop holes as the plant matures, each grow nearly three feet in length and looks like it was painted with unique, exceptional cream and green patterning. This beauty prefers plenty of bright, indirect light. The non-green portions of the leaves can't absorb light, meaning the plant needs to work extra hard to photosynthesize. It also prefers moist, not soggy soil, so water it a bit more than M. deliciosa.

Monstera adansonii—Also known as the Swiss cheese plant, this tropical ornamental grows quickly, reaching a height of 13 feet in the wild but only three to five feet indoors. Its leaves emerge oval, then take on a heart shape as they mature, with about five holes in each leaf.

Monstera Peru (M. karstenianum)—A smaller monstera without fenestrations, this beauty needs more light than many other monsteras to produce its shiny, leathery, dark-green leaves with darker variegation. This low maintenance species is a good choice for beginners.

Monstera esqueleto—This monstera bears large, oval leaves with more air than plant. While its  massive holes make it appear to be delicate, it's tougher than it looks and relatively easy to grow. Avoid giving it too much direct sun which can burn the leaves.

Monstera esqueleto has large, lacey leaves, giving it a very delicate appearance. (Credit: Claire Akin, Monstera Plant Resource Center)

Monstera obliqua—One of the rarest monstera species, this one is for serious collectors or vigilant plant parents. The plant grows very slowly, with large holes in the leaves. It needs high humidity—about 85 percent—as it prefers to absorb water from the air via its leaves. This monstera is comprised of more holes than leaf material, making it a delicate addition to any plant collection.

Monstera epipremnoides—One of the larger monstera varieties, the species grows tall with  leaves that are bigger than many other varieties. The perforated leaves tend to drape over one another, creating a softer look to the plant.

Monstera standleyana 'Albo-Variegata'—Also known as cobra philodendron, its thinner, pointier leaves may resemble those of a philodendron—but this beauty is part of the monstera clan. It's a highly sought-after variety, with variegated specks and streaks of lighter green or white. The underside of its the leaves may be completely white or light green, while the top is deep green. M. standleyana 'Aurea-Variegata' is similar but exhibits with golden-yellow variegation.

Credit: Adapted from an article by the National Garden Bureau.