Monstera plants are a sight to behold. Their large, glossy leaves and unique perforations make them a striking addition.sub
But did you know that these beautiful plants can also be found in the wild? That’s right – Monsteras actually grow in tropical forests around the world.
Keep reading for the 13 amazing Monsteras in the wild and explore why these plants are so special.
So get ready for a journey through some of nature’s most spectacular flora.
13 Common Monstera in the Wild
Here are thirteen popular monstera species that you can find in the wild:
1. Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa, also known as “Swiss Cheese Plant,” “Fruit Salad Tree,” or “Split-Leaf Philodendron,” is one of the most popular Monstera varieties.
Native to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Ecuador, this fast-growing climbing evergreen plant is easy to care for.
In the wild, Monstera Deliciosa climbs trees using aerial roots. And can reach 70 feet, when supported by a sturdy tree trunk.
Monstera deliciosa is known for its large, glossy leaves, which can grow up to 3 feet long and 2 feet wide. The leaves are also perforated with distinct holes, earning it its “Swiss cheese” nickname.
2. Monstera Adansonii
Monstera Adansonii, sometimes known as “Five-Holes Plant” or “Monkey Mask,” is native to Central and South America.
It’s a species of flowering plant in the Araceae family and related to Monstera deliciosa.
The name Adansonii comes from French botanist Michel Adanson, who was the first to describe the species in 1763.
Unlike Monstera deliciosa, this variety has smaller, more oval-shaped leaves and only five holes per leaf. And the leaves tend to grow in clusters at the end of fronds, creating an interesting look.
This plant prefers humid environments with shades. But its leaves tend to be less variegated in low light.
This species of Monstera can also get quite large. And has been reported to reach heights of up to 40 feet, depending on the variety.
The most common variegated varieties are the Monstera adansonii variegata, laniata, archipelago, and laciniata. Here’s more on variegated monstera adansonii care.
3. Monstera Obliqua
Monstera obliqua is native to Central and South America and can be found from Mexico down to Peru.
It’s a relative of the popular Monstera deliciosa and is often referred to as the;
“Window leaf Plant,” “Mexican Breadfruit,” and “Swiss Cheese Vine/Plant” due to its unique leaf shape.
Obliqua is a vining plant that thrives in moist, tropical areas with ample sunlight.
It has large, glossy green leaves that can grow up to 12 inches long and 8 inches wide. These leaves are often perforated with holes, giving them a distinctive Swiss cheese look.
Monstera obliqua also produces edible fruits and tastes like pineapple or banana.
With good Monstera obliqua care, this species of Monstera plant can reach heights of up to 60 feet in its native environment.
Being that it’s one of the most sought-after, Monstera obliqua is also one of the rarest varieties, making it a bit pricey.
Although Monstera Obliqua is a popular houseplant, it blossoms outdoors in warm climates.
4. Monstera Siltepecana
Monstera siltepecana is native to the tropical rainforest of southern Mexico and Central America. It’s referred to as “Silver Monstera” because of its distinctive silver-gray leaves.
These leaves are slightly perforated and have a glossy shine, giving them an attractive appearance.
This species of Monstera is a fast-growing vine and can reach heights of up to 20 feet.
Monstera Siltepecana care requires plenty of humidity and moisture, and thrives in well-draining soil.
Like Monstera deliciosa, Siltepecana produces edible fruits, though they tend to be smaller.
The fruit ripens with a yellow-orange color and has a pleasant, sweet aroma.
It’s a great houseplant if you want a unique, tropical plants with silver-gray foliage.
And even a popular choice for outdoor gardens in the warmer climates of Central and South America.
An easy way to identify this species is by its distinctively long petioles and the leaves’ color.
5. Monstera Dubia
Monstera dubia is a species of evergreen plant native to the jungles of tropical America. It’s also known as the “Tiger-Stripe Monstera” because of its yellow and green stripes that cover the leaves.
The oval-shaped leaves can grow up to 12 inches. Monstera dubia is a climbing vine and can reach heights of 10-20 feet with ample support.
This species of Monstera plant prefers humid, tropical climates and well-drained soil.
It’s a relatively fast-growing species and will produce small flowers in the summertime.
Monstera dubia produces an edible fruit that has a sweet flavor when ripe. This species of Monstera is becoming increasingly popular as a houseplant. This is due to its unique leaf markings, and it’s relatively easy to care for.
If you’re looking for an exotic, tropical plant, then you have a winner.
6. Monstera Lechleriana
Monstera lechleriana is a rare plant that is expensive and difficult to find. It is native to the wet, tropical rainforests of;
- Central and South America
- Venezuela
- Bolivia
- Colombia
- Peru
- Panama.
This species of Monstera is a vining plant and can reach heights of up to 15 feet when given strong support.
The leaves are large and oval-shaped and have a lacy, perforated pattern on them. The plant prefers warm, humid environments and should be planted in well-draining soil.
This species is becoming increasingly popular as a houseplant due to its rare and unique lacy foliage.
Lechleriana has a cluster of 12-15 flowers with a sweet smell and are yellowish-green.
It produces edible fruits that resemble figs with a creamy, custard-like texture. The fruits are yellow-orange in color and have a sweet taste when ripe.
It’s also a popular choice for outdoor gardens in the warmer climates of Central and South America.
Monstera lechleriana care is easy and can bring a touch of the exotic to any home or garden.
7. Monstera Standleyana
Monstera standleyana is a fast-growing and vining species of Monstera native to tropical forests in
- Mexico,
- Costa Rica
- Honduras, Nicaragua
- Central America
- Northern South America.
It’s also known as the Philodendron “Cobra” because of its climbing habit and distinctively shaped leaves.
The large, oval-shaped leaves have deep incisions that give them a lacy appearance.
Monstera standleyana prefers humid, tropical climates and should be planted in well-drained soil. The plant could grow up to 6 to 26 feet tall and can develop aerial roots to attach itself to a tree trunk or other support.
The spathe is cream-colored, and the spadix is yellow-green. The plant often produces small yellowish-white flowers that have a sweet smell. The different coloured flowers on same plant make it an attractive ornamental.
In 1967 G.S. Bunting described the plant as “The most famous variegated form of Monstera standleyana is M. standleyana var. Aurea variegata.”
Being that Monstera standleyana is an epiphytic plant, it requires support to grow at home. So you can use hanging baskets or moss poles to help it grow upwards.
Read our guide on Monstera standleyana care for more information.
8. Monstera Tuberculata
Monstera Tuberculata (velvet shingler, or velvet shingle plant) is a rare species of genus Monstera native to the wet tropical forests of Central and South America.
It’s an epiphytic species of Monstera, meaning it grows on trees. The leaves are large and deeply dissected, giving them a lacy appearance.
They are often olive green in color, with dark purple veins and a pale yellow underside. The leaf margins are serrated and can reach up to 12 inches in length.
Monstera Tuberculata prefers warm, humid climates and should be planted in well-draining soil. It also requires a support structure to climb on, such as a moss pole.
One of the easiest ways to identify the tuberculata plant is by its large heart-shaped leaves.
It produces small, yellowish-white sweet smelling flowers that bloom in large clusters.
The Monstera tuberculata needs 70% to 85% sunlight or bright indirect light to grow.
It is also sensitive to temperature changes and needs regular watering once every two weeks. This species an easy-to-care-for tropical plant that can bring a touch of the exotic to any home or garden.
9. Monstera Esqueleto
Monstera esqueleto is a rare species of Monstera genus to the cloud forests of ;
- Mexico
- Guatemala
- El Salvador.
They have dark green perforated leaves with a tear-dropped shape.
It is an epiphytic species with climbing stems and aerial roots, meaning it likes to grow on trees or other tall structures.
It’s also known as the “skeleton” plant due to its unusual leaf pattern.
The leaves of Monstera esqueleto can reach up to 8 inches and prefer humid, tropical climates.
Monstera esqueleto can tolerate low light conditions and easily adapt to different types of soils.
Every few months, the plant will produce small white flowers that have a sweet smell and yellow-green spadix.
Monstera esqueleto is a hardy plant that is easy to care for and can bring a touch of the exotic to any home or garden. It’s a great choice for novice plant lovers and experienced gardeners alike.
10. Monstera Acacoyaguensis
Monstera acacoyaguensis, also known as the Swiss Cheese plant, is a robust species of Monstera from;
- Mexico
- Colombia
- Costa Rica.
Monstera acacoyaguensis is a climbing plant with aerial roots so it likes to grow on trees or large structures.
The leaves of Monstera acacoyaguensis are oval-shaped glossy green with large perforations, giving it the nickname “the Swiss Cheese plant.”
The underside of the leaves is silver-green and can reach up to 8 inches in length. Monstera acacoyaguensis needs indirect light, moist soil, moderate temperatures, and humidity levels of 40-70%.
Every few months, the plant will produce small flowers with a yellow inflorescent color and a sweet fragrance.
The fenestrations or perforations allow the plant to absorb moisture from the air, making it very easy to care for.
Monstera Acacoyaguensis is a great choice for anyone looking for a low-maintenance tropical plant that can bring a touch of the exotic to any home or garden.
11. Monstera Pinnatipartita
Monstera pinnatipartita is a rare species of Monstera native to the wet tropical forests of Central and South America.
It’s also an epiphytic species of Monstera like the Monstera esqueleto and the Monstera acacoyaguensis, meaning it grows on trees or tall structures.
The leaves of Monstera pinnatipartita are large and deeply lobed, giving them a jagged, fern-like appearance.
The leaves are dark green with silver-green undersides and can reach up to 12 inches in length. Monstera pinnatipartita’s bloom time is late summer, and it produces small white flowers.
When mature, Monstera pinnatipartia size can reach up to 6 ft indoors and over 30 ft. outdoors.
This plant needs partial sunlight, moist, well-drained soil, and regular watering. With their climbing habit, monsteras like this are perfect for planters on shelves or hanging baskets.
12. Monstera Borsigiana
Monstera borsigiana is a fast-growing species of Monstera native to the tropical rainforests of Central America and Mexico.
This plant has large leathery leaves that are green on top and silver-green on the underside.
The evergreen vine-like stems of the Monstera borsigiana can reach up to 16 feet long and make a dramatic, cascading statement in any home or garden.
The leaves of the plant can reach up to 1 foot in length and have a unique ripple pattern that makes them stand out under proper Borsigiana care.
It needs indirect sunlight, moist soil, and regular watering. It is one of the easiest monsteras to care for and can tolerate even the harshest conditions.
The plant has holes that develop into large slits as the plant matures, giving them a unique and striking appearance.
The flower and the fruit are a delicacy in many cultures and can be eaten raw. Monstera Borsigiana is an exotic, low-maintenance houseplant that will bring a touch of the tropics to any home or garden.
See the battle of monstera borsigiana vs deliciosa.
13. Monstera Epipremnoides
Monstera epipremnoides is a vining species of Monstera from Costa Rica. This plant has large, less rigid leaves than other monsters, and they are light green to yellowish-green in color with a brown, felt-like texture.
The leaves are soft and floppy, making them easy to shape. The leaves of Monstera epipremnoides can reach up to 8 inches long and have deep lobes along the edges.
It needs indirect sunlight, moderate temperatures, and plenty of humidity. These flowering plants will produce small flowers with a fragrance during the springtime.
Monstera epipremnoides need regular watering and should be misted regularly to increase humidity levels.
It is easily propagated by cutting and rooting the stems. The good thing is that it has no serious pest or disease problems.
Related post: Half Moon Monstera
FAQs
Where can I find Monstera in the wild?
Monsteras are native to tropical rainforests in Central and South America. They can be found in Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Does Monstera grow in the wild?
Yes, Monstera can be found in the wild. They thrive in dense rainforests, where they have plenty of access to moisture, humidity, and the indirect sunlight they need.
How does Monstera reproduce in the wild?
In their natural habitat, Monstera reproduces by producing flowers. These flowers are pollinated by insects such as bees and butterflies. The flowers produce fruit that contains seeds, which are then dispersed by animals and wind. The plants can also reproduce asexually by producing stolons that spread and take root. This method of reproduction is commonly seen in Monstera Deliciosa.
How long do monsteras live in the wild?
Monstera lifespan in the wild can range from several decades to up to a century if they have optimal growing conditions. Various factors such as climate, soil quality, and competition for resources with other plants can influence their lifespan. Additionally, disease or predation can also shorten their lifespan.
Conclusion
Monstera in the wild typically grows as epiphytes, meaning they attach themselves to trees and other structures for support.
This unique family of climbing plants are a great addition to any home or garden, offering a range of sizes, shapes, and colors. Even more, monstera deliciosa fruit benefits are as plentiful as their beauty. They provide a unique and tasty snack and offer essential vitamins and minerals.
Some of the more popular species include Monstera adansonii, Monstera acacoyaguensis, Monstera pinnatipartita, Monstera borsigiana, and Monstera epipremnoides.
All of these require similar care, such as indirect sunlight, moist soil, and regular watering. With a little bit of care, these plants can bring an exotic touch of the tropics to your home or garden.
Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance houseplant or want to add an extra bit of green to your outdoor space, Monstera plants are an ideal choice.
Their lush foliage and exotic blooms will surely add life and beauty to any home. So why not give them a try?
Other monstera plants that can be found in the wild are:
