Monstera

Monstera is a genus that belongs to the arum family Araceae with 45 accepted species. These plants are hemiepiphytes that spend part of their life cycle on other trees as epiphytes and grow in soil.

They get their name ‘Monstera’ from a Latin word ‘monstrous’ that means abnormal, to describe the usual leaves that some species have characterized by fenestrations or holes.

Monsteras are native to tropical regions of the Americas. Some species make excellent gardens and houseplants valued for their lovely foliage, including shingling ones Monstera acuminate and Monstera dubia

 Identification - Appearance and description

Monsteras are evergreen perennial flowering vines and herbs with aerial roots for hooking to trees, branches, rocks, or any other vertical support. They grow relatively tall, with some growing as tall as 82 feet (25m).

Most of these species have big leathery green to dark to dull green adult leaves that may be pinnatifid, split, or perforated (with holes). Some species have juvenile leaves that look morphologically different.

Usually, when mature, Monsteras have flowers borne on a spadix. Also, these flowers have a spathe. Later, the spathe will bear berry-like clustered fruits that bear seeds

Toxicity

All monstera species are toxic to humans and pets because they have insoluble calcium oxalates. These sharp, needle-like oxalates known as raphides are associated with level 3 and 4 toxicity.

When chewed, the sharp raphides will embed on skin, tongue, mouth, lips, or throat, causing irritation and burning sensation. Other symptoms are:

• Redness and swelling of the mouth, lips, and tongue
• Mouth pawing in pets
• Difficulties in swallowing
• Anorexia or refusal to eat
• Stomach discomfort (rare)
• Breathing difficulties (infrequent)

Below are some of the best Monstera houseplants, where we have covered the following:

• Identification – appearance, and description- growing habits, leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits
• Where to grow them
• Care – USDA hardiness zone, temperature, light, humidity, soil, watering, fertilizer, pruning, and repotting
• Propagation
• Safety to pets and humans
• Pests
• Diseases and conditions
• FAQs