Genus guide
Monstera — 39 species
Part of the Aroids family (Araceae)
Monstera is a genus of tropical climbing aroids from Central and South American rainforests, best known for the dramatic fenestrated leaves of Monstera deliciosa and the smaller perforated foliage of M. adansonii (Swiss cheese vine). Cultivars such as Thai Constellation add striking variegation to the mix. They grow best in bright to medium indirect light and prefer the top inch or two of soil to dry between waterings. All Monstera are toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates, causing oral irritation, drooling, and GI upset if ingested.
All Monstera species we cover
- Monstera
- Monstera acacoyaguensis
- Monstera Acuminata
- Monstera adansonii (Swiss cheese vine)
- Monstera Adansonii Archipelago
- Monstera Adansonii Mint
- Monstera Adansonii Wide Form
- Monstera Aurea
- Monstera Costaricensis
- Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana
- Monstera Deliciosa Mint Variegata
- Monstera Deliciosa Ronronensis
- Monstera Deliciosa Sport
- Monstera Esqueleto
- Monstera Esqueleto Variegata
- Monstera Gracilis
- Monstera Karstenianum Peru Variegata
- Monstera Laniata
- Monstera Lechleriana
- Monstera Nigrescens
- Monstera obliqua
- Monstera Obliqua Peru
- Monstera Peru
- Monstera pinnatipartita
- Monstera Pinnatipartita Variegata
- Monstera Punctulata
- Monstera Siltepecana
- Monstera Spruceana
- Monstera standleyana
- Monstera Standleyana Albo
- Monstera Standleyana Cobra
- Monstera Subpinnata
- Monstera Tenuis
- Monstera Thai Constellation
- Monstera Tuberculata
- Monstera Xanthospatha
- Shingle Monstera
- Swiss cheese vine
- Variegated Monstera Albo
Monstera — frequently asked questions
Are Monstera plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Monstera are not pet-safe. Of the 39 Monstera species in the Growli library, 39 (100%) carry a toxic or mildly-toxic ASPCA classification and 0 are pet-safe. Always confirm the exact species on its pet-safety page before trusting it around cats or dogs.
How much light do Monstera plants need?
Most Monstera do best in bright indirect light. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Monstera easy to care for?
Monstera are moderate to grow: the main requirement is a genuinely bright spot out of harsh midday sun. Get the light right and the rest of their care follows.
How many Monstera varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 39 Monstera species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Monstera, the rest follow closely.
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