The benefits of indoor plants are far-reaching, and if any houseplant has caught the eyes of plant parents in recent years, it has to be the Monstera—and for all the good reasons.
Native to the rainforests of Central America, these vining plants’ lush, tropical-looking foliage boasts hollow and variegated leaves that can enrich the decor of absolutely any space.
Although as many as fifty distinct species belong to the Monstera genus, only a few are available for purchase at local plant nurseries and other online retail establishments. One question that every buyer has about the Monstera plant is how big they get. If you’ve been scratching your head, finding an answer to the same question, search no further.
This article will cover:
- How big monsters get (by variety)
- Commonly asked questions about the different monstera varieties.
How Big Do Monsteras Get?
There are 50 distinct tropical plant species belonging to the genus “Monstera.” These flowering plants are all endemic to the tropical areas of Central and South America and are members of the family Araceae.
The genus comes from a Latin word meaning “monstrous” or “abnormal,” which relates to the peculiar leaves with natural holes. On average, in bright indirect light, Monstera plants may reach heights of 66 feet outdoors and 10 to 15 feet indoors.
Monstera Deliciosa
Native to tropical rainforests of Southern Mexico and Central America, Monstera Deliciosa is commonly known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, Ceriman, or Split-Leaf Philodendron.
This Monstera plant is a genus belonging to the (Arum) family Araceae and is prized for its dramatic foliage, similar to the heart-shaped leaves of Split-Leaf Philodendron.
How Big Does Monstera deliciosa Get?
Monstera Deliciosa is often seen as a potted plant indoors, growing around 10-15 feet tall and 8 feet wide. In its native environment, M. Deliciosa can reach a height of up to 60 feet or more.
Monstera Adansonii
Native to Central and South America, West Indies, and Southern Mexico, Monstera Adansonii is commonly known as the Swiss Cheese Plant or five-holes plant. This Monstera plant is a genus that belongs to the (Arum) family Araceae and is widespread because of its stunning heart-shaped Monstera leaves—similar to Monstera Deliciosa and Split-Leaf Philodendron.
How Big Does Monstera adansonii Get?
M. Adansonii is often seen as a potted plant indoors, growing around 3-8 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide. In its native habitat, the flowering plant can reach a height of up to 10-13 feet.
Monstera Borsigiana
Native to tropical parts of Southern Mexico and Panama, M. Borsigiana is a woody perennial commonly known as Windowleaf or the Swiss Cheese Plant. This healthy Monstera is a genus that belongs to the (Arum) family Araceae and is popular among plant parents due to its dark green, fenestrated leaves that grow to a staggering height (unlike most tropical plants).
How Big Does Monstera BORSIGIANA Get?
Monstera Borsigiana is often seen as a potted plant indoors, growing around 5-6 feet and 3 feet wide. It can grow over 50 feet tall in the natural environment by attaching to aerial roots. This different type of Monstera considerably increases its height, and it can be quite a sight to behold when growing by the side of a building.
Mini-Monstera
Native to Malaysia and Southern Thailand, Mini-Monstera is a tropical plant commonly known as Philodendron “Minima,” Philodendron “Ginny,” or Philodendron “Piccolo. This Monstera variety is a genus of Rhaphidophora in the Araceae family and is well-known for its love for vining (always seen climbing up sphagnum moss, tree trunk, or aerial roots).
How Big Does MINI-Monstera Get?
The Mini Monstera typically reaches its maximum height of 6-8 feet when grown indoors with 6-8 inches-long leaves. When outdoors, the height of this specific plant is around 15-20 feet.
Monstera Siltepecana
Native to tropical regions of Central America and Southern Mexico, Monstera Siltepecana is commonly known as silver monstera, window leaf plant, hurricane plant, and Mexican breadfruit. This mother plant belongs to the (Arum) family Araceae and is famous among houseplant owners for its stunning metallic foliage with silver patches and dark green veins.
How Big Does Monstera SILTEPECANA Get?
Monstera Borsigiana is often seen as a potted plant indoors, growing around 7-8 feet and 3 feet wide. It can grow over 15 feet in the natural environment by attaching to an aerial root.
Monstera Obliqua
Native to America, Monstera Obliqua is commonly known as the Swiss Cheese Vine, window leaf plant, monkey leaf, Philodendron Obliqua, or Mexican breadfruit. This growing Monstera plant belongs to the (Arum) family Araceae and is mainly known for its more extensive and broader leaves and foliage with 90% fenestration (holes) that sometimes grow aerial roots.
How Big Does Monstera OBLIQUA Get?
A fully mature plant that is allowed to develop in its native environment has the potential to grow about 6-10 feet. However, it may only reach a height of 4 feet when grown indoors.
Monstera Pinnatipartita
Native to Central and tropical areas of South America, Monstera Pinnatipartita is a climbing species that looks like Monstera Deliciosa and is most commonly known as Philodendron Silver Queen. This Monstera plant belongs to the (Arum) family Araceae and is notable for its dark and medium-green leaves, which develop resounding splits for a frond-like appearance.
How Big Does Monstera Pinnatipartita Get?
A Monstera Pinnatipartita nurtured indoors in bright but indirect light will eventually expand to 4-6 feet. When grown outside, this large plant may reach a length of more than 60 feet.
Monstera Peru
Native to South America and the subtropical jungle environments of Peru, Monstera Peru is commonly known as Monstera Karstenianum Peru or just “Karstenianum.” The Araceae family is home to the Monstera Peru genus of plants and is a rare species of Monstera plants that have become popular among plant owners in the United States for its textured leaves.
How Big Does Monstera PERU Get?
The height of a Peruvian vine is typically between 6-8 feet indoors, although it may get as high as 12 feet. When grown outdoors, Monstera Peru can reach a height of about 20 feet.
Monstera Standleyana
Native to tropical regions of America to Northwest Columbia, Monstera Standleyana is commonly known as Albo Variegate, Philodendron Standleyana, five holes plant, and Philodendron cobra. This Monstera plant belongs to the (Aroid) family Araceae and is famous for its small unique leaves, which are often variegated with creamy-yellow coloring.
How Big Does Monstera Standleyana Get?
Monstera Standleyana seldom grows taller than 2-5 feet indoors, and its width may be anywhere from 2-3 feet. It can reach a height of 20 f when grown in its natural habitat.
Monstera Aurea
Native to rainforests of Mexico, Panama, and other Central American countries, Monstera Aurea is commonly known as Monstera Deliciosa Aurea or Marmorata. This mother plant, similar to average Monstera Deliciosa, belongs to the (Arum) family Araceae and is famous for its enormous fenestrated (holey) leaves and yellow variegations on each new leaf growth.
How Big Does Monstera Aurea Get?
When cultivated indoors, this Monstera plant has the potential to reach heights of up to 10- 15 feet and widths of up to 8 feet. It can reach a height of 10 meters in its natural habitat.
Monstera Acuminata
Native to tropical rainforests of Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Belize, Monstera Acuminata is commonly known as shingle plant or Monstera Acuminata Guatemala. This tropical foliage Monstera plant belongs to the (Arum) family Araceae and is a popular option to cultivate as a houseplant due to its tiny heart-shaped, thick, and waxy leaves.
How Big Does Monstera Acuminata Get?
When grown in the open air, Monstera Acuminata may reach heights of 98 feet. However, the maximum height of the Acuminata shrubs around the home ranges from 4-8 feet.
Monstera Subpinnata
Native to Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia, Monstera Subpinnata is commonly known as Philodendron Subpinnata and Subpinnata Monstera. This Monstera plant belongs to the (Arum) family Araceae and is well-known for its foliage, which stands out among other species of Monstera since it practically resembles palm leaves in appearance.
How Big Does Monstera Subpinnata Get?
When cultivated as a houseplant, Monstera Subpinnata only reaches a height of 6-8 feet and a few feet broad; however, in the wild environment, it may grow to a height of over 30 feet.
Common Questions
Whether you’re planning to add the Monstera Deliciosa plant or any other growing variety to your other indoor plants’ collection or are just curious about this plant species and want to know more about it, we hope this article helped. However, we’re not done just yet. We’ve taken the time to answer some of the most common questions regarding Monstera’s growth.
• Can Root Rot Interrupt Monstera Plants’ Root Growth?
Root rot is a fungal disease that, if not treated promptly, may significantly damage how Monstera grows. Thus, always opt for the same pot with drainage holes to pass excess water.
• Does Sphagnum Moss Promote Monstera Plants’ Growth?
Sphagnum moss is an excellent substrate that promotes not only the rapid growth of the Monstera plant but also the development of a large number of roots in the organic matter.
• What is the Best Growing Season for Most Monstera Plants?
Spring and summer months are the best growing season for new growth. Place it in bright, indirect light (indirect sunlight) and away from bright light (bright sunlight/direct sunlight)
• What is the Best Potting Soil/Potting Mix for Monstera Plants?
The best potting soil/potting mix for the Monstera plant should include one part humus-rich fresh soil, one part coarse organic fertilizer, and one part either vermiculite or perlite.
• How Quickly Does a Monstera’s Leaves Grow?
It may take a new plant anywhere from four to six weeks for a leaf to emerge. In tropical forests, most Monsteras grow to towering heights of 70 feet.
• Is Organic Gardening Ideal for Sustainable Living?
Organic gardening is more sustainable in many respects than conventional gardening since it does not include artificial composites or fertilizers, allowing for eco-friendly Monstera care.
• Can Yellowing Leaves Affect Monstera Easy Growth?
There are times when Monstera’s yellow leaves are an indication of a lack of light. When the plant doesn’t get enough light, its leaves turn yellow, and the growth slows down.
• Which Fertilizer is the Best for Monstera Care?
Monstera plants need a balanced fertilizer labeled with an NPK ratio of 20-20-20. This indicates that the fertilizer contains equal amounts of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium.
• How to Propagate Monstera in an Ideal Plant’s Environment?
Monsteras can be propagated from air layering (plastic wrap), stem cuttings, or divisions of M. Deliciosa (or any other Monstera plant) as long as each division has at least one node.
• Is Cleaning Monstera Essential for Unhindered Photosynthesis?
To ensure that the Monstera plant can carry out photosynthesis unhindered, the leaves must be kept clean by wiping them softly with a clean, damp cloth about once or twice a week.
• Are Monsteras Toxic to Pets and Humans?
Monstera plants are mildly toxic to humans and pets. Some common symptoms of toxicity include oral irritation, vomiting, excessive drooling, swelling, and trouble swallowing.
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
