Monstera plants are an incredibly popular houseplant right now, and for good reasons. Not only do they bring a touch of life to any room and boast beautiful, bold foliage make them a great choice for both beginners and experienced plant lovers alike.
If you’re looking take your love of Monstera plants outside the home however, then you may be wondering: where can I find these remarkable tropicals in the wild? Well look no further; we have all the information here on 10 different types of Monstera in the wild. With pictures included, get ready to explore the incredible world of Monstera plants straight from nature’s backyard!
10 types of Monstera in the wild
| # | Type of Monstera | Found in |
| 1 | Monstera deliciosa | Central America, from southern Mexico to Panama |
| 2 | Monstera adansonii | West and Central Africa, from Cameroon to Congo |
| 3 | Monstera standleyana | Central America, from Honduras to Panama |
| 4 | Monstera siltepecana | Mexico, in the state of Oaxaca |
| 5 | Monstera friedrichsthalii | Central America, from Nicaragua to Panama |
| 6 | Monstera dubia | Central America, from southern Mexico to Panama |
| 7 | Monstera lechleriana | South America, from Ecuador to Peru |
| 8 | Monstera pinnatipartita | South America, from Ecuador to Peru |
| 9 | Monstera friedrichsthalii var. lacerata | Central America, from Honduras to Panama |
| 10 | Monstera obliqua | South America, from Venezuela to Peru |
1. Monstera deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa is an impressive species of flowering plant found in the wild from southern Mexico to Panama. With its broad, deep green leaves, Monstera deliciosa is a common sight in the tropical climates near its native home. Monstera deliciosa’s sparsely perforated leaves, particularly larger ones, give this species of Monstera its nickname – “fruit salad plant”. In the wild, Monstera deliciosa thrives in ideal temperatures ranging from 65-85°F (18-29°C) and prefers a humidity level of 60-70%.
While many Monstera plants are popular for decorative indoor usage, Monstera deliciosa often grows wild both outdoors and in the jungles of Central America, where it has naturalized itself at greater levels than other Monsteras. As such, Monstera deliciosa serves as a reminder that nature can thrive even in today’s technological world. The impressive Monstera in the wild stands as a testament to the resilience of native species.
2. Monstera adansonii
Monstera adansonii, also known as Swiss cheese plant, is native to West and Central Africa, found predominantly in the regions of Cameroon and Congo. These plants flourish naturally near rivers in tropical rainforests and thrive in high humidity and temperatures with average rainfall all year round.
Monstera adansonii ravishes in ample sun and shade, which makes it ideal for thriving in both indoor and outdoor settings. This is why Monstera adansonii is widely regarded as an incredibly resilient houseplant, able to withstand a wide range of climates even if you live outside the tropics! Monstera adansonii grows vigorously both indoors under artificial light or outdoors with indirect light and can be tracked over seasons to see the new life that come out from the earth each month. With its dense foliage of large green leaves that are reminiscent of Swiss cheese, Monstera adansonii is a captivating species to watch grow!
3. Monstera standleyana
Monstera standleyana is an impressive species of Monstera native to Central America, from Honduras to Panama. It’s easily one of the most recognizable Monsteras due to its large, deeply lobed leaves and tendrils that sprawl gracefully from the trunk of a tropical tree.
When found in the wild, Monstera standleyana offers a unique display of dramatic foliar geometry, inviting and fascinating with its distinct appeal. For this reason, Monstera standleyana has become highly sought after by plant collectors longing for a special species; one that can bring an interesting look to their home or garden.
4. Monstera siltepecana
Monstera siltepecana is a hemiepiphyte, meaning that it can grow both on the ground and in trees and remarkable sight in the beautiful region of Oaxaca, Mexico. And typically found in humid montane forests at elevations of 1200-1350 meters. This enduring jungle plant is both eye-catching and tough, with fancy green leaves that can grow super high, up to 8 m. Monstera in the wild can be spotted thriving in the misty montane forest environment.
These plants are a great example of nature’s coolness and toughness; they do well even in tough spots like those found in thick misty woods of high jungle peaks. Their huge, big, wavy leaves are thought to help them soak up sun from their dark homes, showing us a wondrous adaptation to their environment in the wild.
5. Monstera friedrichsthalii
Monstera friedrichsthalii is a truly unique species of Monstera found exclusively in Central America. Stretching from Nicaragua to Panama, Monstera friedrichsthalii can be found in the various forests and jungles of this region. Monstera is a flowering species that produces striking foliage, with its large deeply-lobed leaves and several slashing patterns, making it instantly recognizable in the wild.
Related: 15 Rare Monstera Varieties: An In-depth Exploration
Monstera friedrichsthalii has drawn much attention due to its impressive growth habit, wonderfully patterned foliage and unusual flower production: rather than blooming colorful flowers, Monstera produces an edible fruit loved by many animals who feast on its deliciousness. Monstera is definitely a wonder of nature worth looking out for on your next trip to Central America!
6. Monstera dubia
Monstera dubia is a beautiful plant that can be found in the wild in Central America, from southern Mexico to Panama and found in lowland tropical rainforests, at elevations up to 1,500 meters. Its glossy green leaves with distinct lobes often have fenestrations or perforations that give Monsteras an almost artificial look.
In nature, Monstera vines love to climb into trees and scramble for sunlight with their heart-shaped aerial roots that clasp onto branches and rocks as an anchor system for stability. Monsteras thrive when grown outside in bright light, but need protection from hot afternoon sun. With regular pruning, Monstera dubia can also make a great potted houseplant!
One interesting fact about Monstera dubia is that it is a larval host plant for the giant owl butterfly (Caligo memnon). These caterpillars munch on its leaves and can get bigger than 6 inches! The giant owl butterfly is one of the world’s biggest butterflies, and it is a beautiful sight to see.
7. Monstera lechleriana
Monstera lechleriana is an unusual Monstera species that can be found from Ecuador to Peru in its natural habitat. It’s native to the tropical forests of South America where it has adapted to grow in shady areas, often cascading down large trees and shrubs like a vine. Monstera in the wild can be spotted climbing up trees in the lush tropical forests.
Monstera lechleriana can grow to be a large plant, with leaves that can reach up to 10 inches long and 6 inches wide, it features unusually shaped splits and perforations on its leaves which gives it an interesting decorative look that adds color and texture to any landscaping. Its bright yellow blossoms blooming in the wild make Monstera lechleriana a true standout.
8. Monstera pinnatipartita
Monstera pinnatipartita, a tropical climber native to South America, is found in parts of Ecuador and Peru. It loves to grow in the wild as it can be found growing along trees, rivers and other structures, where its striking foliage can be appreciated by all. Monstera pinnatipartita has unique leaves which are heavily cut or divided into segments, giving a deeply indented appearance.
Additionally, this species includes both male and female plants, and carries a faint fragrance when in bloom that attracts pollinators like butterflies. Monstera pinnatipartita is an excellent choice for anyone wanting a bit of the tropical look in their garden!
9. Monstera tuberculata
Monstera tuberculata is a wild species of Monstera native to South America, growing from Ecuador to Peru. It grows in many varied habitats, ranging from cliffside jungles and woodlands to seasonally dry grasslands. Surprisingly showy for such a difficult-to-find plant, Monstera tuberculata can be identified by its yellow and green toothed leaves and silvery stem.
The species normally reaches up two meters in height when fully grown and is widely sought after by Monstera enthusiasts around the globe because of its unique look. Monstera tuberculata produces stunning inflorescence which later on develops into an edible fruit. Unfortunately, due to over-collection and destruction of habitat, Monstera tuberculata has become increasingly difficult to find in the wild – making every sighting even more special.
10. Monstera obliqua
Monstera obliqua, a species of Monstera native to tropical South America, is often referred to as the “climbing Monstera” due to its growth habit. It is found in the wild in Venezuela to Peru, usually occupying rainforest canopies and exposed tree branches or climbing up trees or rocks. Monstera obliqua has large glossy lobed leaves which are dark green with light yellow grooves; they create a checkeredlike pattern. Monstera obliquas are quite hardy when provided with adequate light and water and make an excellent houseplant that adds texture and movement to any room.
Monstera species have become increasingly popular in landscaping and gardening, due to their unique look and ability to sometimes produce edible fruits. While some Monsteras are easily found at garden stores or online, others are much harder to find in the wild. Regardless of where you can find them, however, these amazing plants bring beauty and life wherever they grow – and that’s something to be celebrated! So if you’re looking for a beautiful addition to your garden or home, consider adding one of these amazing Monstera in the wild that Famiplants has listed to your collection. You won’t regret it!
