Where Do Monstera Plants Grow? Discover the Truth

Wondering….

where do Monstera plants grow? This tropical plant is home to the hot, humid forests of Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama. These tropical and warm areas produce Monstera’s stunning split leaves. Understanding the native growing conditions of these plants will help us mimic the perfect growing conditions in our homes!

Join me as we discover the ideal environment for new growth and how to mimic these tropical conditions indoors for the best growth!

Where Do Monstera Plants Grow? Natural Environment

When it comes to the natural growing environment of the Monstera plant it can be found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. These include Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, and Columbia. They grow in dense luscious rainforests that I can only imagine are stunning! These dense tropical environments are what allow their aerial roots to climb trees which allows them to have access to bright indirect light while growing in partially shaded lighting.

“In there natural habitat these aerial roots use other trees to climb up and gain extra nutrients needed for newer growth.”

These growing conditions create:

• Constant high humidity levels
• Bright indirect sunlight
• Consistently warm temperatures
• Climbing support

These conditions produce the most beautiful and big Monstera leaves, which is why everyone loves them! The deep green foliage color will become burned if in direct sunlight. As your Monstera grows larger leaves, it adds extra shade and visual appeal, making it healthier in growth and appearance.

Where Do Monstera Plants Grow? Best Climate for Thriving Monstera

Monsteras need bright indirect light as provided in the rainforests. They can climb up to gain more light but stay partially in the shade given by other vegetation to avoid sunburn from direct sunlight. A balanced combination of warmth, moisture, and filtered light will be the driving force behind the vibrant split leaves and deep green color of this plant. Replicating these growing conditions will help your Monstera feel right back in the jungle!

The best climate for Monstera plants to grow and thrive in is;

• Warm temperatures
• Humid growing conditions
• Rich evenly moist soil
• Climbing support
• Air circulation

“Rainforests provide consistent growth. The consistent temperatures provided are between 65°F-85°F which is 18°C-29°C. Humidity levels range between 60% and 80%.”

Where Do Monstera Plants Grow? Mimic Monstera Natural Habitat Indoors

To hit all the marks to mimic the rainforest conditions we need to hit 7 key factors. These factors will help create the ideal growing environment for robust vibrant growth. Creating a healthy environment for your tropical plant to grow in is crucial to its overall health and ability to fight of diseases and bugs.

Humidity

60-80% humidity range. If you have a humidifier or pebble tray you can easily add some extra humidity in your home. If you don’t have one and don’t want to invest in one like me then you can set bowls of water around your Monstera plants. This will be the same as a pebble tray and help increase an even humidity level and it’s at no extra cost.

Warm Temperatures

Temperatures between 65°F-85°F will mimic the tropical feeling for your plant supporting new growth. Base headers work well if you don’t place your plant directly above them. Laying carpets down helps insulate and keep heat in if you have a colder home or you can place your plant pot on a heating mat.

Bright Indirect Light

The split leaves in a Monstera help cover the plant in the shade so it doesn’t get sunburned from direct sunlight. Placing your plant in a spot that has bright, indirect light will be the best spot. Near a window with dappled shade will work well or if you only have direct sunlight in your windows you can hang a sheer curtain in front of it. This will mimic the natural lighting found in their natural habitat. If you don’t get much light at all you can substitute with an indoor grow light.

“Bathrooms are a great room as well as they are often natural lite and keep in a good amount of moisture.”

Watering

One benefit of rainforest conditions is that they provide consistently even moist soil. This is what we want to mimic in a pot. To reach this goal make sure you have a regular watering schedule that keeps the soil evenly moist without fluctuations. Water your soil till water runs out of your drainage holes when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry when you stick your finger in the soil. If you have trouble with this you can get a moisture reader to help keep your soil levels even and consistent.

Soil

The soil found in the Monstera’s natural habitat is rich with organic matter, has good drainage, and aeration, provides a pH range of 5.5-6.5, and contains beneficial fungi for healthy new root growth. To mimic this in a pot start with a well-draining base soil mix like a nutrient-rich seed starting mix. Then add in equal parts peat moss, perlite, coconut coir, and orchid bark to help with good drainage and to avoid root rot. Your soil mix should be more chunky than smooth. This chunky mix will help drain extra water and keep the roots evenly moist with consistent water access.

Air Circulation

Even though rainforests have humid warm levels they have sufficient cooler air circulation. This is the beauty of rainforests they do a perfect job of balancing all the factors at one time making for great healthy growth. To provide even air circulation you can turn a fan on to the lowest setting however, position it so it blows around the plant not directly on it. Alternatively, if it’s warmer outside you can open windows for subtle breezes. Providing air flow will help prevent mold and pest issues.

Support

Trees and other plants provide support for Monsteras in the jungle to climb. This is because they have aerial roots that grab onto surrounding support to climb and grow upwards to gain extra nutrients and lighting. This is an instinct of this plant so to mimic this use a moss pole or trellis for your Monstera’s aerial roots to climb up on. This will mimic the habit of growing upwards instead of outward.

“Mimicking these factors is the key to providing the natural habitat of the Monstera. These growing conditions indoors will make it feel at home and have healthy new growth.”

Where Do Monstera Plants Grow? Tips for Success in Outdoor Settings

Monstera plants can grow outside if the conditions are right. If you live in a place with cold winters like Canada you need to bring your Monstera indoors for these months.

Tips to follow for outdoor growing conditions:

• Warm temperatures between 65°F-85°F which is 18°C-29°C
• High humidity levels between 60%-80%
• Bright indirect lighting, shade, or partial sun settings
• Protection from any harsh winds or breezes
• Well-draining rich soil
• Soil acidity range of pH between 5.5 and 6.5 similar to rainforest soil
• Consistent soil moisture
• Protection from harsh rainfall
• Provide structure for aerial roots to climb on
• Watch for pests or wildlife

“Keep an eye on your temperatures at night so they don’t drop below 50°F which is 10°C. This can cause frostbite and should be brought inside if night temperatures drop.”

Where Do Monstera Plants Grow? Deliciosa and Other Varieties

All Monstera types whether rare or more common will grow in similar conditions. This is why caring for them tends to follow the same principles. Even though each variety has unique traits and can have slightly different growing requirements, they all require and thrive in the warm humid conditions rainforests provide.

Here’s a breakdown of some specific Monstera types:

Dubia Monstera

• Native Habitat: Panama and some parts of Costa Rica is where Dubia is found.
• Growing Conditions: This variety of Monstera is most often found in the lower areas of the rainforests and often grows as a vine. It climbs tree trunks and needs high humidity, moderately warm temperatures, and filtered light.

“This is what makes the perfect environment for robust growth.”

Borsigiana Monstera

• Native Habitat: Borsigiana and Deliciosa are like cousins! The natural habitat of this Monstera variety is in southern Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies.
• Growing Conditions: Borsigiana grows in the understory of tropical rainforests. They require the same humidity levels as most other Monstera varieties. It has the same climbing tendency as it grows upwards to gain extra lighting and nutrients while remaining in partially shaded conditions to avoid sunburn.

Adansonii Monstera

• Native Habitat: Adansonii is also popularly known as the “Swiss cheese plant”. The Adansonii variety is found in Central and South America, like Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela. It has all the same growing conditions as other typical Monsteras but is most often found at slightly higher elevations.
• Growing Conditions: Humid, shady conditions where there are trees to climb up on is where this variety will be!

“It can also be found growing on the forest floor where it uses vegetation for support.”

Deliciosa Monstera

• Native Habitat: Deliciosa is the most common Monstera found in households and stores. It is usually found in the tropical rainforests of southern Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, and parts of Colombia.
• Growing Conditions: Bright filtered, indirect sunlight is the growing condition for this type. It uses its aerial roots to climb up trees to gain more light and nutrients while staying in the shade of the trees and other tropical plants to avoid sunburn from direct sunlight.
• Moisture & Temperature: This Monster type needs high humidity levels that the rainforest provides. Warm temperatures range between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C).

“This type requires the consistently warm, moist conditions that the rainforest provides.”

Obliqua Monstera

• Native Habitat: Obliqua is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, including some regions like French Guiana, Suriname, and parts of Brazil.
• Growing Conditions: This rare variety of Monstera is loved for its delicate, highly split foliage. It grows in the dense, shaded areas of the rainforests while using trees and larger plants for its support.

“It thrives in high humidity, warm temperatures, and indirect bright light environment.”

Standleyana Monstera

• Native Habitat: Central America, Panama, and Costa Rica are where this Monstera type is found. Typical growing conditions like other Monsteras.
• Growing Conditions: Like most typical Monsteras, this type will grow in shaded, humid environments. It also uses its aerial roots to climb trees for its support.

“Warm, moist growing conditions are typical for this type often found on the forest floor.”

Understanding where do Monstera plants grow you can mimic the growing environments of your type of Monstera variety is important for developing proper growth, and healthy root systems and furthermore will help prevent mold and diseases. Different Monstera varieties have slightly different needs and tolerances but they all share the same environmental requirements. By recreating these growing requirements you can support your Monstera with health and a thriving growth cycle.

Where Do Monstera Plants Grow? Optimal Growth Conditions

All Monsteras have a general baseline for growing conditions in order to thrive. It’s important for us to mimic them as best we can to help stimulate growth and overall plant appearance. This is what the rainforests provide and why they do well in those conditions.

Key factors for general Monstera growing conditions:

• Temperature range of 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C)
• Humidity levels between 60%-80%
• Indirect bright light
• Climbing support
• Well-draining rich soil
• Aeration

“By creating the rainforest conditions you can provide your Monstera with the nutrients needed to enhance growth and grow a healthy tropical plant!”

Learning about where Monstera plants grow can make a difference when growing them in your home. By mimicking the natural habitat of this tropical plant you will give it the best growing conditions to produce healthy new growth and to prevent mold and diseases. These conditions will help you grow a happy, full, thriving Monstera for your home!

Send us some pictures of your favorite Monsteras, we love seeing your indoor jungle!