Monstera dubia

Monstera dubia is a shingling aroid native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. In its juvenile stage, it is known for heart-shaped, silver-variegated leaves that shingle flat against trees or boards. As it climbs and matures, it undergoes a marked transformation, losing its silver variegation and producing large, fenestrated green leaves that resemble Monstera deliciosa. The species is popular in cultivation for this shift from juvenile to adult form, known as morphogenesis.

Native range

Central to South America

Classification

Genus

Monstera

Family

Araceae

Type

Wild

Growth habit

Shingling to root-climbing climber

Morphology

Leaf shape

Heart-shaped (juvenile) to deeply fenestrated/lobed (mature)

Leaf length

8-15cm (juvenile) to 40-60cm (mature)

Leaf width

6-12cm (juvenile)

Petiole colour

Green, short

Venation

PinnateVeins or lobes arranged like a feather, branching out symmetrically on both sides of a single main central vein.

Texture

Smooth, matte to semi-glossy

Variegation

Natural silver variegation (juvenile only)

Growth habit

Shingling flat against support