Monstera lechleriana

Monstera lechleriana is a robust hemiepiphytic climber from the humid, frost-free tropical forests spanning Costa Rica through to tropical South America, ascending tree trunks from shaded understory positions into the lower canopy on thick climbing stems with strong nodes and stout aerial roots. The juvenile leaves are smaller, entire and unfenestrated; with maturity and height the blades elongate and develop the species' characteristic orderly inner fenestrations, oval perforations arranged with pleasing regularity along the midrib, distinct in their even spacing from the more scattered holes of related species. This regular fenestration pattern gives mature leaves a particularly clean, architectural quality. Less commonly encountered than some Monsteras in the hobby, it rewards growers able to provide good light, consistent moisture, and a sturdy support to climb.

Native range

Costa Rica to tropical South America

Classification

Genus

Monstera

Family

Araceae

Type

Wild

Growth habit

Robust hemiepiphytic climber

Morphology

Leaf shape

Oblong-ovateEgg-shaped leaves, with the wider end near the base. with orderly oval inner fenestrations along midrib

Leaf length

30-70 cm

Leaf width

20-45 cm

Petiole colour

Stout, green, geniculate

Venation

Prominent midrib with regular lateral veins between fenestrations

Texture

Coriaceous, semi-glossy

Variegation

None

Growth habit

Vigorous climber with thick stems, strong nodes, stout aerial roots