Monstera

The Monstera genus is a masterpiece of adaptation. Its characteristic “windows” or leaf perforations are not merely aesthetic; they are an evolutionary strategy to capture light in the lower forest layers without the wind tearing their large blades. They are hemiepiphytic plants: they begin their life on the forest floor and climb toward the canopy in search of brightness.

Care Essentials:

Light: They require medium to high-intensity indirect light. Poor lighting will stop the production of fenestrations in new leaves.

Substrate: A coarse, highly draining mix. Using coco chips, bark, and perlite is ideal to prevent root suffocation.

Support: As natural climbers, using a pole allows the plant to develop larger, more mature leaves.

Fun Fact:
In the Neotropics, including the humid regions of Ecuador, these plants exhibit a phenomenon called skototropism: as juveniles, they grow toward darkness (the shadows of tree trunks) to find a support to climb, reversing the typical behavior of seeking light.