monstera

American  

[mon-ster-uh] / ˈmɒn stər ə /

noun

1. any of various tropical American climbing plants belonging to the genus Monstera, of the arum family, especially M. deliciosa, having split or perforated leaves and often grown as a houseplant.

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monstera British  

/ mɒnˈstɪərə /

noun

1. any plant of the tropical climbing genus Monstera, some species of which are grown as greenhouse or pot plants for their unusual leathery perforated leaves: family Araceae. M. deliciosa is the Swiss cheese plant

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Etymology

Origin of monstera

< New Latin (1763), apparently irregular derivative of Latin mōnstrum monster; -a ²

Example Sentences

At the height of summer some plants, like a monstera, can be watered two or three times a week.

From BBC

It was easy to pull out my monstera plant from its original pot, but I watched as others struggled to remove theirs because the roots had grown so thick and tight.

From Los Angeles Times

I find awe in the monstera leaves, often larger than my head, and make silent wishes on my favorite orange-and-black koi fish every time I visit.

From Los Angeles Times

Inside the structure, dozens of rows of plants — monstera albos, variegated alocasias and anthuriums — enjoy the warm, humid air that surrounds them.

From Los Angeles Times

From bushy eucalyptus fronds to bold and beautiful monstera leaves, greenery is more than just filler.

From Seattle Times