Monstera dubia (Penanola)

Monstera dubia is one of the most fascinating climbing aroids you'll ever grow. Unlike most Monsteras, its juvenile leaves press themselves flat against tree trunks or wooden boards, overlapping like roof shingles in a remarkable growth habit known as shingling. The silver-green foliage creates a living mosaic that looks more like botanical artwork than a houseplant, making it a favorite among collectors.

Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, this unusual climber naturally hugs tree bark as it slowly ascends toward the canopy. Give it a board, plank, or moss pole indoors, and it will do exactly the same, producing increasingly larger, beautifully patterned leaves. But the real surprise comes with maturity. Once the plant reaches the top of its support, it transforms dramatically: the leaves pull away from the surface, lose much of their silver pattern, and develop into enormous deep-green, fenestrated leaves that can exceed 2 feet (60 cm) in length. Many people don't even recognize the adult plant as the same species.

Thick stems root readily at every node, making propagation easy, while bright indirect light, warmth, and a chunky, well-drained aroid mix will keep it thriving.

The species was first described in 1845 by German botanist Karl Koch, and its name, dubia, means "doubtful" or "uncertain" in Latin because early botanists struggled to classify it. In the wild, the shingling growth habit helps the plant capture more light while resisting heavy tropical rains and strong winds. Mature plants may even produce edible fruit in nature, although flowering indoors is extremely rare.

If you're looking for a plant that's both a conversation piece and a long-term botanical adventure, Monstera dubia delivers two spectacular plants in one - first a living wall of silver "shingles," then a magnificent giant Monstera unlike almost anything else you can grow.