Monstera sp. Black

Monstera sp. ‘Black’ / ‘Black Velvet’

An unusual and still unidentified Monstera from the tropical forests of Loreto, Peru. This plant circulates among collectors under the names Monstera sp. ‘Black’ and Monstera sp. ‘Black Velvet’, but it has not been reliably assigned to a formally described species; the “sp.” designation appropriately indicates an unidentified species within the genus Monstera.

This is an uncommon plant that is still rarely encountered in cultivation and is not found in many collections. One of its most distinctive features is its unusually dark, velvety foliage. The leaf surface has a soft, light-absorbing appearance reminiscent of the velvet-leaved Anthurium species and hybrids prized by collectors—a striking characteristic that sets it apart from the typically smoother, glossier foliage associated with most commonly cultivated Monstera.

In habitat, this plant has been reported growing in the deeply shaded rainforest understory, climbing against the trunks and buttresses of large trees. Its juvenile foliage is already distinctive, while its morphology can continue to change considerably as the plant matures and climbs.

Like other climbing Monstera, it appreciates warm temperatures, good humidity, an airy aroid substrate, and a vertical support that allows it to establish its natural climbing growth habit.

For collectors interested in unusual species rather than simply variegation, Monstera sp. ‘Black’ represents a particularly distinctive and seldom-seen member of the genus.

You will receive the exact plant pictured.