This eye-catching plant has always been the talk amongst gardening enthusiasts across the globe. What’s best, its unique and beautiful leaves are aesthetically pleasing to the eyes.
Quite often, they are used as background images in magazines and on creative social media posts. It’s considered to be a good concept even for wallpaper designs of differing interiors.
Did you know a Monstera plant consists of 50 different species? – although it’s difficult to find all of them in a local nursery. This article includes information about the common Monstera varieties that are easily accessible online and in local nurseries.
We’ve also put together information about a couple of rare species to make this an exciting read for DIY gardeners.
Bonus Read: If you are struggling with building your own garden, here’s a perfect guide for you to get started.
Different Types of Monstera Varieties
#1. Monstera Deliciosa
The most common variety of the Monstera family, Deliciosa, is as familiar to many as the Swiss Cheese Plant. It gains its fame because of its extra-large holey leaves and the stunning heart-shaped dark green cut foliage.
Since they are readily available and high in demand, you will easily spot them at any store when you decide to go plant shopping.
The leaves of this plant are huge and grow up to 3 feet tall. They mature when the leaves develop holes or split, also called fenestrations, a common trait in all Monstera species.
Specifically for this species, the splits go all the way up to the edge of the leaves.
This easy-to-grow plant requires bare minimum care, except for watering it once in 2 weeks and occasionally trimming it to control growth.
Fun Fact: This plant is also labeled as the Mexican Breadfruit plant only because of the delicious (Deliciosa) fruit it produces.
#2. Monstera Borsigiana
This is a subform of Monstera Deliciosa. It has small leaves and thin stems with a long internode. Furthermore, it grows much faster than its abovesaid variation.
Based on the number of similarities these two species have, the best way to distinguish between the two is to look at the stems. Simply put, Deliciosa tends to develop leaves attached to the stem, whereas Borsigiana doesn’t.
The plant is also a climber that grows perfectly only along a moss pole offering vertical support.
This variety’s water and light requirements are pretty much the same as that of any other Monstera plant. However, it might need some extra pruning to control its variegation.
#3. Albo Variegata
Variegated Monsteras have a relatively different color variation. The sheer beauty this plant depicts is unmatched—all credits to its pure white shade, along with bright green hues that look magnificent.
Albo Variegata are specifically patterned with white/cream and green color. Due to their exclusive color combination, these plants are more challenging to find and also more expensive than the rest.
The attractive blend of green and white gives it a dramatically exciting look. Further on, it also adds a generous feeling of refreshment and contentment to your house.
Fun Fact: The leaves seem to split into shapes forming smiles.
This plant can be gifted as a symbol of long-lasting friendship since it extends the feeling of comfort and attachment.
#4. Monstera Adansonii
Leaves of Adansonii are small, narrow and they highly resemble the leaves of Deliciosa. Where the edges of Deliciosa are open, leaf perforations of an Adansonii plant are closed.
This plant is frequently referred to as a cheese plant or cheese vine because this Monstera creeps up and develops vines. Also, the plant can climb up to a height of 4 meters.
It is convenient to grow and care for this petite. You can let it trail all over a pole or, rather, have it fall from the pot to get a wholesome look. Not to forget, it requires a thorough drainage system and manages to flourish in indirect bright light.
However, its leaves and stems are small, making the plant look tinier compared to other varieties.
#5. Monstera Peru
Commonly known as Monstera Karstenianum, this is a multifaceted plant that grows quickly in a household and fills it with tropical beauty.
The plant has small, leathery, crumpled leaves that shine brightly in the light while being thick and rigid. If you struggle to identify them, remember these Monsteras have no holes or splits and are entirely covered.
Kindred just like Adansonii leaves, Monstera Peru flourishes well with the help of a supportive moss pole or a basket.
It is extremely easy to nurture and grow this plant. Place it in a hanging basket under indirect sunlight and water twice a week – that’s about it!
Fun Fact: The perk of Peru plants is that it fits well with all sorts of décor settings.
Bonus Read: While you are out here picking the most attractive Monstera, don’t forget to have a look at garden tools bags to keep your equipment in one place.
#6. Monstera Dubia
This beautiful Monstera variety is habitually referred to as the Shingle Plant, and it looks like a houseplant in its juvenile form.
An incredible feature of this plant is its heart-shaped leaves patterned beautifully in light and dark green veins that are a sight to behold when covered with dew.
To get a sufficient amount of sunlight, the plant climbs up with its ariel roots. As the plant grows, you can see the leaves growing alternatively between the stems, giving it an appealing appearance.
A fully matured Dubia plant has large leaves, turns deep green, and develops significant fenestrations. However, this is not the case when the plant is raised in a household.
Fun Fact: Growing the plant on a moss pole will allow its shingle leaves to prosper naturally.
#7. Monstera Pinnatipartita
This is another variety that’s high in demand from the Monstera family. It’s a beautiful climbing plant that looks similar to Deliciosa and changes dramatically with age.
Monstera Pinnatipartita features a compact stem growth with short internode spacing. The plant nodes can’t be seen under the leaf petioles because they are stacked tightly.
The stems are stiff and sturdy, and the plant showcases a gorgeous emerald green color on its leaves. Additionally, The deep slots that cut through the center of the leaf make it stand out from the rest.
This plant is also a slow creeper and independently grows without the support of a moss pole.
It requires the same amount of light, soil, and water as that of other Monsteras. With little care and attention, it manages to grow beautifully in households.
#8. Monstera Siltepecana
This silver fox is a mesmerizing and rare species in this plant family. Absolute beauty in its juvenile form, the Siltepecana looks utterly different in its mature form.
At the early stage, the leaves of the plants are fully lance-shaped. Unlike Dubia plants, you will not see any holes in the leaves until it’s completely mature. What you can see is a glorious silver hue and dark green veins whose leaves are long and pointy towards the tip.
Siltepecana needs a moss pole or support to climb up towards the light to develop to its full potential. Keep in mind and it will require a few years of maintaining and nurturing to reach its maturity.
It’s the peculiarity of the Silver Monstera that makes it a fantastic option for homes. Though these plants are hard to find, don’t miss out on an opportunity if you manage to get your hands on them!
#9. Monstera Obliqua
Also recognized as the Unicorn plant, this is yet another rare species of the Monstera family. The paper-thin and extremely delicate leaves of this variety have more holes than leaves. For recognition purposes-the fenestrations look like holes attached with strings of a leaf.
This variety is in high demand, and it requires higher maintenance than other species. Speaking of, it needs constant humidity, so much that you might have to invest in a humidifier to maintain the plant.
Warning: Without proper moisture, its leaves will shrink and turn yellow.
Just like other Monsteras, it will burn in direct sunlight. And in matters of soil, it requires peaty soil with a well-developed drainage system.
For all your expert DIY gardeners, be mindful that the growth of Obliqua plants is slow because they require additional leafy surface area to produce enough chlorophyll.
#10. Monstera Standleyana
Standleyana is a variety of the Monstera family available in its pure form. You can look out for spots that are white, creamy, or yellow on their leaves.
The plant has large oval leaves, which differ from the heart-shaped leaves of Deliciosa. The leaves are also unique, pointing upwards instead of hanging down facing towards the ground. Also, it typically grows up to 5 feet tall and can reach up to 20 feet out in the wild.
Due to the presence of variegated leaves, it needs extra light to make up for the chlorophyll loss.
#11. Monstera Acuminata
The Acuminata plant is considered to be the smaller sibling of the Adansonii plant. Speaking of its growth pattern, it grows horizontally as a low prostrate herb.
The holes or splits in the leaves do not reach the edges. It’s easy to differentiate these species by the shape they grow into. The leaves are curvy, it has small holes in the center, and one side of the leaf is wider than the other.
As a juvenile plant, this variety grows similar to a shingle plant. Also, on maturing, the plant develops large perforated dark green leaves. Remember, the holes in the leaves are only visible after they grow over a foot long.
To make this plant more prominent in a household setting, it needs support to grow vertically. Opt for a lantern or protected candlelight lighting for best results.
#12. Monstera Subpinnata
The Subpinnata is a fragmented leaf plant that carries an exquisite look. Its foliage is subtly dashing compared to other Monstera species, while its leaves are long and wide.
It’s easy to grow a tropical plant, and in the growing stages, the stems appear to be narrow and thin. Try and create moist soil, which is high in organic matter, for the plant to thrive.
The potted plant can survive in cooler areas, but it must be indoors before frost arrives and temperatures start freezing.
Tip: Keep rotating the plant periodically to guarantee substantial growth on all sides and keep dust off them so that the plant photosynthesizes effectively.
#13. Monstera Esqueleto
If you have plans to get this for your backyard, just a little heads up that Esqueleto plants are a little more advanced and require high maintenance.
But if you’re a resilient gardener and love vibing in your backyard, this plant will reward you with plenty of beautiful, delicate fenestrated leaves that will light up the elements of your garden. At full maturity, it can look like a precious jewel added to your houseplant collection.
This monstera variety consists of heavily fenestrated leaves that have a considerable amount of spacing. Although not as much as the rare Obliqua. Simply put, the degree of fenestration present in these leaves lies somewhere between that of Adansonii and Obliqua.
The plant more or less requires the same amount of care, just like the other Monstera family members. But keep in mind to add a decent drainage system to keep it safe from overwatering accidents.
#14. Mini Monstera
Also commonly known as the Rhaphidophra Tetrasperma, this plant is a tropical vine with aerial roots that are easy to look after. Even the most amateur of gardeners will be rewarded with faster growth cycles.
These plants ideally grow with the support of a moss pole as their aerial roots seek stabilization for distributing nutrients.
While potting this plant in your lawn, aim for a place with higher humidity, loose and rich soil. In addition to that, provide adequate exposure to indirect sunlight or direct morning light.
This plant likes to be kept moist and has a little more water requirement than its family members. We suggest gardeners water the plant at least twice a week for it to grow to its full potential.
#15. Monstera Karstenianum
It’s never a bad idea to add a striking species of plant to your garden. The Monstera Karstenianum is a treasure, and we suggest any aspiring gardener begin nurturing these.
The only requirements of this plan to grow efficiently are indirect sunlight, regular watering, and organic draining soil.
The plant has leather-like green leaves that feel slightly rough on your fingertips. Even more particularly, the texture and pattern pop off the leaf. And stems are long and twisted, precisely like the vines.
Since it’s a climbing vine, it requires a burlap pole to wrap around as it grows exceptionally aggressively. The only issue that comes with growing this plant is the bugs that they attract.
#16. Monstera Thai Constellation
Thai Constellation is easy to grow, has an impressive floral personality, and is one of the prettiest varieties of the Monstera family. Even better, this plant produces variegated leaves marbled with splashes of white-cream coloring.
This plant’s leaves are not entirely green, and you can see well-developed patterns scattered in small sections across the leaves. As this reminds us of the stars in a galaxy, it gets such a cosmic name.
This beautiful cosmic plant should be added to your collection, be it indoors by your kitchen window soil or outdoors near the patio entry.
Warning: It produces fruits that are only edible after their scales are lifted. These fruits can upset your stomach if consumed before they are ripe.
The demand for this plant is high because of its dramatic and eye-catching foliage. Common characteristics of its leaves are they split over time, just like the other Monsteras.
#17. Monstera Acacoyaguensis
This specimen has stark visual similarities to Adansonii, and its large, glossy green leaves can grow up to six feet tall. These young plants have an upright appearance that makes them perfect for both small and large backyards.
Each leaf present on the plant is like an individual piece of art. Because of its large unique holes, this beautiful plant is also known as the Swiss Cheese plant.
They usually grow well in closed environments. Thus nurturing them indoors would be a wise call. While intertwining with their neighboring plants, they flourish wide enough to make your garden look like a forest floor.
The growth of this plant requires barely any attention and care. Just make sure to keep away from freezing temperatures, and you are good to go!
Conclusion
Your plans to have a unique houseplant collection will look visually enchanting with a few of these Monsteras around.
Since the cost of the majority of these plants is reasonable, drop by at a local nursery and don’t hesitate to grab more than one of these exotic varieties!
Bonus read: Do you want to build a backyard that helps you escape your daily charades? Check out these DIY backyard ideas.