Monstera Varieties and What Makes Them Different

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There are 48 varieties of Monstera; they are great indoor and outdoor plants. Their primary attribute is their different fenestration patterns, but you can also differentiate them in their foliage shape, size, color, and growing conditions.

Usually, Monsteras are pretty hardy and low maintenance. They only require six hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily and water in a few weeks. Being so easy to maintain and aesthetically appealing, they have recently become one of the most sought-after plants. Here, we have a list of some of the common Monstera varieties that will help you pick the one that suits your requirements and preferences the best:

Things to Know About Monstera

Before we dive into the various kinds of Monstera that you can grow in your garden or indoors, there are quite a few essential things that you should understand about the species.

Now that we know the basics of Monstera plants let us know more about their varieties as well:

Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

If you know about Monsteras, you will know that the Swiss Cheese Plant is one of the most common varieties. You can easily come across this variety in your local nursery; chances are you are already growing one in your home. This variety is known for its huge and stunning perforated leaves.

Monstera deliciosa gets its name as it produces Mexican breadfruit in the wild. But even at your home, this plant would make a striking statement.

Monstera deliciosa is also relatively easy to grow and maintain because it requires low to moderate light and still offers stunning foliage. This plant is more attractive because its foliage can be trained up a pole or trellis. So, it is an excellent pick for nooks where other sun-loving plants might not thrive.

Monstera Borsigniana

Borsigniana is quite similar to deliciosa. Distinguishing between them can be so difficult when they are young that Borsigniana might sell under the same name as deliciosa. To differentiate between the two, you need to examine their stem closely. While Deliciosas tend to form little bumps on the leaf attached to the stem, this variant of Monstera does not do that.

Besides this, this variety is smaller but grows quicker than Deliciosas. Also, Borsigniana usually creates two prominent rows of slits or holes in the leaves, which differs from Deliciosa.

Regardless of your variant, they are gorgeous and will still be a stunning addition to your home or garden.

Monstera Variegata

What is more appealing than a Monstera plant? It is Monstera Variegata! One of the significant distinguishing factors for this variety is its color. One may think that this is a usual Monstera plant that has been painted white.

Because the leaves lack chlorophyll, making the plant a little delicate compared to other varieties. Thus, you must offer plenty of bright natural light to ensure that your variegated Monstera plant thrives.

Its leaves have different colors like white, cream, and even green. Monstera Variegata tends to be more expensive than other varieties because of its peculiar look and high demand.

One of the relatively stable variegated Monstera varieties is the Monstera Thai Constellation. As the name suggests, the plant has its origins in Thailand. And since it is created in a lab, production is limited. And with the skyrocketing demand, there is often an uncapped price tag for even cutting the Monstera Thai Constellation plant.

Monstera Adansonii (Swiss Cheese Vine)

Adasonii is another readily available variety. These are a little smaller as compared to deliciosa. But to compensate for that, they have massive holes, which can be so big that they usually take up around half of the leaf.

Since it is small, these can be an excellent pick for enhancing almost any spot in your house. These are quite a suitable option for hanging baskets as well. The plant generally grows up to 3 to 5 feet as a houseplant.

Monstera Adansonii can be misinterpreted as Monstera Obliqua – an extremely rare variety. So, there is a chance that a plant is Monstera Adansonii, even if it is labeled as Monstera Obliqua.

The leaves tend to be thicker as compared to Obliqua.

Monstera Pinnatipartita

This variant of Monstera gets its name from its innate structure, which is quite prominent in adult foliage. Monstera Pinnatipartita does not have the characteristic Swiss cheese-like appearance as the leaves of this plant have deep lobes and cuts that reach almost to the center giving the leaves a feather-like appearance.

However, in the initial phases, the Monstera pinnatipartite has pretty solid leaves rather than being lobed or perforated. As the plant matures, the leaves grow huge holes that eventually become slits. And although Monstera Pinnatipartita is quite rare in local nurseries, you might be able to come across one or two online.

Monstera Dubia

Also known as the shingle plant, it is a smaller variety of the Monstera plant but with a peculiar growing habit. The plant likes to climb, so placing it near a trellis is better. While the plant climbs, the plant’s leaf holds onto the support surface snugly and tightly. Thus, the plant gives the appearance of shingles.

As the plant grows, the holes and slits start to form. However, plants grown as houseplants are more likely to grow slowly and remain juvenile. So, if you wish to see its massive growth, you should consider growing it outdoors. The transformation is so enormous that you might not be able to recognize the plant as it matures.

While the juvenile plant features tiny heart-shaped leaves, the mature plant produces huge, perforated leaves. Also, Monstera Dubia is a variety that can be tricky to find.

Monstera Siltepecana (Silver Monstera)

This variant is also known as Silver Monstera, owing to the metallic sheen that its leaves offer. And this is one variety of Monstera that is readily available, and one of the unique things about this variety is its two distinctive leaves.

The young plant features lance-shaped leaves with a blueish-grey tint and silver shades. Also, the young leaves are 3 to 4 inches big and are not perforated. On the other hand, the leaves of a mature Monstera siltepecana develop a dark green color and holes.

Other than its leaves, the variety also has two different growing habits. While the young leaves usually grow, the mature ones climb up on nearby plants or trellis. Also, it is suggested that you offer Monstera Siltepecana with support as it encourages it to develop mature foliage.

Monstera Obliqua

Also known as the Unicorn plant, Obliqua is native to Trinidad, Central America, and tropical South America. As mentioned earlier, this is one of the rarest varieties of Monstera Obliqua. And while you may be unable to come across this stunning Monstera variety, we couldn’t resist mentioning it.

The paper-thin leaves of this plant are almost entirely covered with holes, making it highly delicate, which is probably why you won’t find them in your local nursery. However, you may come across one or two in some botanical gardens. But that is also extremely rare, given that the plant has only been spotted 17 times in the wild.

And it would not be surprising that Monstera Obliqua is also a costly plant, given its scarcity and extremely high demand.

Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma or “Mini Monstera”

Mini Monstera, or shall we call it phony Monstera? Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is not a Monstera variety. However, it does look like a miniature version of Monstera deliciosa. Thus, popularly known to be Mini Monstera.

Also, the plant is readily available and relatively easy to maintain, making it an excellent houseplant. The plant also offers unique aesthetic appeal due to the foliage color and shape of the leaves. While the plant’s foliage is solid green, the leaves are deeply lobed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the rarest variety of Monstera?

Obliqua is one of the rarest varieties of Monstera plants. Also, it is similar to Monstera Adansonii, which is very common.

Why are Monstera plants so expensive?

Some varieties of Monstera plants can be costly because of their scarcity, high demand, and popularity.

Why Does my Monstera not have holes?

There are typically two reasons why your Monstera is not splitting. Usually, a too-young Monstera would not perforate until around three years old. Also, lack of sunlight can be a significant cause preventing your Monstera from splitting.

Should I mist my Monstera every day?

Monstera plants enjoy a humid environment, so we recommend frequently misting their leaves. Alternatively, you can place your plant close to other plants, increasing the air’s humidity.

Do Monsteras need a pebble tray?

Yes. Though Monsteras are not too demanding about their conditions, they prefer medium- to high humidity. Suppose you have noticed crispy leaves or live in a dry climate. In that case, increasing humidity around your Monstera deliciosa is a good idea by using a humidifier or a pebble tray.

Conclusion

I hope that at least one of the abovementioned varieties, Monstera, will tickle your fancy, and you could bring home an appealing plant that is easy to maintain.

And the fact that all these varieties have quite similar care requirements makes them all a great choice. So, are you excited to add some new and unique Monstera varieties to your collection?

And if you are looking for other houseplants, here is a video that will offer you some inspiration and insight into some of the most common and easy houseplants.