According to plant experts at the International Aroid Society, "Monstera is a genus of 59 species of flowering plants in the Araceae family, native to tropical regions of Central and South America." From the classic split-leaf Monstera deliciosa to the super rare and delicate Monstera obliqua, there’s definitely a Monstera that’s perfect for you. This guide covers the most popular Monsteras to help you discover all the beautiful varieties you can add to your indoor plant collection!
What is a Monstera Plant?
The Monstera houseplant, often called the “Swiss cheese plant” due to its signature fenestrated (splits and holes) leaves, is a beloved favorite among plant enthusiasts. With its bold, tropical aesthetic and relatively simple care requirements, it brings a vibrant touch to any indoor space.
Where do Monstera Plants come from?
Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, the Monstera family includes 59 species, though only a handful are commonly kept as houseplants.
Popular varieties range from the iconic Monstera deliciosa, known for its large, split leaves, to the vining Monstera adansonii with its smaller, oval-shaped holes, and the rare Monstera obliqua, included in our 2024 list of most expensive houseplants, is prized for its delicate, paper-thin foliage.
What are some Popular and Unique Monsteras?
Monstera plants come in a wide variety of species, each bringing its own distinctive charm to your indoor garden. Below are some of the most notable types:
1. Monstera deliciosa
The most famous Monstera, M. deliciosa, is recognized for its large, dramatic leaves with deep splits and fenestrations. Often referred to as the Swiss cheese plant, it can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors with proper care, making it a striking centerpiece.
2. Monstera adansonii
Known as the Swiss cheese vine or five holes plant, M. adansonii has smaller, more delicate leaves with oval-shaped holes. Its vining growth habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets or climbing moss poles, giving it a unique, lace-like appearance.
3. Monstera borsigiana
Often mistaken for M. deliciosa, Monstera borsigiana is a close relative with smaller leaves and a faster growth rate. Its compact size and similar aesthetics make it an excellent choice for those looking for a more manageable yet visually striking plant.
4. Monstera obliqua
One of the rarest and most delicate species, M. obliqua is known for its ultra-thin, paper-like leaves with large, irregular holes. Though it closely resembles M. adansonii, it’s much rarer and more challenging to grow due to its sensitivity to environmental changes, making it a prized possession for collectors.
Image: The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
5. Monstera siltepecana
The silver Monstera is a trailing or climbing species with elongated leaves that have a stunning silver sheen. As M. siltepecana matures, it may develop fenestrations, making it a versatile and elegant addition to any plant collection.
6. Monstera dubia
This fascinating species exhibits a shingling growth habit, where its small, heart-shaped leaves lie flat against a surface, like a tree trunk or moss pole. As M. dubia matures, the leaves become larger and fenestrated, making it a visually striking plant with an unusual growth pattern.
7. Monstera pinnatipartita
With deeply divided, feather-like leaves, M. pinnatipartita stands out for its intricate leaf structure. As it grows, the leaves develop prominent holes and become more lobed, creating a dramatic visual effect that makes it a favorite among Monstera enthusiasts.
8. Monstera standleyana
Also called the cobra plant, M. standleyana is a climbing species with elongated, lance-shaped leaves that often feature variegation. The dark green leaves with white or cream streaks make it a stunning option for any indoor space.
Image: @plantidplantid
9. Monstera lechleriana
A lesser-known species, M. lechleriana has elongated, heart-shaped leaves with irregular holes and a vining growth habit, making it perfect for hanging baskets or training on a moss pole or trellis.
10. Monstera subpinnata
With its deeply lobed, feather-like leaves, M. subpinnata brings a fern-like texture to your plant collection. It thrives with the support of a moss pole, and its intricate leaf design adds a unique touch to any indoor garden.
11. Monstera friedrichsthalii
Also known as Monstera karstenianum, this species is characterized by small, heart-shaped leaves with pronounced veins and perforations. It is a vining plant, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or climbing supports.
12. Monstera peru
Featuring thick, textured, dark green leaves with a quilted or puckered appearance, M. peru (or Monstera karstenianum ‘Peru’) can be trained on a trellis or left to trail, adding a unique visual texture to your indoor garden.
13. Monstera esqueleto
Also referred to as Monstera epipremnoides, M. esqueleto is a rare species native to Central and South America. Its large, elongated leaves are deeply lobed and feature dramatic fenestrations, making it highly prized by collectors for its stunning appearance.
Image: Peace Love and Happiness Club
14. Monstera Thai Constellation
A highly sought-after variegated form of Monstera deliciosa, the Thai Constellation features striking cream or white splashes and speckles on its leaves. It’s a stunning cultivar that has become a favorite among collectors for its unique, patterned foliage.
15. Monstera Albo Variegata
Another beautiful variegated variety of Monstera deliciosa, the Albo Variegata is prized for its white or cream-colored variegation, which can appear as large sectors or scattered throughout the leaves. Its rarity and beauty make it one of the most desirable Monsteras on the market.
How Do You Care for a Monstera Plant?
Want to make sure your Monstera stays happy and thriving? Caring for a Monstera plant is relatively straightforward, it’s all about going back to the basics of plant care. Here are some things you can focus on when caring for your Monstera:
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Light: Monsteras need bright, indirect light to grow and create those beautiful fenestrations, or holes, this tropical plant is known for.
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Water: Water thoroughly, then allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out before watering again.
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Humidity: Monsteras are native to rainforests, so they love high humidity.
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Support: As vining climbers, they benefit from a moss pole or trellis to support their growth.
Do You Need a Grow Light for Monsteras?
Providing the right lighting is key to helping your Monstera thrive indoors. These plants are from tropical locations, meaning they prefer bright, indirect light to support their growth.
The Aspect Gen 2 Grow Light is ideal for Monsteras, delivering full-spectrum, warm white light that mimics natural sunlight to encourage healthy photosynthesis. For larger setups or to cover multiple plants, the Highland Track Light System provides even, consistent lighting across a broader area, ensuring your Monstera (or collection of Monsteras) flourishes.
Is a Monstera the Right Plant For You?
There are many types of Monsteras, each with its own unique beauty and appeal, making them a wonderful addition to any indoor garden. Whether you’re captivated by the iconic Monstera deliciosa or intrigued by rarer varieties like Monstera obliqua or Thai Constellation, these plants can transform your space into a tropical paradise. With proper care, they will reward you with lush growth and stunning fenestrations.
For more tips on caring for your Monstera, check out A Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating Your Monstera Plant.
FAQ: Monstera Plants & Varieties
Q: How do I make my Monstera leaves split?
A: The deep splits and holes (fenestrations) are a sign of a mature, healthy plant. To encourage fenestration, provide your Monstera with plenty of bright, indirect light and a vertical support, like a moss pole, to climb.
Q: What is the difference between a Monstera deliciosa and a Monstera borsigiana?
A: Monstera borsigiana is a close relative of Monstera deliciosa but with smaller leaves and a faster, more vining growth rate. Monstera deliciosa is known for its larger size and thicker stems.
Q: What does it mean if my Monstera leaves are yellow?
A: Yellow leaves are a common sign of overwatering. Make sure you are letting the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out completely between waterings. Yellowing can also be a sign of a nutrient deficiency or a normal part of the plant's aging process, especially for the oldest leaves.
Q: What’s the easiest Monstera to take care of?
A: The Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii are generally considered the easiest to care for. They are very forgiving of occasional neglect and will thrive in a wide range of indoor conditions.
Q: What are those brown spots on my Monstera's leaves?
A: Brown spots can be caused by a few different issues. The most common is overwatering or a fungal infection, but they can also be a sign of sunburn from too much direct light or an issue with humidity.
Q: Do I need a moss pole for my Monstera?
A: Most Monsteras are natural climbers and will benefit from a moss pole or other vertical support. Providing a support encourages the plant to produce larger, more mature leaves with more dramatic fenestrations.
Q: How do I care for a rare variegated Monstera?
A: Variegated Monsteras like the Monstera Albo Variegata and Monstera Thai Constellation require more light than their all-green counterparts. This is because the white or cream sections of the leaves lack chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize. Providing them with consistent, bright, indirect light from a source like Soltech’s Aspect™ Gen 2 Grow Light is crucial to maintaining their vibrant colors and ensuring they don’t revert to green.
Q: Are Monstera plants toxic to pets?
A: Yes, all Monsteras are toxic to pets (and humans!) if ingested, due to the calcium oxalate crystals found in Monsteras. For more information, we recommend checking out ASPCA’s database of toxic and non-toxic plants for pets.
