Fun fact: Because it yields Mexican breadfruit, this plant is nicknamed “deliciosa.
Monstera Borsigniana
Given how difficult it is to tell the two apart when they’re young, this is actually a variant of deliciosa and may be sold under that name.
Examining the stem is one technique to determine. Where the leaf joins the stem, deliciosas frequently pucker, ruffle, or develop lovely tiny bumps, whereas borsigniana does not. Likely smaller and expanding more quickly than deliciosa is borsigniana. Unlike deliciosa, mature plants typically create two clean rows of holes or slits rather than producing holes more randomly.
Never fear if you get one of these instead of a deliciosa! It still makes a magnificent addition to your home even though it can grow just as tall, almost as big, and a little bit faster.
Monstera Variegata
Monsteras that are variegated are not distinct plants, but rather a difference in color. These plants may even appear to have been painted white. Personally, I adore them.
Plants that have white, cream, and green patterns are said to be variegated. These plants are typically more expensive and more difficult to find.
By the way, if you’re fortunate enough to discover them, several of the varieties on this list are also available in variegated form! (For additional information, see Where to Find a Variegated Monstera in our blog!)
Monstera Adansonii
Although the holes in this type are not as enormous as those in the deliciosa, they are still rather big! About 50% of the leaf is usually taken up by the holes.
As real obliqua are quite uncommon, you can be sure that if you see this label in a nursery, you’re actually looking at a monstera adansonii. These are reasonably common, but they are also frequently mislabeled as monstera obliqua. In comparison to obliqua, adansonii often has thicker, rougher leaves.
Monstera Pinnatipartita
These plants produce unusually large, glossy leaves with slits rather than holes that extend to the leaf’s edge. The leaf stems are strong and rigid, and they are an exquisite shade of emerald green. Although they are a little more difficult to locate, you can typically find one or two online.
Monstera Dubia
One of my favorites is this. Small, heart-shaped leaves with both dark and light green coloring are a distinctive feature of this cultivar. Although not truly multicolored, it is getting close. With shorter stems and leaves that encroach closer to whatever the plant is climbing, it develops like a vine.
Monstera Siltepecana
Large, teardrop-shaped leaves with smaller holes clustered around the center vein characterize this attractive cultivar. They have both dark and light green colours and are frequently paler than other monsteras. Gorgeous! Though more difficult to locate, they are stunning if you can find one.
Monstera Obliqua
We’re sorry to break it to you, but Home Depot or really anywhere else won’t have this. But we still wanted to include it because it’s so cool!
These beautiful plants still retain their distinctive holes, but they usually have more holes than leaves. These plants are exceedingly delicate, therefore you won’t find them in nurseries. The holes can remove up to 90% of the paper-thin leaves. However, if you’re lucky, you might be able to see them in select botanical gardens. Only 17 instances of this plant have been recorded in the wild, and it is frequently researched for potential hybridization with other species.
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma or “Mini Monstera
We’re lying here because this plant isn’t a monstera in the strictest sense (you undoubtedly realized that from the scientific name), but they look lovely with one!
The leaves of this plant have the same distinctive holes as monstera, but the huge holes on this plant tend to extend all the way to the leaf edge and have a more notched appearance. These monstera cultivars are easier to grow and more accessible than some of the more exotic monstera kinds. The rich green hue is beautiful. Mini Monstera Care Tips can be found here. Click here to view this plant on Amazon!
What kind of Monstera do I have, and how can I tell?
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The monstera plant is highlighted among the diverse plants found in the world of houseplants. These plants may provide a touch of charm to almost any area thanks to their attractive greenery and beautiful foliage. I have no doubt that the monstera wave has already washed you and that you are already surrounded by a collection of monstera.
The way the leaves are linked to the stem makes monstera unique. the dimensions and design of their holes. Unvariegated plants are difficult to distinguish from one another. However, you can recognize them and perceive the variation as they get more fenestrations.
What distinguishes a Monstera from a Monstera deliciosa?
Actually belonging to a distinct plant family, monsteras are cultivated for their fruit in Mexico and Costa Rica. The enormous, tasty fruit that they produce gives the plant its name, Monstera deliciosa. Their leaves grow enormously, so the term “monster fruit, and can be rather spectacular, with almost-white variegation patterns.
The same family as pothos includes trailing vines called philodendrons. Actually, philodendron’s translation is “love tree, possibly due to their leaves’ heart-shaped design. Their leaves develop much more like a pothos and never become as large as monstera leaves.
And this is when it becomes complicated. There are two actual split-leaf philodendron species, however they don’t have as as striking of leaves as the monstera deliciosa.
Is a Monstera a Philodendron?
No! A philodendron is more closely linked to the pothos, the most popular houseplant in the world, even though they both belong to the same broader family. The peace lily and monsteras are more linked to one another.
Philodendrons make excellent hanging plants since they are somewhat simpler to grow and trail down from their containers like vines. Variegated types of them are easier to grow, more widely available, and less expensive.
Monsteras don’t grow well as hanging plants and require a little more light than philodendrons, at least if you want the dramatic split-leaf pattern on their leaves. In fact, a monstera that lacks adequate light and loses its divided leaves resembles a philodendron quite a bit.
Monstera vs. Split-Leaf Philodendron: Which Should I Buy?
I’m a huge fan of indoor plants, so both! Each houseplant enthusiast should have both in their collection, along with your fiddle leaf fig and ferns, as they are actually quite different. Put your philodendron in a hanging container next to a pothos in a dimly lit area. It will flourish in practically any situation and slowly enlarge like a vine.
Place your monstera in more light and watch out for over-watering. (Read our comprehensive guide to watering monsteras here.)
Watch out for signs of leaf drop, yellowing, or losing the split-leaf pattern on its leaves. Give your plant additional light if you notice these issues. (Click here to view the Monstera Leaf Care Ultimate Guide.)
No matter which houseplant you decide to buy—a monstera, a philodendron, or both—make sure to give it enough of sunlight, not too much water, and weekly attention.
A Monstera is a Monstera, right?
People regularly mix up the terms monstera and philodendron and frequently do so. In fact, it’s not unusual to encounter Monstera in your neighborhood nursery or plant store that has been mislabeled as a split-leaf Philodendron. Even the internet can’t seem to agree because some threads and blogs on plant care say Monstera and split-leaf Philodendron are the same plant while others say they’re not, and searching for pictures doesn’t seem to help either. You are not the only one who is uncertain about whether a Monstera is a variety of Philodendron.
Is a Split-Leaf Philodendron the same as a Monstera Deliciosa? They are not the same plant, though. Monsteras and split-leaf Philodendrons are of a separate genus and species, while belonging to the same scientific class, order, and family, and even though they may resemble one another, especially when they are young.
Although the phrases are sometimes used interchangeably, the two plants are not the same in terms of science. Knowing the differences between split-leaf Philodendrons and Monsteras may help you better understand plant taxonomy and may prevent you from inadvertently buying the incorrect houseplant. Read on to discover the similarities and differences between monsteras and philodendrons.
Geniculum
Geniculum is the primary distinction between a Monstera Deliciosa and a Borsigiana. The stem’s geniculum is where it connects to a leaf.
The wavy structured leaves of Monstera Deliciosa resemble ruffles because to the Geniculum’s wrinkles.
For the same reason, Monstera Deliciosa is frequently referred to as ruffles. However, Monstera Deliciosa is particularly flexible because of the wrinkled geniculum.
In terms of the geniculum in the Monstera, Borsigiana has a geniculum that is comparable to any other typical plant and lacks any distinguishing characteristics.
The stem of Borsigiana is joined to the base of the leaves by a simple, straight geniculum.
While distinguishing them based on their Geniculum, there is one drawback. In the early stages, their geniculum cannot be used to distinguish them.
Size of Leaves
Their size of leaves is another distinguishing characteristic that will make it simple for you to separate them.
One is quite little in comparison to the other, and their leaf sizes are very different.
Large leaves of Monstera Deliciosa can reach a breadth and length of three feet or even more in their natural environment.
Deliciosa leaves have a leathery texture and a lovely appearance.
Borsigiana has much smaller leaves than that. Its leaves only reach a maximum height of 1.6 feet, which is roughly half that of Monstera Deliciosa.
The size of their leaves, however, might vary according on the environment in which they are cultivated.
Growing Habits
Because it grows slowly compared to Borsigiana, Monstera Deliciosa can be a mess as it matures.
However, because Deliciosas are slow climbers in the plant kingdom, they typically slide downhill during their early stages of growth.
Despite being sluggish climbers, they ultimately start to sprawl upwards as they grow older and more mature.
In comparison to Deliciosas, Borsigianas are more orderly and have a better growing process.
They typically have longer stems that grow on the ground because of their vining growth patterns.
They can also be stacked, where they will advance with the stack as it rises.
In its natural environment, Monstera Deliciosa is capable of reaching heights of up to 30 feet.
Both plants mature in around three years, despite having distinct growth rates.
Taxonomy
The scientific term for identifying and naming a plant is taxonomy. The division of a plant into its various components is useful.
The two plants Monstera Deliciosa and Borsigiana are not the same, despite what many people believe.
This taxonomy table illustrates the relationships between Monstera Borsigiana and Monstera Deliciosa.
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility states that although Monstera Deliciosa and Borsigiana are separate plants, they belong to the same taxon.
Stem structure
The spaces between the nodes of the Monstera plants are one of the distinguishing characteristics.
The circular areas or patches that are located between a plant’s stem are referred to as nodes.
The Monstera Borsigiana has more room between its nodes than the Monstera Deliciosa, as can be seen if you pay great attention to the Monstera plants.
One of the reasons Monstera Borsigiana typically grows more quickly and neatly than Monstera Deliciosa is due to this.
Which Monstera is the rarest?
Because of their genetic peculiarities, unusual Monstera plants are not only scarce but also amazing to behold.
These Monsteras are difficult to raise due to their unique genetic makeup. Monstera plants with holes or variegation cannot absorb as much nutrition as a typical Monstera species.
A mutation gives certain variegated Monsteras variegated leaves. Certain Monsteras revert due to a mutation rather than genetic variation.
If the conditions are not ideal, mutations prevent the white or cream hue from eventually being passed on to new leaf growth.
It’s not easy importing plants either, particularly unusual ones. Variegated and holey plants are less likely to survive a lengthy voyage in a dark box because they contain less chlorophyll.
Each country has distinct rules for what plant material is allowed into its country, and shipping expenses pile up.
If you see any of these 22 unique and rare Monstera plants for sale, grab them and head to the register right away!
Monstera obliqua
The most rare Monstera is Monstera obliqua, which has delicate leaves and grows very slowly.
With more holes than actual leaves, Monstera obliqua takes the Swiss cheese plant to an extreme.
The distinctions between Monstera obliqua and Monstera adansonii have a significant impact on the respective price tags for each plant.
Monstera obliqua has papery thin leaves, rounder holes, and a significantly slower growth rate than Monstera adansonii. It is also more uncommon.
Monstera Albo Borsigiana
Despite some claims to the contrary, Monstera Deliciosa and Borsigiana belong to the same species.
One of the most well-known Monstera variegata has grown in popularity as a result of Instagram.
Large white patches will appear on the foliage of M. Albo Borsigiana due to a spontaneous mutation that causes the variegation. These spots are erratic and prone to become green again.
Depending on how many leaves it has, a single Monstera Albo Borsigiana cutting is worth approximately $250, while a rooted plant can range in price from $400 to $1,000.
Monstera Thai Constellation
This common house plant was created using plant tissue culture in a lab in Thailand and has undergone artificial mutation.
It is one of the most desired plants due to its lovely variation in sectoral and marble patterns. As a plant that was grown in tissue culture, the variegation is quite stable and will be passed on to new leaves as they develop.
Although a rooted Monstera Thai Constellation can cost anywhere between $250 and $350, I’ve never seen Thai Constellation advertised as a cutting.
Monstera Deliciosa Aurea
The yellow variegation of Monstera Deliciosa Aurea, also called Monstera Marmorata, gives it the look of a Golden Pothos.
It also needs regular maintenance to keep its sectoral pattern variegation. To maintain the variegation, immediately cut any leaves that have turned green.
Because it is so uncommon, Monstera Deliciosa’s Aurea variant commands a high price. Costs for rooted plants range from $2,000 to $3,000.
Is It Possible for Regular Monstera to Develop Variegation?
Regular Monstera can eventually show variegation, though it is rare. One of my friend’s Monstera Deliciosa cuttings was fortunate enough to begin displaying Albo variegation.
Only one in 100,000 plants will randomly produce a variegated Monstera. This means that in order to obtain a variegated Monstera, you would need to propagate 100,000 cuttings and hope that one of them would show the trait.