The gorgeous monstera plant and its enormous slotted leaves have captured the hearts of the indoor houseplant community. But did you know that there are numerous varieties of monstera, each with unique differences in size, color, and hole arrangement? It is real! There are actually 48 different species of monstera, but your local nursery likely only carries a few of them. The most typical ones are represented below, along with one that is extremely rare and has only ever been observed 17 times in the wild. Really cool, no?
Because monstera leaves grow and alter so much throughout their lifespan, monsteras are frequently mislabeled in nurseries and garden shops. A young plant could have an entirely different appearance than its older relatives and even resemble a different species!
Here are some of the more typical monstera kinds you can buy online or in your neighborhood nursery, along with some descriptions so you know what you’re getting!
Please take note that split-leave philodendrons and monsteras can sometimes be confused, so be sure to read our post on how to tell them apart!
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.
Do Monstera plants vary in any way?
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.
Distinguishing Features
One of the rarest forms, Monstera Obliqua, is sometimes confused with Monstera Adansonii. Both of these Monsteras have several holes in their leaves, but there are a few significant variations.
Obliqua appears to be more of a hole than a leaf from a distance. What little leaf there is has such severe fenestrations that it almost resembles lace.
The durability of the leaves is another distinction between Obliqua and Adansonii. While the leaves of Obliqua are far more delicate, those of Adansonii will be thicker and more robust.
Due to the fact that juvenile Obliqua’s leaf holes don’t fully develop until it is a few years old, it will be difficult to tell it apart from Adansonii.
Care Tips
One of the most difficult types is Monstera Obliqua. Not for those with weak hearts!
It requires frequent moisture to keep its delicate leaves from disintegrating. Your Obliqua will require its own personal humidifier to maintain humidity levels above 80% unless you live in a tropical climate. Its leaves will fall off, turn yellow, and shrivel up if there is not enough humidity.
It will catch fire in direct sunlight just like other Monsteras. It prefers a pot with excellent drainage and peaty soil.
Obliqua develops extremely slowly since it doesn’t have a lot of leafy surface area to create chlorophyll, much like variegated plants.
Fun Facts
Obliqua can only ascend a few meters in height, which is not as high as other Monstera species. Additionally, it will develop stolons, which are runners that fall to the ground to take root and grow a new plant. For a Monstera, this is an uncommon trait!
Obliqua can produce up to 8 spadix flowers in a cluster when it blooms. Only one or two spadices are produced at a time by other Monsteras.
Is Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma a Monstera?
Despite not strictly being a Monstera, Rhaphidorphora Tetrasperma is frequently referred to as a “dwarf Monstera.” Its leaves resemble those of a Monstera. Although it belongs to a different genus than Monstera, it is a member of the same Araceae family.
Is there any other varieties of Monstera?
There are more than 50 different Monstera kinds, as I already indicated. To witness a different variety of Monstera that is not as well-known as the one stated above, watch Kaylee Ellen’s video!
How can you distinguish between different Monsteras?
Nearly 500 different species of Philodendron exist, each with a unique appearance. Because of this, it can be challenging to identify a Philodendron plant in a way that “fits all.” But the name itself has one hint.
What’s in a Name?
The word “philodendron” is Greek in origin. Combining the words “philo,” which means “love,” and “dendron,” which means “tree,” creates this term. Philodendrons enjoy climbing trees to reach the top canopy, where they have better access to light, using their aerial roots. These aerial roots can grow on even kinds that don’t appear to be climbers, as the Philodendron Prince of Orange.
Falling Cataphylls
Although philodendron leaves vary in a variety of sizes and forms, they always share cataphyll. This is a tiny, modified leaf that guards the developing new leaves.
When the leaves develop, this cataphyll will fall off in the case of vining Philodendrons like Philodendron micans or the heartleaf Philodendron. The cataphyll on some types, particularly epiphytic Philodendrons, dries out but stays on the plant like a Monstera.
Philodendron Varieties That Look Like Monstera
Given the diversity of species, it is only expected that some will exhibit characteristics that are more frequently seen in Monsteras.
These repeat offenders are listed:
- It can be very simple to confuse split-leaf philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum), which is frequently sold under the name Monstera deliciosa. The two differ in terms of the size and shape of the leaves. The philodendron has smaller, divided leaves as opposed to fenestrated leaves. In contrast to Monstera leaves, which are round and heart-shaped, they also resemble feathers.
- Philodendron minima is a challenging plant to grow. It is frequently identified in the plant trade under names like “mini monstera” because of its oval-shaped, split leaves that resemble those of a Monstera. But it’s neither a Monstera nor a Philodendron with holes. It is a member of the Rhaphidophora genus and is known by the scientific name Rhaphidophora tetrasperma.
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.
Is split leaf philodendron the same as Monstera deliciosa?
Monsteras are at the forefront of the trend for tropical-inspired indoor plants. Their broad, glossy, dark green leaves give any area the impression of being in a tropical paradise. There are other plants that give off this jungle vibe than the Monstera, but the Split Leaf Philodendron is one that frequently gets mistaken for it.
Many people mistakenly think they are the same plant since their names and nicknames are frequently used interchangeably. Outside of the beginner-friendly Monstera, it’s really rather usual for the philodendron to be confused with other kinds of plants.
Although there are numerous similarities between the two plants, they are separate species and come from different genera. Simply put, Split Leaf Philodendron and Monstera are entirely different plants that happen to have a similar appearance and atmosphere. Let’s examine each plant in more detail to see how they are similar to one another and how they differ from one another.
How do you choose a quality Monstera?
Selecting the ideal Monstera plant is a difficult undertaking. When making your pick, a number of things are taken into account.
Do you want your plant to be large or tiny, to have leaves with or without variegation, or to have a classic shape or an exquisite shape?
No matter what you decide, there is sure to be a Monstera variety that will meet all of your requirements.
First Time Adopter
For those who are just getting started, the Monstera Deliciosa is a great plant. It’s not overly huge or little, making maintenance simple. This plant has a classic shape and has lovely split leaves. Both your demands and preferences will be met by it!
Monstera Adansonii is an excellent alternative. It’s a stunning plant with a sophisticated design and fenestrated leaves, which are currently quite popular among plant enthusiasts.
The Collectors
The variegated Monstera might be something you want to buy if you’re a plant collector.
Monstera that is variegated has altered leaves that have lighter areas on them. These blotches can be yellow, pale green, or white.
Because Monstera is so rare, variegated plants typically cost more than plain green ones.
Additionally, because they are more likely to develop root rot, variegated monsteras are more difficult to maintain because their patterns may be unstable and capable of returning to full green.
Monstera Albo Borsigiana and Monstera Thai Constellation are the two most well-known variegated Monsteras.
The One We All Dream About
Undoubtedly the rarest member of the Monstera genus is Monstera obliqua. According to reports, the Monstera Obliqua has only ever been observed 17 times in the wild.
Monstera Obliqua and Monstera Adansonii are frequently confused. They both have the same traits, however there are some significant variations. It has been noted that Monstera obliqua appears to have more holes than leaves. The fenestrations are so severe that the leaf occasionally resembles lace. And in contrast to the thick, strong leaves of Adansonii, their leaves are much more fragile.
This variety of Monstera is by far the most expensive. One cut might cost anything from $5,000 to $8,000 USD.
How to Pick a Healthy Monstera
When trying to buy a Monstera, it’s crucial to be aware of the several warning signals that the plant might not be in good health.
When trying to decide whether the Monstera plant you’re thinking about buying is healthy or not, there are a few characteristics you should keep an eye out for. Poor plant health can result from pest infestations, foliage issues, and other factors.
Watch for Monstera leaves curl and browning
The general condition of the leaves is the first indication you ought to check for when evaluating a plant. Avoid buying this specific Monstera plant if the leaves are curled or if there is browning anywhere on the plant.
A Monstera with curling and browning leaves may have been subjected to a situation including too much sunlight, too little water, or maybe both.
Check for Pests Infestation
If there are any evidence of pests on the leaves or stems, it is another clue that your new Monstera is unhealthy. On a Monstera, you might encounter a number of pests, including mealy bugs, mealy bugs, and spider mites.
The presence of tiny insects or tiny white “dust” on the foliage of Monstera plants can indicate a pest infestation. Check for dark patches or discoloration around the stems and leaves as well. These are very subtle indications that your plant may have come into contact with pests.
If your Monstera has pests, you’ll need to cure it to get rid of the issue, which can take time and money you don’t have.