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!
The best Monstera is which one?
Long stems and a vining growth style characterize Borsigiana. Compared to deliciosa, it has smaller leaves, but it grows more quickly.
Advice: Just look for the patterns if you have trouble telling deliciosa from borsigniana. In contrast to Borsigniana, which has apertures grouped in two rows, Delisiosa has a clear pattern.
Albo Variegata
This pricey and magnificent monstera variety’s pure beauty is unmatched! With exquisite cuts, the variegated leaves in a brilliant, pure white tone and green colours appear stunning.
Adansonii
This type, which is smaller than deliciosa, is also called the Swiss Cheese plant. It has clipped, dark green, heart-shaped foliage. Some leaves have a circular shape, while others have a narrower shape.
Silver Monstera
Until it is fully developed, this strikingly gorgeous plant does not have leaf holes. Young lance-shaped leaves with dark green veins and a lovely silver color.
Split Leaf Philodendron
The divided leaf Due to its cut foliage, Philo is included on this list because it resembles monstera quite a bit. It makes a wonderful interior plant and adds a lot of beauty.
Mini Monstera
The plant, which has huge leaf holes on deep green foliage but is not a true monstera, has the appearance of a little monstera variety. One of the nicest varieties of monstera you can plant is this one.
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.
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.
How many different varieties of Monstera Adansonii exist?
Given that there aren’t any significant changes between subspecies, you could be perplexed by the various Monstera Adansonii varieties.
Now that we know how to differentiate between the four various varieties of these plants, let’s go over them.
Monstera adansonii(Swiss Cheese Vine)
It has broad, glossy leaves that are punctured with holes. As they mature, the leaves take on a pointed, oval shape and turn a darker shade of green.
The appearance of two adansonii side by side may also differ. This has to do with how much light the plants are exposed to when their new leaves grow.
The plant will have more fenestrations (holes) in its leaves the more direct, strong light it receives.
Narrow and Round Form
Additionally, you will see that this species has both thin and round leaf forms. By examining the stems or vine, you may determine what kind you have.
The stems on a round form will be substantially thicker. Even at maturity, narrow form adansoniis keep a very thin, vine-like stem, and the leaves are longer.
What distinguishes Monstera from 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.
Which Monstera cultivates the simplest?
Monstera plants are excellent for adding greenery to your home and have grown incredibly popular as indoor plants.
They make excellent decorative additions to landscaping at the same time. They are simple to include into many landscaping designs.
Before we discuss the actual processes for producing Monstera plants, it’s important to understand the several types that are available.
Monstera Deliciosa
The largest and most well-known Monstera plant, it is distinguished by its huge, slit-like holes in the leaves. In any room, this one sticks out! The Mexican breadfruit that it produces is the subject of its Latin name, deliciosa.
These plants, often known as Swiss cheese plants, blossom when cultivated outside and eventually turn into fruits.
Monstera Adansonii
This uncommon Monstera plant kind is a lovely addition to your house and garden. This plant, sometimes known as the Swiss cheese vine, is simple to grow both inside and outside.
Its magnificently huge leaves and oval-shaped holes will charm you. These vines and leaves, when cultivated outside, can grow extremely large!
Due to its climbing characteristics, it is ideal for growing on a garden trellis or gate. It works well as a hanging plant as well because the vines will droop and grow downward in the absence of support.
Monstera variegata
The origin of this type, often referred to the Thai constellation, is a genetic mutation. Variegation is the result of specific plant tissues being unable to synthesize chlorophyll, which results in discolouration.
Factual statement: Different Monstera species may be impacted by this lovely mutation, which results in a wonderful tropical plant option.
Monstera plants with variegation are generally more rare and expensive. However, the white paint effect turns these plants into a work of art that will look beautiful in your house.
Monstera borsigiana
Monstera borsigiana is smaller than Monstera deliciosa, although seeming similar. If the proper growing circumstances are present, it also grows more quickly. Later, more on that. This plant comes in a wide range of hues, including white and yellow.
Check for stem ruffles and the presence of entire circular holes closer to the stem to tell this plant from Monstera d. You’re looking at a borsigiana if you locate them.
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
This common cultivar, often known as the Mini Monstera, is frequently confused with Monstera deliciosa. This plant, which is native to Malaysia and Thailand, is not a Monstera species. But in most ways, it looks like one.
Mini Monsteras have holes that reach the edges of the leaves, unlike regular Monstera plants. They have a stunning deep green color. They are typically simpler to locate in your neighborhood garden center than real Monsteras.
Why does Monstera Albo cost so much?
Because of the eye-catching variegation that can appear on its leaves, Monstera ‘Albo’ is a sought-after item in the world of house plants.
This variation in the Monstera ‘Albo’ stems from a spontaneous mutation that changes how much chlorophyll (green) is present in the leaves.
Marbling (mixed patterns of the light and green parts), sectoral (huge areas of light), or a combination of the two are all examples of variation.
What makes Monstera ‘Albo’ so costly? Because Monstera ‘Albo’s colour results from a spontaneous mutation that cannot be safely handed down through seeds, it is pricey. Even cuttings don’t always successfully reproduce the same variegation. This plant also grows slowly, is in high demand, and has a little supply.
In houseplants, striking white or yellow variegation is highly sought. The plant is genuinely under stress as a result of its coloring.
Because there is no chlorophyll in particular areas of the leaves, photosynthesis, which is how plants get their energy, cannot occur.
Therefore, part of what makes this plant difficult to grow and manage is also what makes it so coveted.
The price of Half-Moon Monstera is really high.
Monsteras are already stunning plants, and variegated varieties are much more so. Sadly, they are frequently pricey and scarce.
Due of their scarcity, variegated Monstera plants are pricey. A mutation in the plant’s production of chlorophyll results in the marbling or half-moon appearance. A Monstera can cost anywhere between $100 and several thousand dollars USD, depending on its size and variegation pattern.
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.