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!
Which Monstera plant 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.
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
Also known as the Swiss Cheese plant, this variety is smaller than deliciosa. 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.
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.
What distinguishes Monstera deliciosa from Tauerii?
The delicious monstera Tauerii is a magnificent tropical foliage plant with broad, heart-shaped leaves that have numerous holes in them. Monstera tauerii, a dwarf variety, has exceptionally early leaf perforations. Compared to other Monsteras, this plant usually blooms earlier. The evergreen perennial vine Monstera deliciosa is indigenous to South and Central America’s tropical jungles. They ascend through the canopy of surrounding trees using their aerial roots and climbing proclivities to reach the sunlight. The Monstera deliciosa Tauerii is a good choice for both producing cut foliage and as a decorative houseplant. Swiss cheese plant is another name for Monstera deliciosa Tauerii. Other common names for Monstera deliciosa used internationally include: Calchito, Ceriman de Mexico, Hoja picada, Banana-da-Macao, Inebe, Kletter- Fensterblatt, Spilt-leaf Philodendron, Mexican breadfruit, Mother-in-tongue, law’s Cheese plant, Cut-leaf philodendron, Fruit salad plant, Taro vine, Tarovine, Window leaf. All year long, Evanthia has Monstera deliciosa Tauerii seed and young plants that were grown from seed available. Request the commercial production Monstera cultivation guide from our staff.
Why do Monstera cost so much?
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.
Which plant has the highest market value?
When the Shenzhen Nongke Orchid sold at auction for roughly $224,000 in 2005, it set the record for the most expensive flower ever sold. It took eight years for scientists to develop this blossom in a university lab.
How much are monstrousa worth?
The cost of the variegated monstera, an evergreen vine that is indigenous to tropical regions of the Americas, has increased from roughly $60 per plant to up to $1,000 per plant, creating a speculative market.
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.
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.