What Origins Do Monstera Plants Have? The dense, muggy, and lush tropical parts of Central American nations including South Mexico, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Panama are where you can find wild monstera.
Are Monsteras tough to locate?
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!
Are Monstera plants uncommon?
The traditional Monstera plant comes in a variety of uncommon variations. The Monstera obliqua is the rarest variety.
Rare and uncommon Monstera plants are in high demand among plant enthusiasts because of the strange and otherworldly atmosphere they create with their distinctive colors or shapes in an indoor garden.
Due to availability and demand, many Monstera species are quite uncommon. Social media influencers promote stunning white, unusually variegated Monsteras, which raises demand.
Rare Monsteras take a long time to spread. Since most variegations are not cultivated from seeds but rather are propagated, there is not enough supply to satisfy demand.
Some mature Monstera plants cost thousands of dollars because of unmet demand.
I’ll give you a brief description of each so you can decide which ones are worth adding to your wishlist because these uncommon species can be expensive.
To avoid being taken advantage of while purchasing a cutting or a mature plant, continue reading to discover more about difficult-to-find Monstera plants.
The Monstera leaf grows where?
Numerous other names for the monstera deliciosa include the Swiss cheese plant, split leaf philodendron, and Mexican breadfruit. One of the most recognizable leaves in the design industry may be found on this enormous floor plant. Its “Swiss cheese” moniker relates to the recognizable splits and holes in its leaves, while its “breadfruit” moniker alludes to the fruit’s corn-like appearance.
Monsteras have a lengthy history in both interior decorating and fine art. Pictures of the monstera leaf are frequently printed on pillows, mounted on walls, and even suspended alone in a glass vase.
Native to Central America, the monstera can be found in the rainforests from Mexico to Panama. In the same family as popular houseplants like peace lilies and ZZ plants, monsteras are an arum. If you reside in zones 10 or 11, a monstera deliciosa can be grown outdoors. To find out more about the various zones, look at the USDA’s map of plant hardiness zones.
Which indoor plant is the rarest?
These gorgeous plants are probably already known to a serious plant enthusiast, but I’ll list my top ten. All of the plants on this list are rare collector’s goods. There is no set order for the plants.
Variegated Monsteras
The monstera is undoubtedly already well-known to everyone, but in the past two years, the variegated varieties have really taken off. There are two varieties of variegated monsteras: Borsigiana and Deliciosa. But I’ll cover that in a different essay.
Currently, there are four different variegated monstera types that are in high demand. These are Monstera Thai Constellation, Monstera Sport, Monstera Albo Variegata, and Monstera Aurea Variegata.
Monstera Albo Variegata
The Monstera Albo Variegata is the most prevalent of all of them. Several growers are already producing this in Belgium and Holland. The majority of the white variegated monsteras sold in Europe are produced by these growers. Prices for a plant with a few leaves are quite costly because of the slow growth of this plant and the great demand. These plants cannot currently be tissue cultured due to the natural fault of variegation.
Monstera Thai Constellation
Several growers in Holland are presently cultivating the Monstera Thai Constellation plant. However, they have very few. You correctly guess where the Thai Constellation is from: Thailand. They have been grown in tissue culture for many years in Thailand. Thailand is unable to provide the quantity of plants that farmers in Europe and the USA are requesting because to the huge demand. As a result, prices in Thailand and other nations throughout the world are exorbitant. It’s been said that growers in the US and Europe have successfully created Thai Constellations in their own tissue culture labs. In order to satisfy the market and bring down prices, it is waiting for the growers to release significant quantities of these plants.
Monstera Aurea Variegata
Aurea in Latin means “gold” hence the plant has a slight golden tint. Monstera Aurea is perhaps one of the most sought-after variegated monsteras. As you can see, this plant has lovely gold/yellow variegation on its leaves; in my opinion, it is extremely gorgeous! There is currently no large-scale production of these plants. These plants can only be obtained through cuttings in private collections or from plants developed from seeds with an extremely low likelihood of developing this kind of variegation.
Monstera Sport
This Monstera is peculiar; the plants’ variegation seems to be green or pale yellow. It is frequently known as Monstera sport. These plants are not mass-produced, just as the Monstera Aurea Variegata. These can only be obtained by taking cuttings from already-existing plants.
Philodendron White Princess
Through cutting, The Philodendron White Princess has been present in private collections for a while. However, this year they arrived on the market as whole, large potted plants. They have gotten easier to locate even though they are still rather difficult to discover.
For serious plant aficionados, their lovely white speckled leaves are instantly recognizable.
Philodendron Melanochrysum
This climbing philodendron is most likely the most sought-after one for 2020. Undoubtedly one of the rarer indoor plants. Its leaves are the ideal shade of dark green. When you have the Melanochrysum blooming in an area with a little bit greater humidity, it is a fairly simple Philodendron to cultivate inside. This philodendron’s leaves can grow to be enormous! Some plants in private collections and botanical gardens have leaves that can reach lengths of more than one meter!
Fortunately, this year has seen an increase in the availability of these plants due to extensive manufacturing in Holland; this trend is likely to continue in 2021.
Philodendron Gloriosum
Another stunning performance! The Philodendron Gloriosum is renowned for its enormous velvet leaves with stunning white veining that resemble a large heart. As you can see, these plants have a very high rate of growth. If you manage to get your hands on one, give it a good pot to crawl in since this Philodendron likes to crawl over climb.
The mother plants of this Philodendron are now being worked on by numerous growers in Belgium and Holland. As a result, this plant will be more widely available in the upcoming years.
Anthurium Veitchii
Anthurium the king, This year, there was a big increase in demand for this uncommon houseplant because so many individuals searched for it. No wholesale grower has offered them for sale as of yet. This year, you could only have acquired one by importing the plant yourself or purchasing it from a private grower or collector.
This Anthurium is desired for its magnificent look and lovely ruffled leaves. This plant’s interesting fact is that it can grow without soil. Due to its epiphytic nature, it prefers to grow in sphagnum moss. These plants can be found in the wild growing among trees, on cliff faces, or on moss-covered walls. The leaves can potentially reach a height of almost one meter!
Anthurium Warocqueanum
One of the most well-liked anthuriums for 2020 is the Queen. Unfortunately, garden centers do not now carry it, however it is occasionally accessible online. Originally from Colombia, this plant is currently grown in several South American nations as well as Asia. These plants may only be obtained by either importing them from there or purchasing one from a private European collector.
The velvety leaves of this anthurium contribute to its popularity. An anthurium with velvet leaves? Yes! It’s beautiful and deserving of desire. Its appearance is similar to something you may see in a fantasy film. Just look at how lovely everything is!
Monstera Adansonii Variegata Archipelago
One of the most costly Monsteras and likely one of the most sought-after unusual houseplants in 2020. Although the variegated Monstera adansonii originated in Japan, it is now found in many collections across Europe. In 2020, a single leaf cutting with good variegation will cost you roughly $1500, yes, you read that right. Because they are so uncommon, these plants are not currently being cultivated in large quantities. Due to the unstable variegation, the plants cannot be grown in tissue culture. Cuttings are the only method for reproducing these plants.
This plant will undoubtedly still be very valuable in a few years, but as more and more individuals acquire one, its value will inevitably decline.
Monstera Obliqua Peruvian Form
This is unquestionably the most unique and uncommon of the Monsteras, and for the most of people, the holy grail of rare houseplants. When you are collecting monsteras, this is undoubtedly on your top wishlist. Originating in Peru, but now present in numerous collections across Europe. The plant can only be purchased from a collector. This plant can easily cost you a few thousand euros in a cutting.
Philodendron Pink Princess
A PURPLE PLANT? Yep! It does exist, but they are still uncommon. Fortunately, because many producers are diligently attempting to multiply their mother plants, there will be a greater supply of these in 2021.
This is a true eye-catcher for any plant collector. When guests come around, they will all notice the plant in your living room.
Variegated Syngonium
This year, the popularity of variegated Syngoniums really took off; there are so many distinct varieties that it’s nearly overwhelming. It comes in a variety of colors, from white to pink. For instance, take a look at this variegated Syngonium. Since Syngoniums are simple to grow, there will be much more of them in 2021.
For 2021, a lot of producers are currently raising a lot of mother plants of the variegated sygonium. Look at this expanse of white Syngonium with varying colors.
How does Monstera develop in nature?
Monsteras can grow to enormous heights in their natural tropical habitat because to aerial roots. Aerial roots, which anchor plants to trees, buildings, and other above-ground surfaces instead of the plant’s normal roots, allow the plant to climb.
Despite not growing to jungle heights in your home, monsteras still develop in the same manner. Create a moss pole to sustain the ambitions of your monstera. Your monstera’s aerial roots will develop into the moss and anchor it as it soars.
With the proper care and support, Monstera deliciosa are long-lived plants that may reach heights of 10 to 15 feet indoors, spread out over an area of 8 feet, and have leaves that are at least 18 inches broad.
1 Indoors, variegated monstera rarely grow to that large and develop considerably more slowly.
Expect the leaf splits and holes to change considerably as your monstera gets older. Leaf holes can develop into pronounced split leaves depending on the plant’s kind and growing environment. Proper lighting levels are particularly crucial. Splits and holes are inhibited by low light. 3
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.
What is the price of a Monstera?
Only extremely uncommon varieties go for prices as high as $5,000, and you’d have to shop around a lot to locate one for only $5. Most monstera deliciosa plants cost between $30 and $60 each.
Keep in mind that this is the cost of a typical, two to three-foot-tall green plant. You should always prepare to spend a little bit more money when purchasing plants that don’t fall into this group.
The average price range for higher-end plants is between $100 and $150. A larger plant or a variegated Monstera deliciosa typically cost this amount.
Almost exclusively huge plants with extremely unique colour patterns will cost more than a few hundred dollars.
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!