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
This is one of my favorites! 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!
Do I have Monstera obliqua, and how do I know?
Monstera Obliqua resemble Monstera Adansonii in appearance. They develop holes inside the leaves that are similar in shape, and the leaves themselves are narrow rather than oval or arrowlike.
The Obliqua’s leaves are paper-thin and will typically be more of a hole than a leaf, whilst the Adansonii’s leaves are typically more leaf than a hole and have a delicate roughness to them.
Dr. Thomas B. Croat, a leading authority on Monstera, asserts that there have only been seventeen reports of the Obliqua in the wild, several of which have since been disputed. “Trust me, as much as I want this to be true, you do not have a Monstera Obliqua,” he tells wistful Obliqua owners. A botanical unicorn, that is.
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, thus the name “monster fruit, and can be quite dramatic, 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 never reach as big as monstera leaves and they grow much more like a pothos.
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 is the most uncommon?
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 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.
What distinguishes Monstera Adansonii from Monstera deliciosa?
Avoid being duped by the many fraudulent adverts that are present, whether they are false intentionally or unintentionally. The Monstera adansonii and deliciosa can be distinguished from one another by the following characteristics.
Size of the Leaf
The size of the leaves is one of the key distinctions between Monstera deliciosa and adansonii.
Compared to deliciosa, adansonii often has smaller leaves. The ovate leaves of adansonii can only reach a length of 25–70 cm (10–12 in).
While its lamina generally enlarges to a width that is between 6 and 18 inches and 15 to 45 centimeters wide.
While deliciosa shines out with shiny, green foliage that can appear enormous.
Usually, its leaves are 25–90 cm (10–35 in) long and 25–70 cm (10–30 in) wide when they first appear. In their natural environment, leaves can potentially grow to a height of 100 cm (40 in).
Remember that under some conditions, the leaf size fluctuates. As a result, in ideal conditions with enough water, sunlight, and fertilizer, plant leaves may appear large. If not, leaves could get smaller.
Hole in the Leaves
The gaps between Monstera deliciosa and adansonii are a second identifying characteristic. These two types of holes have different sizes, shapes, and counts. International Aroid Society, n.d.
Adansonii has holes that vary in size and form but are typically elliptical in shape.
On each side of the leaf midrib, the series of holes are smaller but more frequent. Adansonii leaves can develop between 8 and 16 holes.
On the other side, Deliciosa has much longer perforations that are between 0.5 and 0.8 cm long.
These holes often have an oblong shape and a semi-round shape. The deliciosa also has fewer holes, with 1 to 5 on each side of a leaf.
So you may pretty much be sure that a Monstera is an adansonii if it contains a cluster of thin and entire incisions.
It appears that you have deliciosa if your plant has fewer holes than is typical for the species.
Just remember that as the Monstera becomes older, the perforations in the leaves appear. As a result, a younger plant may look practically uncut while it is young.
Edges of the Leaves
Along with being different in size and number of holes, Monstera deliciosa and adansonii leaves also differ in how they are edged.
Adansonii resembles those common plants with rounded edges. Furthermore, if you trace the trail through its leaves from both sides, it will be straight and uninterrupted.
This isn’t like the deliciosa. There will be gaps because deliciosa has perforations between the main leaf veins that run from the midrib to the edges. The leaf boundary will look uneven and asymmetrical while being smooth.
Geniculum
The geniculum of the Monstera deliciosa is its most distinctive characteristic. The portion of the plant that connects a leaf to a petiole or stem is referred to as a geniculum.
The deliciosa will get ruffles after it grows and reaches semi- or full maturity.
The upper leaf base’s two sides will develop complex waves. This curved part is similar to a plant muscle that gives flexibility, such as the ability to move with the wind.
Whether they are in their early or mature stages, adansonii never grow a wrinkled geniculum like deliciosa does. Its petiole and leaf will always unite at a straight, smooth juncture.
Growth Habit
You might be able to tell an adansonii from a deliciosa by looking at the Monstera’s growth pattern.
A monstera deliciosa has a propensity for spreading out. This plant has a propensity to sprawl widely, expanding its stems to match. They acclimate slowly, but finally they tend to vine.
Adansonii has a more trailing quality than deliciosa. As the preferred Monstera in hanging baskets, they stand out because to the way they stretch and hang down. They are also a fantastic choice for training around a stand because of the way they loosely grow over a surface.
You most likely have an adansonii if your plant droops toward the ground and has a vining habit. If your plant enjoys creeping horizontally, you may be raising a deliciosa at home in the meantime.
Plant Height
There’s a good chance you have a Monstera adansonii if your houseplant is little and cute-looking.
Adansonii vines only grow between 2 and 6 meters in length (7 to 20 feet). Compared to the deliciosa, which has a 9-meter height, this is noticeably smaller (30 feet). In its natural environment, the deliciosa might possibly grow to a greater height. (Reference: Florida University)
However, you must keep in mind that plant growth and development might differ based on a number of circumstances.
Therefore, it may be easier to identify differences between two plants if they were growing at the same period and under similar circumstances.
Price
You most likely own a Monstera adansonii if you didn’t pay a significant amount of money for your plant.
Deliciosa is substantially more expensive than an adansonii. Deliciosa is offered for sale in the market in denominations of $20 to $100. Depending on the size and quantity of leaves of the plant, this price can potentially skyrocket.
Just by looking at the pricing, you may browse Amazon and attempt to separate the deliciosa from the adansonii, and vice versa.