Although Monstera Deliciosa is the most widely-known houseplant in the Monstera family, there are numerous other varieties or types of Monstera available. Are you curious about the total number of Monstera varieties?
1. Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)
Monstera deliciosa is a tropical plant known for its large, heart-shaped leaves that are typically dark green in color and can have a leathery texture. However, while the leaves may appear soft to the touch when viewed from a distance, up close they may have a slightly rougher texture due to the presence of small bumps or ridges on the leaf surface. Additionally, the plant may produce aerial roots that can feel soft and pliable to the touch.
2. Monstera Adansonii (Swiss Cheese Vine)
Monstera adansonii, also known as the Swiss cheese vine plant, is a vine plant that typically has smaller and narrower leaves compared to Monstera deliciosa. The leaves of Monstera adansonii can be oval-shaped and have a waxy texture. The leaves contain large oval-shaped holes, which are also known as fenestrations. The fenestrations can take up a significant portion of the leaf surface area, but they typically remain closed (i.e., no slits) in Monstera adansonii. The shorter stems of Monstera adansonii can make the plant feel smaller overall compared to Monstera deliciosa.
3. Monstera Borsigiana
Monstera borsigiana is a closely related species to Monstera deliciosa and can often be difficult to distinguish between the two, especially when young. Monstera borsigiana typically has smaller leaves, thinner stems, and longer internodes than Monstera deliciosa. The leaves on Monstera borsigiana also tend to have more of a matte finish and may be slightly darker green in color.
4. Monstera Dubia
Monstera dubia is a climbing vine plant that is native to Central and South America. In its juvenile form, the plant typically has smaller heart-shaped leaves that feature a patterned light and dark green coloration. The leaves may also have a slightly glossy texture. As the plant grows, its leaves alternate between the left and right sides of the stem, which gives it a neat and tidy appearance. The leaves on Monstera dubia also tend to stay closer to the climbing surface compared to other Monstera species. Monstera dubia can reach maturity once it grows high enough to receive adequate light, at which point its leaves may grow larger, turn deep green, and develop fenestrations (holes). However, it is unlikely that a Monstera dubia grown as a houseplant will reach this level of maturity, as the plant’s growth may be restricted by the limited space and light available indoors.
5. Monstera Obliqua
Monstera obliqua is a rare and highly sought-after plant that is often confused with Monstera adansonii. However, the fenestrations (holes) in Monstera obliqua’s leaves are much larger and more pronounced compared to those of Monstera adansonii, giving the impression that there is more hole than leaf surface. The fenestration of Monstera obliqua can take up to around 90% of the leaf surface area. Another difference between the two species is the sturdiness of their leaves. Monstera adansonii’s leaves are generally thicker and sturdier compared to the delicate leaves of Monstera obliqua. However, when young, Monstera obliqua can be almost indistinguishable from Monstera adansonii as their fenestration is not fully developed yet. Monstera obliqua’s growth rate is slow, which further adds to its rarity and high demand. Like Monstera adansonii, Monstera obliqua grows as a vine.
6. Monstera Pinnatipartita
Monstera pinnatipartita is a plant species that is native to Central and South America. It has a more compact stem growth with shorter internode spacing compared to Monstera deliciosa, which means it grows less like a vine. The leaves of Monstera pinnatipartita are large, glossy, and deep green, and they are less heart-shaped than those of Monstera deliciosa. When mature, the leaves of Monstera pinnatipartita become highly fenestrated, with deep slits that run from the leaf edge all the way to the center. This gives the plant a distinctive palm-like appearance.
7. Monstera Siltepecana (Silver Monstera)
Monstera siltepecana is a small and fast-growing plant that is native to Mexico and Central America. It has silvery green leaves with distinctive silver veins and darker green coloring along its veins and edges, giving it a beautiful contrast. The leaf pattern of Monstera siltepecana is similar to that of Monstera dubia, but in contrast to the Dubia, Siltepecana’s leaves are longer and pointier at the tip. This variety has teardrop-shaped leaves and a full-leafed vine look, making it appear bushy with many leaves. Like Monstera adansonii, it grows as a vine. Once the plant matures, it will develop fenestration on its leaves, which tends to develop towards the center of the leaves. Additionally, Monstera siltepecana tends to lose its leaf coloring when it matures, transitioning to a deeper green color.
8. Monstera Karstenianum (Monstera Peru)
Monstera Karstenianum is a plant with small, leathery, glossy leaves, which have a thicker and wrinkled (or puckered) texture. The leaves are a dark shade of green, oval-shaped, and have a pointed end. One of the unique features of Monstera karstenianum is that its leaves have no fenestrations, which distinguishes it from other Monstera varieties. Instead, its leaves have a wavy or undulating margin, which adds to its overall ornamental appeal.
9. Monstera Acuminata (Shingle Plant)
Monstera Acuminata is often mistaken for Monstera Adansonii due to their similar appearance, but it is considered the smaller cousin because its leaves are smaller. One way to differentiate between the two is by the shape of Acuminata’s leaves, which are asymmetric with one side wider than the other. The wider side tends to have more fenestrations, but these holes do not develop until the plant is about a foot (0.3m) long. When young, Acuminata has heart-shaped leaves that are thick, roundish, and waxy, growing in two ranks and overlapping each other. This variety is known as a “shingle plant” because it grows flat against the surface of a tree when young, but can also grow vertically as it matures. As it grows and matures, its leaves become larger and more perforated, losing their attachment to the host tree’s trunk. The mature leaves are smoother and darker than those of Adansonii, with a length varying from 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25.4cm) and a width of 4 to 5 inches (10 to 12.7cm).
10. Monstera Esqueleto (Monstera Epipremnoides)
Esqueleto undergoes a significant transformation as it matures, but during its younger stage, it looks similar to Adansonii. The plant’s leaves are a dark shade of green and can grow up to 31 inches (78cm) in length and 17 inches (43cm) in width. They feature small perforations along the centre rib of the leaf, as well as larger holes that often extend from near the midrib to the edge of the leaf without breaking the margin. As the plant matures, its leaves become more fan-like and develop a droopy appearance. They also have a soft and floppy texture.
11. Monstera Standleyana (Five Holes Plant)
Monstera Standleyana has dark green, waxy leaves that are decorated with small creamy, white or yellow spots and streaks. Unlike the iconic heart-shaped leaves of Monstera Deliciosa, the leaves of Standleyana are long, narrow and lance-shaped, pointing upwards instead of hanging down. This variety does not develop fenestrations when reaching maturity, similar to Monstera Karstenianum.
12. Monstera Subpinnata
Monstera Subpinnata is a unique species of Monstera that showcases a distinct and extreme form of split-leaf fenestration, with its fanned-out foliage. It has pinnate foliage, which means that pairs of leaflets grow symmetrically on either side of the stem. In terms of appearance, it is similar to a mature Pinnatipartita, but the Subpinnata takes it to the next level with its palm-like foliage. The leaves of Subpinnata can grow up to 1 foot (0.3m) long and 8 inches (20.3cm) wide when mature, making it a visually striking plant.
13. Monstera Acacoyaguensis
Monstera Acacoyaguensis is initially characterized by its glossy green oval-shaped leaves, which appear leathery. As the plant grows, its leaves become larger and acquire oval-shaped fenestrations or holes. The leaves can grow up to 24 to 33 inches (60 to 84cm) long and 14 to 18 inches (35 to 45cm) wide. Although Monstera Acacoyaguensis may resemble a mature Monstera Adansonii, their fenestrations are distinct. Typically, Acacoyaguensis has perforations arranged in one or two rows.
14. Monstera Punctulata
Monstera Punctulata starts as a shingle plant when it’s a juvenile, meaning it grows flat against a surface and has a flattened stem that differs from its round and brown adult stem. The plant’s bright green leaves have white lateral veins and a soft texture. Once the plant matures, its leaves grow to be 23.6 to 47.2 inches (60 to 120cm) long and 13.8 to 23.6 (35 to 60 cm) wide, with an oval to oblong shape. The mature leaves feature both holes and slits, with some fenestrations extending to and breaking through the leaf’s outer edge. Additionally, the petiole becomes densely flecked with white spots as the plant ages.
15. Monstera Lechleriana
Monstera Lechleriana has large foliage similar to Adansonii, but its holes develop in the center of the leaves along the midrib. This variety has oval-shaped leaves that are leathery, glossy green, and have a pale underside. When mature, the leaves can reach 30 to 47 inches (0.8 to 1.2m) in length and 14 to 28 inches (35.6 to 71.1cm) in width.
16. Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata
Monstera Deliciosa Variegata is a popular cultivar that displays natural variegation caused by a genetic mutation. The patches of white or cream on its leaves can vary in size and pattern, making each plant unique. However, since the variegation is caused by a mutation, it’s not stable and can revert back to the original green form of the plant. The half-green and half-white leaves of this cultivar are often referred to as “Monstera half-moon” leaves, which is a highly sought after and prized feature among plant collectors.
17. Monstera Deliciosa Thai Constellation
One unique aspect of Monstera Thai Constellation is that its variegation is highly stable and passed on to new leaves as they grow. This cultivar is named after its creamy white patches resembling a starry sky, and most, if not all, of its leaves exhibit some type of variegation. This sets it apart from other variegated Monstera varieties, which often display both variegated and non-variegated leaves.
18. Monstera Borsigiana Albo Variegated
The leaves of Albo Borsigiana are relatively smaller than other variegated Monstera Deliciosa varieties. They are predominantly dark green with patches of white that are naturally occurring. The variegation on this variety is characterized by large patches of white on the leaves, which can be unstable and revert back to green.
19. Monstera Deliciosa Aurea (or Marmorata)
Monstera Aurea has a unique color combination of dark green and yellow, with variegations resembling those of a Golden Pothos plant. However, the variegation is less prominent compared to other variegated Monstera varieties and can occur on small patches of tissue or half of the leaf. Additionally, some leaves can develop without any variegation, and the variegation itself is unstable. Due to its rarity, Monstera Aurea is highly priced in the market.
20. Mint Monstera
The Mint Monstera, a unique variety of Monstera Deliciosa, features a stunning mint green colour mixed in with its typical dark green foliage. Unlike other variegated Monstera plants, the mint green variegation on this cultivar is not always consistent throughout the plant, and bright white variegation may also appear on the leaves. Interestingly, the Mint Monstera may initially exhibit traditional Albo-like variegation but gradually mature into the classic mint veining or show it when it reaches full maturity. This cultivar also features deep fenestrations, with only secondary fenestrations visible until the plant reaches maturity. Overall, the Mint Monstera is a striking plant that stands out among other Monstera varieties with its unique colouring and leaf patterns.
21. Monstera Karstenianum Variegata (Monstera Peru Variegata)
The variegation of Monstera Karstenianum Variegata is caused by a spontaneous cellular mutation, making it unstable. Its leaves are thick and dark green with cream to light green variegation in various patterns. This cultivar, like Monstera Peru, does not develop any fenestrations even as it matures.
Some of the Monstera species listed here are actually subspecies, and others (especially when talking about variegation) are cultivars.
