Monstera has been a favourite indoor plant for some time, and if you haven’t considered adding one to your space, you’re likely in the minority. In the wild, Monstera grows as a climbing, evergreen vine found in tropical regions stretching from Mexico down to South America. Indoors, it thrives beautifully and stands out as a statement plant with its broad, uniquely split leaves.
Types of Monstera
Monstera plants come in many varieties, each adding its own unique beauty to any indoor space. Here are some of the most popular and eye-catching types:
Monstera deliciosa
The most well-known species, Monstera deliciosa, stands out for its bold, oversized leaves featuring deep splits and natural holes. Commonly called the “Swiss cheese plant,” it can reach up to 10 feet tall indoors with proper care, making it an impressive statement piece.
Monstera adansonii
Often called the Swiss cheese vine or five hole plant, Monstera adansonii has smaller, delicate leaves with oval-shaped perforations. Thanks to its vining growth, it looks stunning in hanging baskets or when trained up a moss pole, creating a graceful, lace-like effect. Care for Monstera adansonii is simple; just give it bright, indirect light, moderate watering, and a support structure to encourage healthy climbing.
Monstera borsigiana
A close relative of M. deliciosa, this species is sometimes confused with it but features slightly smaller leaves and grows at a faster pace. Its more compact size makes it easier to manage, while still offering the same lush and dramatic look.
Monstera Albo Variegata
Another treasured variety of Monstera deliciosa, the Albo Variegata displays bold patches or streaks of white and cream variegation across its leaves. With its rarity and dramatic beauty, it remains one of the most sought-after Monstera plants for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Monstera obliqua
It is one of the rarest and most delicate varieties. Monstera obliqua is famous for its paper-thin leaves with large, irregular holes. Although it resembles M. adansonii, it’s far more difficult to grow due to its sensitivity, making it a highly sought-after plant for serious collectors.
Monstera siltepecana
Commonly called the silver Monstera, this species is a trailing or climbing beauty with narrow leaves that shimmer with a silvery sheen. As the plant matures, the foliage often develops fenestrations, making it a graceful and versatile choice for plant lovers.
Monstera Dubia
One of the most fascinating species, Monstera dubia, grows in a unique shingling style, where its small, heart-shaped leaves press flat against a surface like a moss pole or tree trunk. With age, the leaves enlarge and develop fenestrations, giving the plant a striking transformation over time.
Monstera Pinnatipartita
This variety is admired for its deeply split, feather-like leaves, which become more lobed and hole-filled as the plant matures. Its intricate leaf structure creates a dramatic, tropical look, making it a prized addition for Monstera collectors.
Monstera Standleyana
Nicknamed the cobra plant, Monstera standleyana is a climbing type with long, slender leaves often splashed with white or cream variegation. The bold contrast of its dark green foliage makes it a standout feature in any room.
Monstera Lechleriana
A lesser-known but equally charming species, Monstera lechleriana produces elongated, heart-shaped leaves with irregular holes. Its trailing growth pattern makes it ideal for hanging baskets or climbing structures, such as trellises and moss poles.
Monstera Thai Constellation
A stunning variegated form of Monstera deliciosa, the Thai Constellation showcases creamy-white splashes and star-like speckles across its foliage. Its patterned leaves and striking color contrast have made it one of the most in-demand cultivars worldwide.
Monstera Subpinnata
With its finely divided, fern-like leaves, Monstera subpinnata adds a soft, textured look to indoor gardens. It thrives when given vertical support and makes a unique, eye-catching plant for any collection.
Monstera Friedrichsthalii
Often called Monstera karstenianum, this variety features small, heart-shaped leaves with bold veins and natural perforations. Its vining growth habit makes it a perfect pick for hanging baskets or training up climbing supports.
Monstera Peru
Also known as Monstera karstenianum ‘Peru’, this plant is admired for its thick, textured leaves with a quilted, dark green finish. Whether grown on a trellis or left to trail, it adds a rich and distinctive texture to any indoor plant display.
Monstera Esqueleto
Sometimes referred to as Monstera epipremnoides, this rare species hails from Central and South America. Its large, elongated leaves feature dramatic fenestrations and deep lobes, giving it a bold, tropical presence that makes it highly coveted among collectors.
