10 types of monstera

Even if you are not a plant lover, you have heard of Monstera plants, since they are popular houseplants. What many people do not know is that the genus has dozens of species. There are about 49 types of Monstera plants (see a list of all 49 species here), but you will only find a handful at your local nursery. Here is a closer look at 10 popular types of Monstera plants.

The best type of Monstera depends on your space, budget, and experience. Beginners do well with the classic large-leaf species, which is easy to find and forgiving. A smaller vining species with oval holes suits shelves and hanging baskets. Shingling climbers need a flat board or pole to climb. The rare species with lace-thin leaves cost a lot and need high humidity, so they suit seasoned collectors. Most types share the same basics: bright indirect light, steady moisture, good drainage, and support to climb.

Whichever type you choose, water with care. NC State Extension advises for Monstera deliciosa: “Water this plant thoroughly, then allow the top quarter to one-third part to dry between watering.” The same rule works for most of the species below. For more help, see this Monstera care guide, how much light a Monstera needs, and tips on repotting a Monstera.

1. Monstera deliciosa

The Monstera deliciosa has several nicknames. The best known is Swiss cheese plant, thanks to the holes in its large leaves. NC State Extension also lists it as split-leaf philodendron, even though it is not a philodendron. It is native from Mexico to Panama and has naturalized in other tropical places, including Hawaii.

The Monstera deliciosa can climb to about 70 feet in the wild, though it stays between 6 and 8 feet in most homes. Its glossy leaves can reach about 3 feet long. The holes and splits in mature leaves are called fenestrations, a trait many Monsteras share. In the right conditions, the plant flowers and produces an edible fruit that is said to taste like a cross between banana and pineapple. Indoors it seldom flowers or fruits.

2. Monstera adansonii

Monstera adansonii is also called a Swiss cheese plant because of the oval holes in its leaves. It is native to tropical rainforests from Mexico through Central and South America. With a trellis or moss pole, it reaches 3 to 8 feet tall indoors and 10 to 13 feet outdoors.

This plant is easy to care for and grows fast. Give it bright, indirect light and keep the soil from drying out all the way. Water when the top inch feels dry. It grows taller with something to climb, but it also works in a hanging basket.

3. Monstera obliqua

The Monstera obliqua is native to Central and South America. It is famous for leaves with so many large holes that there can be more empty space than leaf. It is rare, in high demand, and hard to find. Beware of adansonii plants labeled as obliqua!

You will not find it at a typical garden center or online plant shop. Expect to seek out a private grower or collector and pay a high price. This is not a plant for a collector on a budget.

Once you have one, keep it in high humidity. The thin leaves dry out and crumble fast in dry air. Many collectors grow it in a glass plant cabinet or other enclosed space.

4. Monstera dubia

The Monstera dubia is one of the lesser-known Monsteras. It is a shingling climber, which means young leaves lie flat against the tree or support it climbs. As it climbs into brighter light, the plant changes form and grows larger, split leaves.

Compared to the other Monsteras on this list, young plants have small, heart-shaped leaves with dark and light green patches. Give it a flat board or moss pole to shingle up, bright indirect light, and moist but well-drained soil.

5. Monstera borsigiana

Many people ask, is Monstera borsigiana the same as Monstera deliciosa? Some experts consider them the same, and list Monstera borsigiana as a synonym for Monstera deliciosa. Other experts consider Monstera borsigiana to be a subspecies or separate, related species of Monstera deliciosa, for instance, Monstera deliciosa var. borsigiana.

For those who treat them as distinct, the geniculum helps tell them apart. This is the part of the stem that widens where it meets the leaf. On mature Monstera deliciosa, the geniculum is wrinkled or ruffled, while on borsigiana types it is smooth.

These plants can grow well both indoors and outdoors, and if you give them support, they will climb with the help of aerial roots. You can stake them with a monstera moss pole. An average indoor plant only grows about six feet but they can grow taller in an outside environment.

Care is the same as for Monstera deliciosa. Water well, then let the top part of the soil dry before you water again, and water less in winter. Like other Monsteras, it is toxic to people and pets if eaten, so keep it out of reach of children, cats, and dogs.

6. Monstera peru

As the name suggests, Monstera sp. Peru comes from Peru. It needs warmth, high humidity, and bright, indirect light to thrive.

Monstera Peru, also sold as Monstera karstenianum (an unofficial name), is a climber with thick, puckered leaves. It does best with something to climb, but it also looks good in a hanging planter where the vines spill over the edge. Like other Monsteras, it is toxic to pets, so keep it away from curious cats and dogs.

7. Monstera pinnatipartita

The Monstera pinnatipartita is a rare climbing Monstera from tropical rainforests in South America. In the wild it can climb high into the trees over many years. As a houseplant it can reach about 6 feet in the right conditions. Give it a trellis or moss pole and it will climb.

Like Monstera deliciosa, its leaves start out whole and develop splits as the plant matures. This species tends to form deep splits rather than holes. It needs bright, indirect light, steady moisture, warm temperatures, and humidity. Let the top part of the soil dry before watering again. How often depends on temperature and light. Brown leaves can be a sign of overwatering.

8. Monstera acuminata

The Monstera acuminata is another shingling climber. It is native to Mexico and parts of Central America, including Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Young plants creep along the ground until they find something to climb.

In your home it stays small, often under 8 feet with support. Water when the top of the soil dries, and use a pot and mix that drain well.

9. Monstera standleyana

The Monstera standleyana is a flowering plant that can be found in Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and Costa Rica. They are known to be a rare, exotic Aroid climber. They can do well both inside and out. If you’re looking to grow them inside, they make a great addition to hanging planters.

These plants want bright, indirect light and well-drained soil, and they are toxic to pets. Water when the top of the soil starts to feel dry, and do not let it dry out all the way. Overwatering leaves the roots sitting in soggy soil, which leads to root rot. Make sure the roots get air.

10. Monstera siltepecana

Silver Monstera, Monstera siltepecana, gets its name from the silvery sheen on young leaves. Young plants have small, solid leaves. As the plant matures and climbs, the leaves turn darker green, grow larger, and can form the holes Monsteras are known for.

This plant does well in bright, indirect light to partial shade. It works in a hanging basket. Do not let the soil dry out all the way between waterings. For the best growth, give it something to climb.

Types of Monstera FAQ