Monstera Deliciosa Vs Monstera Adansonii – A Gardener’S Guide To Their

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Hello, fellow plant lover! Have you ever stood in a nursery, staring at two gorgeous leafy plants, both with captivating holes, and thought, “Wait… what’s the difference?” If so, you’re in the right place. It’s a common puzzle for even seasoned gardeners.

You see the iconic, jungle-vibe leaves of a Monstera and know you want one. But one has giant, elegant splits, while the other is covered in charming, delicate holes. They’re both stunning, but they are definitely not the same plant.

I promise that by the end of this friendly guide, you’ll not only be able to confidently tell these green cousins apart, but you’ll also understand their unique personalities. This will help you choose the perfect one for your home and give it the love it needs to thrive.

So, let’s settle the great monstera deliciosa vs monstera adansonii debate once and for all. We’ll explore their looks, how they grow, their specific care needs, and even troubleshoot some common problems together. Let’s get our hands dirty!

First Impressions: Telling Them Apart at a Glance

At first glance, both plants share the family trait of fenestration—that’s the fancy word for the natural holes and splits in their leaves. But the style of these fenestrations is your first and biggest clue. Think of it like a signature.

The Iconic Splits: Meet Monstera Deliciosa

This is the plant that likely comes to mind when you hear “Swiss Cheese Plant.” The Monstera deliciosa is famous for its large, leathery, heart-shaped leaves that develop deep splits as they mature.

These splits, or fenestrations, almost always start from the edge of the leaf and cut inwards, often not breaking through the central vein. A young deliciosa might have solid leaves, but with enough light and maturity, it will begin to produce its signature split-leaf pattern. It’s a bold, dramatic statement piece.

The Delicate Holes: Say Hello to Monstera Adansonii

Often called the “Swiss Cheese Vine,” the Monstera adansonii has a completely different take on fenestration. Its leaves are smaller, more delicate, and typically more elongated or heart-shaped than its famous cousin.

The key difference is that its fenestrations are fully enclosed holes, looking like someone took a hole punch to the leaf. These holes are scattered across the leaf surface, giving it a lacy, intricate appearance. You’ll notice that the leaf margins remain intact, which is a dead giveaway.

Growth Habits: The Climber vs. The Sprawler

Understanding how these two plants grow is crucial for deciding where to place them in your home. Their natural instincts are quite different, and giving them the right environment will lead to a much happier plant.

Deliciosa’s Upward Ambition

The Monstera deliciosa wants to be big. In the wild, it grows up the trunks of massive trees, and it brings that ambition into your home. It’s a sprawler and a climber that can easily take over a corner of a room, growing both up and out.

To see its full potential—including those massive, fenestrated leaves—it needs support. A sturdy moss pole or trellis is its best friend. This encourages it to grow vertically and helps it develop the mature leaves every plant parent dreams of. Think of it as a magnificent floor plant.

Adansonii’s Vining Charm

The Monstera adansonii, on the other hand, is a true vine. Its stems are much thinner and more flexible, making it an incredibly versatile decorator. It’s a natural-born climber but is equally happy to trail gracefully from a hanging basket or cascade down a bookshelf.

While it loves climbing a moss pole (which will encourage larger leaves), it doesn’t need one to look fantastic. Its more compact and manageable size makes it a perfect choice for smaller spaces where a giant deliciosa might not fit.

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The Definitive Monstera Deliciosa vs Monstera Adansonii Care Guide

Now for the most important part! While their basic needs are similar, understanding their subtle differences is key to success. This complete monstera deliciosa vs monstera adansonii care guide will provide the best practices for both.

Let There Be Light (But Not Too Much!)

  • Monstera Deliciosa: It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near an east-facing window is perfect. It can tolerate lower light, but you’ll notice slower growth and, crucially, fewer of those beautiful leaf splits.
  • Monstera Adansonii: It loves the same bright, indirect light. However, its thinner leaves can be a bit more sensitive to direct sun, which can cause scorching or brown crispy spots. Keep it out of harsh afternoon rays.

The Perfect Drink: Watering Wisely

Overwatering is the number one mistake I see gardeners make with these plants. Don’t worry—it’s an easy fix!

  1. Check the Soil: The best tool is your finger. Stick it about two inches into the soil. If it comes out dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, wait a few more days.
  2. Water Thoroughly: When you do water, give the plant a good soak until water runs out of the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball gets hydrated.
  3. Note the Nuance: The adansonii, with its thinner leaves and often faster growth, may dry out a little more quickly than the thick-leafed deliciosa. Just be sure to check both regularly.

Home Sweet Home: Soil and Potting

Both Monsteras are aroids, meaning they have aerial roots and love a chunky, airy soil mix that mimics the forest floor. A standard potting mix will be too dense and can lead to root rot.

Here’s a simple, eco-friendly monstera deliciosa vs monstera adansonii soil recipe I swear by:

  • 1 part high-quality, peat-free potting mix
  • 1 part orchid bark
  • 1 part perlite or pumice
  • A handful of horticultural charcoal (optional, but great for aeration)

This mix provides the perfect balance of moisture retention and drainage, keeping their roots happy and healthy. This approach to a sustainable monstera deliciosa vs monstera adansonii setup is better for your plants and the planet.

Feeding Your Leafy Friends

During the growing season (spring and summer), these plants are hungry! Feed them with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 2-4 weeks. In the fall and winter, you can cut back to feeding every 6-8 weeks or stop altogether as their growth slows down.

Common Problems with Monstera Deliciosa vs Monstera Adansonii (And How to Fix Them!)

Even the best gardeners run into issues. The key is to identify the problem early. Here are some of the most common problems with monstera deliciosa vs monstera adansonii and my go-to solutions.

“Why Are My Leaves Yellow?”

Yellow leaves are a plant’s way of crying for help. For both plants, the most common culprit is overwatering. The soil is staying too wet, and the roots can’t breathe. Always check the soil moisture before watering again!

For the more sensitive adansonii, yellowing can sometimes also be a sign of underwatering or a nutrient deficiency. It’s a bit more dramatic, so check your watering schedule and make sure you’re fertilizing during the growing season.

“Where Are My Holes?!” (Lack of Fenestration)

This is a frequent question from new deliciosa owners. If your plant isn’t developing splits, it’s almost always due to two things: age and light. A very young plant won’t have splits yet. Be patient! If your plant is mature enough, it’s begging for more light. Move it to a brighter (but still indirect) location and watch the magic happen.

Pesky Pests to Watch For

Both Monsteras can attract pests like spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs. Inspect your plants regularly, especially the undersides of leaves.

If you spot any, act fast! Isolate the plant and treat it with an eco-friendly option like insecticidal soap or a neem oil solution. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth can also help remove them.

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The Benefits of Monstera Deliciosa vs Monstera Adansonii: Which One is Right for You?

So, after exploring this comprehensive monstera deliciosa vs monstera adansonii guide, how do you choose? It all comes down to your space and your personal style.

Choose Monstera Deliciosa If…

  • You want a bold, dramatic statement plant to anchor a room.
  • You have plenty of floor space and bright, indirect light.

    • – You adore the iconic, deeply split-leaf look.

  • You have the patience to watch it mature and grow into a jungle giant.

Choose Monstera Adansonii If…

  • You’re looking for a versatile plant that can climb or trail.
  • You have limited space and need something for a shelf or hanging basket.
  • You are captivated by the intricate, lacy pattern of its holey leaves.
  • You want a fast-growing vine that quickly rewards you with new growth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monstera Deliciosa vs Monstera Adansonii

Is one easier to care for than the other?

Both are considered relatively easy-care plants, perfect for enthusiastic beginners! Some people find the Monstera deliciosa slightly more forgiving due to its thick, sturdy leaves. The Monstera adansonii can be a bit more expressive (e.g., wilting or yellowing faster) if its needs aren’t met, but it also tends to grow faster, which can be very rewarding.

Can you propagate these Monsteras?

Absolutely! Both are incredibly easy to propagate. Simply take a cutting that includes at least one node (the little bump on the stem where a leaf and aerial root grow) and place it in water or moist soil. In a few weeks, you’ll have a new plant to keep or share!

How fast do they grow?

In ideal conditions (good light, water, and humidity), the Monstera adansonii is generally the faster grower of the two, often unfurling a new leaf every couple of weeks during the growing season. The deliciosa grows at a more stately pace, focusing its energy on producing larger, more complex leaves over time.

Are they toxic to pets?

Yes, this is very important. Both Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Chewing on the leaves can cause irritation, swelling of the mouth, and vomiting. It’s best to keep these beauties out of reach of curious pets.

Your Monstera Journey Awaits

There you have it—the complete breakdown of monstera deliciosa vs monstera adansonii. One is a bold, statuesque showstopper, while the other is a charming and versatile vine. They may be cousins, but they each have a wonderfully unique personality.

The truth is, you can’t go wrong with either. Both bring a lush, tropical feel to any space and are incredibly rewarding to watch grow. Don’t be afraid to start—pick the one that speaks to your heart and your home.

Now that you have all the tips and knowledge, you’re ready to be a fantastic Monstera parent. Welcome to the club, and happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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