Plants Similar To Monstera – 11 Gorgeous Alternatives To Get That

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Let’s be honest, we all have a special place in our hearts for the iconic Monstera deliciosa. Its dramatic, split leaves can turn any corner of a room into a lush, tropical statement. But what if you don’t have the space for a plant that wants to take over your living room? Or maybe your windows don’t offer that perfect, dappled sunlight it craves. Or perhaps you’re just ready to explore something a little different!

If you’re nodding along, I have some fantastic news for you. The world of houseplants is brimming with stunning options that offer that same wild, fenestrated charm. I promise that by the end of this guide, you’ll have a list of new green friends to seek out, each with its own unique personality and beauty.

In this complete plants similar to monstera guide, we’ll explore 11 incredible alternatives, dive deep into a simple care routine that works for most of them, and troubleshoot a few common hiccups along the way. Get ready to expand your indoor jungle!

Why Look for Plants Similar to Monstera? Unpacking the Benefits

While the Monstera deliciosa is a showstopper, there are plenty of great reasons to branch out. Exploring alternatives isn’t about replacing a classic; it’s about diversifying your green family and finding the perfect fit for your home and lifestyle.

One of the biggest benefits of plants similar to monstera is variety in size and growth habit. Some alternatives, like the Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, offer a similar look in a much more compact, manageable package—perfect for smaller apartments or shelves.

Lighting is another key factor. While many of these plants share a love for bright, indirect light, some are slightly more tolerant of lower light conditions, giving you more placement options. You might also be looking for a plant that’s a bit more budget-friendly or easier to find at your local nursery.

Finally, there’s the simple joy of discovery! Growing a less common plant can be incredibly rewarding. It’s a chance to learn new things and have a unique specimen that makes your collection truly stand out.

Our Top 11 Plants Similar to Monstera: Your Complete Guide

Ready to meet your new potential plant baby? Here are my favorite plants that capture that glorious Monstera essence, from common lookalikes to some more unique choices. I’ve included some of my best plants similar to monstera tips for each one!

1. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma (‘Mini Monstera’)

This is the most popular Monstera alternative for a reason! Despite its nickname, it’s not a Monstera or a Philodendron at all. It’s a fast-growing vining plant from the Araceae family with beautiful, small split leaves that look just like a miniature Monstera deliciosa.

Why it’s a great alternative: It gives you the iconic split-leaf look in a much smaller, faster-growing, and more manageable size. Perfect for trellises and moss poles.

Pro Tip: This plant loves to climb. Give it a moss pole or trellis early on, and you’ll be rewarded with larger leaves and more dramatic splits much faster.

2. Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (Split-Leaf Philodendron)

Often confused with Monstera deliciosa, this plant (formerly known as Philodendron selloum) is a magnificent beast in its own right. Its leaves are deeply lobed rather than fenestrated, creating a frilly, jungle-like explosion of green. It grows in a self-heading, shrub-like form instead of vining.

Why it’s a great alternative: If you want a large, dramatic floor plant with a tropical vibe but a different texture and growth style, this is your guy. It fills a space with incredible presence.

Pro Tip: Rotate this plant every week or two. Its large leaves will actively grow toward the light, and regular rotation ensures it maintains a full, balanced shape instead of becoming one-sided.

3. Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Cebu Blue’

Patience is a virtue with this beautiful plant. As a juvenile, its leaves are small, silvery-blue, and arrow-shaped. But give it time and something to climb, and it undergoes a stunning transformation. The mature leaves grow much larger, turn a deeper green, and develop elegant splits.

Why it’s a great alternative: It offers a two-for-one deal—beautiful, shimmery foliage when young and dramatic fenestrations as it matures. It’s a rewarding long-term project.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to give it a haircut! Pruning the vines encourages fuller growth at the base and gives you plenty of cuttings to propagate for new plants.

4. Monstera adansonii (Swiss Cheese Vine)

Okay, this one is technically a Monstera, but its look and feel are totally different from its famous cousin. This vining plant features heart-shaped leaves that are more hole than leaf! It’s a fast-growing, trailing plant that’s perfect for hanging baskets or climbing a moss pole.

Why it’s a great alternative: It satisfies the craving for fenestrations but in a delicate, vining form. It’s incredibly easy to care for and propagates like a dream.

Pro Tip: If the leaves on your Adansonii are small, it’s likely asking for more light. Move it to a spot with brighter, indirect sun to encourage larger, healthier foliage.

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5. Amydrium medium ‘Silver’

For the more adventurous plant parent, the Amydrium is a showstopper. This rare aroid has stunning, silvery-green leaves with a unique, almost reptilian texture. As it matures, the leaves develop deep, dramatic splits that are truly breathtaking.

Why it’s a great alternative: It provides an exotic, high-end look that will be the crown jewel of any collection. The color and texture are unlike anything else.

Pro Tip: This plant is sensitive to wet feet. Ensure your potting mix is extra chunky and airy—use plenty of orchid bark and perlite—to prevent root rot.

6. Philodendron ‘Mayoi’

This is a lesser-known but absolutely stunning Philodendron. Its deep green, glossy leaves have multiple deep lobes that give it a palm-like or snowflake-like appearance. It’s a climbing variety that looks incredible when given vertical support.

Why it’s a great alternative: The unique leaf shape is a fantastic conversation starter. It offers a sophisticated, elegant take on the split-leaf trend.

Pro Tip: The Mayoi’s thin leaves can sometimes get stuck while unfurling. A gentle mist of water or a brief increase in ambient humidity can help them emerge perfectly.

7. Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’

While the fenestrations are more subtle, the leaf shape of the Florida Ghost is undeniably dramatic and reminiscent of a Monstera’s lobes. Its real claim to fame is its new growth, which emerges a ghostly white or minty green before slowly maturing to a deep green.

Why it’s a great alternative: It combines an interesting leaf shape with the excitement of color-changing foliage. It’s a collector’s plant that’s surprisingly easy to care for.

Pro Tip: The amount of white on new leaves is directly related to light. More bright, indirect light will result in ghostlier new growth!

8. Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia)

Looking for a non-aroid option that can even handle cooler temperatures? The Japanese Aralia is your answer. It has large, glossy, hand-shaped leaves that are deeply lobed, giving it a very tropical feel. It’s a robust, shrubby plant that’s quite forgiving.

Why it’s a great alternative: It’s a hardy, easy-care plant that offers a similar visual impact and can even be grown outdoors in many climates. It’s also generally considered non-toxic to pets, unlike aroids.

Pro Tip: Fatsia is prone to spider mites. Wipe down the large leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to keep them clean, glossy, and pest-free.

9. Schefflera actinophylla (Umbrella Tree)

The Umbrella Tree gets its name from its large, compound leaves, which consist of several leaflets radiating from a central point, much like the spokes of an umbrella. This creates a lush, full canopy with a silhouette similar to a large, multi-lobed leaf.

Why it’s a great alternative: It’s an incredibly resilient and fast-growing plant that quickly becomes a statement tree. It’s a great choice for filling a bright, empty corner.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to prune your Schefflera! If it gets too tall and leggy, you can chop the top off. This will encourage it to branch out and become much bushier and fuller.

10. Epipremnum aureum (Golden Pothos)

This might seem like an odd choice, but hear me out! While the juvenile Pothos we all know and love has simple heart-shaped leaves, a Pothos that is allowed to climb a tree (or a large moss pole) in very bright light will mature spectacularly. Its leaves can grow enormous and develop deep splits, looking remarkably like a Monstera.

Why it’s a great alternative: It’s the ultimate beginner-friendly, long-term project. You can enjoy its easy-care trailing nature now, with the exciting potential for mature, fenestrated leaves down the road.

Pro Tip: To encourage maturation, use a real moss pole (not coir) that you can keep consistently moist. The aerial roots will grow into the moss, signaling the plant that it’s time to size up.

11. Syngonium podophyllum (Arrowhead Plant)

Similar to the Pothos, the Arrowhead Plant undergoes a dramatic change with age and climbing. The juvenile arrow-shaped leaves eventually morph into multi-lobed structures with three, five, or even more “fingers,” giving it a distinct split-leaf appearance.

Why it’s a great alternative: It comes in a huge variety of colors (from green to pink to white) and is another easy-care plant that rewards good culture with a stunning transformation.

Pro Tip: If you want it to mature and split, you must give it something to climb. If you prefer the classic arrowhead shape, just keep it in a hanging basket or trim it regularly to prevent it from vining.

A Simple Plants Similar to Monstera Care Guide

Thinking about how to plants similar to monstera? You’re in luck! Most of the aroids on this list share similar care requirements. Don’t worry—these plants are perfect for building your confidence!

Getting the Light Just Right

The magic phrase is bright, indirect light. Imagine the dappled sunlight on a rainforest floor. An east-facing window is perfect, as is a spot a few feet back from a south or west-facing window. Too much direct sun will scorch their leaves.

The Secret to Perfect Watering

Overwatering is the number one enemy! The best method is to wait until the top 2-3 inches of soil are completely dry, then give the plant a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage hole. Then, let it dry out again. Never let them sit in a saucer full of water.

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Soil and Feeding for a Thriving Plant

These plants need a chunky, airy, well-draining soil mix. A standard potting mix with lots of added perlite and orchid bark is a perfect DIY recipe. Feed them with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 2-4 weeks during the spring and summer growing season.

Common Problems with Plants Similar to Monstera (and How to Fix Them!)

Even the best gardeners run into issues. Here are some common problems with plants similar to monstera and my simple solutions.

  • Yellowing Leaves: This is almost always a sign of overwatering. Check the soil! If it’s soggy, let it dry out completely before watering again. If it’s a consistent problem, you may need to repot into a better-draining soil mix.
  • Brown, Crispy Edges: Your plant is thirsty for more humidity! Group your plants together, use a pebble tray, or run a small humidifier nearby. This can also be a sign of underwatering, so check your watering routine.
  • Pesky Pests: Check the undersides of leaves regularly for pests like spider mites or mealybugs. If you spot any, isolate the plant and treat it by wiping the leaves with a cloth dipped in a solution of water and a few drops of dish soap, or use a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
  • Why Aren’t My Leaves Splitting?: This is the big question! The answer is usually a combination of two things: age and light. Most plants need to reach a certain level of maturity before they produce fenestrated leaves. Giving them more bright, indirect light and a pole to climb will significantly speed up this process. Be patient!

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Choices: Best Practices

Being a greeny gardener means caring for our plants and our planet. Embracing sustainable plants similar to monstera is easy with a few mindful habits. These are some of my favorite plants similar to monstera best practices.

First, propagate! Most of these plants are incredibly easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Instead of buying a new plant, take a cutting from a friend’s plant (with permission, of course!) or share your own. It’s a wonderful, eco-friendly plants similar to monstera practice that reduces waste and builds community.

Consider your soil. Many standard potting mixes contain peat moss, which is harvested from sensitive peat bog ecosystems. Look for peat-free or “coco coir” based potting mixes as a more sustainable alternative.

Finally, shop local when you can. Supporting local nurseries reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping plants long distances and often means you’re getting a plant that’s already well-acclimated to your local environment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monstera Alternatives

Which Monstera alternative is best for beginners?

For a true beginner, I’d recommend the Monstera adansonii or the Rhaphidophora tetrasperma. Both are very fast-growing, which provides quick feedback and gratification, and they are quite forgiving when it comes to minor care mistakes.

Are these plants toxic to pets like Monsteras are?

Yes, for the most part. The majority of the plants on this list are aroids, which contain calcium oxalate crystals. These can cause irritation and swelling if ingested by cats or dogs. If you have curious pets, a great non-aroid alternative is the Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia), which is generally considered non-toxic.

How can I encourage my plant’s leaves to split?

The trifecta for fenestration is Light, Maturity, and Support. Ensure your plant is getting several hours of bright, indirect light daily. Be patient as it grows and matures. Most importantly, give vining species a moss pole or trellis to climb. This mimics their natural environment and signals them to produce larger, mature, split leaves.

Ready to Grow Your Jungle?

The iconic Monstera deliciosa will always be a star, but the world of houseplants is vast and full of incredible variety. Exploring plants that offer a similar aesthetic is a fantastic way to stretch your gardening skills, discover new favorites, and create an indoor jungle that is uniquely yours.

Whether you choose the fast-climbing Mini Monstera or the elegant, mature Cebu Blue, you’re embarking on a rewarding journey. Don’t be afraid to experiment, have fun, and watch your collection grow.

Happy planting, and may your home be ever green!

Rimon Chowdhury
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