Plants That Look Like Monstera – 9 Stunning Alternatives For That

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Let’s be honest, we all love the iconic, fenestrated leaves of the Monstera Deliciosa. It’s the undisputed king of the modern indoor jungle. But what if you’re looking for something a little different? Maybe your space is too small for a full-grown Monstera, you want a plant that’s a bit more unique, or you’re just searching for an easier-care option with that same wild, tropical feel.

If you’re nodding along, you’ve come to the right place. As a fellow plant lover, I promise to guide you through the wonderful world of plants that look like monstera but have their own unique charm and personality.

In this complete guide, we’ll explore nine fantastic alternatives, dive into their specific care needs, and share some pro tips to help you pick the perfect leafy friend. Get ready to find your next favorite plant!

Why Look for Plants That Look Like Monstera?

The appeal of the Monstera is undeniable, but there are so many great reasons to explore its lookalikes. Understanding the benefits of plants that look like monstera can help you curate an indoor garden that truly fits your lifestyle and aesthetic.

For many, it comes down to a few key factors:

  • Space Constraints: A mature Monstera deliciosa can become, well, a monster! Its lookalikes often offer a similar vibe in a much more manageable size, perfect for apartments or smaller rooms.
  • Unique Aesthetics: While the Monstera is beautiful, it’s also very common. Choosing an alternative allows you to showcase a plant that’s a little more unusual and a great conversation starter.
  • Care Requirements: Some alternatives are significantly easier to care for, making them perfect for beginners who want that jungle look without the fuss.
  • Variety is Key: Building a diverse collection of plants with different textures and growth habits is part of the fun! Having several plants with that “split-leaf” look creates a lush, cohesive, and visually stunning indoor jungle.

Our Top 9 Plants That Look Like Monstera: A Complete Guide

Ready to meet the contenders? Here is a detailed list of my favorite alternatives. This plants that look like monstera guide will walk you through everything you need to know to help them thrive.

1. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma (The “Mini Monstera”)

This is probably the most popular and convincing Monstera doppelgänger out there. Despite its common name, it’s not a Monstera or a Philodendron at all! It belongs to a different genus but perfectly mimics the iconic split-leaf look in a smaller, vining package.

Its leaves are a vibrant green and develop their splits much earlier in life than a true Monstera, giving you that fenestrated look almost instantly. It’s a fast-growing climber that looks incredible on a moss pole or trellis.

Mini Care Guide:

  • Light: Bright, indirect light is its best friend. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves.
  • Water: Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. It doesn’t like to stay soggy.
  • Soil: A well-draining, chunky aroid mix is perfect.
  • Pro Tip: Give it something to climb! Providing a moss pole will encourage larger, more fenestrated leaves much faster. It’s a game-changer for this plant.

2. Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Cebu Blue’

Here’s a plant that offers a beautiful transformation. As a juvenile, the ‘Cebu Blue’ has lovely, silvery-blue lance-shaped leaves. It’s beautiful in its own right, but the real magic happens with maturity.

As this vining plant climbs and gets plenty of bright light, its leaves will morph, growing much larger and developing deep splits, looking remarkably like a Monstera. It’s a patient gardener’s reward and a truly stunning specimen.

Mini Care Guide:

  • Light: Needs bright, indirect light to encourage mature, splitting leaves. Lower light will keep it in its juvenile form.
  • Water: A classic Pothos relative, it prefers to dry out a bit between waterings.
  • Soil: Standard, well-draining potting mix works great.
  • Pro Tip: The key to fenestration is vertical climbing. If you let it hang, the leaves will likely stay small and unsplit. A tall moss pole is essential for the transformation.

3. Amydrium medium ‘Silver’

For those who want something truly unique and exotic, the Amydrium medium ‘Silver’ is a showstopper. This rare aroid has incredible texture, with crinkly, crocodile-like skin and a stunning silver sheen.

Its deeply lobed, palm-like leaves give it a prehistoric, jungle-like feel that definitely echoes the Monstera vibe, but with a completely different flair. It’s a fast-growing climber that will definitely turn heads.

Mini Care Guide:

  • Light: Prefers medium to bright indirect light.
  • Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It appreciates a bit more moisture than a Pothos.
  • Soil: A chunky, airy aroid mix to provide good oxygen flow to the roots.
  • Pro Tip: This plant is a bit of a drama queen when it gets thirsty. Watch for the leaves to slightly droop—that’s your signal to water immediately!

4. Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’

While it doesn’t have the classic Monstera splits, the ‘Florida Ghost’ brings the drama with its incredible, multi-lobed leaves. The reason it’s on this list is the overall impact—it creates that same large, architectural, jungle-canopy feel.

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What makes it truly special is that new leaves emerge a ghostly white or minty green before slowly maturing to a deep green. A single plant can have leaves of multiple colors at once!

Mini Care Guide:

  • Light: Bright, indirect light is crucial for maintaining the bright coloration of new leaves.
  • Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
  • Soil: A well-aerated aroid mix is a must.
  • Pro Tip: Don’t worry—these flowers are perfect for beginners! Despite its exotic look, it’s a relatively forgiving Philodendron. Just give it good light and watch the magic happen.

5. Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (Split-Leaf Philodendron)

This is the plant most often confused with a Monstera! For decades, it was classified as a Philodendron, but botanists recently gave it its own genus, Thaumatophyllum. It has huge, deeply lobed (but not holey) leaves with frilly, ruffled edges.

Unlike the vining Monstera, this plant grows from a central, trunk-like stem, giving it a more tree-like appearance as it matures. It delivers a massive tropical punch and fills a space beautifully.

Mini Care Guide:

  • Light: Can handle a bit more light than a Monstera. Bright, indirect light is ideal, but it can tolerate a few hours of gentle morning sun.
  • Water: It’s a thirsty plant. Water generously during the growing season, allowing the top soil to dry slightly.
  • Soil: A rich, well-draining soil mix.
  • Pro Tip: As it grows, it will drop its lower leaves, revealing a cool, patterned trunk. This is normal! Don’t panic when you see an old leaf yellowing and falling off.

6. Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia)

Looking for a Monstera vibe that can potentially live outside? Meet the Japanese Aralia. This lush shrub has large, glossy, dark green leaves that are deeply lobed, resembling giant hands.

While the texture is different, the large, dramatic foliage provides a very similar aesthetic. It’s a fantastic, easy-care houseplant and can even be grown outdoors in shaded spots in zones 8-10.

Mini Care Guide:

  • Light: Prefers medium, indirect light or shade. It does not like direct sun.
  • Water: Keep the soil consistently moist. It will droop dramatically when thirsty.
  • Soil: Any standard, good-quality potting soil will do.
  • Pro Tip: This plant is a magnet for spider mites indoors. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth regularly to keep them clean and pest-free.

7. Epipremnum aureum (Pothos) – Mature Form

This might be a surprise! We all know and love the common Pothos with its heart-shaped leaves. But did you know what happens when it’s allowed to climb and mature? It completely transforms.

Given a tall moss pole and ideal conditions, a Golden Pothos will produce massive, deep green leaves that can be over a foot long and develop deep splits, looking shockingly similar to a Monstera. This is one of the ultimate plants that look like monstera tips for the patient gardener.

Mini Care Guide:

  • Light: Bright, indirect light is non-negotiable for maturation.
  • Water: Standard Pothos care—let it dry out between waterings.
  • Soil: A standard potting mix is fine.
  • Pro Tip: This process takes time and dedication. Keep the moss pole consistently moist to encourage the aerial roots to attach and trigger the leaf maturation.

8. Philodendron bipennifolium (Horsehead Philodendron)

The Horsehead Philodendron has uniquely shaped leaves that, as the name suggests, resemble a horse’s head. While the shape is distinct, its large size, glossy finish, and vining habit hit all the right notes for a tropical, Monstera-like feel.

It’s a vigorous climber that adds a touch of the exotic to any collection. The leaves have a beautiful, leathery texture and a deep green color that serves as a perfect backdrop for other plants.

Mini Care Guide:

  • Light: Thrives in medium to bright, indirect sunlight.
  • Water: Allow the top half of the soil to dry out before watering again.
  • Soil: Prefers a chunky, well-draining aroid mix.
  • Pro Tip: The leaves will grow larger and more defined if you give it a pole to climb. Without support, it tends to produce smaller leaves and a more sprawling vine.

9. Monstera adansonii (Swiss Cheese Vine)

Okay, this one is technically a Monstera, but it’s a fantastic alternative to its giant cousin, the deliciosa. The Adansonii, or Swiss Cheese Vine, stays much smaller and has leaves that are more hole than split, giving it a delicate, lacy appearance.

It’s a fast-growing vine that can be grown in a hanging basket or trained up a small trellis. It delivers that signature “holey” look in a form factor that’s perfect for any space.

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Mini Care Guide:

  • Light: Bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun will cause yellowing.
  • Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. It’s prone to yellow leaves if overwatered.
  • Soil: A well-draining potting mix is essential.
  • Pro Tip: This plant is incredibly easy to propagate! Just take a cutting with a node and place it in water. You’ll have a new plant to share in just a few weeks.

Common Problems with Plants That Look Like Monstera (And How to Fix Them!)

Even the easiest plants can run into trouble. Here are some common problems with plants that look like monstera and my simple, go-to solutions.

Yellowing Leaves: The Classic Cry for Help

This is almost always a watering issue. If the leaves are yellow and mushy, you’re likely overwatering. Let the soil dry out more between waterings. If they are yellow and crispy, you might be underwatering or the plant is getting too much direct sun.

Pesky Pests: Spider Mites and Thrips

Aroids can be susceptible to pests like spider mites (look for fine webbing) and thrips (look for tiny black specks and silvery leaf damage). The best defense is a good offense. Regularly wipe down leaves and, at the first sign of pests, treat with an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.

Leggy Growth and Small Leaves

If your vining plant is producing long stems with small leaves spaced far apart, it’s begging for more light. This is called etiolation. Move it to a brighter location to encourage fuller, more compact growth and larger leaves.

Choosing Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Monstera Alternatives

Being a green gardener is about more than just having plants. Following eco-friendly plants that look like monstera best practices is easy and rewarding. Here are a few ideas:

  • Propagate and Share: The most sustainable plant is one you get for free! Many of these plants, like Pothos and Rhaphidophora, are incredibly easy to propagate from cuttings. Trade with friends to expand your collection without the carbon footprint.
  • Shop Local: Support local nurseries and greenhouses. This reduces shipping distances and supports your local economy.
  • Use Peat-Free Soil: Peat moss harvesting is environmentally destructive. Look for sustainable alternatives like coco coir, compost, and orchid bark to create your own aroid mixes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plants That Look Like Monstera

Which Monstera lookalike is the easiest to care for?

For a true beginner, the Rhaphidophora tetrasperma (“Mini Monstera”) is a fantastic choice. It’s forgiving, grows fast, and provides that split-leaf look very quickly. A mature Golden Pothos is also incredibly resilient.

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

The two magic ingredients are maturity and light. Most plants won’t produce fenestrated leaves until they reach a certain age. Providing them with ample bright, indirect light and, for vining species, a support to climb will significantly speed up this process.

Are these plants toxic to pets?

Yes, almost all plants on this list (as members of the Araceae family) contain calcium oxalate crystals. They are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing irritation of the mouth and stomach. It’s best to keep them out of reach of curious pets.

Your Indoor Jungle Awaits!

The iconic Monstera leaf is a beautiful thing, but the world of tropical plants is vast and full of incredible alternatives. Whether you choose the fast-growing “Mini Monstera,” the elegant ‘Cebu Blue’, or the dramatic Split-Leaf Philodendron, you’re bringing a piece of the wild, beautiful jungle into your home.

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Each of these plants offers a unique journey and a rewarding experience. Pick the one that speaks to you, give it the right care, and watch it transform your space.

Happy planting, and may your indoor jungle thrive!

Rimon Chowdhury
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