Types Of Monstera Plant – A Visual Guide For Every Home Gardener

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Walk into any plant shop or scroll through your favorite home decor feed, and you’ll likely be greeted by the iconic, split leaves of a Monstera Deliciosa. It’s a true superstar! But what if I told you that familiar “Swiss Cheese Plant” is just the opening act for a spectacular family of tropical wonders?

The world of Monsteras is vast and varied, filled with climbers, crawlers, and stunningly variegated beauties that can leave even seasoned gardeners a little star-struck. It can feel overwhelming trying to tell them apart, let alone choose one for your home.

Imagine confidently identifying a rare Monstera Dubia or explaining the difference between an Albo and a Thai Constellation to a friend. Picture finding the perfect, unique variety that not only elevates your space but thrives under your care, rewarding you with incredible new leaves.

You’re in the right place. In this complete types of monstera plant guide, we’ll journey through the most beloved and sought-after varieties. Get ready to meet your next leafy obsession!

Why Every Gardener Needs a Monstera (or Three!)

Before we dive into the specific varieties, let’s talk about why these plants have captured our hearts. The benefits of types of monstera plant go far beyond their good looks, making them a rewarding addition to any indoor garden.

  • Aesthetic Impact: Let’s be honest—they are living sculptures. Their dramatic leaves, whether split, holey, or painted with white, create an instant jungle vibe and a powerful design statement.
  • Air Purifiers: Like many houseplants, Monsteras are workhorses when it comes to improving air quality. They help filter common indoor pollutants, making your home a healthier, fresher space to breathe.
  • Easy-Going Nature: Don’t let their exotic appearance fool you! Many common Monsteras are surprisingly forgiving. They communicate their needs clearly, making them perfect for beginners who are still learning the ropes.
  • A Joy to Watch Grow: There is nothing quite like the thrill of seeing a new Monstera leaf unfurl. It’s a slow, dramatic process that connects you to the rhythm of nature right inside your home.

The Ultimate Guide to Popular Types of Monstera Plant

Ready to meet the family? Let’s start with the tried-and-true classics you’re most likely to encounter. These varieties are popular for a reason—they are relatively easy to find, care for, and offer that signature tropical look.

Monstera Deliciosa: The Classic Superstar

This is the Monstera. When someone says “Swiss Cheese Plant,” they’re almost certainly picturing M. deliciosa. Its large, heart-shaped leaves develop deep splits (fenestrations) from the edge as it matures.

Pro Tip: Give it plenty of bright, indirect light and a moss pole to climb. A happy, mature plant will reward you with massive, beautifully split leaves. It’s a true showstopper.

Monstera Borsigiana: The Deliciosa’s Climbing Cousin

Often sold interchangeably with the Deliciosa, the Borsigiana is technically a subspecies. The key difference? It has a faster, more vining growth habit, and the leaves are typically a bit smaller. You can spot it by the wrinkly “geniculum” (the little elbow joint where the leaf meets the stem).

Perfect For: Gardeners who want that classic look but have a bit less space, or those who want a plant that will eagerly climb a trellis or pole.

Monstera Adansonii: The Swiss Cheese Vine

If you love the holey look but want something a bit more delicate, meet M. adansonii. Instead of splits from the edge, its leaves are peppered with charming, oval-shaped holes. It has a vining habit, making it stunning in a hanging basket or trained up a small support.

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Don’t worry—it’s a fast grower! This is one of the most rewarding types of monstera plant for those who love to see quick progress.

Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma: The “Mini Monstera” Imposter

Okay, time for a little expert secret: this popular plant isn’t a true Monstera at all! Though it’s nicknamed the “Mini Monstera” for its split-leaf appearance, it belongs to a different genus. We include it here because it’s always part of the conversation.

Its small, deeply split leaves and vigorous climbing habit make it a fantastic, manageable alternative for those who can’t accommodate a giant Deliciosa.

For the Adventurous Collector: Rare and Variegated Monsteras

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you might feel the pull to find something a little more unique. These rare and variegated varieties are the crown jewels of the Monstera world, often commanding high prices and a bit more specialized care.

Monstera Deliciosa ‘Albo Variegata’: The Coveted Queen

The ‘Albo’ is famous for its stunning splashes of pure white variegation against deep green leaves. Each leaf is a unique work of art. The variegation is unstable, meaning it can revert to all green or produce all-white leaves (which can’t survive on their own).

Expert Care Tip: The white parts of the leaves cannot photosynthesize, so this plant needs more bright, indirect light than its all-green counterpart to stay healthy.

Monstera Deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’: The Starry Night Plant

Unlike the Albo, the ‘Thai Constellation’ has stable, creamy-yellow variegation speckled across its leaves like a starry sky. This variegation is bred into the plant’s tissue, so you don’t have to worry about it reverting. It’s generally considered a more stable and slightly easier grower than the Albo.

This is a fantastic entry point into the world of rare types of monstera plant.

Monstera Dubia: The Shingling Wonder

This is one of the most unique Monsteras! In its juvenile form, M. dubia is a shingling plant. Its small, heart-shaped leaves with silver markings lie completely flat against the surface it’s climbing, like shingles on a roof. As it matures and grows high enough, it will produce large, split leaves that look totally different!

Monstera Obliqua: The Mythical Unicorn

True Monstera obliqua is the holy grail for collectors. It is incredibly rare, delicate, and known for having more holes than leaves. Be cautious: many plants sold as ‘Obliqua’ are actually misidentified, heavily fenestrated M. adansonii. A real Obliqua is a true investment and a challenge to care for.

A Universal Monstera Care Guide: Best Practices for Thriving Plants

While each variety has its quirks, following a general types of monstera plant care guide will set you up for success. These are the foundational types of monstera plant best practices I’ve learned over years of growing.

Light: Finding the Sweet Spot

Monsteras thrive in bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight on a rainforest floor. A spot near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window is ideal. Too much direct sun will scorch their leaves.

Watering: The “Less is More” Approach

Overwatering is the number one mistake! Wait for the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out completely before watering thoroughly. Let the excess water drain away freely. In winter, you’ll need to water much less often.

Humidity & Soil: Recreating the Rainforest

These are tropical plants that love humidity. Grouping plants together, using a humidifier, or placing them in a naturally humid room like a bathroom can work wonders. Plant them in a chunky, well-draining soil mix. A blend of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark is a perfect DIY recipe.

Support: Giving Your Monstera a Reason to Climb

In the wild, most Monsteras are climbers! Providing a moss pole, trellis, or plank gives them something to attach their aerial roots to. This encourages them to grow upward and produce larger, more mature leaves with better fenestrations.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Monstera Ownership

Being a Greeny Gardener means thinking about our impact. You can easily apply sustainable types of monstera plant practices to your hobby.

One of the most eco-friendly types of monstera plant tips is to make your own soil mix using peat-free coco coir instead of peat moss, which is a non-renewable resource. Also, consider propagating your plants! It’s easy to take a cutting from a healthy Monstera, root it in water, and share it with a friend. This reduces the demand for mass-produced plants and spreads the green joy.

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Solving Common Problems with Types of Monstera Plant

Even the best of us run into trouble. Don’t panic! Here’s how to troubleshoot the most common problems with types of monstera plant.

Yellow Leaves: What Are They Telling You?

A single yellow leaf at the bottom of the plant is often just old age. However, multiple yellow leaves usually signal an issue. The most common culprit is overwatering. Check your soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. It can also be a sign of a nutrient deficiency.

No Fenestrations (Splits): The Waiting Game

A young Monstera won’t have splits—this is perfectly normal! Fenestrations develop with age and maturity. To encourage them, ensure your plant is getting enough bright, indirect light. Giving it a pole to climb also signals the plant that it’s mature enough to produce its iconic split leaves.

Pests to Watch For

Keep an eye out for common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. Inspect your plant regularly, especially the undersides of leaves. If you spot any, isolate the plant and treat it with a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monstera Plants

What is the easiest type of monstera plant for a beginner?

Hands down, the classic Monstera Deliciosa is the best starting point. It’s robust, forgiving of minor mistakes, and grows at a satisfying pace. The Monstera Adansonii is another fantastic and easy-to-find option for those who prefer a vining plant.

How can I make my Monstera leaves split?

The key factors are age, light, and support. Your plant needs to be mature enough to produce fenestrated leaves. Providing it with consistent, bright indirect light and a moss pole to climb will give it the signals it needs to develop those beautiful splits and holes.

Are Monstera plants toxic to pets?

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

How often should I repot my Monstera?

A good rule of thumb is to repot your Monstera every 1-2 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Choose a pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Repotting in the spring or summer during the active growing season is ideal.

Your Monstera Adventure Awaits!

From the humble Deliciosa to the regal Albo, there is truly a Monstera for every home, every personality, and every skill level. We’ve explored the most popular varieties, covered essential care tips, and tackled common problems.

Don’t be afraid to start. Pick the plant that speaks to you, give it a bright spot in your home, and enjoy the simple, profound reward of watching it grow. The journey of discovering all the different types of monstera plant is one of the most exciting parts of being a plant parent.

Happy planting, and may your home soon be a beautiful, thriving urban jungle!

Rimon Chowdhury
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