We love Monstera, and we think you will too. It’s the perfect combination of tropical, funky, and decorative. Today I’m putting the spotlight on ten Monstera plant varieties you might never have heard of…well, that means there’s a chance you may have heard of one or two maybe? Anyway, feast your eyes on these gorgeous houseplants below!
We’ve put together a list of our top 10 Monstera plant varieties that we need in our lives.
Monstera Deliciosa
I love the Monstera Deliciosa. I mean, I really love this native South American species of Monstera –it’s a big deal.
Monstera Deliciosa is our favorite variety of Monstera. It has those big, gorgeous holey leaves that are so popular in nurseries and printed home decor right now. This is the most common variety of monstera we all know and love, and mostly what you’ll find when you go plant shopping.
Monstera deliciosa, the split-leaf philodendron or Swiss cheese plant, is a tropical plant often kept as a houseplant. This easy-to-grow climbing evergreen can be found in many designer spaces for its “wow” factor. Monstera deliciosa makes a statement with its glossy, heart-shaped split leaves. Growing fast, about 1 to 2 feet a year; it takes about three years to have a full-grown monstera.
It is hardy to USDA Zones 10 and 11 but can be grown outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 through 12. However, if you want to grow it outside, make sure you bring it inside when temperatures dip below 40 degrees F. If left outside during winter months when temperatures drop below freezing point, the plant will die completely until springtime when new growth emerges from the ground up or from an existing stem that did not freeze over the winter season during the dormancy period.
The plant does best in bright indirect sunlight but can tolerate low light conditions such as windowless rooms in your home or office space where most plants would not survive without being watered daily because this species requires less water than other
Monstera Borsigniana
If you’re looking to add some tropical flair to your home, consider getting a Monstera Borsigniana. This plant is a variation of deliciosa and might sell under the same name because it’s hard to distinguish between the two when they’re young. One way to tell is to look at the stem: deliciosas tend to ruffle, pucker, or form cute little bumps where the leaf attaches to the stem, but borsigniana does not. Borsigniana is also smaller and grows faster than deliciosa. Mature plants usually form two neat rows of holes/slits instead of growing holes in a more willy-nilly style like deliciosa.
If you do end up with one of these instead of a deliciosa, never fear! It can grow just as tall, almost as big, and a bit faster, and it’s still a stunning addition to your home.
Monstera Variegata
If you’re looking for a new addition to your home that’s sure to be a conversation starter, look no further than the variegated monstera.
Variegated monsteras aren’t separate plants; they’re simply plants with white or cream-colored leaves. Sometimes these plants even look painted with white paint. I personally love them!
The name “variegated” refers to plants that are patterned with white or cream color as well as green. These plants tend to be harder to find and are therefore much more expensive.
Many of the varieties on this list also come in a variegated form if you’re lucky enough to find them!
Monstera Adansonii
Monstera Adansonii is a bit smaller than the deliciosa, but the holes are still quite large! The holes tend to take up about 50% of the leaf.
These are fairly easy to find, but they’re also mislabeled as monstera obliqua (but true obliqua are extremely rare, so you can be assured that if you see this label in a nursery, you’re looking at a monstera adansonii). Adansonii also tends to have thicker, rougher leaves than obliqua.
If you are looking for a smaller plant with even more impressive leaves than the deliciosa, this is your best bet.
Monstera Pinnatipartita
These guys have very large, glossy leaves, but tend to grow slits, rather than holes, that go to the edge of the leaf. The leaf stems are stiff and sturdy and they have a gorgeous emerald-green color. These are a little harder to find, but you can usually source one or two online.
The Monstera Pinnatipartita is an excellent choice for your home or office if you’re looking for a plant that’s easy to care for and doesn’t need much sunlight.
Monstera Dubia
Monstera dubia is the perfect houseplant for lovers of lush, green foliage.
This monstera variety is characterized by small, heart-shaped leaves with both dark and light green coloration. It’s not variegated per se, but approaching it. It grows like a vine with shorter stems and leaves that grow closer to whatever the plant is climbing.
These are tricky to find, but if you do see one, snatch it up! This plant will quickly become one of your favorites—and make all your friends jealous when they come over.
Monstera Siltepecana
Monstera Siltepecana is a gorgeous monstera that you’ll want to add to your collection.
These monstera varieties have large, teardrop-shaped leaves with smaller holes concentrated around the central vein. The amount of dark and light green hues on this plant varies depending on how much sunlight it receives but usually appears lighter than other monsteras. These are harder to find, but if you can get your hands on one, it will be worth the effort!
Monstera Obliqua
Monstera Obliqua is a stunning plant that you won’t find in any nursery.
These monstera plant varieties are also very delicate and have only been spotted 17 times in their natural habitat (and not even in the wild). That makes it a scarce plant you might have to catch at a botanic garden if you’re lucky enough to spot it.
The leaves have holes rather than being made up entirely of leaf material, and those holes can take up 90% of each leaf! The leaves tend to be paper-thin, which makes this a very delicate plant.
Mini Monstera
The plant is not a true monstera but looks like a small monstera variant with large leaf holes on deep green foliage. It is one of the best Types of Monstera you can grow!
The Mini Monstera is a dwarf variety of monstera deliciosa, with leaves that are smaller than regular monsteras and more regularly shaped. The leaves are thick, glossy, and dark green. They have an irregular shape with deep holes in them.
Monstera epipremnoides ‘Esqueleto’
Monstera Esqueleto is a rare, amazing plant. It’s one of the most fascinating species in the Monstera genus.
In its younger stages, Monstera Esqueleto looks like a normal Monstera Adansonii. But wait—it gets better!
As it matures, Monstera Esqueleto goes through a crazy kind of transformation. The leaves tend to perforate much more, giving them an almost skeleton-like appearance. They’re also much larger than those of the young plants and have a beautiful marbling pattern throughout their dark green coloration.
Monstera plant varieties make for breathtaking tabletop décor in any indoor space. They are a unique option for adding the tropics to your home. We hope that you have enjoyed our top 10 Monstera varieties, and will explore our other content as well. Feel free to share this article with family, friends, co-workers, and anyone you see who could benefit from knowing about our favorite Monstera varieties.