Types of Monstera Plants: Popular Varieties from Deliciosa to Adansonii & Beyond

59 species. That's how many monstera varieties exist.

Most plant parents only know two. Maybe three.

But each type has different leaf shapes, growth habits, and care needs. Picking the wrong one means frustration. The right one? A statement piece that thrives for years in your home.

Whether you're browsing monstera plants for your collection or figuring out which type you already own, this breakdown covers every variety worth knowing.

How to Tell Monstera Varieties Apart (Quick Visual Guide)

Not all monstera leaves look the same. Far from it.

The splits, holes, size, and texture change dramatically between species. And here's what trips most people up: juvenile leaves look completely different from mature ones. So a baby Deliciosa can look like a totally different plant than an adult.

Here's what to look for:

Those are the three most common types. But there's a lot more to explore.

The Most Popular Types of Monstera Plants for Indoor Growing

Let's break down each variety. What makes it special, what it needs, and whether it's right for your space.

Monstera Deliciosa (The Classic Swiss Cheese Plant)

This is the one everyone recognizes. Those massive split leaves showing up in home decor magazines and Instagram feeds? Deliciosa.

It grows fast. Seriously fast. Give it a bright spot and a moss pole, and you'll see a new leaf every few weeks during summer.

What makes it special:

• Leaves can reach 90 cm across when mature
• Develops dramatic fenestrations (splits and holes) with age
• Produces edible fruit in the wild (hence "deliciosa")
• One of the easiest monstera to keep alive

The catch? It gets big. Really big. Plan for a plant that needs floor space and vertical room to climb. Perfect for corners with bright indirect light.

If you're new to monstera, start here. Check out the Monstera Siltepecana for something more compact.

Monstera Adansonii (Swiss Cheese Vine)

Smaller. Faster. More holes.

Adansonii is the vining cousin of Deliciosa. Its leaves are covered in oval perforations that take up nearly half the leaf surface. But unlike Deliciosa, those holes never reach the leaf edges.

It trails beautifully from shelves. Or climbs a moss pole with enthusiasm. Your choice.

Best for:

• Hanging baskets and elevated shelves
• Small apartments (stays compact)
• Plant parents who want fast, visible growth

Adansonii gets confused with Monstera Obliqua constantly. But Obliqua is insanely rare. If you see it at a garden centre, it's Adansonii. Always.

Monstera Siltepecana (Silver Monstera)

This one's different. No holes on the juvenile leaves. Instead, you get a stunning silvery blue sheen with dark green veining. Like someone dusted the leaves with silver paint.

Here's the cool part. As the plant matures and starts climbing, the leaves change completely. They develop fenestrations similar to Adansonii. So you basically get two looks from one plant.

We carry the Monstera Siltepecana in our collection if you want to add this unique variety to your space.

Monstera Thai Constellation (The Trending Variegated Star)

2025 was declared the "Year of the Monstera" by the National Garden Bureau. And Thai Constellation is leading the charge.

Every leaf is speckled with creamy white and yellow variegation. No two leaves look the same. It's basically living art.

Why it's trending:

• Stable variegation (tissue-cultured, won't revert)
• Each leaf is unique
• Prices have dropped significantly since mass tissue culture began

But. Slower growth than standard Deliciosa. And the white sections can't photosynthesize. So it needs brighter light to compensate. Worth the extra attention? Absolutely.

Monstera Borsigiana (Deliciosa's Smaller Sibling)

Here's where it gets confusing.

Borsigiana looks almost identical to Deliciosa when young. Many nurseries sell them interchangeably. But Borsigiana grows slightly smaller, slightly faster, and has subtle stem differences at the nodes.

Does it matter? Not really for most plant parents. Both need the same care. Both look gorgeous. If you get one labelled Deliciosa and it stays a bit smaller, you might have a Borsigiana. No big deal.

Monstera Obliqua (The Ultra-Rare Collector's Dream)

More hole than leaf. Literally.

Obliqua leaves are paper-thin with fenestrations covering up to 90% of the surface. They look unreal. Because they practically are, for most of us.

This species has been spotted only 17 times in the wild. It needs 85%+ humidity and extremely careful handling. It's a terrarium plant, not a living room plant.

If a garden store sells you an "Obliqua" for $30, you've got an Adansonii. The real thing sells for hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars.

Monstera Care Comparison: What Each Variety Needs

All monstera share similar basics. Bright indirect light. Well-draining soil. Water when the top few inches dry out. But the details vary. Understanding your plant light requirements makes all the difference.

Notice something? Most monstera are beginner-friendly. Don't overthink it. Master indoor plant watering basics and you're 80% of the way there.

Which Monstera Variety Is Right for You?

Depends on three things. Your space, your experience, and your patience.

Starting a collection? Grab a Monstera bundle and get multiple varieties at once. Way more fun than picking just one.

5 Mistakes New Monstera Owners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Overwatering in Winter

Canadian winters are brutal for monstera. Not because of cold. Because of overwatering.

Your plant's growth slows way down. But most people keep watering at summer frequency. Result? Root rot. Every time.

Check the soil first. Always. If wet after 10 days, wait longer.

Too Little Light for Variegated Types

Thai Constellation and Albo varieties need more light than green monstera. Those white leaf sections produce zero energy from photosynthesis.

Stick variegated types within 1-2 metres of a bright window. East or south-facing works best.

No Support Structure

Monstera are climbers. In the wild, they scale trees. Without a moss pole or trellis, your plant grows leggy and the leaves stay small.

Add a pole early. You'll get bigger leaves and a fuller plant. Simple as that.

Buying "Obliqua" at a Garden Centre

It's not Obliqua. It's Adansonii. Save yourself the disappointment (or the inflated price).

Real Obliqua has paper-thin leaves and needs terrarium conditions. If it's sitting on a shelf at your local nursery, it's Adansonii. Still a beautiful plant though.

Ignoring Humidity in Heated Homes

Forced air heating drops Canadian home humidity below 30% in winter. Most monstera prefer 50-60%.

Group your plants together. Use a pebble tray. Or invest in a humidifier. Misting doesn't really help, despite what you've heard.

Monstera Deliciosa vs Adansonii: Which Should You Pick?

This is the comparison everyone searches. So let's settle it.

Deliciosa is the statement plant. Big leaves, bold presence, needs floor space. It demands attention. Adansonii is the versatile one. Trails from shelves, climbs poles, fits anywhere.

Pick Deliciosa if:

• You want a large focal-point plant
• You have floor space and bright light
• You love those massive split leaves

Pick Adansonii if:

• You have limited space
• You want a trailing or climbing vine
• You prefer faster, bushier growth

Both are beginner-friendly. Both are gorgeous. You really can't go wrong. But if you're still deciding, why not start a collection and get both?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many types of monstera plants exist?

There are 59 recognized species in the Monstera genus, according to the International Aroid Society. But only about 8-10 are commonly sold as houseplants. Deliciosa, Adansonii, and Siltepecana are the most widely available.

Q: What's the easiest monstera for beginners?

Monstera Deliciosa, hands down. It tolerates inconsistent watering, adapts to moderate light, and gives you visible growth quickly. Browse our Monstera plant collection to find one.

Q: Do all monstera develop holes in their leaves?

Not immediately. Most monstera develop fenestrations (holes and splits) with maturity, bright light, and climbing support. Young plants typically have solid leaves. Give it time, proper light, and a moss pole. The holes will come.

Q: Is Thai Constellation worth the higher price?

If you love variegated plants, absolutely. Prices dropped significantly since tissue-culture production scaled up. Each leaf is unique. It's slower growing, but that variegation is stable. It won't revert to plain green like unstable mutations can.

Q: Can monstera survive in low light?

They'll survive. But they won't thrive. Slower growth, smaller leaves, no fenestrations. For the best results, aim for bright indirect light. Read our guide on plant light requirements to assess your space.

Q: How do I know if my monstera needs water?

Stick your finger 2-3 inches into the soil. Dry? Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. Still moist? Wait a few more days. That's it. For a deeper dive, check our indoor plant watering guide.

Conclusion

Monstera aren't just one plant. They're a whole family. From the classic Deliciosa with its dramatic splits to the silver shimmer of Siltepecana to the speckled beauty of Thai Constellation.

The best part? Most of them are surprisingly easy to care for. Bright indirect light, well-draining soil, water when dry. That covers about 90% of what you need to know.

Start with one. Then watch your collection grow.

Ready to pick your first (or next) monstera? Explore our full Monstera collection and find the perfect variety for your space. Or visit our care library for detailed guides on keeping every plant happy.