The Monstera family is larger than you think. Most people are familiar with the classic Monstera Deliciosa, but there are dozens of species — each with its own character. In this article, we list the most popular Monstera species, so you can choose which one best suits your interior and plant experience.
| Species | Leaf Type | Size | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monstera Deliciosa | Large, fenestrated | Up to 3 meters | The classic Swiss cheese plant |
| Monstera Adansonii | Small, with holes | Up to 2 meters | Monkey Leaf, hanging plant |
| Monstera Variegata | Variegated, white/green | Up to 2 meters | Rare and sought-after |
| Monstera Thai Constellation | Cream-white speckled | Up to 2 meters | Stable variegation |
| Monstera Peru | Thick, wrinkled | Up to 1 meter | No holes, unique texture |
| Monstera Dubia | Silver-green, small | Up to 1 meter | Grows flat against surface |
Monstera Deliciosa — the classic
The Monstera Deliciosa is the Swiss cheese plant everyone knows. With leaves that can grow up to 90 cm and its characteristic fenestrations, it's a real statement plant. It grows quickly, is easy to care for, and can reach up to 3 meters indoors. Ideal if you're looking for a large, impressive plant that doesn't require much attention.
Monstera Adansonii — the Monkey Leaf
The Monstera Adansonii, also known as Monkey Leaf or Monkey Mask, has smaller leaves with actual holes (instead of fenestrations at the edges). It's a fantastic hanging plant or climbing plant that looks beautiful on a shelf or along a moss pole. More compact than the Deliciosa, making it perfect for smaller spaces.
Monstera Variegata — the rare one
The Monstera Deliciosa Variegata is THE collector's item among plant enthusiasts. The white or cream-colored patches on the leaves make each plant unique. Due to the lower amount of chlorophyll, it grows slower and requires a bit more light. The price reflects its scarcity: expect hundreds to thousands of euros for a beautiful specimen.
Monstera Thai Constellation
The Thai Constellation resembles the Variegata, but there's an important difference: the variegated spots are more stable and don't disappear. The plant is tissue-cultured in Thailand (hence the name) and therefore slightly more available than the true Variegata. The cream-white splatters on the dark green leaf create a special effect.
Monstera Peru (Karstenianum)
An outlier in the family: the Monstera Peru has thick, wrinkled leaves without holes. The dark green leaves with a leathery texture give the plant a tough look. Compact and slow-growing — perfect if you want something different from the standard Swiss cheese plant.
Which Monstera suits you?
The choice depends on your space and experience. Do you have a large living room and want a tropical eye-catcher? Go for the Deliciosa. Looking for something compact for a shelf or bookcase? The Adansonii is your best choice. Are you an experienced plant enthusiast looking for something unique? Then the Variegata or Thai Constellation is worth considering.
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View Monsteras →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Monstera Deliciosa and Adansonii?
The Deliciosa has large leaves with fenestrations at the edges, while the Adansonii has smaller leaves with holes in the leaf itself. The Deliciosa grows larger and more upright, while the Adansonii hangs or climbs.
Why is the Monstera Variegata so expensive?
The Variegata cannot be propagated from seeds — only from cuttings. The white parts contain no chlorophyll, causing the plant to grow slower. The combination of slow growth and high demand makes it expensive.
Which Monstera is the easiest to care for?
The Monstera Deliciosa is the easiest to care for. It tolerates varying conditions well and grows quickly, even without a green thumb.
