Different Types Of Monstera Houseplants

Monstera is a genus of tropical plants native to Central and South America. They are incredibly popular as houseplants for their striking foliage and low-maintenance needs. As more people have discovered these beauties, the number of monstera varieties available has increased. Here are some to look for. 

Monstera deliciosa Varieties

Of all the types of monstera available in garden centers, this is probably the most popular. Also known as Swiss cheese plant, M. deliciosa is characterized by deep lobes and perforations in its leaves. The holes are known as fenestrations. You can find several varieties of this species now: 

• ‘Thai Constellation.’ This striking variegated monstera has large green leaves with cream variegations. This monstera is a statement piece among houseplants. 
• ‘Borsigiana alba-variegata.’ For another variegated version, look for this variety of monstera. Like Thai Constellation, it includes cream variegations, but these are larger strips and splashes. 

Other Monstera Varieties

Deliciosa is by far the most common type of monstera houseplant, but more varieties are getting easier to access. If you want more of this easy, gorgeous plants, look for these species: 

• M. adansonii. This one is a little smaller than M. deliciosa. The leaves are solid green in color. The large, numerous holes give the foliage a lacy appearance. 
• M. obliqua. For truly dramatic foliage, try this species. It has some of the most significant fenestration of any monstera. It’s more hole than leaf, which means the foliage is delicate and requires careful handling. 
• M. dubia. This type of monstera is also called shingle plant. It grows like a vine, using trees as a support in the wild. The leaves grow tight to a tree and overlap, giving them a shingle-like appearance. It makes for an attractive and unusual houseplant if you have a structure for it to climb. 
• M. karstenianum. Also known as M. peru, this species has textured, crumpled foliage and no holes or deep lobes. The leaves are leathery, glossy, and dark green. 
• M. siltepecana. This variety is still rare but worth finding if you can. It has silvery and green variegated leaves that become lobed with maturity. It needs a support to grow to its full potential. 
• M. standleyana. M. standleyana has oval-shaped leaves, unlike most monstera with heart-shaped leaves. Also unique about this species is the fact that the green and white variegated leaves point up as they grow.
• M. acacoyaguensis. Look for this rare variety if you want something truly unique. The leaves are similar in shape and fenestration to M. deliciosa and M. adansonii. The difference is that the leaves of M. acacoyaguensis are enormous.

Monstera are forgiving houseplants. They tolerate neglect, but if you want them to thrive, provide indirect bright light, soil that drains well, and water every couple of weeks during the growing season.