Monstera Varieties – The Ultimate Guide

The Monstera, also known as Swiss cheese plant, is one of the most popular houseplants worldwide. Its iconic leaves with slits and holes, its robust nature and its exotic appeal make it a favorite for beginners and experienced plant lovers alike. This guide gives you a comprehensive overview of fascinating Monstera varieties, including the sought-after Monstera Thai Constellation , the elegant Monstera Mint and other exciting representatives such as the Monstera Adansonii , Monstera Obliqua and the rare Monstera Croatii .

What makes the Monstera so special?

The Monstera comes from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Its characteristic slits and holes (fenestrations) serve in nature to make optimal use of light and water and to minimize storm damage. In addition to their unique appearance, Monsteras are also easy to care for, robust and help improve air quality. You can find the Monstera in our range here: Harmony Plants Monstera selection

Popular Monstera Varieties in Detail

1. Monstera Thai Constellation

• Characteristics: Large, creamy white speckled leaves with striking variegation. Each leaf has a unique pattern.
• Care: It needs a lot of indirect light to maintain the variegation and even watering without waterlogging.
• Special feature: This variety is one of the most sought-after Monstera varieties and a real collector's item.

2. Monstera Mint

• Characteristics: A rare variant of the Monstera deliciosa with light green to whitish speckles reminiscent of mint leaves.
• Care: Like the Thai Constellation, it needs a lot of light to maintain its variegation.
• Special feature: Its subtle, mint green coloring makes it an elegant highlight in any plant collection.

3. Monstera Adansonii

• Characteristics: Smaller, heart-shaped leaves with oval holes that run through almost the entire leaf.
• Care: Loves high humidity and regular watering. Ideal as a hanging plant or for trellises.
• Special feature: Due to its compact size, it is a popular choice for smaller living spaces.

4. Monstera Obliqua

• Characteristics: Extremely thin leaves with large holes that often take up more space than leaf mass.
• Care: Very demanding, it requires tropical conditions with high humidity and constant warmth.
• Rarity: One of the rarest and most expensive Monstera varieties, often only available to collectors.

5. Monstera Croatii

• Characteristics: This new and rare variety has deep slits and a striking leaf structure that distinguishes it from other Monstera species.
• Care: Demanding, it needs a stable location with high humidity and plenty of indirect light.
• Special feature: Still not very widespread, but highly valued in collector circles.

General care instructions for Monsteras

1. Location:
   Monsteras prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, while too little light inhibits growth and fenestrations.

2. Pour:
   Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings.

3. Humidity:
   Tropical plants like Monsteras love high humidity. Spray the leaves regularly or place them near a humidifier.

4. Fertilize:
   During the growth phase in spring and summer, provide green plant fertilizer every two to four weeks.

5. Substrate:
   Use a loose, well-drained substrate to avoid waterlogging and to provide the roots with sufficient oxygen.

6. Climbing support:
   Many Monstera varieties, such as the deliciosa or adansonii, benefit from a trellis on which they can climb.

Here you can find more helpful care tips for your Monstera: Monstera Care

How to choose the right Monstera variety?

• For beginners: Monstera deliciosa or Monstera adansonii are easy to care for and ideal for beginners.
• For lovers of variegation: Monstera Thai Constellation or Monstera Mint are beautiful eye-catchers, but require more light and care.
• For collectors: Monstera Obliqua and Monstera Croatii are rare and demanding varieties that are ideal for experienced plant lovers.

Common problems and solutions

1. Yellow leaves:

   • Cause: overwatering or nutrient deficiency.
   • Solution: Reduce watering and ensure a balanced supply of nutrients.

2. Brown tips:

   • Cause: Air that is too dry or insufficient watering.
   • Solution: Increase humidity and water regularly.

3. Missing fenestrations:

   • Cause: Too little light or missing trellis support.
   • Solution: Change location and offer climbing assistance.

4. Pest infestation:

   • Cause: spider mites, thrips or mealybugs.
   • Solution: Treat with neem oil or an organic pest spray.