Almost everyone knows the classic Monstera plant, also known as the Swiss cheese plant. However, there are many other Monstera species that, while belonging to the same genus, differ significantly in leaf shape, size, growth habit, and fenestrations—the characteristic holes and incisions in the leaves. Within each Monstera species, there are also further subforms. Below, we provide an overview of the most common as well as rare Monstera species.
The Most Common Monstera Species
Monstera Deliciosa – the Swiss Cheese Plant
Monstera Deliciosa is probably the best-known species of the genus and a classic among houseplants. Its large, heart-shaped leaves develop deep incisions and characteristic holes over time. It can grow several meters tall indoors and is well-suited for plant beginners.
Monstera adansonii – the Adanson's Monstera
The Monstera adansonii is often referred to as the "Swiss cheese vine" because its leaves are covered with numerous oval holes that occupy a large part of the leaf surface. It grows as a vine and is well-suited as a hanging plant or on a moss pole. Compared to the deliciosa, it remains significantly more compact.
Monstera obliqua – the Fragile One
Monstera obliqua is one of the rare Monstera species. At first glance, it looks very similar to adansonii, but its leaves consist of so many holes that hardly any leaf surface remains. Additionally, it is extremely delicate and fragile, making it a real challenge even for experienced plant lovers. Nevertheless, for true Monstera fans, it is an absolute dream specimen.
Monstera dubia – the Master of Transformation
Monstera dubia is one of the most unusual species. As a young plant, it climbs flat along tree trunks, with its small leaves clinging tightly to the surface. Only with increasing maturity does it develop larger, fenestrated leaves. This transformation makes it particularly interesting for collectors.
Monstera standleyana – the Elegant One
Monstera standleyana stands out with its narrow, elongated leaves, which differ significantly from the rounded shapes of other species. It often appears with variegation, meaning white or cream-colored patterns on the leaves, which makes it very popular among collectors.
Subforms of Monstera Species
Within a Monstera species, there are often further subforms, known as varieties and cultivars. While varieties are naturally occurring deviations within a species, cultivars are specifically developed through breeding or selection.
Monstera borsigiana
Among plant lovers, there has long been a debate as to whether Monstera borsigiana is its own species. Botanically, it is a variety of Monstera deliciosa. Visually, they are very similar, but there are some crucial differences.
- Heart-shaped leaves with deep incisions
- Fast, vining growth
- Slight wrinkles at the leaf bases
Monstera deliciosa variegata
Monstera deliciosa Variegata is a variegated form of the classic Monstera deliciosa. Its striking leaf pattern results from a natural mutation where certain leaf areas do not form chlorophyll. This creates the typical white or cream-colored spots that make each leaf unique.
- White or cream-colored spots, stripes, or completely white leaf areas
- Natural mutation of Monstera deliciosa
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Unstable variegation that can revert over time
Monstera Thai Constellation
The Thai Constellation is a genetically modified and lab-bred Monstera deliciosa, visually similar to Monstera deliciosa. However, the difference from Monstera deliciosa Variegata lies in both its origin and appearance. The Thai Constellation shows more evenly distributed, cream-colored speckles on a deep green background. The leaves thus appear darker overall than with the Variegata. Additionally, it prefers a creeping growth habit instead of climbing, thus growing more compactly and densely.
- Deep green leaves with cream-colored speckles or patches
- Stable, non-reverting variegation
- More compact, rather creeping growth
Monstera Mint
The Monstera Mint is a particularly rare Monstera species that captivates with its unusual mint green variegation. This delicate, cool coloring clearly distinguishes it from other variegated Monstera varieties and makes it a coveted collector's item that is rarely found even among plant lovers.
- Mint green, delicate variegation
- Light green to whitish speckles
- Resembles mint leaves
Monstera Aurea Variegata
The Monstera Aurea Variegata is also a variegated subform of deliciosa and one of the rare Monstera species. It impresses with its warm, golden leaf coloration, which clearly distinguishes it from the white and cream-colored varieties.
- Golden yellow to bright yellow spots and stripes on rich green
- Warm, luminous appearance
- Also known as Monstera Marmorata
Monstera Monkey Leaf
The Monstera Monkey Leaf is often sold as a separate species, but it is a growth form of adansonii with slightly differing characteristics. It owes its name to the mask-like shape of its leaves, which is why it is also known as Monkey Mask.
- More compact, rounder leaves
- Appears somewhat fuller and bushier overall
- Leaves resemble a mask
