The Monstera genus, known for its striking foliage and unique leaf perforations, is popular among indoor plant enthusiasts. This article explores distinct Monstera types, from common to rare, clarifying the differences often confused as “variations.”
Understanding Monstera Taxonomy
Understanding terms like “species” and “cultivar” clarifies plant classifications. A species is a naturally occurring group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. A “variety” is a naturally occurring subgroup within a species with distinct traits. In contrast, a “cultivar” is a “cultivated variety,” selected by humans for specific characteristics and maintained through methods like cuttings. Many plants called “Monstera varieties” are distinct species or cultivars.
Popular Monstera Varieties
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa, often called the Swiss Cheese Plant, is renowned for its large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that develop characteristic splits and holes (fenestrations) as they mature.
Monstera deliciosa ‘Borsigiana’
Monstera deliciosa ‘Borsigiana’ is often sold interchangeably with M. deliciosa but typically features smaller leaves and a more pronounced vining habit. While M. deliciosa tends to spread horizontally, ‘Borsigiana’ grows more vertically with longer intervals between nodes. Mature M. deliciosa leaves often have a wavy section (genicula) at the top of the petiole, which is less pronounced in ‘Borsigiana’.
Monstera adansonii
Monstera adansonii, also called the Swiss Cheese Plant or Monkey Mask, is recognized by its smaller, more numerous, oval-shaped perforations rather than large splits. It has two forms: the narrow form with thinner, longer leaves and elongated holes, and the wide form with thicker stems, rounder, wider leaves, and symmetrical holes.
Monstera standleyana
Monstera standleyana is a distinct species often confused with other Monsteras. This climbing or trailing plant features oval, glossy green leaves that typically do not fenestrate. Its appeal lies in its white, cream, or pale yellow variegation, appearing as speckles, splashes, or bands.
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, commonly called “Mini Monstera,” is not a true Monstera. Though its small, lobed leaves with splits resemble Monstera deliciosa, it belongs to a different genus within the Araceae family. This vining plant is native to Malaysia and Thailand, unlike most Monsteras from Central and South America.
Rare and Unique Monstera Varieties
Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo Variegata’
Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo Variegata’ is prized for its striking white variegation against deep green leaves. This genetic mutation results in chlorophyll-lacking areas, creating unpredictable patterns from speckles to large, blocky white sections, including “half-moon” appearances. It is propagated vegetatively, as its variegation is unstable and cannot be reliably grown from seed.
Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’
Another highly desirable variegated form is Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’, originating from tissue culture in Thailand. Its variegation is a stable pattern of creamy-white to yellow speckles and splashes, resembling a starry sky. This cultivar has large, fenestrated leaves and a slower growth rate due to reduced chlorophyll.
Monstera obliqua
Monstera obliqua stands out for its extreme rarity and delicate appearance. This species is characterized by exceptionally large and numerous natural holes, often comprising more of the leaf than the actual leaf tissue. Its leaves are thin and fragile, distinct from the more robust M. adansonii. True Monstera obliqua specimens are rare.
Monstera dubia
Monstera dubia, often called the Shingle Plant, exhibits a unique growth habit where its juvenile leaves lie flat and shingle against a surface as it climbs. These small, heart-shaped juvenile leaves feature light and dark green variegation. As the plant matures, its leaves transform, becoming larger, losing variegation, and developing fenestrations similar to Monstera deliciosa. This distinct change is known as leaf dimorphism.
Monstera siltepecana
Monstera siltepecana, sometimes known as the Silver Monstera, has captivating foliage. Juvenile leaves are elongated and heart-shaped, displaying a silvery-blue sheen with prominent dark green veins. As this vining plant matures and climbs, leaves can lose their silvery coloration, become darker green, and develop fenestrations. Mature leaves are typically larger, though the plant can be kept juvenile by allowing it to trail rather than climb.
Identifying Your Monstera
Identifying a Monstera involves observing several key visual characteristics.
Leaf Shape and Size
Leaf shape and size offer primary clues. Monstera deliciosa has large, broad leaves, while Monstera adansonii has smaller, heart-shaped leaves. Mature leaf size also helps differentiate varieties like M. deliciosa and ‘Borsigiana’.
Fenestration Patterns
Fenestration patterns are another distinguishing feature. The presence, size, and arrangement of holes and splits vary significantly. Monstera deliciosa develops large splits and inner holes, while Monstera adansonii has distinct oval holes. Monstera standleyana generally does not fenestrate. The development of fenestrations (internal holes or edge splits) also aids identification.
Stem and Petiole Characteristics
Stem and petiole characteristics are also helpful. Nodal spacing differs; for example, ‘Borsigiana’ often has longer internodal spacing than M. deliciosa. Mature M. deliciosa also exhibits a ruffled geniculum at the leaf base, a distinguishing trait.
Variegation
Variegation, when present, offers clear markers. The type and pattern of coloration, like the blocky white patches of ‘Albo Variegata’ or the speckled cream of ‘Thai Constellation’, are unique. The variegation’s stability and predictability also provide clues.
Growth Habit
Finally, overall growth habit helps identification. Some Monsteras are vining, while others are bushy. Monstera dubia, for example, is known for its “shingling” habit in its juvenile form, where leaves lie flat against a climbing surface.