Monstera Varieties: The Ultimate List for Indoor Jungle Lovers

Monstera varieties include more than 45 recognized species, each with unique leaf shapes and growth habits. From the classic Monstera deliciosa to rare types like Monstera obliqua, these plants are beloved by indoor gardeners worldwide. According to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Monstera thrive in tropical habitats, making them perfect statement plants indoors.

What Makes Monstera Varieties So Special?

The Rise of Monstera in Indoor Plant Culture

Over the past decade, Monstera varieties have transformed from niche collector’s plants into household staples. Interior designers often feature their bold, glossy leaves as statement pieces that instantly bring a tropical charm to any room. According to Google Trends, searches for “Monstera deliciosa” have tripled since 2016, showing a sharp rise in popularity that parallels the houseplant boom.

One reason for this surge is accessibility. Common varieties, such as Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii, are now widely available at nurseries, big-box stores, and online shops. At the same time, social media has amplified interest in rarer cultivars such as Monstera obliqua or Thai Constellation, turning them into “holy grail” plants for collectors.

• Design influence: Monstera often appears in magazines, hotels, and office spaces as part of modern biophilic design.
• Emotional appeal: Their lush greenery offers both aesthetic and psychological benefits, with studies showing that indoor plants reduce stress and boost productivity (University of Exeter, 2014).
• Collectability: Enthusiasts enjoy hunting for new and rare Monstera varieties, much like art collectors searching for unique pieces.

This cultural rise illustrates why Monstera varieties are no longer just plants—they’re lifestyle symbols that combine beauty, wellness, and interior styling.

Why Leaf Fenestrations Make Them Unique

The defining feature of many Monstera varieties is their fenestrated leaves—the natural holes or splits that appear as the plant matures. These aren’t just ornamental quirks. Research in the American Journal of Botany suggests fenestrations may allow light to filter through to lower leaves in dense forests, giving Monstera a survival advantage in its native tropical habitats.

For indoor gardeners, these patterns create an eye-catching, architectural look. Varieties such as Monstera adansonii are nicknamed “Swiss cheese plants” because of their dramatic perforations, while Monstera deliciosa is famed for its large, deeply split leaves that can span several feet indoors.

Practical benefits also add to their charm:

• Air quality: NASA’s Clean Air Study (1989) found that many aroid plants, including Monsteras, contribute to removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
• Growth adaptability: Fenestrated leaves allow plants to withstand heavy rains and wind in the wild, making them surprisingly resilient indoors.

These natural adaptations explain why Monstera varieties capture so much attention. They combine evolutionary brilliance with aesthetic beauty, making them truly unique among houseplants.

Common Monstera Varieties for Beginners

If you’re just stepping into the world of Monstera varieties, starting with beginner-friendly options is the best way to grow your indoor jungle. These species are hardy, visually striking, and forgiving when it comes to care. Below are some of the most popular beginner Monstera plants, along with their care needs.

Monstera deliciosa (The Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa is arguably the most iconic of all Monstera varieties. Known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, it boasts large, glossy leaves with dramatic fenestrations (natural splits and holes). This species can grow over 10 feet tall indoors under the right conditions, making it a statement piece for any living space.

• Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates some shade.
• Water: Allow the top 2–3 inches of soil to dry before watering. Overwatering may cause root rot.
• Growth speed: Fast-growing, especially in warm, humid environments.
• USDA Zone: 10–12 (USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map).

According to the University of Florida IFAS Extension, Monstera deliciosa is not only ornamental but also contributes to better indoor air quality by filtering pollutants, adding to its popularity among plant enthusiasts.

Monstera adansonii (The Swiss Cheese Vine)

Monstera adansonii, commonly called the Swiss Cheese Vine, is a vining species that develops smaller but more intricate fenestrated leaves compared to M. deliciosa. Its trailing nature makes it perfect for hanging baskets or trained along a moss pole.

• Light: Prefers medium to bright indirect light. Too little light results in fewer fenestrations.
• Water: Keep soil lightly moist but not soggy. Water once the top inch dries out.
• Growth speed: Moderate to fast, especially when provided with climbing support.
• USDA Zone: 10–12.

A Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) guide highlights that M. adansonii adapts well to indoor conditions, provided it has humidity around 50–60%, making it a favorite among beginners who want a decorative trailing plant.

Monstera siltepecana

This lesser-known but equally rewarding Monstera variety starts with silver-patterned juvenile leaves that later transform into larger, fenestrated ones as the plant matures. It’s a climber that benefits from a support pole.

• Light: Bright, indirect light enhances its silvery foliage patterns.
• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but ensure good drainage.
• Growth speed: Moderate; faster when given climbing structures.
• USDA Zone: 9b–11.

Houseplant experts often recommend M. siltepecana for collectors who want a unique Monstera that evolves dramatically with age. Its care requirements are similar to other Monstera varieties, making it suitable for patient beginners.

Monstera dubia

Monstera dubia is one of the most fascinating Monstera varieties thanks to its shingling growth habit. Juvenile plants produce small, heart-shaped leaves that lie flat against the surface they climb. Mature plants eventually develop fenestrated leaves that dangle away from their support.

• Light: Medium to bright indirect light helps maintain its shingling growth.
• Water: Water moderately; avoid letting the soil completely dry out.
• Growth speed: Moderate but steady when attached to a rough surface.
• USDA Zone: 9b–11.

Plant care guides, such as those from The American Horticultural Society, highlight that M. dubia thrives in warm, humid conditions and makes a rewarding choice for those who want to experiment with climbing species indoors.

Trust Tip: All Monstera varieties mentioned here are tropical plants native to Central and South America. They are not frost-tolerant and should only be grown outdoors in USDA Zones 9b–12. Indoors, they perform well in average household temperatures (65–85°F) with added humidity. Always rely on trusted houseplant guides or university extension resources to confirm care requirements.

Rare and Collector Monstera Varieties

While beginner-friendly Monstera varieties like deliciosa or adansonii are widely available, there’s another world of rare Monsteras that fascinate collectors. These plants are prized for their unusual leaf forms, variegation, and scarcity in the plant trade. Below are some of the most coveted Monstera varieties that add prestige to any collection.

Monstera obliqua (The Unicorn Plant)

Often referred to as the “Unicorn Plant”, Monstera obliqua is one of the rarest and most misunderstood Monstera species. Its leaves are so delicate and lacy that more hole than leaves exists in some forms, making it a true collector’s prize.

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but no direct sun, which can scorch its thin foliage.
• Water: Needs consistent moisture and high humidity (70–90%).
• Rarity index: Extremely rare; many “obliqua” sold online are actually adansonii.
• Price range: $500–$3,000 depending on size and origin.

Botanist Dr. Thomas Croat, one of the leading Araceae experts, explains that M. obliqua has over 30 variations across Central and South America, but very few reach the trade due to their fragile growth. This is why seasoned collectors label it the “Holy Grail” of Monstera varieties.

Monstera esqueleto

Known for its giant fenestrated leaves, Monstera esqueleto is visually similar to adansonii but grows much larger, with leaves reaching up to 3 feet long. Its name, “esqueleto,” translates to “skeleton,” fitting its dramatic cut-out structure.

• Light: Bright, indirect light is best to encourage large leaf growth.
• Water: Keep evenly moist; dislikes prolonged drought.
• Rarity index: Rare but increasingly available through specialty nurseries.
• Price range: $250–$700.

Plant sellers like NSE Tropicals highlight that this species grows vigorously in the right conditions, making it a rewarding—though pricey—addition to a collector’s indoor jungle.

Monstera pinnatipartita

This Monstera starts with smooth, small juvenile leaves but transforms into deeply split, pinnate adult leaves as it matures. Its dramatic transformation makes it highly desirable.

• Light: Thrives in medium to bright indirect light.
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil dries.
• Rarity index: Moderately rare; less common than deliciosa but easier to find than obliqua.
• Price range: $80–$200.

According to the American Society for Horticultural Science, fenestrated species like pinnatipartita develop splits as an evolutionary adaptation to tropical storms, allowing wind to pass through without tearing the foliage—a fascinating feature collectors appreciate.

Monstera standleyana (Albo Variegata form)

This climbing Monstera is admired for its striking variegation, with cream or white streaks running across deep green leaves. The Albo Variegata form is especially prized for its rarity and unpredictable leaf patterns.

• Light: Needs bright, indirect light to maintain strong variegation.
• Water: Allow soil to partially dry before watering.
• Rarity index: Rare variegated cultivar; stable variegation is hard to find.
• Price range: $150–$500.

Reputable sellers often caution buyers against unstable variegation. As plant seller Steve’s Leaves notes, variegated Monstera are more prone to slow growth and leaf burn, requiring extra care compared to all-green forms.

Monstera lechleriana

A lesser-known but captivating Monstera, lechleriana features elongated leaves with neat fenestrations that appear as the plant matures. Its elegant growth habit makes it a hidden gem among collectors.

• Light: Medium to bright indirect light.
• Water: Keep soil lightly moist with good drainage.
• Rarity index: Semi-rare; found mainly through specialized growers.
• Price range: $70–$180.

Collectors value lechleriana for its balance of beauty and manageability. Unlike obliqua, it is less fragile, making it a good stepping stone for growers venturing into rarer Monstera varieties.

Expert Insight: Rare Monstera varieties are expensive not only because of their beauty but also due to limited propagation success. Tissue culture has made some species like pinnatipartita more accessible, but true rarities such as obliqua remain scarce. As horticulturalist Peter Boyce notes, “Rarity in the plant trade is often a function of both biology and demand—some Monsteras simply do not propagate easily.”

👉 If you’re planning to grow these rare Monstera varieties, buy only from reputable sellers, request proper identification, and be prepared for premium care. Their uniqueness makes them a rewarding challenge for serious collectors.

Variegated Monstera Varieties and Their Popularity

Variegated Monstera varieties are among the most sought-after plants in the world of indoor gardening. Their unique patterns of white, cream, or yellow marbling create one-of-a-kind leaves that instantly elevate any collection. Unlike solid-green types, variegated Monstera need more precise care—particularly brighter light—to maintain their striking colors. Let’s explore three of the most famous variegated cultivars.

Monstera Thai Constellation

The Monstera Thai Constellation is one of the most reliable and stable variegated varieties. Named for its creamy white splashes that resemble a starry sky, it was originally developed through tissue culture in Thailand.

• Light: Requires bright, indirect light to prevent variegation from fading.
• Water: Water when the top 2–3 inches of soil dry out. Avoid overwatering, as variegated leaves are more prone to damage.
• Growth habit: Can reach 6–8 feet indoors with proper support.
• Availability: More common than other variegates due to tissue culture propagation.
• Price range: $150–$600, depending on size.

According to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, tissue culture propagation ensures genetic stability, making Thai Constellation a popular choice for both beginners and advanced collectors.

Monstera Albo Variegata

The Monstera Albo Variegata (also known as Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo’) is arguably the most Instagram-famous of all Monstera varieties. Its large leaves showcase bold white patches, often half-moon shapes, making every leaf unique.

• Light: Needs strong, indirect light to maintain vibrant variegation. Low light leads to reversion (all-green growth).
• Water: Keep soil evenly moist but well-draining. Overwatering can quickly lead to root rot.
• Rarity: Highly sought after; cuttings are often sold instead of full plants.
• Price range: $300–$1,500 depending on variegation pattern and maturity.

Trusted houseplant guides, such as those from the American Horticultural Society, caution that Albo Variegata grows slower than green Monstera due to reduced chlorophyll in variegated leaves. This means patience is essential for long-term care.

Monstera Aurea Variegata

Less common but equally striking, the Monstera Aurea Variegata (sometimes called “Marmorata”) displays yellow to golden marbling across its green leaves. Unlike Thai Constellation or Albo, its variegation is often streaky and irregular.

• Light: Needs very bright, indirect light for the yellow streaks to remain vibrant.
• Water: Similar to other variegates—keep slightly moist but never soggy.
• Rarity: Considered rare and less available in the general plant trade.
• Price range: $400–$2,000 depending on variegation stability.

Specialty nurseries like Steve’s Leaves note that Aurea’s variegation can be unstable, meaning some leaves may revert to fully green or lack marbling altogether. Collectors often pay a premium for well-balanced Aurea specimens.

Care Warnings for Variegated Monstera Varieties

Variegated Monstera differ from green ones in their care requirements:

• Higher light demand: Variegation reduces chlorophyll, limiting photosynthesis. Provide bright, indirect light to keep leaves healthy.
• Slower growth: Expect fewer new leaves each year compared to solid-green Monstera.
• Greater sensitivity: Variegated leaves burn easily in direct sun and are prone to fungal spotting from overwatering.

For trustworthy advice, both the Missouri Botanical Garden and the University of Florida IFAS Extension recommend keeping variegated Monstera in stable environments with good humidity and airflow to prevent stress.

✅ Expert Tip: Always purchase variegated Monstera from reputable nurseries or certified sellers. Due to their popularity, mislabeled cuttings are common in the online market. Checking for professional identification ensures you’re investing in a true cultivar.

How to Identify Different Monstera Varieties

With so many Monstera varieties available—from common household staples to rare collector plants—it can be tricky to distinguish one species from another. Identification usually comes down to leaf characteristics, growth patterns, and subtle details that set each type apart. Below are the key features to help you tell them apart with confidence.

Key differences in leaf size and fenestrations

Leaf shape and fenestration (the natural holes or splits) are the most recognizable differences between Monstera species.

• Monstera deliciosa: Large, heart-shaped leaves that can reach 2–3 feet indoors, with deep splits and dramatic holes as the plant matures.
• Monstera adansonii: Smaller, more delicate leaves with oval holes scattered throughout the leaf surface.
• Monstera obliqua: Ultra-thin, lace-like leaves with extreme fenestrations (often 80–90% holes). Rarely seen outside expert collections.
• Monstera siltepecana: Juvenile leaves are silvery-green with no splits, while mature forms develop fenestrations.

According to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, fenestrations are an evolutionary adaptation to tropical storms, allowing wind to pass through without shredding the leaf. This biological trait is one of the clearest indicators when identifying Monstera species.

Growth habit and climbing style

Another way to differentiate Monstera varieties is by observing how they grow.

• Climbing species: Monstera adansonii, dubia, and standleyana are vigorous climbers, often needing moss poles or trellises for support.
• Shingling species: Monstera dubia grows flat against surfaces in its juvenile stage, a unique “shingling” pattern not seen in most Monsteras.
• Bushy species: Monstera deliciosa and Thai Constellation can grow upright and massive indoors, often forming dense foliage without immediate support.

Horticultural studies published in the American Journal of Botany note that Monsteras are hemiepiphytic—meaning they start life on the ground but later attach to trees or structures. This climbing style explains why many indoor gardeners see aerial roots forming as their plants mature.

When varieties are often misidentified (adansonii vs Obliqua)

One of the most common mistakes among plant enthusiasts is confusing Monstera adansonii with Monstera obliqua. The difference is significant:

• Adansonii: Affordable, widely available, and hardy. Leaves are thicker with evenly shaped oval holes.
• Obliqua: Extremely rare, fragile, and thin-leaved. Often described as having more holes than a leaf.

Many online sellers mislabel adansonii as obliqua, which has fueled confusion in the plant community. Experts like Dr. Thomas Croat, a leading authority on Araceae, confirm that true obliqua is rarely sold in typical plant shops. Collectors should be wary and verify authenticity with trusted nurseries or botanical gardens.

Visual Guide: Side-by-Side Leaf Comparison

To make identification easier, a visual comparison chart is recommended. This can highlight:

• Leaf size range (small, medium, giant)
• Degree of fenestration (few holes, many holes, lace-like)
• Growth habit (climbing, shingling, upright)
• Common misidentifications

Such visuals not only assist hobbyists but also help prevent costly mistakes when purchasing rare Monstera varieties.

✅ Expert Tip: Always cross-check your Monstera against reputable sources such as the Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder or Kew Science database. These resources ensure accurate identification and build trust in your plant collection.

Styling Your Space with Monstera Varieties

Monstera are not only admired for their unique leaves but also for how easily they fit into interior design. From compact apartments to open living rooms, different Monstera varieties can transform spaces into lush, vibrant sanctuaries. With the right choice and placement, these plants double as natural décor and living art.

Best varieties for small spaces

If you’re short on space but still want the tropical charm of a Monstera, compact species and vining types are ideal.

• Monstera adansonii (Swiss Cheese Vine): Its trailing vines make it perfect for hanging baskets or shelves. With regular pruning, it stays manageable while adding greenery without taking up floor space.
• Monstera siltepecana: This climbing variety has silvery juvenile leaves that bring a subtle, elegant touch to smaller interiors.
• Monstera dubia: Known for its “shingling” growth habit, this species hugs wooden planks or boards, creating an unusual wall-mounted feature.

👉 Interior designers often recommend trailing plants for vertical styling. According to Architectural Digest, vertical greenery can maximize greenery impact without crowding the floor—perfect for apartments and compact rooms.

Large statement Monstera for living rooms

When you have space to fill, nothing beats a bold, oversized Monstera.

• Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant): With its iconic giant leaves and deep fenestrations, it instantly becomes the centerpiece of any living room.
• Monstera Thai Constellation: Its creamy-white marbled leaves offer a dramatic twist, combining size with rare variegation.
• Monstera esqueleto: With leaves up to 3 feet long, this variety creates a dramatic, sculptural presence.

Styling tips:

• Place large Monstera in woven baskets or ceramic planters to soften their boldness.
• Position them near bright, indirect light sources such as east-facing windows.
• Use a moss pole or trellis to guide their upward growth, adding vertical drama.

The American Society of Interior Designers notes that oversized plants serve as “natural anchors,” helping to balance large rooms by filling visual gaps without adding clutter.

Using variegated types as statement pieces

Variegated Monstera are luxury plants that act as living artwork. Their striking patterns of white, cream, or yellow marbling catch the eye and elevate any interior.

• Monstera Albo Variegata: Bold white patches make it a conversation starter in modern, minimalist interiors.
• Monstera Aurea Variegata: Its golden streaks add warmth, making it ideal for bohemian or eclectic spaces.
• Monstera Thai Constellation: With its galaxy-like speckles, it fits seamlessly into contemporary designs.

Styling tips:

• Use neutral backdrops (white or light gray walls) to highlight the variegation.
• Pair with sleek plant stands or mid-century modern furniture for contrast.
• Place in areas with natural light where leaves can shine—entryways, living room corners, or home offices.

Trusted nurseries like Steve’s Leaves emphasize that variegated Monstera require brighter light than green ones. This not only maintains their coloration but also ensures they stay healthy and vibrant as focal points in design.

🌿 Expert Styling Tip: Layering different Monstera varieties—such as pairing a tall deliciosa with a trailing adansonii—creates depth and texture in your indoor jungle. Adding a visual guide with styled interiors (side-by-side images of compact, large, and variegated Monstera) helps readers visualize these design options in their own homes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monstera Varieties

Exploring the many Monstera varieties shows just how diverse and stunning this plant family can be, from compact climbers to large statement pieces. Whether you’re drawn to rare collector types or classic favorites, there’s a Monstera to suit every space and style. Now it’s your turn to bring the beauty of these tropical icons into your home—subscribe to our newsletter for more plant care guides and styling tips!