There’s a reason the Monstera plant continues to top every indoor gardening trend. Whether you’re styling a cozy plant shelf, building a lush indoor jungle, or simply adding life to a corner, Monstera varieties offer both aesthetic drama and easy care.
Their sculptural leaves—some split, some holey, some with rare variegation—transform any room into a modern tropical retreat. And let’s not forget: most Monstera varieties are air-purifying houseplants that thrive in indirect light. What more could we ask for?
This guide breaks down the most popular types of Monstera plants—from beginner-friendly classics to rare collector’s pieces. We’ll also include care tips, special features, and how each fits into different home spaces.
1. Monstera Deliciosa – The Classic Swiss Cheese Plant
The most iconic in the family, Monstera deliciosa is instantly recognizable by its large, glossy, split leaves. It’s nicknamed the Swiss Cheese Plant thanks to the natural holes (fenestrations) that develop as it matures.
Key Traits:
- Native to Central America
- Can grow over 10 feet tall indoors with proper support
- Air-purifying, but toxic to pets if ingested
- Prefers bright, indirect light and weekly watering
Fun Fact: In the wild, this plant produces a sweet edible fruit—hence the name “deliciosa.”
2. Monstera Adansonii – The Little Swiss
Smaller in size but big on personality, Monstera Adansonii (nicknamed Little Swiss) features more delicate leaves with dramatically oval holes.
Why It’s a Favorite:
- Vining growth makes it perfect for hanging baskets or trellises
- Easy to propagate and care for
- Thrives in humidity and filtered light
If you’re deciding between Monstera deliciosa vs. adansonii, go for adansonii if you’re short on space or want a lush hanging display.
3. Monstera Borsigiana – The Sleek, Fast Grower
A close cousin to deliciosa, Monstera Borsigiana is a smaller, faster-growing variety with smoother leaves. Its minimal texture and manageable size make it perfect for apartment dwellers and indoor jungle newbies.
Best For:
- Quick growers who want fast results
- Stylish corner displays
- Busy folks looking for low-maintenance greenery
It thrives in medium to bright indirect light and prefers its soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Also Read: 5 Mysterious Flowers That Will Leave You Spellbound
4. Monstera Variegated (Deliciosa Albo-Variegata) – The Instagram Darling
This one’s for the collectors. Variegated Monstera deliciosa is famous for its white or minty-green splotched leaves. Each leaf is unique, thanks to rare mutations that reduce chlorophyll.
Standout Features:
- Extremely photogenic and rare
- Requires more light than standard Monsteras
- Slower-growing due to variegation
It’s expensive and often sold by the cutting—but if you’re curating a Pinterest-worthy plant room aesthetic, this one’s a showstopper.
5. Monstera Albo – The White Elegance
Not to be confused with variegated deliciosa, Monstera Albo refers specifically to the striking white-variegated variety. It’s highly prized and often reserved for serious collectors.
Care Notes:
- Needs bright but indirect light
- Sensitive to overwatering
- Grows slowly and needs space to climb
Its white leaves are pure art—but be careful, they’re more prone to burning under direct sun.
6. Monstera Glaucous / Rhodospatha glaucous / Rhodospatha sp. – The Collector’s Secret
Rare and rarely talked about, Monstera glaucous (also known as Rhodospatha glaucous) is a small-leaf species with subtle veining and a more compact growth habit.
Why Grow It:
- Great for terrariums or small shelf gardens
- Elegant and minimalist
- Needs consistent humidity and moisture
Perfect for those who love to discover hidden gems in the Monstera plant world.
7. Monstera sp. Peru – The Tough Beauty
Though technically not a true Monstera, Monstera sp. Peru is still marketed under the Monstera name due to its deep green, textured foliage. Its thick leaves store water well—making it extremely hardy and perfect for offices or low-maintenance plant parents.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Tolerates low light
- Requires minimal watering
- Brings bold jungle vibes in compact form
An underrated plant that blends style and ease.
Which Monstera Is Right for You?
Variety | Leaf Style | Growth Habit | Best For |
Monstera deliciosa | Split, large | Upright, climbing | Living rooms, large spaces |
Monstera adansonii | Holey, delicate | Vining | Hanging baskets, shelves |
Monstera borsigiana | Smooth, split | Climber | Corners, beginners |
Variegated Monstera | Split + white | Slow grower | Instagram-style plant rooms |
Monstera Albo | White variegation | Climber | Collectors, bright spaces |
Monstera glaucous | Small, subtle | Compact | Terrariums, rare collectors |
Monstera sp. Peru | Deep green, textured | Mounded | Offices, low-light rooms |
Also Read: From Dull to Dreamy—Create an Indoor Plant Room That Steals the Show
Build Your Own Monstera Corner 🌱
Whether you’re just starting your plant journey or you’re a collector with grow lights and humidity meters, there’s a Monstera variety for everyone.
- Want drama? Go with Monstera deliciosa.
- Short on space? Try Monstera adansonii or Monstera sp. Peru.
- Craving uniqueness? Hunt for a variegated Monstera albo or Monstera glaucous.
Whatever you pick, these tropical beauties will reward you with stunning foliage and endless style.
