Monstera types are highly popular in homes due to their large eye-catching foliage. They often have splits in their leaves, which are also called fenestrations and natural holes. These help them get more light where they live. The Swiss Cheese Plant and the Monkey Mask Monstera are the two most common types. Their common names come from the holes in their leaves.
There are about fifty different kinds of Monstera in the family Araceae. Some are very common, like the Monstera Deliciosa, and some are not so common, like the Monstera Siltepecana. You may notice that some types of Philodendrons and Raphidophoras look like certain types of Monstera. This is because they are both in the Araceae family.
Of course, different kinds of Monstera plants come in a range of sizes, from huge 8-foot Monstera deliciosas to a small-leaved Monstera dubia that can stay only 6 inches tall after being pruned. Whatever your space, there’s a type of Monstera for everyone.
The leaves are usually waxy and come in different sizes. Some leaves from the Monstera Deliciosa can get up to 45 cm across, while leaves from the Monstera Stiltepecana can get less than 13 cm across. They all have something interesting and unique to them, such as holes, patterns or colours. This individuality is what makes so many people magnetised to the Monstera. To keep them in good shape so they can photosynthesise well, wipe them down every once in a while. They’ll thank you with lots of beautiful, healthy leaves.
Monsteras have a dramatic and wild look that makes them great choices for making your own indoor jungle. They can trail or climb.
Many types of Monsteras can have variegated leaves, otherwise known as leaf variegation. The beautiful change in the leaves that makes each one unique and full of different-colored spots and patterns Some have white stripes or panels, while others have yellow and green spots. Some, like the Monstera Thai Constellation, even look like the night sky. These variegated Monstera types are quite sought after and typically get sold out.
The Swiss cheese plant, also known as Monstera deliciosa is a popular houseplant admired for its iconic split and fenestrated leaves. But did you know there are actually numerous different varieties of this tropical plant? From variegated types to rare finds, Swiss cheese plants come in diverse forms each with their own distinctive traits.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular varieties of Monstera deliciosa and similar Monstera species so you can better understand the range within this plant group.
Overview of the Most Common Swiss Cheese Plant Varieties
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most frequently seen varieties:
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Monstera deliciosa – The classic variety with dramatic split leaves. Easy to find.
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M deliciosa ‘Albo-Variegata’ – Features white variegated markings on the leaves
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M. deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’ – Has variegated leaves with a creamy yellow color.
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M. adansonii – Also called “Swiss Cheese Vine.” Leaves have many holes.
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M. borsigiana – A more compact variety that grows lower to the ground.
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M. epipremnoides – Very large floppy leaves with fenestrations.
There are also many other rarer finds and new varieties emerging all the time as interest expands in these incredible plants.
Breakdown of Popular Swiss Cheese Plant Varieties
Let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the most popular Monstera varieties currently available:
Monstera Deliciosa
This is the classic Swiss cheese plant variety that has made the species so iconic. It features glossy, stiff leaves with dramatic split leaf fenestrations that develop as the plant matures. These holes allow light and air to reach lower parts of the plant. Outdoors, M. deliciosa can climb up to 66 feet, but indoors it typically only reaches 6-8 feet tall.
Monstera Deliciosa ‘Albo-Variegata’
This variety of Swiss cheese plant has striking white or creamy-colored variegation on the leaves instead of being solid green. The level of variegation can vary quite a bit plant to plant. The white markings are due to a lack of chlorophyll. This variety is harder to find than the normal green form and demands higher prices.
Monstera Deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’
Similar to the Albo-Variegata variety but with yellowish-white variegation instead of pure white. This cultivar was developed in Thailand and has become extremely popular. The variegated patterns make it a real show-stopper.
Monstera Adansonii
Sometimes called the “Swiss cheese vine” due to its vining growth habit. This variety has smaller leaves with lots more holes than Monstera deliciosa. It is faster growing and stays more compact. Great for hanging baskets. Also known as Monstera obliqua.
Monstera Borsigiana
A variant of Monstera deliciosa but much smaller in stature, reaching just 2-4 feet tall. It has juicy green leaves with fenestrations. Grows well in low light. Easy to care for and faster growing than regular M. deliciosa.
Monstera Epipremnoides
A large, quick-growing Monstera variety that can reach up to 13 feet tall indoors. Has huge, floppy leaves covered in fenestrations that give it a very tropical look. Needs more space than other varieties. Also known as Monstera deliciosa var. epipremnoides.
Monstera Esqueleto
A really unique Monstera with huge leaves that look like just veins and ribs with all the leaf material removed, earning it the nickname “skeleton plant.” Very rare and expensive to obtain. Grows up to 14 feet tall.
Monstera Standleyana
An unusual Monstera variety with long tapered leaves that sometimes don’t develop any holes. Has prominent veining with light green splotches along the veins. Can eventually grow quite large like other Monstera species.
Monstera Pinnatipartita
Also called the “hurricane plant,” this variety has very corrugated and deeply lobed leaves. Grows much taller and leggier than other varieties, up to 13 feet high. Very textural look.
How to Choose a Swiss Cheese Plant Variety
With so many options among Monstera deliciosa types and cultivars, how do you pick? Here are some things to consider:
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Plant size – Pick smaller varieties like adansonii or borsigiana if space is limited. Larger types need room to spread out.
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Leaf features – Some varieties like Monstera albo-variegata have special variegated foliage. Others like esqueleto and pinnatipartita have very unique leaf shapes.
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Growth rate – Fast growers like epipremnoides and esqueleto may need frequent pruning. Slower growers like constellation are lower maintenance.
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Climbing or trailing – Adansonii works well in hanging baskets, while others climb tall up supports. Choose based on your display spot.
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Light and humidity – Some varieties do better in lower light and drier air than others. Check requirements.
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Rareness – Unique varieties like Monstera obliqua are harder to find and cost much more than common types.
No matter which variety you choose, Swiss cheese plants make excellent, easy-to-grow houseplants. Just be sure to pick the right one for your particular growing conditions and needs!
Growing and Caring for Different Swiss Cheese Plant Varieties
While all Monstera varieties share similar care needs, there are a few key differences to keep in mind:
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. M. adansonii likes more moisture; M. deliciosa does fine drier.
Light: Bright, indirect light is best for most. Variegated types need a bit more light.
Water: Water when top several inches of soil are dry. Take care not to overwater.
Humidity: 40-60% humidity is ideal. Mist leaves or use a humidifier if air is dry.
Fertilizer: Apply diluted balanced liquid fertilizer monthly in the growing season.
Pruning: Prune to control size and shape. Cut back wayward vines or leggy stems.
Supports: Add moss pole, trellis or other support for climbing varieties to attach to.
Pests: Watch for common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs and aphids.
With the right care tailored to that variety’s needs, Swiss cheese plants will thrive for years. Pay attention to proper sunlight, humidity, moisture levels and other needs.
Fun Facts About Monstera Varieties
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The holes in Monstera leaves are called fenestrations. They help the plant absorb more sunlight.
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Monstera deliciosa can produce edible fruit that tastes like pineapple and banana!
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The “Swiss cheese plant” nickname came about in the 1960s due to its holey leaves.
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New leaf varieties like Thai constellation and albo-variegata were created by tissue culture in labs.
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Monstera adansonii leaves can sometimes split as much as 90% of the way to the central vein.
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The holes in Monstera leaves actually start out as slits that widen as the leaf expands with age.
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In the wild, Monstera deliciosa uses aerial roots to climb up large tree trunks to reach the forest canopy.
Final Thoughts
From the iconic split leaves of Monstera deliciosa to the variegated foliage of Monstera albo and deliciosa Thai constellation, the diversity among Swiss cheese plant varieties is incredible. Each cultivar brings something unique, whether it’s leaf patterning, plant size, foliage texture or climbing habit. Take your time picking a variety that suits your space and needs. Soon you’ll have your own slice of the tropics in your home.
Monstera Adansonii (Monkey Mask Monstera)
One of our favorite types of Monstera, the monkey mask Monstera, has a lot of beautiful holes in its leaves that make it stand out. Its beautiful delicate leaves shine and thrive in low-medium indirect light. Hang one in a medium-light room from a hanging pot to make it really stand out. Just don’t put these types of Monstera in direct sunlight or those gorgeous leaves will toast up!.
Should you want a desk friend, this cute little guy is a good choice. Or, for something different, try a Hydroponic Monkey Mask Monstera.
Grows up to 1 m tall, 1 m wide with leaves up to about 20 cm long.
- Likes low, indirect light and does well in dark rooms like bathrooms and kitchens
- Mist frequently for high humidity!
- Let the soil dry out before you water it.
- The climbing leaves can be attached to something or left to hang down.
- From spring to summer, use general houseplant fertilizer to feed it once a month.
- If the leaves are yellow, it means the plant needs more water or light.
- If the leaves are brown, it might not be getting enough light or water.
- Toxic to people and pets!
Raphidophora Tetrasperma (Monstera Minima)
Oops! This little plant is the odd one out. The Monstera Minima, also known as the Dwarf Monstera, looks like a very small version of the Monstera Deliciosa. It is in the same family, Araceae, but in the genus Raphidophora. So it’s not a Monstera at all!.
This type of Monstera is a compact version of the Monstera Deliciosa. It looks almost the same and is cared for in a very similar way. This is a great choice for bathrooms and other small rooms. It looks gorgeous trailing up a moss pole or cascading from a hanging pot. When kept as a houseplant, the Monstera Minima grows to up to 1. 2 – 1. 5 m tall and leaves are usually around 20 cm.
- Loves bright indirect light.
- High humidity, don’t forget to mist!
- This is another Monstera that grows up things. You can train it to climb a mossy pole or hang it from a pot that is above the ground.
- Just cut it back if it gets too tall, and give it some more light if you can.
- Feed once a month in Spring and Summer.
- Toxic to cats and dogs.
How to Grow and Care for Swiss Cheese Plant
FAQ
How do I know what type of Monstera I have?
How do you care for a Monstera adansonii?
What is the difference between Monstera adansonii and Swiss cheese plant?
What is the difference between Adansonii and esqueleto?
What are the different types of Swiss cheese plants?
Various species share the common name of the Swiss cheese plant, including: Monstera deliciosa: Monstera deliciosa, also known as Split Leaf Philodendron, has larger split leaves, when compared to Monstera adansonii., and produces edible fruit.
Is a Swiss cheese plant a perennial?
Native to Central and South America, the Swiss cheese plant is a tropical perennial that’s typically grown as an indoor plant . Like its cousin Monstera deliciosa (also sometimes referred to as the Swiss cheese plant), Monstera adansonii has a fast growth rate and a vining habit.
Can you add a Swiss cheese plant?
In that case, adding a Swiss Cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) or two or maybe a few more are one of the better ways to do it! Native to the South American Rainforests, Swiss Cheese has become a houseplant sensation due to its unique leaf fenestrations and tall height. As the name implies, Monstera Plant leaves fenestrations as they mature.
What does a Swiss cheese plant look like?
The Swiss cheese plant ( Monstera adansonii) gets its common name from its large, heart-shaped leaves that develop holes as the plant ages (in a process called fenestration). This makes the leaves resemble Swiss cheese. Native to Central and South America, the Swiss cheese plant is a tropical perennial that’s typically grown as an indoor plant .
