Monstera deliciosa is undoubtedly the most popular houseplant from the Monstera genus. With its iconic split leaves and tropical vibe, it’s easy to see why. But did you know there are many other types of “baby monsteras” you can grow?
In this article, we’ll explore the different varieties of baby monstera plants and how to care for them. From the common Monstera adansonii to the rare Karstenianum, there’s a baby monstera perfect for any indoor jungle.
What is a Baby Monstera?
A baby monstera refers to a young or juvenile monstera plant. Monsteras are vines in their natural habitat, so they start as small vines and gradually mature with larger leaves and more fenestrations (splits and holes) over time.
When monsteras are young, their leaves look quite different from mature plants. A baby monstera leaf is entirely solid, without any holes. The leaves are also smaller and have a different shape.
For example a baby Monstera deliciosa leaf is full, heart-shaped, and has a smooth edge. As it matures the leaves develop horizontal splits and large oval holes.
Other varieties like Monstera adansonii have smaller more oval-shaped leaves when young. But they also develop signature monstera holes as they grow.
1. Monstera Adansonii
The Monstera adansonii is often confused with a young Monstera deliciosa, but it’s actually a distinct variety. It’s also called the “Swiss cheese vine” for its many holes.
- Leaves are smaller and more oval than M. deliciosa. About the size of your hand indoors.
- Thick, waxy leaves with large oval holes covering about 50% of the leaf surface.
- No slits, only holes. Stems are thinner than M. deliciosa.
- Fast climbing vine that can reach up to 13 ft (4 m) tall.
Caring for Monstera adansonii is easy. Provide bright indirect light, humidity, well-draining soil, and temperatures between 68-86°F (20-30°C). Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Fertilize monthly in spring and summer.
2. Monstera Borsigiana
Monstera borsigiana is often confused as a young Monstera deliciosa, but it’s a different subspecies. Here’s how to tell them apart:
- Leaves are smaller with thinner stems than M. deliciosa.
- Grows faster and leaves are spaced further apart on stems.
- Difficult to distinguish when young, but differences emerge as they mature.
Borsigiana care is the same as M. deliciosa. Provide bright indirect light and temperatures between 68-86°F (20-30°C). Water when half the soil is dry and fertilize monthly during growing season. Humidity above 50% is ideal.
3. Monstera Dubia
Monstera dubia is a less common variety. As a juvenile, it has:
- Smaller heart-shaped leaves with light and dark green variegation.
- Leaves alternate left and right, giving a neat, tidy appearance.
- Grows flatter like a creeping vine.
With maturity and proper light exposure, leaves turn deep green and develop fenestrations. Caring for dubia is similar to M. adansonii. Provide bright indirect light, high humidity, warmer temperatures, and well-draining soil.
4. Monstera Peru (Karstenianum)
The Monstera karstenianum, also called Monstera peru, has some distinct features:
- Leaves are smaller, leathery, glossy, and wrinkled in texture.
- Dark green oval-shaped leaves with pointed tips.
- Leaves have no fenestrations, even when mature.
As a tropical vine, karstenianum needs high humidity and temperatures above 65°F (18°C). Provide bright indirect sunlight. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Mist regularly to increase humidity.
5. Monstera Acuminata
Young Monstera acuminata looks similar to adansonii. As it matures, the leaves change in shape and size:
- Heart-shaped juvenile leaves are thick, roundish, and overlap.
- Mature leaves grow larger with asymmetric holes on one leaf side.
- Leaves can reach 10 inches long and are smooth and dark green.
Monstera acuminata enjoys partial sun. Maintain indoor temperatures of 68-86°F (20-30°C) and water when half the soil is dry. Mist often to provide the 50-60% humidity this plant thrives in.
6. Monstera Siltepecana
The rare Monstera siltepecana has distinctive silvery green leaves:
- Silvery green leaves with dark green edges and veins. Long pointed tip.
- Leaves are teardrop-shaped and bushy when young.
- Fenestrations develop towards the leaf center as it matures.
Monstera siltepecana enjoys bright indirect sunlight and high humidity. Water when half the soil is dry and provide temperatures between 68–86°F (20–30°C).
7. Monstera Pinnatipartita
As a juvenile, Monstera pinnatipartita has:
- Glossy, deep green, large heart-shaped leaves.
- Mature leaves develop deep slits from the edge to the center.
- Gets a fanned, palm-like look once mature.
Caring for pinnatipartita is easy. Give it partial sun, humidity around 50-60%, and rich well-draining soil. Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering. Maintain indoor temperatures of 68-86°F (20-30°C).
8. Monstera Standleyana
The rare Monstera standleyana has some interesting features:
- Leaves have creamy spots, streaks, or variegation.
- Long, narrow, upward pointing leaves instead of heart-shaped.
- Does not develop holes or fenestrations when mature.
- Slower growing than other Monsteras.
Standleyana enjoys bright indirect light with no direct sun exposure. Use a well-draining soil mix and allow the top inch to dry before watering. Maintain high humidity levels and temperatures above 65°F (18°C).
9. Monstera Subpinnata
Monstera subpinnata has a dramatic split leaf appearance:
- Leaves are deeply divided into leaflets arranged in pairs along the stem.
- Looks palm-like with fanned out foliage.
- Can reach 1 ft long and 8 inches wide when mature.
Provide this rare beauty with bright indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering. Normal household temperatures around 65-80°F (18-27°C) are suitable.
10. Monstera Lechleriana
Young Monstera lechleriana leaves resemble Monstera adansonii. As it matures:
- Holes develop along the central ridge or midrib of large oval leaves instead of scattered.
- Glossy green leaves reach up to 4 ft long and 2 ft wide when mature!
- Pale green on the underside of leaves.
Lechleriana enjoys partially sunny spots indoors near a bright window. Water when the top couple inches of soil are dry. Maintain indoor temperatures around 68–86°F (20–30°C).
11. Monstera Esqueleto
Monstera epipremnoides, also called Monstera esqueleto, transforms dramatically with maturity:
- Heart-shaped leaves develop slits along the center as a juvenile.
- Mature leaves fan out and get large central holes, looking droopy.
- Can reach 3 ft long and 1.5 ft wide with soft, floppy texture.
Provide this tropical vine with bright indirect sunlight, warm temperatures, and high humidity. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering. Fertilize in spring and summer.
12. Monstera Albo (Variegated Monstera Deliciosa)
One of the most popular variegated monsteras is Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo’. Here’s how to identify it:
- Iconic split heart-shaped leaves like M. deliciosa.
- White or pale yellow variegation on leaves instead of solid green.
- Variegation has clear defined edges instead of speckled.
- Slower growing. Requires excellent light to maintain variegation.
‘Albo’ enjoys bright indirect sunlight to partial sun. Let the top couple
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Customer Reviews Based on 3 reviews
Shipping was weird but that was on USPS. I wasnt crazy about the packaging, She lost a couple leaves during transit but it was better than most. The plant itself is in stellar condition. Nice roots. 10/10 would buy again D
Hello I received the baby Monstera fast and sooner than expected! The plant was healthy but I would suggest a different packaging. It would be like to be packed with a clear plastic tube with room for branches and leaves to be free for better protection. When my plant arrived, three stems were broken and barely hanging on. I put a small tape to hold each stem back as a cast…let’s see how they recover! V
My baby monstera deliciosa arrived today in perfect condition….wrapped securely in plastic with packaging materials that kept it safe and protected. Its a really nice size, all leaves were intact and the soil was still moist. I cant wait to see it grow!
96 hour HEAT PACKS are available under the Accessories category. Due to the colder weather and the postal delays from Covid-19 and the increased number of packages during the holidays, we are only offering the larger, 96 hour heat pack and are upgrading all orders with a heat pack to Priority to hopefully ensure that the heat pack is still working upon arrival.
If the daytime temperature in your area or mine is below 45 degrees, we recommend a heat pack. If your area is going to be extremely cold, then you may need two heat packs. If you do not want to include heat packs during cold weather, then you take full responsibility if your plant freezes. We may check the weather between South Carolina and your location, and send a message to recommend adding a heat pack. We do not leave our plants outside for the post office to pick them up and instead take the plants to the post office before the postal truck comes at 4pm so that they are not sitting outside in the elements. We want to provide you with the highest quality plants possible and between our cost and the extra added cost of shipping, there is no mark up on heat packs and they are simply provided as a service to ensure your plants arrive safely.
They last at least 96 hours. Due to mail delays, we are only offering the 96 hour heat pack at this time. For an additional $7 charge, we are offering a shipping upgrade to priority shipping with an included heat pack. We cannot be responsible for plants that were damaged by extreme cold where a heat pack was not purchased, so please check your weather and take postal delays into consideration.
We know that you may have had bad experiences ordering plants online. Who hasnt? At Sweet Leaf, we love our plants and want them to be beautiful and healthy when you unbox them. To make that happen we carefully hand-package all of our plants to ensure that theyre safe and secure, from our door to yours.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING EXTREME TEMPERATURES: Sweet Leaf cannot be responsible for plants sent to areas where there are extreme temperatures, hot or cold. We offer heat packs in Winter and recommend holding off if temperatures in your area are too hot for plants to be shipped safely. There is no way that we can check the temperature for every order and still provide you with the speed and customer service that you deserve, and we believe you are much better equipped to decide when the weather is too extreme for plants to be shipped to your area. Please check the listing for ideal temperatures and purchase accordingly with your weather in mind.
ITEMS SHIPPED MON, TUES, WED, and FRI (weather permitting). At this time of the year, we recommend a heat pack if daytime temps between our area and yours will be below 45 degrees. Heat packs are listed as a shipping upgrade and must be sent Priority to ensure it arrives in the 96 hours that the heat pack provides.
REGARDLESS OF WHAT SHIPPING TIME SAYS ALL PLANTS ARE SHIPPED ON MONDAYS, TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS and FRIDAYS so that the plants arrive prior to or just after the weekend and are not sitting in a post office for days. Upon placing your order we will try to check the weather in your area and message you to let you know what days are best to ensure your plants arrive in the best weather for their survival and to give you an opportunity to add a heat pack if you previously declined and change your mind.
If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them, not only about the listing but also about the care of your plant after you get it. My inbox is always open and I am happy to help!
All sales are final. HOWEVER, if your plant arrives in a damaged condition that it will not recover from, please contact me within 24 hours with photos so that I can submit a claim with USPS. WE CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE DUE TO EXTREME HEAT OR COLD IF HEAT PACKS ARE NOT PURCHASED. WE CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAIL DELAYS IF PRIORITY IS NOT SELECTED AND THE HEAT PACK EXPIRES. If USPS covers the claim, then I can provide you with another plant or send you a refund. If your plant comes out of the pot during shipping, while annoying, it should be fine. We take every precaution to ensure that your plants will arrive safely and still potted, but we have no control over what happens once it leaves our care. Please contact me with any issues to attempt a fair resolution for all and contact me with any questions you have about care.
15 Types of Monstera to Grow | types of monstera plants | Leaf Town
FAQ
How do I tell what type of Monstera I have?
What is the name of the little Monstera?
What is a mini monstera called?
How to tell the difference between Monstera Deliciosa and borsigiana?
What are the most popular Monstera plants?
Monstera Deliciosa is the most popular houseplant among the Monstera family, but it isn’t the only one you can get. Wondering how many Monstera varieties or types are out there? In this blog post, I will go through the most popular monstera varieties, including the mesmerizing Variegata cultivars.
Are there different types of Monstera?
There are a lot of monstera varieties out there, so here’s how to tell what you’re buying at the nursery and how to find the right monstera for you!
What is a Monstera plant?
Often referred to as the “Swiss Cheese Plant” due to its unique leaf structure, the Monstera is a tropical beauty known for its large, perforated leaves. With many different types of Monstera to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for your home or garden.
What are the best types of Monstera for indoors?
There are many Monstera varieties that you can grace your indoor spaces with! Some of the most popular are the Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansonii, Monstera standleyana, and variegated Monsteras.