Monstera – especially Monstera Adansonii – can be a confusing bunch. The Monstera genus has at least 48 species. But which Monstera have you got? Swiss Cheese? Monkey Mask? Obliqua? Confused much?!
Here’s a short(ish), simple(ish) guide comparing some of the most popular and best-known Monstera, from Albo to Obliqua, to introduce this fantastic family and help you work out which Monstera you have.
Starting with the big boys, the OG Monstera deliciosa, the Thai Constellation and Albo, then the various Monstera Adansonii (which is where it can get really confusing), including #itsneverobliqua, and photos to go with each one.
The OG Monstera, spotted everywhere from home magazine photo shoots, to growing wild in NZ back-yards. Huge, holey moley leaves when mature. Also called the ‘Swiss Cheese Plant’. Rumoured to come in small form or large form. You might see the small form also called Borsigiana. A bit of controversy about whether thats actually a different variety though (have a read of the Real Truth about Deliciosa vs Borsigiana article by Ohio Tropics, or What is Monstera Borsigiana if you want to get into it – essentially the conclusion both come to is that Deliciosa and Borsigiana are the same).
Stable variegation thats usually speckled and evenly scattered. That doesnt mean you wont get bigger patches of sectoral variegation – like the Albo is famous for – but not as likely, or as large, with the Thai. Variegation colour varies from yellow (especially on younger leaves), to creamy-white. Leaves can get bigger than the Albo. The length of the stem between leaves (called internodes), is a lot shorter versus the Albo (handy parts of a stem diagram here showing nodes, internodes, axillary buds and more). If you do get the occasional leaf with less variegation, no need to cut it off, as the next leafs variegation isnt dependant on the previous leaf like it is with the Albo. A Thai wont revert and turn full-green like an Albo can.
Unstable variegation. When variegated, will be a more creamy to pure white rather than the sometimes yellow variegation of the Thai. Variegation is also much more likely to be sectoral, covering larger sections of the leaf compared to the Thai. Variegation pattern also more marbled than speckled. Smaller mature leaf size than the Thai also but with a much longer stem length between nodes. Albo tends to grow faster and more leggy. A support pole is a good idea from young.
Sometimes mistaken for a Philodendron, and called a Philodendron Cobra. Monstera Standleyana have thick, glossy, darker green leaves that do not fenestrate. Most leaves will shown some level of variegation, from yellow to creamy white in colour, but often just appearing as light speckling and flecks. Occasionally they put out some more variegated leaves, including the prized half-moon (a half-and-half green and white leaf), which have been selectively propagated and given various names to describe the colour and level of variegation. The form of the plant however doesnt change, and they can revert back to the green form (typically requiring cutting back to the last more variegated leaf). Standleyana Albo Variegata is the name most often given to highly variegated examples with half-moon leaves. Aurea is sometimes used to name the more yellow variegated varieties.
The classic Monstera adansonii you’re most likely to find in garden centres, also called the regular form. Large, oval, slightly pointed leaves when mature. Quick to vine or climb. Fenestrates (or perforates, to be exact), quickly when young. Fast growers. Easy peasy to propagate too. Love these guys. Some also call the immature form adansonii friedrichsthalii.
These guys are most often called ‘Monkey Mask’ in NZ. You might also hear Swiss Cheese Plant used to describe the Deliciosa (above), vs Swiss Cheese Vine used to describe the narrow form adansonii (below). A heads up that stores sometimes label the regular form adansonii Obliqua! More about that – and the hashtag #itsneverobliqua – coming up.
Fun fact to add to the confusion (sorry), is that Monkey Mask can sometimes also turn out to be Monstera lechleriana, and not an adansonii at all. Lechleriana tend not to have as many or as large holes as adansonii, so if youre seeing lots of larger holes like the pic above, its more likely youve got a variety of adansonii. Lechleriana and adansonii also have differences in the petioles (diagram here showing where the petiole is). Lechleriana have the potential to grow a lot larger leaves than adansonii, have more even shaped leaves, with smaller holes that tend to form closer to the middle vein of the leaves, and younger leaves may not have any holes.
The “Swiss cheese plant” is a common name used to describe the species Monstera adansonii. However, there are actually many different varieties of Monstera that fall under the “Swiss cheese plant” moniker. This can lead to some confusion among plant lovers and collectors.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of Swiss cheese plants and how to identify them. We’ll also provide care tips tailored to each variety’s specific needs.
Overview of Monstera Genus
Monstera is a genus of around 50 species of flowering plants native to tropical regions of the Americas. They are evergreen vines that can grow quite large in their natural habitat, climbing up trees and structures using aerial roots.
The signature feature of Monstera plants is their leaves, which develop dramatic splits and holes as they mature – termed “fenestrations.” This distinctive pattern makes them popular as houseplants.
While Monstera adansonii is arguably the most well-known Swiss cheese plant, there are many other Monstera species and cultivars worth knowing about.
Monstera Adansonii
This fast-growing vine is likely what comes to mind when someone mentions “Swiss cheese plant.” Native to South and Central America, Monstera adansonii has glossy heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 35 inches long and develop holes as they mature.
- Grows 3-6 feet indoors
- Thrives in bright, indirect light
- Tolerates a wide humidity range
- Trailing or climbing growth habit
Popular cultivars
- ‘Monkey Mask’ – Has larger fenestrations
- ‘Variegata’ – Creamy white variegated leaves
Monstera Deliciosa
Often confused with adansonii, Monstera deliciosa has even larger, leathery leaves that can reach up to 3 feet long in mature plants. It also climbs via aerial roots and makes an impressive statement plant.
- Grows up to 20 feet in the wild, 6-8 feet as a houseplant
- Prefers slightly less light than adansonii
- Appreciates average to high humidity
- Climbing growth habit
Popular cultivars:
- ‘Borsigiana’ – More delicate leaves, faster growing
- ‘Variegata’ – Leaves with white variegation
- ‘Thai Constellation’ – Leaves speckled with yellowish variegation
Monstera Siltepecana
Sometimes called “Monstera Silver” or “Swiss Cheese Vine,” this variety has intriguing silvery markings on its leaves. It remains relatively small, topping out around 6 feet.
- Grows 2-6 feet tall
- Thrives in medium to bright, indirect light
- Tolerates a wide humidity range
- Trailing or vining growth
Monstera Dubia
Monstera dubia is a less common, slower growing variety. Unlike most Monsteras, its leaves stay small and do not develop holes. It has a beautiful shingled growth pattern.
- Grows 3-5 feet tall
- Thrives in bright, indirect light
- Prefers high humidity
- Trailing or climbing growth
Popular cultivar:
- ‘Thai Monstera’ – Leaves with cream and green variegation
Monstera Standleyana
Sometimes called Monstera albo, this variety has long, oval-shaped leaves boldly variegated in white. It remains on the smaller side for a Monstera.
- Grows 3-5 feet tall
- Tolerates low to medium indirect light
- Prefers high humidity
- Climbing or trailing growth habit
Monstera Obliqua
With slender, heavily perforated leaves, Monstera obliqua is an intriguing and rare find. This variety stays bushy when young. As it matures, long vines emerge.
- Grows 6-15 feet or more if supported
- Tolerates low to medium indirect light
- Prefers high humidity
- Climbing growth habit
Tips for Caring for Your Monstera
Now that you know how to identify the different Monstera varieties, here are some care tips to keep your plant healthy:
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Provide bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun will scorch the leaves.
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Use well-draining potting mix and avoid overwatering.
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Add a moss pole or trellis for climbing varieties to attach aerial roots to.
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Mist frequently and use a pebble tray to boost humidity if needed.
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Wipe leaves occasionally to prevent dust buildup and promote photosynthesis.
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Repot when rootbound into a slightly larger container.
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Propagate by stem cuttings for new plants.
With the proper care tailored to its variety, a Monstera makes a uniquely beautiful and easy-to-grow houseplant. Just be sure you know exactly which Swiss cheese plant you have!
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If you are looking to cultivate a monstera plant, you won’t be stuck for choice! However, not all monstera species make perfect houseplants. Here are some of the best monstera species for indoor cultivation.
The swiss cheese plant, monstera, is a much-loved ornamental foliage plant that comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colours. Read on for some of the best monstera species to cultivate as houseplants, and don’t forget to read our article on monstera care!
Monstera adansonii Narrow Form
The narrow form is sometimes called Swiss Cheese Vine and the wide form and regular form tend to get called Monkey Mask – but not always! The best way to know what youve got is to compare those leaves, where the differences become much more obvious.
The narrow form has much thinner, more vine-like stems than other adansonii. Leaves are narrower, longer, thinner and smoother, and normally point slightly to one side at the tip. The narrow form tends not to fenestrate as easily when young until climbing and mature. If left to vine or in lower light, it may not fenestrate at all, or may only develop the occasional smaller, fewer holes. When it does mature, the narrow form has fewer holes than others, which are also smaller and more oval than other forms. Tends to be more delicate than other forms also. Quite elegant and tidy compared to other more rambling adansonii.
HOUSEPLANT CARE TIPS | HOW TO CARE FOR MONSTERA ADANSONII SWISS CHEESE
FAQ
Are there different types of Swiss cheese plants?
There are over 50 different types of monstera worldwide. Many have adapted to our climate and are suitable as houseplants in the UK. Here are some of our favourites!
What is the difference between deliciosa and Adansonii?
Monstera adansonii – The Real “Swiss Cheese Vine”
This beauty has smaller, thinner leaves than deliciosa, and features more pronounced holes throughout the leaf—hence the “Swiss Cheese Vine” name. Adansonii is a fabulous houseplant—easy to care for, quick to grow, and happy climbing or trailing.
How do I tell what type of Monstera I have?
- Leaf Shape: Large, round, heart-shaped leaves.
- Stem: Ruffled or bumpy where leaves attach.
- Growth Habit: Spreads out, reaching a wide, often ground-covering shape.
- Other: Grows large, can have a distinctive “nose” structure on the stem.
How to tell the difference between esqueleto and Adansonii?
Adansonii is smaller and thinner. Esqueleto is wider.
Did Monstera plant sell for $5000?
Monster monstera houseplant sells for almost $5000 on Trade Me auction. The monstera deliciosa is a pretty common houseplant in New Zealand, but one particularly special one has just sold for almost $5000 on Trade Me last night.
What is the rarest type of Monstera?
The Monstera Obliqua is often considered the rarest Monstera due to its delicate, lace-like leaves and slow growth. It’s hard to find and can be expensive, making it a prized plant among collectors.
What is the best type of Swiss cheese plant?
If you want the best type of Swiss Cheese Plant for your home, then we have the Best Monstera Adansonii Varieties to choose from! Monstera adansonii is a popular houseplant that is easy to care for. If you want to grow its stunning types, then check out the Best Monstera Adansonii Varieties below! 1. Monstera Adansonii Variegata 2.
What is a Swiss cheese plant?
The swiss cheese plant, monstera, is a much-loved ornamental foliage plant that comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colours. Read on for some of the best monstera species to cultivate as houseplants, and don’t forget to read our article on monstera care! There are over 50 different types of monstera worldwide.
How big do Swiss cheese plants get?
The most popular ‘Swiss Cheese plant’, Monstera deliciosa is one of the most common of Monsteras and likely the one that everyone has seen the most. Famous for the lovely holes that pop-into those beautiful, dark green leaves, this plant also gets quite big with a mature indoor height of 10 to 15 feet and it can stretch out as much as 8 feet wide.
What is the difference between Monstera deliciosa and Swiss cheese plant?
Monstera is the common name for monstera deliciosa, a large and big-leafed plant, while Swiss cheese plant is the common name for monstera adansonii, a small plant with narrow and oblong leaves. The confusion comes from the fact that some people call monstera deliciosa “Swiss cheese plant.”
What is a Mexican cheese plant?
1. Monstera deliciosa (AKA Swiss Cheese Plant) Native to the tropical forests from Southern Mexico to Panama, the Swiss cheese plant gets its common name from the appearance of its leaves, which are riddled with holes. This plant is also sometimes called the Mexican Breadfruit plant, which refers to the delicious (deliciosa) fruit it produces.
How big does a Swiss cheese vine grow?
One of the most common varieties on Monstera, the ‘Swiss Cheese vine’ is a great hanging-basket plant as it tends to grow quite quickly. Indoors, you can expect it to grow anywhere from 3 to 8 feet long and 2 to 3 feet wide, and those signature holed-leaves are a lovely light green that you’ll definitely love.