Monstera plants are popular ornamental plants. Their unique artistic and beauty are well-known. They have large, holey leaves. They are an attractive choice for decorating homes or offices. This detailed article explores many types of Monstera plants. It also gives insights into their proper growth and care.
Monstera plants are from the tropical forests of Central and South America. They get their name from the Latin word ‘Monstrum,’ which means ‘strange’ or ‘frightening.’ This reflects the unusual size and shape of their leaves. These plants belong to the Araceae family. They are famous for their captivating, hole-riddled leaves.
Several Popular Types of Monstera Plants
There are several popular types of Monstera plants among plant enthusiasts. Here are three encountered Monstera types:
1. Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa is a beloved plant globally. It captivates with its impressive, elegant, and sophisticated leaves. It is a focal point in images. The images represent brands, businesses, or individuals on social media.
Monstera deliciosa is a bushy plant that thrives in tropical regions. It is robust, easy to care for, and relatively resistant to pests and diseases. It’s a great choice for indoor landscaping. It also works as office decor or a striking element in garden landscaping. Monstera deliciosa has unique leaves, flowers, and fruits. But, it rarely flowers when grown indoors.
2. Monstera Thai Constellation
3. Monstera Pinnatipartita
Monstera Pinnatipartita is a rare and stunning evergreen climbing plant. It comes from the tropical rainforests of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It bears a striking resemblance to Monstera Deliciosa. As it matures, it gets divided leaves. It also makes wax-like white flowers and aerial roots. These give it a wild look.
When grown, the plant stacks its leaves with overlapping emerald green shades. Naturally beautiful fissures adorn them. With proper care, you can see the pure white flowers of this plant.
4. Monstera Obliqua
Many people mistake Monstera Obliqua for Monstera Adansonii. This is due to their unique appearance and many similarities. Even experienced gardeners struggle. They find it hard to tell these two plant species apart. But, what sets Monstera Obliqua apart is its incredible fenestrations. They can occupy up to 90% of the leaf’s surface.
Obliqua is also an epiphytic plant. This means it can grow by attaching to other plants. It takes moisture and nutrients from the air. Epiphytic plants do not parasitize or draw nutrients from their host plants.
5. Monstera Adansonii
Monstera Adansonii thrives in indirect sunlight or partial shade. This makes it a great choice for indoor spaces. Use well-draining soil to maintain the right moisture balance. Unlike Monstera Obliqua, Adansonii’s holes are in the central leaf area. This gives it a unique look. It can climb or trail , adding beauty to your space. Enjoy its captivating foliage and easy care.
6. Monstera Esqueleto
It was once often mistaken for Monstera Esqueleto. But, Monstera Epipremnoides is a different species. Epipremnoides is a rare natural species. It is rare in the market. Esqueleto is of unclear origin. It is popular among indoor plant fans.
Esqueleto has climbing capabilities, but its leaf nodes are not too far apart. As it matures or when grown in a well-lit location, the nodes will shorten. The mature leaf size can reach over 60 cm with impressive large holes.
7. Monstera Dubia
Monstera Dubia is recognizable by its very small, heart-shaped leaves. They are dark and light green. It grows as a climbing plant with shorter stems and leaves.
Monstera dubia is a plant species in the Monstera genus native to Central and South America. This plant can climb walls or trees.
8. Monstera Peru
Monstera Peru thrives indoors. It needs less light and water than other Monstera species. It’s also known for its slower growth. As an epiphytic plant, Monstera Peru tends to grow as a vine, reaching upwards. It does well when provided with support structures like moss poles or trellises.
So, you can also grow your Monstera Peru in a hanging basket or a potted plant. You can let its trailing vines extend down. Monstera Peru flowers when grown outdoors and rarely blooms indoors.
9. Monstera Minima
Monstera Minima looks like Monstera plants. But, it’s a type of Rhaphidophora tetrasperma. In its natural habitat, it can reach a height of up to five meters. Caring for this ornamental plant is simple. It can tolerate many conditions. To enhance its leaves, put it in a humid place or behind a window with filtered sunlight. Avoid too much direct sunlight.
This species is rarely found in the wild. Monstera Minima is a climbing plant. It produces aerial roots that cling to trees, walls, or anything it can find.
Caring for this plant becomes simpler. It is less at risk from pests and diseases.
10. Monstera Standleyana
Many Monstera species have holes that are well-known. The holes are in their leaves, like those of the rare and popular Monstera pinnatipartita. But, Monstera Standleyana is a bit different.
This plant has long, solid leaves. They are about six inches long and two inches wide.
The leaves grow opposite each other along the stem. They are about two to three inches apart. As the plant matures, it tends to climb or trail.
The most popular variety of Monstera Standleyana is the albo variegata. This variety features leaves with a mix of white and green colors.
Some plants have a deep green hue with large, faded white patches. Others are green with a few white spots.
11. Monstera Siltepecana
Monstera Siltepecana, also called the silver Monstera, is a trailing plant. Its oval leaves have silver patterns in the middle. Unlike other Monstera types, it lacks holes. Captivating silver patterns adorn it. This makes it a unique and attractive ornamental plant.
The juvenile form looks quite different from the mature one. It has leaves with silver hues and green veins. They look like a patterned mask. This flexibility has made the Silver Monstera popular. It’s a popular choice for homes and balconies.
12. Monstera Albo Variegata
The Variegated Monstera Albo stood out as the hottest plant trend of 2021, unmatched by any other. Plant enthusiasts love its leaves. They have white spots, stripes, or patches. This variegation is actually a sign of a mutation, making it rare in nature. Variegated specimens are especially high-quality. They command high prices. This leads many enthusiasts to see them as an investment. This contributes to price fluctuations. The main regions producing this plant are the Netherlands and Japan. But, production has been rising. This is in tropical and subtropical areas like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia.
Beginners must know that they should buy rare plants like this within their means. The plant’s variegated parts can’t do photosynthesis. So, the Variegated Monstera Albo grows more than its green counterparts. Excessive variegation can even lead to the plant’s death. Despite these challenges. the Variegated Monstera Albo is one of the easiest rare plants to care for and grow. It is highly recommended for individuals with experience in caring for houseplants.
13. Monstera Aurea
Monstera Aurea is a variegated form of the Monstera Albo. This makes it rarer. Its main traits are similar. But, the variegated sections of the Monstera Aurea are more prone to scorching or fading. So, we recommend this for those with experience caring for Monstera Albo.
14. Monstera Borsigiana
Monstera Borsigiana is actually a variation of the Deliciosa. While it looks like Monstera Deliciosa, it is smaller in size. This plant also grows faster under the right conditions. Mature plants develop two neat rows of fenestrations. Deliciosa Monstera has more shaped fenestrations.
15. Monstera Acuminata
Monstera Acuminata grows sideways. It looks like it’s sprouting on the soil. Young Acuminata plants have smaller, round, heart-shaped leaves that are thick and glossy. As they mature, these plants adopt the appearance of a Deliciosa. They grow as climbers with aerial roots, and their stems can reach up to 20 meters if they survive long enough.
16. Monstera Subpinnata
Monstera Subpinnata is a segmented leaf plant from Ecuador. Its segmented leaves can reach lengths of 30 cm and widths of 20 cm when matured. As it climbs, its vines stay narrow and slender. This makes it a stunning leafy specimen. It has a unique fern-like look, unlike many other Monsteras.
Monstera Subpinnata is a tropical plant that thrives with ease. They flourish in moist soil rich in organic matter. These plants grow best at 12 to 26 degrees Celsius. They can also handle low light.
17. Monstera Punctulata
The Monstera Punctulata type is common in Central America. It is also found in the south of Mexico. This Monstera variety has flattened stems that turn brown as it matures. It can grow up to 15 meters in the wild, making it appear robust and lush. Proper care involves maintaining humidity while keeping the plant’s growing medium somewhat dry. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can fade the deep green, glossy leaves. Regularly misting the leaves enhances the plant’s attractiveness. Monstera Punctulata is costly. So, make sure to buy a good plant and give it the care it needs to live a long time.
Choosing a Good Monstera Plant
Before planting a Monstera, it’s important to choose a healthy and quality plant. Here are some guidelines for selecting a quality Monstera plant:
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Determine the Right Growing Location Monstera plants typically prefer bright but indirect sunlight. Choose a location in your home. It must get enough light for the plant to grow.
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Select a Healthy Plant Make sure the Monstera plant you intend to buy has healthy, green leaves. Avoid purchasing plants with dry, wilting, or damaged leaves.
Tips for Caring for Monstera Plants
Here are some extra tips for caring for your Monstera plants:
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Periodically clean the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and allow them to breathe.
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Protect the plant from strong winds, which can damage the leaves and stems.
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Help your Monstera plant climb or trail by using support stakes or gentle wire.
Conclusion
Monstera plants are captivating ornamental plants with unique holey leaves. When caring for these plants, be sure to pick a healthy one. Plant it and provide proper care. Also, address any issues that come up. With the right attention and care, Monstera plants can add beauty to your home or office.
FAQs
Is Monstera tolerant of direct sunlight?
Direct sunlight can damage Monstera’s leaves, so avoid exposing it to sunlight. Place the plant in a location with bright but indirect sunlight.
How often should I water my Monstera plant?
You should water regularly but not excessively. Ensure the soil remains moist but not soggy. Check the soil’s moisture level before watering again.
How can I propagate Monstera plants?
You can propagate Monstera plants through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. Trim a healthy stem or leaf and plant it in the appropriate growing medium.
What should I do if my Monstera’s leaves start turning yellow?
The yellowing of Monstera leaves indicates a problem. Check the plant’s watering, lighting, and fertilization to ensure optimal conditions. If the issue persists, consider consulting with a plant expert for further guidance.
How can I maintain optimal humidity for Monstera plants?
You can keep the air humid by misting the plant’s leaves. Or, you can put it near a humidifier.
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