15 Stunning Monstera Varieties: The Complete Species Guide

From the classic Deliciosa to rare unicorn plants like the Obliqua, here’s how to tell every popular Monstera species apart and choose the right one for your space.

I didn’t know much about monsteras until I met the Monstera deliciosa, and I fell for it so hard that I barely considered another variety for years.

But monsteras have become one of the trendiest houseplant families around, and once I started looking closer, far more varieties caught my eye than I expected.

Today I’m torn between the delicate Monstera acuminata and the ever-popular Monstera adansonii, and I suspect that once you’ve worked through this guide, you’ll be just as pleasantly conflicted about which species belongs in your home.

This guide breaks down 15 of the most common (and a few genuinely rare) Monstera species, what makes each one distinct, and the light, size, and care expectations you should have before you buy.

Monstera Varieties at a Glance

Use this quick-reference table to compare the varieties covered in this guide before you scroll through the full profiles below.

Top 15 Monstera Varieties

Most of the varieties in this section are common and easy to find through a local nursery or fellow plant collectors, the Deliciosa being the obvious example.

It’s one of the most widely available species and has graced countless social media feeds, continuing to enthrall gardeners at every skill level.

Other species, like the Acuminata, are far harder to track down because of their genuinely rare features.

Below, I cover what makes each of these species worth growing, along with the light and space they’ll need from you.

1. Monstera Deliciosa

This is the plant that started it all for me, and it remains the most popular Monstera species by a wide margin.

It can grow to a height of up to 15 feet indoors given enough vertical room, with broad leaves that reach 3 feet long.

Its leaves fenestrate, or split, once they mature, which is the signature look most people picture when they hear the word ‘Monstera.’

It also features aerial roots, which allow it to climb tree trunks in the wild, a habit you can replicate indoors using a moss pole.

Because it’s so widely propagated, cuttings are inexpensive and root within a few weeks under the right conditions.

To grow this plant well, find a spot with bright indirect light and use a well-draining potting mix.

For a full care walkthrough, see our guide on how to care for a Monstera.

2. Monstera Adansonii (Monkey Mask Plant)

This variety also goes by the name monkey mask plant, thanks to fenestrations that, unlike the Deliciosa’s, rarely reach the edges of the leaves.

The leaves mix deep and light green hues and stay bold without becoming unwieldy. It’s generally a smaller plant but can reach 8 feet in the right conditions.

If that size isn’t what you’re after, trim it back to curb fast growth, and use the cuttings to propagate more plants.

It performs best in partial sun, ideally morning light, which is gentler than the harsher rays of the afternoon.

3. Monstera Peru (Monstera Karstenianum)

If you want a Monstera that isn’t too demanding, this is a strong pick. Monstera Peru grows quickly and climbs naturally, reaching up to 8 feet with partial sun exposure, ideally morning light.

Because it climbs, you can train it along a wall or trellis so it takes up minimal floor space.

Unlike most Monstera varieties, this species doesn’t fenestrate, but it makes up for that with thick, dark green leaves that hold their own texturally against other plants.

It’s also relatively rare in nurseries, so it’s worth grabbing when you find one.

We cover this species in depth in our Monstera Peru care guide and our dedicated propagation guide for Monstera Peru.

4. Monstera Pinnatipartita

Fenestrations are lovely, but this species switches things up with naturally pinnate leaves.

Unlike most Monstera species, which only fenestrate as they mature, the Pinnatipartita shows off deep leaf separations from a young stage.

It’s in high demand and correspondingly hard to find, so expect to pay a premium if you do come across one. Mature plants reach around 6 feet indoors and do best with 4 to 6 hours of morning sun.

5. Monstera Standleyana (Five-Hole Plant)

Also known as the five-hole plant, this is one of the rarer small Monstera species, and it’s genuinely unpredictable.

Unlike plants that produce consistent foliage patterns, the Standleyana might give you green leaves with white spots, yellow stripes, or cream flecking, and you won’t know for certain until it grows.

The contrast is striking, especially once fenestrations appear. To encourage splitting, give the plant plenty of bright, indirect light. In good conditions it reaches around 5 feet tall.

6. Monstera Deliciosa Albo Borsigiana Variegata

This variety brings serious variegation in a more compact package than the standard Deliciosa.

Its broad leaves carry scattered patterns, and some leaf sections turn pure white, adding real contrast against the green.

Once past the juvenile stage, it fenestrates too, giving you the best of both features. It typically tops out around 6 feet indoors.

To preserve the variegation, keep the plant in partial shade and avoid direct afternoon sun.

Be careful with the balance, though: low light conditions can reduce the plant’s ability to produce variegation in the first place.

7. Monstera Peru (Variegated)

If the Albo Borsigiana appeals to you, this variegated take on the Monstera Peru is worth considering too. Like the Borsigiana, it produces varying leaf patterns, giving you plenty of visual contrast.

Its leaves are thick and grow close together, creating a bushy, full look.

Unlike most Monstera species, this one doesn’t fenestrate even at maturity, which makes it ideal if you want a compact, leafy plant without worrying about split leaves.

Give it partial shade and expect growth up to 6 feet tall.

8. Monstera Lechleriana

If you want a plant that grows quickly with low maintenance demands, this is a good option. Like the Deliciosa, it produces broad green leaves and can reach upwards of 6 feet indoors.

As it matures, the leaves develop splits that don’t reach the leaf edges, instead appearing as attractive interior holes.

Given how quickly it grows, you’ll likely need to stake or support it to stop it toppling under its own weight.

Leave it in partial shade with at least 4 hours of morning sun so the leaves can photosynthesize enough to fuel that fast growth. Beyond that, it needs very little attention to stay healthy.

9. Monstera Acuminata

This is one of my personal favourites, and it isn’t easy to find. If you get the chance to own one, take it. Native to South and Central America, it’s one of the most compact Monstera species around.

It reaches roughly 7 feet outdoors but stays considerably smaller indoors, and works well in a hanging basket, where it will trail rather than sprawl.

That makes it a strong choice if you want the Monstera look without the Deliciosa’s footprint.

Like the Deliciosa, it fenestrates, though the splits don’t reach the leaf edges. Give it bright, indirect light and a pot with enough room for healthy root development.

10. Monstera Dubia (Shingle Plant)

If you want a compact plant that still turns heads, this one, sometimes called the shingle plant, fits the bill.

It features variegation that becomes more pronounced with more light, so partial sun brings out the best in it.

Its vining growth habit keeps the leaves close together, so you see each variegated leaf in quick succession.

In the right conditions it reaches around 3 feet tall, and mature leaves can fenestrate, though this is uncommon indoors.

You’ll need to give it extra care to encourage fenestration alongside the variegation. Because of these rare features, expect to pay more for this one, but most growers find it worth it.

11. Monstera Obliqua (Unicorn Plant)

Native to South and Central America, this species thrives in warm regions and can reach 10 feet outdoors. It prefers partial sun, particularly morning light, because its leaves are notably delicate.

What makes it special is the sheer scale of its fenestrations, which can account for up to 90% of the leaf surface without reaching the edges.

It’s a genuinely striking look, and it comes at a cost: this plant is highly sought-after and expensive due to its rarity and delicacy in the wild.

It’s often nicknamed the unicorn plant for good reason. If owning one is on your list, expect to keep searching for a while.

12. Silver Monstera (Monstera Siltepecana)

As the name suggests, this species produces blue-silvery, glossy foliage contrasted against green veins, and it’s a genuine standout

. You won’t find it in most general nurseries, but specialist growers usually stock it.

Once mature, its leaves develop fenestrations, adding to its appeal.

The silver sheen fades as the leaves mature and take on a darker green hue, and the plant also has a natural climbing habit, so you can train it along a wall or trellis to show off the splitting as it happens.

Keep it shaded from direct sunlight to preserve the depth of colour in its mature leaves.

For step-by-step care, see our Monstera Siltepecana care guide.

13. Monstera Deliciosa Thai Constellation

This is the lab-developed answer to anyone who loved the Deliciosa but wanted more visual drama.

Its leaves fenestrate and carry striking variegation in yellow, white, or a blend of both, layered over the natural green.

You get two of the most desirable Monstera traits, colour and pattern, in a single plant. It commands a higher price because demand consistently outstrips supply.

For the best variegation, keep it in partial shade, where it can grow up to 8 feet tall.

14. Variegated Monstera Deliciosa

Unlike the lab-developed Thai Constellation, the variegation in this Monstera occurs naturally through genetic mutation, which makes it very hard to find in the wild and, in turn, expensive to buy.

It’s essentially a variegated twin of the standard Deliciosa, and in the right conditions it will reach at least 10 feet, just like its parent species.

Keep it away from direct sun, which can scorch the lighter, chlorophyll-poor sections of the leaves and stall growth.

15. Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma)

People love the Monstera family for its bold size and dramatic fenestrations, but that same scale puts some growers off if space is tight. If that sounds like you, the Mini Monstera is worth a look.

It grows to about 6 to 8 feet indoors and stays relatively low maintenance, making it a fitting choice for almost any room.

Technically, it isn’t a true Monstera at all: it belongs to the Rhaphidophora genus, but its care needs and split-leaf appearance closely mirror the Monstera family it’s so often mistaken for.

It also prefers partial shade over direct sun exposure, which makes it a fitting note to end on, since so many of the varieties above share that same preference.

Curious how it stacks up against another popular trailing aroid? Read our Pothos vs Monstera comparison.

How to Choose the Right Monstera Variety for Your Space

With 15 options on the table, the deciding factors usually come down to three things: how much space you have, how much light your home gets, and how patient you are willing to be with a rarer plant.

• Small spaces: Monstera Acuminata, Dubia, or the Mini Monstera stay compact and suit shelves, hanging baskets, or desks.
• Bold statement pieces: Monstera Deliciosa, Thai Constellation, or Variegated Deliciosa reward you with height and drama if you have the floor space and a moss pole.
• Low direct light rooms: Monstera Peru, Lechleriana, and the Peru Variegata tolerate partial shade better than most varieties on this list.
• Collectors chasing rarity: Monstera Obliqua, Standleyana, and Pinnatipartita are the hardest to find and the most expensive, so budget accordingly and buy from a reputable specialist seller.

Care Essentials That Apply Across Most Monstera Varieties

While every species above has its quirks, most Monsteras share a common care baseline. Getting these fundamentals right will keep almost any variety on this list healthy.

Light

Most varieties want bright, indirect light. Variegated types (Albo Borsigiana, Thai Constellation, Variegated Deliciosa) need extra protection from direct sun, since the white or pale sections of their leaves lack chlorophyll and scorch more easily than solid green foliage.

For a deeper breakdown by variety, see our guide to Monstera light requirements.

Watering

Let the top inch or two of soil dry out between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of problems across every species covered here, particularly for the more delicate varieties like Obliqua and Dubia.

Our full Monstera watering schedule covers seasonal adjustments in detail.

Soil and Potting

A chunky, well-draining aroid mix works well for the entire Monstera family, whether the variety is a compact grower like the Acuminata or a large climber like the Deliciosa.

See our guides on what soil to use for a Monstera and

how to choose the best pot for a Monstera for more detail.

Support and Climbing

Climbing species, including the Deliciosa, Peru, and Silver Monstera, develop larger, more fenestrated leaves when given something to climb.

A moss pole is the most common option and closely mimics how these plants grow in the wild.

Read our full walkthrough on growing a Monstera with a moss pole.

Troubleshooting: Common Monstera Variety Problems

Many of the issues that show up across these varieties share the same handful of causes. Use this table to narrow down what’s going on before you make any changes.

For yellowing specifically, our guide on why Monstera leaves turn yellow walks through each cause in more depth. If splitting is your main concern, see why your Monstera leaves aren’t splitting.

For a full breakdown of the risks and symptoms to watch for, see our guide on whether Monstera is toxic to you and your pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rarest Monstera variety?

Monstera Obliqua is widely considered the rarest species in the genus, thanks to its delicate leaves, slow growth, and extreme fenestration.

Monstera Pinnatipartita and Standleyana are also difficult to source and typically command high prices.

Which Monstera variety is best for beginners?

Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Peru are the most forgiving choices for new growers.

Both tolerate a range of light conditions, are widely available, and are relatively resistant to minor care mistakes compared with more delicate varieties like Obliqua or Dubia.

Do all Monstera varieties fenestrate?

No. Monstera Peru and the Variegated Monstera Peru do not fenestrate even at maturity, relying instead on thick, glossy, or patterned leaves for visual interest.

Most other species on this list do split, though the timing and pattern vary.

Is the Mini Monstera actually a Monstera?

No. The Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma) belongs to a different genus entirely, but its care requirements and split-leaf appearance closely resemble true Monstera species, which is why it’s so often grouped alongside them.

Why are some Monstera varieties so expensive?

Price generally comes down to rarity, propagation speed, and demand. Variegated and naturally rare species, such as the Thai Constellation, Variegated Deliciosa, and Obliqua, are slow to propagate and cannot be reliably reproduced from every cutting, which keeps supply low relative to demand.

Can I grow different Monstera varieties together in the same room?

Yes, as long as their light requirements are broadly compatible.

Group varieties that prefer bright indirect light together, and keep partial-shade species like the Monstera Peru or Lechleriana slightly further from direct windows.

Key Takeaways

• Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Peru are the easiest entry points for new growers, tolerating a wider range of conditions than rarer species.
• Fenestration isn’t universal. Monstera Peru and its variegated form never split, even at maturity.
• Variegated varieties (Albo Borsigiana, Thai Constellation, Variegated Deliciosa) need brighter, indirect light to preserve their patterning without scorching.
• Rarity drives price. Obliqua, Pinnatipartita, and Standleyana are the hardest to find and the most expensive on this list.
• Every Monstera species here is toxic to pets and people if ingested, so position plants and cuttings accordingly.

A Note on Sources

Species descriptions and growth patterns in this guide were checked against horticultural research, including the University of Missouri Extension’s 2025 feature on the Monstera genus, which covers the genus’s botanical history and newly discovered species.

What’s Next

Once you’ve chosen a variety, the next step is getting the fundamentals right.

Start with our guides on Monstera propagation and general care, then branch into moss poles, watering schedules, and troubleshooting as your plant matures.

Start here: how to propagate a Monstera.