Deborah TorresThe world of indoor plants has been popular for quite some time already. From a variety of lovely monstera plants to air plants and huge slotted leaves, plant enthusiasts like me feel more incredible as we collect more plants to add to our beautiful garden. Monstera plants just captured my heart. I started to pick a few types and now plan to gradually add more variety to make a lovely collection of monstera plants in my garden.
Also, it’s an amazing home decor! I love nature and it’s nice to add some touch of green to my humble abode. Are you also planning to start your collection? Read along and discover more about beautiful monstera plants.
How Many Types of Monstera Are There?
Monstera plants are one of the perfect houseplants you can add to your home. Their eye-catching green color and fancy look make them a great greenery display for your living room, corridor, veranda, or even in your room. The choice is almost limitless!
For me, I prefer to put it as a highlight decor for my living room to catch my visitors’ attention and make them feel more comfortable because of the naturalistic vibe. If you want to achieve this too, then take a sneak-peak on the different types of monstera plants to help you decide what to pick.
Borsigiana
First on the list is Borsigiana or Monstera Borsigiana. Compared to the other types of monstera, this one has smaller leaves and a vine pattern along with its long stem. It also grows faster and has two rows and slits but you can expect these characteristics once they’re matured.
Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Plant, or the Monstera Deliciosa, is one of the most common varieties. Just like the other types of monstera plants, the Swiss Cheese Plant also has heart-shaped leaves with dark green cuts or slits.
I prefer to display this gorgeous Deliciosa as decor for my corner table in the living room. It’s also perfect for verandas and offices!
Albo Variegata
Albo Variegata is also one of my favorites! Its beautiful color combination makes it lovelier and more interesting. Very suitable for minimalist interior designs! As the name states, Variegata comes in a variety of leaf colors, which makes it attractive to plant lovers.
Albo Variegata has vibrant white and green shades that come together beautifully. Sometimes, most people think that it’s painted white. But honestly, it’s all-natural! However, it’s a little bit hard to find in the market. Try your luck!
Adansonii
Monstera Adansonii is another variety that comes in a small size, but big holes compared to the other types. It may look like a destroyed set of leaves at first, but don’t worry! It’s their natural look that makes them beautiful.
Although the holes take up almost half of each leaf, its pattern is absolutely amazing, making it a perfect addition to your monstera collection. However, it’s rare and fairly hard to find.
Dubia
If you ask me, Dubia is one of my top picks when it comes to monstera plants. It’s a small variety but has a beautiful color combination of both dark and light green. Also, its leaves are heart-shaped, making it a perfect option for green home decor.
When getting this type of monstera, make sure to provide it with something to climb on. It grows like a vine and its stem and leaves hug whatever plant is nearby.
Pinnatipartita
Do you prefer a large variety over a small one? Then Monstera Pinnatipartita might be the perfect one for you! This variety comes with large and shiny leaves. And instead of holes, Pinnatipartita grows slits.
Despite its large size, it has a sturdy stem with a beautiful emerald green color. Just like Adansonii, Pinnatipartita is also hard to find. But if you’re lucky enough, you can find some online.
Silver Monstera
Silver Monstera is yet the most unique among all the monstera types. Unlike the previously mentioned monsteras, this one doesn’t develop holes or slits on its leaves as it matures.
It’s just a simple heart-shaped set of leaves with a beautiful combination of silver and green shades. I would love to get one for my collection to see an amazing variety of monstera plants!
Obliqua
Seriously. Have you ever seen a plant that’s more of a huge hole than a plant? I’m telling you, you should take a look at Monstera Obliqua. It just looks like it’s a destroyed plant, but it really isn’t!
The amazing holes take up about 90% of each leaf so it’s delicate and you might even find it hard to touch it. They’re fragile! And you don’t want to ruin their unique beauty. And since they’re too delicate, you can only find them in botanical gardens.
Thai Constellation
Here’s another variety of a beautiful combination of white and green hues. Thai Constellation features pretty cuts and awesome patterns perfectly complementing the beautiful colors. You can even see how the green touches the white and it’s just so satisfying to look at!
Among the various types of monstera, the Thai Constellation is yet one of the tallest. It can grow up to four to six feet when placed indoors. What more if you let it live outdoors!
Karstenianum
Karstenianum or Monstera Peru stands out because of its leathery set of leaves. Unlike the other types, Karstenianum grows in a deep and dark green color as it matures–invoking a very strong characteristic.
It also grows veins that almost look like a spider web. Indeed, this is one of the best types to include in your indoor monstera collection.
Borsigiana Variegata
I have a beautiful collection of white and green monstera plants at home. So Borsigiana Variegata shouldn’t miss this list! If I’ve previously mentioned green touching white, this time, I’ll talk about how these two colors perfectly divide a whole plant.
This variety looks so stunning! It has a combination of both pure white and green leaves that best compliments minimalist interior themes.
Split Leaf Philodendron
Split Leaf Philodendron is just like a typical monstera with thick stems. It has huge slits that divide each side of the leaves. It’s stunningly appealing! And for me, this one is a great decor for the living room, beside your sofa set, to be specific.
It can also fit your veranda! You can place it beside your door to welcome your visitors. They’ll have positive energy after seeing your beautiful Split Leaf Philodendron saying hi to them.
Mini Monstera
Mini Monstera looks very similar to the other monstera types, but a smaller version. And its holes are unique! It has large holes that reach the edge of each leaf, making it look like a destroyed one.
This Mini Monstera also evokes a strong character because of its dark green color. It’s one of the most exotic varieties that should be taken care of so it won’t get extinct anytime soon.
Best Soil for Monstera
Soil is where plants get their nutrients. So if you want to have a beautiful and healthy collection of monstera plants, selecting great soil is crucial. I have a wide-open space in my backyard, but I don’t use that soil for my plants.
Instead, I seek healthier options online. Don’t know where to start? Here are some of my best picks to help you decide what to get.
MiracleGro Indoor Potting Mix
Who says soil can’t be purchased in packs? Of course, you can! Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix is one of the best brands when it comes to healthy soil for your plants. This potting mix is suitable for almost all types of plants.
What I like about this potting mix brand is that it doesn’t contain compost or bark that are a source of shelter fungus gnats. It also contains coconut coir that holds and releases water perfect for watering your monstera.
If you’re looking for a potting mix, I highly recommend this one!
Espoma Organic Potting Mix
Natural and organic are just two of the most important factors to consider when looking for healthy soil for your monstera. Espoma Organic Potting Mix is an all-natural soil that contains myco-tone suitable for all types of plants.
Proper moisture is essential for monstera plants. This potting mix helps retain enough moisture for plants and reduces drought stress. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor applications. Its price is almost close to Miracle-Gro, and they’re both recommended for your monstera collection.
Fertilome Ultimate Potting Mix
To complete the list, I’ll also recommend Fertilome Ultimate Potting Mix for those who want to start their monstera collection. This potting mix contains two types of limestones perfect for balancing the acidity of the soil.
Fertilome Ultimate Potting Mix is perfect for any seedlings, indoor and outdoor plants. So if you’re just about to start planting your first monstera, this is a highly recommended potting soil brand.
And if there’s a unique factor that makes Fertilome stand out, it’s its weightlessness. It’s so lightweight that you can’t even feel it when placed in planters!
Monstera FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about monstera plants, and their answers.
Can Monstera Plants Purify Air?
Yes! Monstera plants are just one of the many plant types that can help purify the air. Large-leafed monsteras are said to be the most effective plants for air purifying. You can place them in your living room but just make sure to keep your kids and pets away.
Monstera plants are toxic if swallowed. Don’t let kids and pets play with them.
Do Monstera Plants Need Misting?
Monstera plants can survive in any environment but if you want them to live longer and healthier, you must mist them at least once a week. The best time to mist your monstera is every morning.
If watered early, it will have a lot of time to evaporate before evening. You can also feed it with water and fertilizer mixture during spring and summer. But don’t overfeed them! Too much fertilizer can burn them.
How Often to Water Monstera
You don’t need to water your monstera every day. The perfect and best way is to water them at least once a week or wait until the soil is a little bit dry. Monstera likes moist soil, so it’s important to keep it that way.
You can’t water it every day since it might stock up water and the soil will get soggy. Monstera plants have roots and it’s sensitive to overwatering. Too much water can cause them to die.
How Big Do Monstera Plants Get?
Monstera plants come in different types and sizes. Depending on your preferred variety, it might grow in a bigger or smaller size. Monstera Deliciosa is one of the biggest types of monstera. It can grow from 10-15 feet if maintained properly.
Mini Monstera, on the other hand, is a small monstera species. Its mature leaf can only range from 15cm x 10cm depending on the space where it can climb. For this type, you might prefer setting it up in your garden or veranda.
Should I Cut Off Yellow Leaves Monstera?
If you are seeing yellow leaves on your Monstera, it is likely that you are not providing the plant with enough light. Monsteras need bright, indirect light to thrive. If you cannot provide your plant with enough natural light, you can supplement with artificial light. Move your plant closer to a window or add a grow light to your setup.
Leaves with a yellowish hue are often a sign that the plant is not receiving enough nitrogen. This can be remedied by providing the plant with a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Fertilizing with a high-nitrogen fertilizer will help to green up the leaves and restore their healthy color.
Are Monstera a Climbing Plant?
Yes. Monsteras are a climbing plant that use aerial roots to attach themselves to a support structure. The aerial roots grow into the host plant and produce a holdfast, which attaches the vine to the host. This allows the plant to climb higher and reach more sunlight.
Monstera are plants that can grow very quickly. They will need to be staked up when they are young so that they don’t fall over. Once they are established, they will not need to be staked anymore.
Final Takeaways
Monstera plants are one of the best indoor plants you can have. They aren’t just plants. They are beautiful home decor, air purifiers, and companions to be taken good care of. For plant enthusiasts, this is a great option if you’re looking to add to your collection!
Gear up and prepare your gardening materials to start planting your first monstera plant! They’re very nice plants and I enjoy collecting them. I have some in my living room, and some on my veranda. They are a perfect set of plants for clearing any air impurities.
Get yourself different monstera varieties and enjoy living a green life in your house full of lovely monstera plants–be it small, or large ones. With proper maintenance, you can ensure they will live longer and healthier.
