Explore 5 Unique Monstera Types for Your Collection

Monstera are popular houseplants known for their iconic split and hole-filled leaves. There are around 50 different Monstera species and varieties to choose from, ranging enormously in size, leaf shapes, and growth habits. Here is an overview of some of the most popular types of Monstera houseplants.


Monstera Deliciosa




All About Monstera Deliciosa


Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant or Split Leaf Philodendron, is likely the most popular variety grown indoors. This species is native to southern Mexico and Panama. In the wild, Monstera deliciosa grows as a vine, climbing up large trees and spreading across the forest floor.

As a houseplant, Monstera deliciosa grows as a bushy vine that can reach 10 feet tall or more over time. The leaves start out as full and heart-shaped when young. As the plant matures, natural splits and holes begin to form in the leaves, creating the iconic split leaf appearance.

Monstera deliciosa


Caring for Monstera Deliciosa


Monstera deliciosa thrives indoors with bright, indirect light and moderately warm temperatures between 60-80°F. These plants enjoy high humidity. Make sure the potting mix never fully dries out between waterings. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.

Support the climbing stems using a stake or moss pole. Prune back overgrown stems to keep your Monstera manageable. Wipe the leaves often with a damp cloth to prevent dust buildup. Propagate by taking stem cuttings with a few leaves and nodes.


Growing Monstera Deliciosa


If cared for properly, Monstera deliciosa will grow quickly in the right conditions. You can expect your plant to gain about 2 new leaves per month in spring and summer. Mature Monsteras may produce white flowers and inedible fruit. Move your plant to a brightly lit area to encourage flowering.


Monstera Adansonii




All About Monstera Adansonii


Also called Swiss Cheese Vine, Monstera adansonii has smaller leaves and a more trailing growth habit than Monstera deliciosa. This species is native to Central and South America. In the wild, Monstera adansonii grows as a vine climbing up trees.

As a houseplant, Monstera adansonii has slender, vining stems that love to climb and trail. The heart-shaped leaves start out around 3 inches long and develop holes and fenestrations as they mature. Mature leaves can grow up to 10 inches long in optimal conditions.

Monstera Adansonii

Selecting Monstera Variegata varieties to grow indoors that align with current trends.


Caring for Monstera Adansonii


Monstera adansonii thrives in bright, indirect light with average room temperatures. Water whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Mist frequently to increase humidity around the foliage. Use a diluted houseplant fertilizer monthly during spring and summer.

Add a moss pole or trellis to support the vining stems. Prune back overgrown stems to keep this fast growing plant under control. Propagate new plants from stem cuttings rooted in water or soil.


Growing Monstera Adansonii


Monstera adansonii is a fast growing vining plant once its needs are met. With proper care, these plants can grow up to 3 feet long within a single year. Ensure your Monstera adansonii receives enough light and moisture to support its quick growth. You can train longer stems to trail down from shelves or climb up support structures.


Monstera Siltepecana




All About Monstera Siltepecana


Monstera siltepecana is a smaller, more compact species compared to other Monsteras. Also called the Silver Monstera, this plant is native to southern Mexico. In the wild, Monstera siltepecana spreads across forest floors as a vine.

As a houseplant, Monstera siltepecana stays bushy and compact, growing to around 2 feet tall and wide. The oval leaves have natural holes and are covered in a silvery velvet. Mature leaves can grow up to 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. This species is slower growing than other Monsteras.

Monstera Siltepecana


Caring for Monstera Siltepecana


Monstera siltepecana thrives in bright indirect light with average room temperatures and high humidity. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.

Prune away dead leaves or overgrown stems to shape your plant as needed. Mist the leaves often to increase moisture around this humidity loving plant. Propagate by taking stem cuttings and rooting in water or soil.


Growing Monstera Siltepecana


Monstera siltepecana is one of the slowest growing Monstera varieties, gaining about one new leaf per month in optimal conditions. Focus on providing very bright light to encourage growth with these plants. You can trim back wayward stems to encourage a fuller, bushier plant.


Monstera Dubia




All About Monstera Dubia


Native to Panama and South America, Monstera dubia is another compact, shrubby variety often grown as a houseplant. This species naturally grows as a vine spreading across the forest floor in tropical climates.

As a houseplant, Monstera dubia grows slowly into a bushy mound reaching 3-4 feet tall and wide. The leaves start out round and develop holes as they mature. Mature leaves can grow up to 15 inches long and 12 inches wide in optimal conditions.

Monstera Dubia


Caring for Monstera Dubia


Monstera dubia thrives in bright light with high humidity and temperatures between 65-80°F. Allow the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. Mist the leaves often and use a pebble tray to boost moisture around your plant.

Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced houseplant food. Prune away dead leaves or damaged stems to keep your plant full and bushy. Propagate by taking stem cuttings.


Growing Monstera Dubia


With the right care, Monstera dubia will slowly grow into an impressive shrubby plant. Growth rates are slow compared to other Monsteras—expect just a few new leaves per year. Ensure your plant has very bright light to encourage faster growth. Gradually increase pot sizes as your plant grows to allow the roots ample room.


Variegated Monstera Varieties




Beyond the natural green varieties, there are also many types of variegated Monsteras grown as houseplants. Variegation refers to patches of white or yellow coloration in the normally green leaves. Here is an overview of some popular variegated Monstera varieties:

- Monstera deliciosa 'Albo-Variegata' - This variety has large splits leaves with random white splotches. It is slower growing and harder to find than the standard green Monstera deliciosa.

Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana Albo Variegata

- Monstera adansonii 'Archipelago' - This Monstera adansonii variety has white marbled variegation throughout the leaves instead of holes. It is highly prized but difficult to locate.


- Monstera siltepecana 'El Salvador' - This is a variegated form of Monstera siltepecana with streaks of yellow throughout the leaves. It is slower growing like the main species and commands high prices.

Variegated Monsteras need the same care as their regular green counterparts. However, the variegation can fade or disappear without enough light. Ensure variegated Monsteras receive very bright, indirect light. Propagate variegated varieties from stem cuttings to preserve the unique coloration.


Conclusion




Monsteras encompass dozens of species and varieties beyond the ever popular Monstera deliciosa. From fast growing vines to slow growing shrubs, the Monstera genus contains houseplants to fit most spaces. All Monsteras require similar, easily achievable care indoors. With their iconic leaves and tropical appeal, Monsteras will continue gaining popularity as statement houseplants for many years to come.
https://bit.ly/46ng4kE

Nhận xét

Bài đăng phổ biến từ blog này

Syngonium Panda: A Beautiful Tropical Houseplant | Plant Care Guide

Rajanon Panichwit

Syngonium Silver Holly: A Comprehensive Guide