11 Gorgeous Varieties of Monstera Adansonii for Your Plant Collection

Monstera adansonii, commonly known as the Swiss cheese plant, is beloved for its unique, perforated leaves that add a touch of elegance to any space. With several varieties to choose from, each offering its distinct look and charm, this plant can easily become the focal point of your indoor garden. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting your collection, these Monstera adansonii varieties provide exciting options to enhance your home. Keep reading to discover the different types that can bring beauty and style to your living space.

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Monstera adansonii (Standard Green)

The standard Monstera adansonii, often referred to as the “Swiss cheese plant,” is known for its characteristic perforated leaves. This variety typically has elongated heart-shaped leaves with distinctive holes that give it a unique, lacy appearance. As it matures, the plant’s leaves grow larger and develop more pronounced perforations, making it an appealing addition to any plant collection.

This variety is low-maintenance and adaptable, thriving in medium to bright indirect light. It enjoys well-draining soil and moderate watering, making it perfect for plant enthusiasts looking for a beautiful yet easy-care houseplant. Over time, the Monstera adansonii standard green form can grow into a cascading vine, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or trailing from a shelf.

Monstera adansonii ‘Variegata’

Monstera adansonii ‘Variegata’ is a stunning variation of the classic green form, characterized by its creamy white or yellowish marbling along the edges of the leaves. The variegation is unique to each leaf, meaning no two leaves are exactly alike, which adds a sense of individuality to each plant. This variety is highly sought after for its striking visual appeal, offering a perfect balance between lush green and creamy white tones.

Although it is a bit more challenging to care for than the standard green variety, Monstera adansonii ‘Variegata’ still enjoys similar growing conditions. It thrives in bright indirect light and requires regular watering, but should not be overwatered. Given its rarity, the ‘Variegata’ variety can be a bit pricier, but the stunning aesthetic it adds to any space is well worth it.

Monstera adansonii ‘Albo’

Monstera adansonii ‘Albo’ is another variegated variety, but its markings are more striking than the regular ‘Variegata.’ With larger patches of white, it creates a beautiful contrast against the deep green of the remaining leaf. The ‘Albo’ variety’s white variegation can be quite irregular, adding an artistic and dynamic flair to the plant.

Care requirements for this plant are similar to other Monstera adansonii varieties, though ‘Albo’ can be a bit more temperamental. It thrives best with bright, indirect light, which helps maintain its vibrant white variegation. Proper care and patience are needed, as variegated plants can take longer to propagate, but they are incredibly rewarding with their show-stopping appearance.

Monstera adansonii ‘Mint’

The Monstera adansonii ‘Mint’ is a unique and relatively rare variety of the plant, boasting soft, minty green leaves that give it a lighter, refreshing look. The leaves have a smooth texture and tend to have more subtle perforations compared to the traditional Monstera adansonii. This variety’s distinctive mint green color makes it stand out among other varieties in the Monstera family.

This variety grows well in bright indirect light and appreciates consistent humidity. Like other Monstera adansonii plants, it requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged roots. Regular watering and occasional misting can help the plant thrive, and it makes an excellent choice for someone looking to add a pop of refreshing color to their plant collection.

Monstera adansonii ‘Laniata’

The Monstera adansonii ‘Laniata’ is a beautiful variation known for its elongated and slightly narrower leaves, making it a bit more delicate-looking compared to other varieties. The perforations on the leaves are also more uniform and appear in a symmetrical pattern, creating a stunning visual effect. ‘Laniata’ plants grow slightly slower than other varieties, but their graceful, sleek appearance makes them worth the wait.

Caring for the ‘Laniata’ is similar to other varieties in the Monstera family. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Because of its more compact size, the ‘Laniata’ can be a great choice for smaller spaces, offering an elegant touch to desks, shelves, or windowsills.

Monstera adansonii ‘Wide Leaf’

As the name suggests, the Monstera adansonii ‘Wide Leaf’ variety features wider, larger leaves than the standard form. This gives the plant a more dramatic and bold appearance, making it stand out in any collection. The perforations on the leaves are also more prominent, contributing to the plant’s bold look.

This variety thrives under similar conditions as the regular Monstera adansonii, with bright, indirect light and regular watering. The ‘Wide Leaf’ is known to grow quickly, and it benefits from occasional pruning to encourage fuller growth. This plant can be a great option for someone looking for a statement piece with a more substantial presence in their home.

Monstera adansonii ‘Superb’

Monstera adansonii ‘Superb’ is an excellent choice for those who love larger, more striking foliage. The leaves are much larger than the standard variety, and the perforations are spaced further apart, giving the plant a dramatic, airy look. The vibrant green color of the leaves is complemented by their soft, smooth texture.

This variety requires bright indirect light and thrives with consistent watering. Like other varieties, it should be allowed to dry out between waterings to avoid root rot. The ‘Superb’ variety is a showstopper in larger spaces and can be used as a focal point in a room due to its impressive size and appearance.

Monstera adansonii ‘Borsigiana’

Monstera adansonii ‘Borsigiana’ is a variety that often gets confused with the regular green Monstera adansonii due to its similar appearance. However, the ‘Borsigiana’ variety tends to have slightly narrower leaves and a more compact growth habit. Its leaves also have slightly more elongated holes, giving it a slightly different texture and feel.

The care requirements for the ‘Borsigiana’ are the same as the standard green Monstera adansonii. It enjoys bright, indirect light and a humid environment, and regular watering will keep it thriving. This plant makes a great choice for someone looking for a more compact version of the traditional Monstera adansonii.

Monstera adansonii ‘Yellow Tiger’

The Monstera adansonii ‘Yellow Tiger’ is a rare variety that features striking yellow spots or variegation on its leaves. This pattern, resembling the stripes of a tiger, is highly sought after by collectors for its exotic and unique appearance. Each leaf is different, with the yellow variegation appearing in various patterns, making each plant one-of-a-kind.

This plant requires the same care as other Monstera adansonii varieties, but it can be slightly more delicate. It enjoys bright indirect light and well-draining soil, and it should be watered regularly but not allowed to sit in water. The ‘Yellow Tiger’ variety can be a bit more expensive, but its striking beauty makes it worth the investment.

Monstera adansonii ‘Mini’

The Monstera adansonii ‘Mini’ is the perfect choice for plant lovers with limited space or those looking for a smaller version of the popular Swiss cheese plant. This variety features smaller, more compact leaves with smaller perforations, making it a cute and manageable option for homes and apartments. Despite its smaller size, it retains the same perforated leaf structure that makes Monstera adansonii so popular.

The ‘Mini’ variety thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers a humid environment. It can be grown in smaller pots or as a hanging plant, making it a versatile addition to any home. Whether placed on a desk or as a hanging plant, the ‘Mini’ is a charming alternative to the larger varieties.

Monstera adansonii ‘Giant’

The Monstera adansonii ‘Giant’ variety lives up to its name with significantly larger leaves than the standard variety. These large, perforated leaves create an impressive display, perfect for those looking to make a statement in their home. The ‘Giant’ grows rapidly under the right conditions and can quickly become a focal point in any room.

With care requirements similar to the standard form, the ‘Giant’ enjoys bright, indirect light and regular watering. It grows best when its environment offers consistent warmth and humidity. This variety is perfect for individuals looking for a larger Monstera that will fill up a space with its grandeur.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.