Beyond Deliciosa: A Guide to Popular Monstera Varieties
- rathakea168
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
While the Monstera deliciosa reigns supreme as the "King of the Jungle" in many plant collections, the Monstera genus offers a fascinating array of other species and cultivars, each with its own unique charm. Moving beyond the classic can open up a world of new textures, sizes, and fenestration patterns.
Here's your guide to some of the most popular Monstera varieties gaining traction in the plant world!
1. Monstera Adansonii: The Adorned Adansonii
Often called the "Swiss Cheese Vine," Monstera adansonii is characterized by its smaller, more numerous holes that typically don't reach the leaf edge. It has a more vining, delicate growth habit compared to its larger cousin.
Key Features:
Size: Smaller leaves (typically 4-8 inches long).
Fenestrations: Numerous, prominent holes throughout the leaf, resembling Swiss cheese.
Growth Habit: A vigorous climber and viner; beautiful in hanging baskets or trailing down shelves.
Care Tip: Thrives in similar conditions to deliciosa but can handle slightly less light and appreciates higher humidity. It's a faster grower and loves to climb a moss pole.
2. Monstera Borsigiana: The Compact Climber (Often Confused with Deliciosa!)
Monstera deliciosa 'Borsigiana' is a sub-species or cultivar of Monstera deliciosa that is often mistakenly sold as the true deliciosa. It's a fantastic plant in its own right, offering a more compact and faster-growing alternative.
Key Features:
Size: Smaller leaves and a thinner stem than true deliciosa, making it more manageable indoors.
Growth Habit: More of a true vining climber with smaller internodal spacing (distance between leaves).
Fenestrations: Develops splits to the leaf edge, but generally less pronounced inner holes than a mature deliciosa.
Distinguishing Feature: Lacks the prominent "ruffle" or corrugated stem attachment (geniculum) that a mature Monstera deliciosa has.
Care Tip: Grows faster and matures quicker than deliciosa, readily climbing and fenestrating with good light and support.
3. Monstera Thai Constellation: The Starry Night Variegation
This highly sought-after cultivar is a stable variegated form of Monstera deliciosa. It's known for its stunning cream or yellow speckled variegation that resembles a starry night sky.
Key Features:
Variegation: Stable, creamy-white or yellow speckled patterns across the green leaf.
Size: Can grow just as large as a Monstera deliciosa with proper care.
Growth Habit: Similar climbing habit to deliciosa.
Care Tip: Requires more light than green Monsteras to maintain its variegation (but still indirect!). Variegated areas lack chlorophyll, making the plant less efficient at photosynthesis. Be extra careful not to overwater, as variegated sections are more prone to rot. It's also slower growing and generally more expensive.
**Monstera Varieties in Cambodia: A Growing Trend
In Cambodia, the classic Monstera deliciosa and M. adansonii are increasingly popular choices for both indoor decoration and sheltered outdoor spaces. Their ability to thrive in the high heat and humidity makes them well-suited for the local climate, provided they receive bright, indirect light (especially protection from the intense midday sun) and consistent watering. While Monstera borsigiana is often sold locally as deliciosa, its more compact nature often makes it an easier fit for smaller homes. The highly prized variegated varieties like 'Thai Constellation' are still more niche and expensive, often imported by collectors, but their stunning appearance is beginning to capture the attention of Cambodian plant enthusiasts as well.
Exploring these different Monstera varieties can add exciting diversity to your plant collection and allow you to appreciate the full spectrum of this incredible genus!
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