Types of monstera

Types of monstera

1. 01

   Monstera deliciosa, the green form

   The plain green Monstera deliciosa is the plant most people mean by monstera. It is a climbing plant with aerial roots, and its large leaves split and form holes as they mature. NC State notes it is a larger plant with bigger leaves than Monstera adansonii.

   It prefers moderate brightness but not direct sunlight, and the monstera care guide covers it in full.

2. 02

   Thai Constellation monstera

   Thai Constellation is a variegated cultivar of Monstera deliciosa. The RHS describes mature leaves that are deep green, splashed and streaked with creamy white. NC State calls the pattern marbled and speckled creamy white and green, resembling a constellation.

   The RHS records it as slightly slower growing than the species, with leaves more closely spaced. The RHS care for it is bright, indirect light, moderate to high humidity, watering while it grows and keeping it just moist in winter, and a balanced liquid feed monthly in the growing season.

   Keep it warm. The RHS says it can only stand outdoors where temperatures stay at least 18 °C (64 °F).

3. 03

   Albo Variegata monstera

   Albo Variegata, often sold as Monstera albo, is another variegated Monstera deliciosa, listed by NC State. The RHS records a white-variegated form as Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’, with rich green leaves marbled and splashed with creamy white, and gives it the Award of Garden Merit.

   Care is the same as for Thai Constellation. NC State notes that variegated cultivars need more sunlight than darker green ones.

4. 04

   Thai Constellation vs Albo: how to tell them apart

   Reference descriptions of both mention cream or white on green, so a leaf alone may not settle it. Thai Constellation’s cream is spread across the leaf as speckles and streaks. Albo is described as splashed with white.

   Check the label or ask the seller for the cultivar name. If one leaf is all white or all green, that alone does not identify the cultivar.

5. 05

   Swiss cheese vine (Monstera adansonii)

   Monstera adansonii is a different species, not a young Monstera deliciosa. NC State describes it as a smaller, fast-growing climber with glossy, heart-shaped leaves full of holes. Indoors it reaches 3 to 8 feet (1 to 2.4 m) on a trellis or moss pole.

   It likes bright, indirect light and warm, humid conditions, and direct sun can scorch it. NC State lists one variegated cultivar, Archipelago.

6. 06

   Care differences between the types

   All of them share the monstera routine: water when the top of the mix is nearly dry, let the pot drain and give the stems a moss pole or stake to climb.

   Light is what changes. NC State says variegated cultivars need more sunlight than darker green ones, and the RHS says a permanent loss of variegation usually means too little light. Give Thai Constellation and Albo your brightest indirect spot, still out of direct midday sun.

   Green shoots on a variegated plant are more vigorous and can take over. The RHS advises cutting them back to growth with variegation as soon as you see them. All-white shoots are very weak, the RHS adds, because they have little green to feed the plant.

   Every monstera is harmful if eaten and its sap irritates skin, so keep all types away from cats and dogs.

Common questions