Unless you’ve never stepped inside a plant shop before, chances are you’ve come across the beautiful Monstera Adansonii, also known as ‘Adanson’s Monstera’!
Beautiful foliage, easy care requirements, fenestrations, fast growth rate, this plant has it all.
Apart from the good old Swiss Cheese Vine we all know and love, there are lots of different beautiful and unique Monstera Adansonii varieties. If you are someone who likes to collect rare indoor plants, you are going to love this list!
Apart from 10 different types of Monstera Adansonii, you’ll find wonderful alternatives for each plant listed! So, even if Monstera Adansonii is not your cup of tea, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your plant collection in the article below.
Table of Contents
Monstera Adansonii Varieties: Origin And Care
Monstera Adansonii, or ‘Monkey Mask,’ is a beautiful trailing or climbing houseplant that is easy to care for and grows incredibly fast.
You may be familiar with the well-known Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant), which belongs to the same genus of Monstera.
Monstera Adansonii Origin
Like the Deliciosa, Monstera Adanosnii originates from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America and Southern Mexico.
Here, it grows under the canopy of large trees in dappled shade on the forest floor.
Different varieties of Monstera Adansonii have evolved to grow fenestrations in their leaves to optimize light absorption. These are the characteristic holes that make the plants so popular and unique!
These fenestrations allow light to pass through the leaf, which allows light to reach the leaves at the bottom of the plant.
The Adanson’s Monstera is a vining houseplant that can also be grown climbing on a pole. To climb, Monstera Adansonii develops aerial roots, which are small roots that grow from the stems.
In the wild, it uses these roots to attach to the trunk, slowly climbing towards the light above the tree’s leaves.
How to Care for Monstera Adansonii Varieties
In terms of care, the Monstera Adansonii is easy to please, and luckily, all Monstera Adansonii plants have similar care requirements.
These plants can thrive off minimal effort, making them a popular houseplant for beginner plant owners or people with limited time to spend on plant care.
In their natural habitat in South and Central America, the plants thrive in warm, humid, and moist conditions.
Of course, the best way to keep your houseplants happy is to mimic their natural environment as closely as possible.
Bright, Indirect Light
Like other Monstera species, all Monstera Adansonii varieties prefer bright, indirect light. This can come from the sun (a west- or east-facing window is optimal) or an artificial grow light.
It’s best not to put this plant in direct sun because this can burn the foliage. Many cultivars of Adansonii have thin, delicate leaves that can get scorched quickly!
Young plants are especially sensitive to sunlight.
Well-Draining Soil
Monkey Masks should be planted in well-draining soil mixes to prevent root rot and fungal infections.
Add items like perlite, orchid bark, and gravel to peat moss or standard potting soil to enhance drainage and improve airflow to the roots.
When choosing a planter for any of your Monstera adansonii varieties, ensure that your pot has drainage holes in the bottom to allow excess water to exit the pot and prevent your plant’s roots from being exposed to water for too long.
Pretty much all Monstera Adansonii varieties can be grown as a climber or a vining plant.
But, if you want your plant’s leaves to mature and develop fenestrations (holes), giving them a moss pole will greatly encourage the leaves to size up!
Infrequent Watering
Monstera Adanosnii does not like wet feet! Allow the soil to dry out about halfway before watering again.
You want to avoid watering the soil when it is still wet, as this can quickly lead to yellow leaves and root rot!
Don’t worry about giving the plant too much water at once. It’s best to soak the soil thoroughly until water runs from the drainage holes, then allow it to dry before watering again.
Light Fertilizer
This plant is not a heavy feeder. We recommend feeding with a balanced, all-purpose plant fertilizer once a month from March to October.
It’s best to dilute the fertilizer to half of what the packaging recommends because the roots are sensitive to overfeeding.
High Humidity
High humidity can benefit these tropical plants for healthy leaf development. But if your living room does not get too dry, your Adansonii will likely be fine!
A humidifier or pebble tray can help raise the humidity if needed.
Fun fact: when given the right care, your Monstera can produce an edible fruit! However, fruits are rare in indoor Monstera plants.
Types Of Monstera Adansonii
Did you know that the classic Swiss Cheese Vine plant comes in two different varieties? The difference is in the leaf shape!
It’s difficult to tell which Monstera Adansonii type you own if you have a younger plant.
The leaf shape only becomes prominent in mature plants, so if you are unsure which Adansonii you have, you must be patient.
The difference is most visible when you see the two forms side by side.
Narrow Form
You guessed it! The Monstera Adansonii narrow form has elongated, narrow leaves.
But apart from the obvious, Adansonii’s narrow form differs from its wider cousin in several ways.
Something about the narrow form that’s quite peculiar is that the leaves tend to be uneven. One side of the leaf appears larger and ‘fuller’ than the other half.
The tip of the leaf also bends slightly due to this asymmetry.
The leaves on the narrow form Adansonii have smaller and fewer holes than the wide form.
However, this can vary from plant to plant. The holes also tend to be more elongated and oval-shaped.
Wide Form
The wide-form Monstera Adansonii has a more heart-shaped, rounded leaf shape. If you’re familiar with Pothos Manjula, this has a similar appearance!
The leaves have a more glossy look and feel than the narrow form, which is slightly papery and matte.
Adansonii Wide Form commonly has larger and more prominent fenestrations. Adult plants can develop leaves with enormous holes that overtake most of the leaves!
10 Stunning Monstera Adansonii Varieties
Did you know that, apart from the narrow and wide form of the Adansonii, there are many other varieties of Monstera Adansonii?
Below, we’ve collected 10 of the most beautiful varieties to add to your plant collection (or wishlist).
But if these plants don’t catch your eye, don’t worry; we have good news for you!
We’ve also added a similar alternative from the Monstera genus for each plant, so you will surely find one that sparks your enthusiasm. Let’s get right into it!
1. Monstera Adansonii Klotzschiana Schott
It’s very unlikely that you’ll come across this rare Adansonii variety in your local plant shop, but if you ever get to admire the Monstera Adansonii Klotzschiana Schott in person, be prepared to be in awe!
This fast-growing plant can grow massive foliage (up to 26” in length!) and can be found growing on trees in the tropical forests of Brazil.
Indoors, you can expect this variety.
Alternative: Monstera Pinnatipartita
If you’re looking for a similar plant that is more readily available, you’ll be happy to hear about the Monstera Pinnatipartita!
This Monstera can grow similar foliage to the Klotzschiana Schott but comes at half the price.
The Pinnapartita develops fenestrations that, over time, turn into splits, making the plant stand out from other Monstera Varieties, which commonly only have holes inside the leaf.
2. Monstera Adansonii Variegata (Albo Adansonii)
You’ve likely seen a Monstera Variegata online or in person.
These white-and-green plants have gained massive popularity over the past years and are becoming increasingly available worldwide, and its price is becoming lower.
But as the variegated Monstera Deliciosa plants recede in value, another plant takes the spotlight!
The Monstera Adansonii Variegata, the variegated version of the regular Adansonii, is one of the newest must-haves for rare plant collectors.
This plant was created through genetic mutation, which means that you won’t be able to find a Variegated Monstera Adansonii in the wild!
This is part of why this plant is so rare and valuable.
Alternative: Monstera Standleyana
Most people grow an Albo Adansonii for the variegation, which is no surprise! But because of its high price, you may be nervous to splurge and buy one right away.
The Monstera Standleyana is a wonderful alternative if you are looking for a variegated, easy plant to grow that won’t break the bank.
This plant is much more affordable but gives the same effect through beautiful, dark green leaves and stunning variegation!
3. Monstera Adansonii Archipelago
If you take the Monstera Adansonii Variegata and make it twice as variegated, you’re left with Archipelago.
This variety of the Swiss cheese vine can grow mostly white foliage, making it an incredibly rare and unique specimen.
Even though the white leaves are beautiful, they come at a cost. The more white a plant has, the less chlorophyll it contains.
As a result, the plant can produce less energy and grows much slower than its greener counterparts!
But, with a plant this beautiful, I think it’s worth waiting a while for the new leaves! You’ll find this Monstera variety incredibly rewarding with proper care.
Alternative: Monstera Thai Constellation
The Monstera Thai Constellation is a collector’s favorite for many reasons. But the number one reason is the beautiful, unique variegation!
Where the Monstera Archipelago grows big blotches of white and cream, the Thai Constellation has a more speckled variegation pattern with different colors.
These two Monstera varieties will undoubtedly be a conversation starter in your home!
They make the perfect pair, as the variegation will complement each other incredibly well.
4. Monstera Adansonii Laniata
If you love shiny, glossy things, you will adore the Adansonii Laniata Monstera.
This plant’s leaf shape and size are similar to the regular green Adansonii, but the Laniata has glossy, textured leaves instead of smooth and matte foliage!
As this plant matures, it develops large leaves with many fenestrations, which are symmetrically placed on the foliage.
We recommend growing this Monstera on a pole or trellis for the best results. Because it’s a climbing plant, it will be much happier when offered some support!
Alternative: Monstera Karstenianum (Peru)
If your favorite part about the Monstera Laniata were the glossy leaves, you’d want to check out the Monstera Karstenianum.
This plant’s leaves are so glossy; it almost looks as if they are oiled up!
Monstera Peru develops no fenestrations like the other plants in the Monstera genus but makes up for it with its unique leaf texture; its leaves have a ‘leathery’ look.
This type of Monstera also has smaller leaves than many others on this list.
5. Monstera Adansonii Blanchetii
The biggest difference between a regular Adansonii and a Blanchetii is the leaf size as the plant matures. Blanchetii’s leaves can grow up to twice as big as Adansonii’s!
It’s also known to grow larger, oval-shaped, and skeletal fenestrations on the leaves. Further, the leaves have a more wavy look and a slightly blue hue.
Something to mention about this plant is that it can grow leggy rather quickly, so providing it with plenty of indirect sunlight (or a grow light) will benefit the plant’s growth significantly!
Alternative: Monstera Siltepecana
Monstera Siltepecana can be a good alternative for the Blanchetii Adansonii if you’re looking for a plant with a unique leaf color!
Similar to the Blanchetii, this cultivar has blue-themed foliage.
But it doesn’t stop there!
Monstera Siltepecana has silver leaves!
It’s nicknamed ‘Silver Monstera’ for this characteristic! Unlike many other Monstera varieties, this plant is not commonly grown for its leaf fenestrations, nor their size!
Instead, it’s popular for its color and shiny texture of its foliage.
6. Monstera Adansonii Acacoyaguensis
Monstera Acacoyaguensis is a relatively common plant, which won’t be hard to find in plant shops or online. However, it’s not as popular as some other plants on this list.
Nevertheless, the Acacoyaguensis Monstera deserves more recognition for its beautiful and unique foliage!
This plant can grow massive heart-shaped leaves, especially as a climbing plant.
What makes it special is that, despite its size, it does not develop many large holes.
Instead, it grows smaller fenestrations in the leaves that tend to remain centered on the leaf.
Alternative: Monstera Dissecta
Opposites attract, right? Well, at least it’s true for these Monsteras!
Where the Adansonii Acacoyaguensis has fenestrations in the middle of its leaves, the Dissecta Monstera grows splits at the ends of the leaves.
The Acacoyaguensis may be a little more affordable than the Dissecta, but we still think these plants will make a great pairing if you’re into unique-looking plants!
7. Monstera Adansonii Aurea / Mint
If you are familiar with rare houseplants, you’ll likely be familiar with ‘Aura’ or ‘Mint’ variegated plants.
The most popular plant with this variegation has to be the Monstera Deliciosa (or Monstera Borsigiana).
Instead of blocks and specks of white variegation, like the Albo Monstera, the Adanosnii Mint and Aurea have marbled, cream, yellow, and dark green leaves.
These plants can get quite expensive and are popular among rare collectors and sellers.
Alternative: Monstera Dubia
Monstera Dubia is a plant that deserves to be talked about more! This Monstera is commonly grown on a plank or moss pole because this is a true climber!
As the leaves mature, Monstera Dubia develops beautiful fenestrations and splits as the leaves mature, similar to the classic Monstera Deliciosa.
It makes a great, more affordable alternative to the Adansonii Aurea or Mint. It may not have the same marbled variegation, but its leaves are just as mesmerizing!
8. Monstera Epipremnoides “Esqueleto”
Is your favorite part of Monstera Adansonii its fenestrations? Then you will adore the Monstera Epipremnoides.
You may know it by its common name: Esqueleto.
This rare plant is famous for its massive holes, which can grow so big that it looks like a skeleton version of the regular Adansonii (hence the name ‘Esqueleto’)!
Its foliage has a slightly lighter color and a ‘leathery’ texture, making the plant look and feel unique.
But the biggest difference will be noticeable when the plants are mature.
Esqueleto’s leaves can reach 3 feet long, while the Adansonii will reach about 2 feet at most.
Alternative: Monstera Punctulata
Monstera punctulata’s leaves are similar to the Equeleto, but the Punctulata tends to have slightly larger leaves when mature.
The plant can grow an impressive 50 feet tall in the wild (woah!) You can expect these Monsteras to grow about 6 feet tall when grown as houseplants.
Something worth noting is that the Punctulata Monstera is a little more pricy and rare than the Esqueleto.
So, if you’re on a tight budget but love large Monsteras, the Esqueleto will be a great choice!
9. Monstera Obliqua Peru
If you thought the Esqueleto Monstera was dramatic, prepare yourself for Obliqua.
This delicately rare plant grows holes that almost overtake the entire plant, leaving only a thin outline of the leaf.
The leaves have a wrinkly, almost ‘shriveled’ texture. If you own one of these, we advise you to be very gentle when handling them!
Because the leaves are so thin, they can rip and tear easily.
Due to its unique look, Monstera Obliqua Peru has made its way on many houseplant lovers’ wishlists.
This plant may currently be the most expensive Adansonii cultivar on this list!
Alternative: Monstera Subpinnata
Regarding unique leaf shapes, the Monstera Obliqua and Subpinnata take the crown!
Monstera Subpinnata has foliage that almost resembles a palm frond, with splits that go down to the leaf veins!
Something noteworthy is that both of these Monstera plants can be a bit tricky to care for, and they require a lot of indirect sunlight, high humidity levels, and preferably a moss pole or stake to climb on!
We do not recommend these plants for beginners, but if you’re up for the task, go for it!
10. Monstera Adansonii Friedrichsthalii
The Monstera Friedrichsthalii is not any different than the regular Adansonii. It’s commonly misidentified as a different plant, but it’s just the same old plant under a different name!
Alternative: Monstera Acuminata
The Monstera Acuminata is often mistaken for an Adansonii. But it is a different variety! The difference can be hard to tell, but when the plant is mature, you can see a few distinctions between the plants.
Monstera Adansonii has bigger leaves with more pointed leaf tips, while the Acuminata tends to have a more rounded, oblong leaf shape.
If you’re looking for a cute plant and don’t care much for the plant’s value or rarity, you can just stick to the good old Monstera Adansonii variety. The plants are so similar.
Most people won’t even tell the difference!
Bonus Plant: Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
Factually, the Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, also known as ‘Mini Monstera,’ is not a Monstera at all!
It belongs to a different genus, but because it has a similar leaf shape, it’s commonly mistaken for a Monstera.
Regardless of its genus, the Mini Monstera deserves a spot on this list. The plant grows small leaves with large splits, closely resembling the growth pattern of plants in the Monstera genus.
This is the perfect houseplant for Monstera lovers looking to change things up and try something new!
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Interested in other types of Monstera? Check out this article covering all you need to know about the stunning Monstera Thai Constellation!
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