Monstera Adansonii (Swiss Cheese Vine or Monkey Mask plant) is immensely popular for its unique foliage and easy-care nature. With its vibrant green leaves adorned with beautiful fenestrations, Monstera Adansonii brings a touch of tropical charm to any indoor garden. But which variety best suits your indoor space?
The most adorable Monstera Adansonii varieties are Monstera Adansonii Variegata, Monstera Adansonii Epipremnoides, Monstera Adansonii Acuminata, Monstera Adansonii Obliqua, Monstera Adansonii Lechleriana, Monstera Adansonii Archipelago, Monstera Adansonii Laniata, and Monstera Adansonii Friedrichsthalii.
How do these varieties of Monstera differ? Keep reading and discover the fascinating world of these beloved plants.
Contents
Monstera Adansonii Variegata
Monstera Adansonii Variegata is a highly sought-after variety. This exquisite plant features patterns of white or cream splashes on its foliage, creating a captivating and unique appearance.
Monstera Adansonii Variegata retains the characteristic heart-shaped leaves of the Monstera Adansonii species. However, what sets it apart is the striking variegation that occurs on its leaves.
The variegated patterns can vary in intensity and distribution, with some leaves displaying larger patches of variegation while others have smaller, more scattered splashes. This natural variation in variegation makes each plant unique and adds to its visual appeal.
Compared to other varieties of Monstera Adansonii, such as Laniata or Archipelago, the Variegata variety stands out due to its distinct variegated foliage.
While other varieties may have solid green leaves or minimal variegation, the Variegata steals the show with its eye-catching patterns of white or cream.
Monstera Adansonii Friedrichsthalii
Monstera Adansonii Friedrichsthalii features elongated leaves that are deeply divided with narrow, lacy perforations along the edges.
The leaf perforations give it a delicate and intricate look, often earning it the nickname “Swiss Cheese Vine.” This variety’s leaves are generally larger than other Monstera Adansonii varieties, adding to its visual appeal.
A distinguishing feature of the Friedrichsthalii is the shape and size of its leaves. While the standard Monstera Adansonii has more rounded and heart-shaped leaves, Friedrichsthalii showcases a unique elongated shape with pronounced lobes and distinct perforations. This variation in leaf morphology makes Friedrichsthalii instantly recognizable.
Another distinguishing feature of Friedrichsthalii is its growth habit. This variety is compact and bushy compared to other Adansonii varieties that exhibit more vine-like growth.
Its compact nature makes it suitable for smaller spaces or as a hanging plant, where it can cascade gracefully with its beautifully divided leaves.
Monstera Adansonii Laniata
Monstera Adansonii Laniata features elongated leaves divided with narrow, wavy incisions along the edges.
These wavy incisions give the leaves a more pronounced and ruffled appearance, often likened to fish scales or fishtail, earning it the name “Laniata,” which means “woolly” or “shaggy” in Latin.
Compared to the standard Monstera Adansonii, Laniata showcases a more intricate and textured leaf pattern. The wavy edges and deep divisions create a visually appealing display that distinguishes it from other varieties within the Adansonii family.
Monstera Adansonii Archipelago
Monstera Adansonii Archipelago features leaves with prominent perforations and intricate fenestrations.
The fenestrations, or naturally occurring holes in the leaves, are more pronounced and extensive compared to other Monstera Adansonii varieties. These fenestrations give the leaves a lacy or Swiss cheese-like appearance.
The Archipelago variety also exhibits a more compact growth habit and tends to stay relatively smaller than some of the larger Adansonii varieties.
This variety often showcases variegated leaves with unique color patterns. The variegation can manifest as splashes, stripes, or marbling of lighter and darker shades of green.
Monstera Adansonii Lechleriana
Monstera Adansonii Lechleriana features elongated, lance-shaped leaves that exhibit pronounced fenestrations.
These fenestrations are a defining characteristic of the Monstera genus, but in the Lechleriana variety, they are more elongated and linear. The fenestrations give the leaves a delicate and intricate look, adding to their aesthetic appeal.
The leaves of this Adansonii variety tend to be larger and broader. The larger leaf size gives Monstera Lechleriana a more dramatic and eye-catching presence.
Monstera Adansonii Lechleriana produces multiple stems and branches, creating a fuller and denser appearance.
Monstera Adansonii Obliqua
Monstera Adansonii Obliqua stands out for its delicate and intricate foliage. It features irregular fenestrations, giving the leaves a captivating and intricate lace-like pattern. The leaves may also have additional split or perforated sections, enhancing their unique appearance.
Monstera Obliqua has a more trailing or vining growth pattern than other varieties. The stems are thin and wiry, allowing the plant to cascade or climb gracefully when provided with suitable support.
This trailing nature makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or allowing it to climb on a moss pole.
Another notable characteristic is its relatively faster growth rate. It can exhibit a more vigorous growth than other Monstera Adansonii varieties, resulting in increased leaf production and faster development of its unique fenestrated foliage.
Monstera Obliqua is often considered the rarest and most challenging variety to find and cultivate. Its scarcity in the market is due to its delicate nature and specific environmental requirements.
Monstera Adansonii Acuminata
Monstera Acuminata has heart-shaped leaves with distinct fenestrations. The leaves are smaller in size compared to their counterparts.
The Acuminata variety has solid green leaves without variegation, while the Variegata variety features variegated patterns, typically with white or cream-colored patches on the leaves.
This variety has smaller leaves than the Laniata variety, known for its larger, elongated, and deeply serrated leaves.
The Acuminata variety has heart-shaped leaves, whereas the Lechleriana variety has more elongated leaves with wavy edges, resembling the shape of a canoe.
It differs from the Obliqua variety in terms of leaf shape. Acuminata has heart-shaped leaves, while Obliqua has more elongated and narrower leaves.
Monstera Adansonii Epipremnoides
Monstera Adansonii Epipremnoides showcases striking features that make it easily recognizable. It has elongated, lanceolate leaves that differ from the classic heart-shaped leaves of other varieties.
The leaves of Epipremnoides are narrower and more elongated, creating a sleek and elegant appearance. Like other varieties, the leaves of Epipremnoides also exhibit fenestrations.
The Epipremnoides variety has elongated leaves, while the Variegata variety has broader, heart-shaped leaves with variegated patterns featuring patches of white or cream colors on the foliage.
Epipremnoides differ from the Laniata variety in leaf shape. The Epipremnoides variety has elongated leaves with pointed ends, whereas the Laniata variety has broader, more rounded leaves with deeply serrated edges.
Wrap up
From the mesmerizing variegated leaves of Variegata to the wavy edges of Laniata, each variety brings its own charm to indoor spaces. Understanding the distinct features and care requirements of these Monstera Adansonii varieties allows you to create a thriving collection of plants that delight and inspire.