The variety of Monstera species is huge, but not all of them are suitable as houseplants. Here are some of the most beautiful indoor Monstera species.
The popular ornamental leaf plant Monstera, also known to us as window leaf, offers a variety of species that differ in growth height, color and leaf shape. We have summarized for you the most beautiful species that can be cultivated as a houseplant. You can read about the most important tips for planting and caring for the Monstera in general in our main article.
Monstera Species: The Variety of Monstera
Around 50 species of Monstera are known worldwide, some of which can also be cultivated as houseplants in our latitudes without any problems.
Monstera deliciosa
The best-known representative of the Monstera species is the Monstera deliciosa, which is often found in large rooms as a green space. With a growth height of up to three meters and its conspicuously slit leaves up to 50 cm in size, it is one of the largest species of the Monstera. The green and white variegated leaves can be slightly poisonous to humans and animals and irritate the mucous membranes. The flower, on the other hand, which occurs very rarely even with good care in indoor plants, is edible. In its tropical homeland, the flower of the Monstera deliciosa is considered a delicacy, translated its name means "delicious window leaf". Because of its large growth, a constant water supply is particularly important for the plant, otherwise it is quite easy to care for. In summer you can bring the Monstera deliciosa outdoors without hesitation. There is a wide variety of Monstera deliciosa varieties, the most popular being Monstera deliciosa 'Borsigiana', 'Marmorata', 'Aurea' and 'Variegata', which differ in leaf color and pattern.
Monstera adansonii
The Monstera adansonii grows to a height ofat most one meter much smaller than other Monstera species. Their green leaves are unmarked and change with age: young leaves usually have holes, while older leaves have slits. The location requirements of the Monstera adansonii are very high in terms of temperature and light, but it can tolerate dry periods or too wet soil for a short time. Temperatures should not fall below 15 °C for long periods, especially during winter. Because of its sensitivity to light, the Monstera adansonii should be placed about one and a half to three meters away from the window, although you should generally avoid south-facing windows. Additional lighting from a plant lamp is not necessary during the winter. Thanks to its strong aerial roots, it is also particularly suitable as a climbing plant. Popular varieties include the Monstera adansonii 'Monkey Leaf' or 'Monkey Mask', while the 'Variegata' variety stands out with its variegated leaves.
Monstera obliqua
Besides its second botanical name Monstera expilata the Monstera obliqua is also often called a crooked or holey window leaf because of its closed leaf edges. In contrast to the Monstera adansonii, the lush green leaves of the Monstera obliqua remain full of holes throughout their life and do not form any slits even with increasing age. It is very easy to care for, has low site requirements and can even bloom with very good care. The plant, which can grow up to two meters high, is sensitive to soil that is too wet, which is why correct watering and good drainage of the planter are particularly important. The most popular variety is the Monstera obliqua 'Leichtlinii'.
Monstera acuminata
A special Monstera species is the Monstera acuminata, because with its approximately 15 cm large leaves and a maximum growth height of one meters is one of the smallest species. This makes it suitable as a houseplant for smaller rooms or as an aquarium and terrarium plant. The bright green leaves are tapered, rarely slit and only sometimes perforated. The fast-growing plant has high demands on its location and does not tolerate moving from a summer to a winter quarter. In the best case, the Monstera acuminatathe same bright spot at around 18 to 22 °C indoors all year round. Tropical high humidity is beneficial for the he althy growth of the Monstera acuminata.
Are you excited about the Monstera species and do you think ornamental foliage plants are particularly pretty? Then also read our article on planting and caring for the Korbmarante.