12 Best Monstera Varieties to Grow at Home

In this guide, I’ll run through my 12 favorite monstera varieties to keep as houseplants. These types of monstera plants aren’t just popular; they’re also (mostly) easy to grow, making them an ideal choice for beginner to expert indoor gardening enthusiasts.

Best Types of Monstera Plants to Grow Indoors

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12 Best Monstera Varieties to Grow at Home

Here you’ll find 12 of our favorite Monstera plants to grow at home. I’ve included a brief overview of light, feeding, watering, and general care requirements for each so you can find the perfect fit for your home.

1. Monstera deliciosa (AKA Swiss Cheese Plant)

Native to the tropical forests from Southern Mexico to Panama, the Swiss cheese plant gets its common name from the appearance of its leaves, which are riddled with holes. This plant is also sometimes called the Mexican Breadfruit plant, which refers to the delicious (deliciosa) fruit it produces.

GENERAL CARE:	This easy-to-grow plant requires little maintenance except the occasional trim to control growth.
SOIL:	Choose a well-draining potting mix with peat at a pH of 5.5 to 6.
LIGHT:	Bright indirect light to medium light
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY:	Prefers temperatures between 65°F to 85°F. The plant tolerates average home humidity but prefers more humid conditions.
WATERING:	Water once every one to two weeks when the soil has dried.
FEEDING:	Fertilize once a month in spring and summer with a basic houseplant fertilizer.
GROWTH:	This fast-growing plant can reach up to nearly 10 feet tall indoors and about 70 feet tall in the wild. They are also relatively easy to propagate.
TOXICITY:	Toxic to dogs and cats. Mildly toxic to humans.

2. Monstera adansonii

Like the Monstera deliciosa, the leaves Monstera adansonii also develop holes or eyes that resemble those found in Swiss cheese. As a result, this plant is also commonly referred to as a cheese plant or a cheese vine, as this monstera creeps and develops vines. It grows wild across much of Central and South America.

GENERAL CARE:	Low-maintenance and easy
SOIL:	Well-draining, high-peat potting mix with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7
LIGHT:	Indirect bright sunlight
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY:	Performs best between 60°F to 80°F with humidity above 60%. However, the plant can tolerate slightly lower humidity.
WATERING:	Water about once a week to keep the soil slightly moist.
FEEDING:	Spring and summer, feed monthly with a half-strength, balanced houseplant fertilizer.
GROWTH:	Fast-growing plant will reach 3 to 5 feet in height trained as a houseplant and up to 13 feet as a vine.
TOXICITY:	Toxic to cats and dogs. Mildly toxic to humans.

3. Monstera dubia

Sometimes called the shingle plant, Monstera dubia is a climbing vine whose leaves lie perfectly flat against the tree or trellis they ascend. This monstera plant has heart-shaped leaves with light and dark-green variegations. Although it’s a monstera, the plant’s leaves don’t develop fenestration until the plant has matured. This usually only occurs on plants growing in the wild in Central and South America.

GENERAL CARE:	Low-maintenance and easy to grow in the right conditions.
SOIL:	Choose a well-draining potting mix with peat.
LIGHT:	Place in bright, indirect sunlight
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY:	Prefer temperatures between 60°F and 85°F and humidity above 50%
WATERING:	Water every 7 to 10 days when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry.
FEEDING:	Provide a balanced fertilizer once a month in spring and summer only.
GROWTH:	Grows upright as a vine and requires a trellis, moss pole, or a flat board for support.
TOXICITY:	Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans

4. Monstera epipremnoides

Another climbing houseplant, this variety of monstera is native to Costa Rica. It differs from other types in that its leaves are slightly lighter green. In mature plants, the perforations in their leaves grow larger than other species of monstera plants. Sometimes the holes extend through the edges, completely separating the leave segments.

GENERAL CARE:	Low-maintenance and easy to grow
SOIL:	Prefers a rich, well-draining soil
LIGHT:	Does not tolerate direct sunlight but grows well in indirect and partial shade.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY:	Prefers humidity above 50% and temperatures between 65°F and 80°F.
WATERING:	Water once a week to keep the soil moist, but never let the roots sit in standing water.
FEEDING:	Spring and summer only, feed a well-balanced fertilizer once a month.
GROWTH:	With support, indoor vines can reach up to 13 feet in height.
TOXICITY:	Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans

5. Monstera obliqua

Native to Central and South America, the Monstera obliqua is often described as having more holes than leaves. Since the plant’s leaf perforations are so extensive and the leaf matter is paper-thin, this plant is quite delicate. Like other plants from the genus, the Monstera obliqua is a climbing plant that does best potted indoors with support.

GENERAL CARE:	Not for the faint of heart, this houseplant is challenging and rare. They’re expensive, difficult to acquire, and tough to keep alive.
SOIL:	Plants prefer peaty soil, but it’s best to mimic the growing conditions of the plant grower from whom you obtained your Monstera obliqua.
LIGHT:	No direct sunlight. Indirect sun and partial shade only.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY:	Requires constant humidity at 85% or higher and stable temperatures of 70°F to 85°F
WATERING:	Once a week to maintain slightly moist soil conditions.
FEEDING:	Requires infrequent feeding during the growing season only.
GROWTH:	Extremely slow-growing – especially compared to other monstera plants.
TOXICITY:	Toxic to humans, dogs, and cats

6. Monstera punctulata

The Monstera punctulata is native to Southern Mexico and Central America and is notable for its surprisingly long, perforated leaves. In the wild, the leaves of these plants can just about cover a full-grown man’s torso.

GENERAL CARE:	Low maintenance and easy to grow
SOIL:	Standard potting soil mixed with peat.
LIGHT:	Does best with bright indirect light but can thrive in various light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY:	Prefers average to moderate humidity and temperatures between 65°F to 85°F.
WATERING:	Water when the top half of the soil is dry and allow water to drain completely.
FEEDING:	Feed once a month during spring and summer.
GROWTH:	In the wild, this vine will climb up to 50 feet. Indoors, the plant can grow as tall as whatever is supporting it.
TOXICITY:	Mildly toxic to humans, dogs, and cats

7. Monstera karstenianum (Monstera sp. Peru)

Unlike most of the popular monsteras, the leaves of the Monstera karstenianum have no perforations. Instead, the plant’s sturdy, shiny, spade-shaped leaves feature variegated color patterns in vibrant shades of green. Although it’s a vine and can climb a pole or drape from a hanging basket, this plant will grow to be quite bushy and attractive in a regular container, too.

For more, see our comprehensive Monstera peru plant care guide.

GENERAL CARE:	Low-maintenance and easy to grow
SOIL:	Well-draining, rich potting soil mixed with peat
LIGHT:	Bright, indirect sunlight
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY:	Moderate humidity and temperatures between 65°F and 80°F
WATERING:	Water every one to two weeks to keep soil constantly moist, but avoid soggy soil.
FEEDING:	Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a well-balanced houseplant fertilizer.
GROWTH:	Fast-growing, reaches about 1 foot in height unsupported indoors.
TOXICITY:	Toxic to dogs, cats, and humans

8. Monstera standleyana

The Monstera standleyana is native to parts of Central America. Its shiny, green leaves have pretty splashes, speckles, and stripes of white, cream, or yellowish-white, making the plant quite attractive for growing indoors. Thanks to their prettily patterned leaves, this monstera is often confused for a philodendron.

GENERAL CARE:	Low-maintenance and easy to grow
SOIL:	Well-draining potting soil mixed with peat
LIGHT:	Filtered or indirect sunlight
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY:	Prefers moderate to high humidity and temperatures between 65°F to 80°F
WATERING:	Water every one to two times a week, depending on the season, to prevent the soil from drying out, but be sure to allow water to drain completely.
FEEDING:	Feed once a month in spring and summer with a well-balanced fertilizer.
GROWTH:	Fast-growing. Individual vines can reach up to 20 feet in length when supported. Indoors, expect vines to reach 2 to 5 feet.
TOXICITY:	Toxic to humans, cats, and dogs

9. Monstera pinnatipartita

Native to the rainforests of South America, the Monstera pinnatipartita is a relatively rare but highly desired species of monstera. One of the most exciting aspects of raising a Monstera pinnatipartita is watching its leaves change as it matures. The leaves of these plants do not begin separating and developing pinnation until they begin to mature. As the plants grow larger, you can watch as slots, holes, and, eventually, full pinnates develop.

GENERAL CARE:	Easy to care for and grow in the right conditions.
SOIL:	Well-draining potting soil mixed with peat
LIGHT:	Moderate to bright indirect sunlight
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY:	Moderate to high humidity and temperatures from 65°F to 80°F
WATERING:	Depending on the season, water once every week or two to maintain evenly moist soil.
FEEDING:	Spring and summer only, fertilize once a month with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
GROWTH:	A moderate grower that performs best in a container with a trellis or other vertical support.
TOXICITY:	Toxic to humans, dogs, and cats

10. Monstera siltepecana

Like other monstera plants, the Monstera siltepecana takes on two different forms in juvenile and mature plants. Juveniles have pretty leaves marked with a silvery hue and deep-green venation. Mature plants develop leaves with small fenestration that run along and close to the central vein.

GENERAL CARE:	Fairly rare to find and moderately challenging to grow
SOIL:	Well-draining potting soil mixed with peat
LIGHT:	Bright indirect, or filtered sunlight
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY:	It can tolerate average indoor conditions but grows best in humidity at or above 60% and temperatures from 65°F to 85°F, which can be more easily achieved in a terrarium.
WATERING:	It prefers even moisture but should never sit in standing water. Water once every week or two, depending on the season.
FEEDING:	Feed with a balanced houseplant fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
GROWTH:	Rarely achieves mature size indoors. Expect plants to remain in juvenile form.
TOXICITY:	Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans

11. Monstera variegata

The Monstera variegata generally refers to monstera plants with variegated leaves with large white splotches. They’ve become something of a sensation on plant lovers’ Instagram pages. Plus, compared to their non-variegated counterparts Monstera variegata are slightly more challenging to cultivate. They’ve become somewhat rare due to low supply and popularity.

GENERAL CARE:	Moderately challenging due to a lower rate of photosynthesis and more delicate leaves
SOIL:	Well-draining potting soil mixed with peat
LIGHT:	Bright indirect, or filtered sunlight
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY:	Moderate to high humidity and temperatures from 65°F to 80°F
WATERING:	Prefers even moisture, but the soil should never be soggy. Water once every week or two, depending on the season.
FEEDING:	Feed once a month in the spring and summer using a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
GROWTH:	With large, white patches that lack chlorophyll, these monstera plants don’t photosynthesize as much as their totally green family members. As a result, they’re relatively slow-growing and slightly more delicate.
TOXICITY:	Toxic to humans, cats, and dogs

12. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma (Mini Monstera)

Okay, okay, okay. Technically, the Rhaphidophora tetrasperma does not belong to the Monstera genus, meaning it is not actually a monstera plant. Plus, it hails from an entirely different part of the world (Southern Thailand and Malaysia). Although it’s not technically related to monsteras, the Rhaphidophora tetrasperma made this list because it has split leaves, and its common name is the mini monstera. Plus, it’s a super popular houseplant.

GENERAL CARE:	Low-maintenance and hard to kill
SOIL:	Choose a chunk, well-draining substrate soil
LIGHT:	Bright indirect or filtered sunlight.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY:	Tolerates average household conditions but prefers humidity above 50% and temperatures from 60°F to 85°F.
WATERING:	Prefers evenly moist (never soggy) soil. Water once every week or two, depending on the season.
FEEDING:	Feed a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season only.
GROWTH:	Can grow up to 12 feet. Indoor plants usually reach between 2 to 5 feet in height.
TOXICITY:	Toxic to humans, cats, and dogs

About Monstera Plants

Native to the tropical regions of the Americas, the Monstera genus comprises about 45 species of flowering plants that grow as creeping, climbing, and evergreen vines. They produce ground and aerial roots that help them rise, and they develop fruit in the form of white berries (edible in certain species). Monstera plants are most well-known and recognized for their unique leaves that feature lacy fenestrations and pinnations.

Along with lilies, they’re members of the Araceae (arum) plant family and produce similar-looking blossoms with a striking bract and central spadix. (Seeing an indoor monstera bloom, however, is rare.) Like other members of the Araceae family, monstera plants contain calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic for people and animals.

Monstera Plants Uses & Benefits

All parts of the monstera plants contain toxic calcium oxalate crystals and should not be consumed or handled roughly with bare hands. However, the Monstera deliciosa has a history of being used to soothe arthritis pain in Mexico.

This same species of monstera also produce a fruit called Mexican breadfruit. This fruit has a flavor that’s described as a combination of banana and pineapple (kind of like a naturally grown piña colada), and it’s edible when fully ripened, cooked, or completely dried.

Although the fruit of the Monstera deliciosa can be highly beneficial, the plant is not likely to produce fruit or fruit that ripens fully when grown indoors. If ingested or handled improperly, it can cause serious burns and digestive upset.

So, for those of us who live significantly north or south of the tropics, we should probably settle for simply enjoying the plant’s ornamental benefits – which are wonderful!

Monstera Plants Meanings & Symbolism

The name monstera is Latin for monster or abnormal, and this genus of plants gets the name from its incredible size. When growing at the base of a tall enough tree or wall, some monstera plants can reach heights of up to 70 feet and produce leaves that a few feet wide.

In Western cultures, monstera plants are thought to symbolize suffocation (eek!) because of the way their vines crawl and climb while their leaves attach and cover whatever happens to be supporting them. However, in Eastern cultures, monsteras have been given much nicer symbolic meanings that symbolize long life in addition to honoring elders and respected individuals.

When it comes to gifting monsteras, take whichever meaning you like. You can gift one to an overly clingy friend as a subtle hint or to your beloved grandmother as a sign of admiration. When in doubt, monstera plants make lovely gifts for anyone in your circle who likes to be on-trend and have a gorgeous home.

Monstera Plant FAQs:

Can Monstera plants survive indoors?

Monstera plants are perfectly capable of surviving and thriving indoors. As with any house plant, the key is finding the correct balance of light, heat, water, and feeding cycles suited to your particular variety of Monstera. Every home or office presents unique environmental factors, so you’ll need to adapt and adjust to ensure to find the right balance.

How do you care for a Monstera plant?

Each Monstera plant will have its preferred care requirements, but as a general rule, aim for indirect or filtered light; water approximately every 10 to 14 days (when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch); feed maximum monthly (only during spring and summer months), and prune in spring to cut back old growth and to limit overcrowding.

How much water does a Monstera plant need?

Water fairly liberally around the base of the stem and across the topsoil until you see the water running through to the saucer underneath. At that point stop, leave the plant for 20 minutes, and then collect any excess water that has gathered in the saucer.

Do indoor Monstera plants need sunlight?

Yes, sunlight is essential for the overall health of the plant, though where possible, aim for bright indirect light conditions. Extended periods in direct sunlight will burn the leaves and damage the overall health of the plant.

What is the best Monstera plant for indoors?

There are many Monstera plants that are capable of thriving indoors. Some of our favorites include the Monstera delicisosa, adansonii, pinnatipartita, obliqua, siltepecana, karstenianum, and dubia.

Do Monstera plants need misting?

Misting can help create some additional humidity around the plant, which is beneficial, but always be careful not to saturate the leaves as this can lead to stagnant water issues and cause several potential fungal infections. Humidity trays and in-room humidifiers are often a more robust solution.

How big do Monstera plants get?

Generally speaking, indoor Monstera plants grow slower than their outdoor cousins. However, they can reach upwards of 10 to 12 feet+, so be considerate of the variety you’re looking to develop and maintain a pruning schedule each year to keep your Monstera plant in check.

Best Types of Monstera Plants – Wrapping Up

Now that you know just about everything there is to know about the best monster varieties, you can invite a few of these leafy monsters into your home, snap some pics, and become the next big plant-influencer on Insta.