Before we delve into this list of 10 Rare Monsteras, it’s important to note that it is not easy to narrow this list down. Furthermore, because there are so many variegated forms, it was even more challenging to pick which 10 to feature. Remember that this is not an all-encompassing list but rather a starting point to get you more interested in the Monstera family. Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, here’s a list of 10 Rare Monsteras!
Perhaps the most recognizable monstera, the Monstera deliciosa features characteristic splits or fenestrations in its leaves. The deliciosa gets its name from the delicious fruit that it can produce. (Although, it is quite rare that this plant will flower and fruit indoors). The deliciosa can grow quite large if given the opportunity, and in the wild, can produce leaves around 2-3 feet long. As a houseplant, the Monstera Deliciosa is a pleasure to grow, requiring bright indirect light. Make sure to let the top few inches dry out before watering, as they can be prone to root rot!
The Monstera borsigiana is the small version of the Monstera deliciosa. The most characteristic difference between the small and large form monstera is its internodes. The nodes on the borsigiana are much further apart, making it much easier to cut and propagate. Furthermore, the leaves on the borsigiana don’t get nearly as large as the deliciosa. The difference between Deliciosa and Borsigiana is significant in their variegated forms, as the variegated albo borsigiana is more common than its deliciosa counterpart.
Maybe the most popular plant in the houseplant community is the Monstera albo borsigiana. It’s a variegated smaller form of the deliciosa, meaning it won’t grow nearly as large or produce fruit. This plant requires a little more advanced care since it needs stable humidity to prevent its variegation from getting brown and crispy. Albos are also prone to reversion, meaning it can completely lose its variegation, or become so highly variegated that it doesn’t survive. The best way to combat this is to trim it back when it gets out of balance.
Variegated houseplants are trendy in the houseplant community, and the Monstera Thai Constellation is a staple collectors plant. Featuring unique splashes of cream and white variegation, the Thai Constellation grows excellent indoors and is relatively simple to care for. Unlike other variegated monsteras, the variegation in this plant is stable, which means it won’t revert on you! So if you are looking for a variegated beauty without the worry of it turning completely white or completely green, this is undoubtedly the way to go.
This shingling monstera has recently gained a lot of popularity. In its juvenile state, this plant is most often adhered to a wooden board. It grows up this board and transforms as it develops. A mature monstera dubia is pretty unrecognizable from its juvenile form. It is most commonly found in collections as a juvenile, and growing it to its mature state is certainly an accomplishment!
The Monstera Peru has characteristic bullate leaves, which means that their veins are raised and textured. This pebble-like surface adds to their unique appeal. The Peru is a climber that will enjoy a moss pole or support. It does well in indirect bright line and is known to be quite a fast grower.
The Monstera Adansonii is a fast-growing and unique houseplant. Its foliage will certainly stand out in your collection with its unique fenestrations. Also known as the “Swiss Cheese Plant,” the adansonii loves to climb up a moss pole, and is quite easy to propagate. Its variegated version has recently hit the plant scene and is quite the unicorn amongst collections.
Also known as the Five Holes Plant, the Monstera Standleyana is a lovely climbing plant with white and silver variegation on its leaves. Standleyanas are relatively easy-going, and do well as houseplants. They do great with a trellis or pole to climb up or draping in a hanging basket. Like other Monsteras, they enjoy indirect bright light.
The most characteristic feature of the Monstera Subpinnata is definitely its finger-like foliage. The Subpinnata thrives in medium to low light and loves to climb up a moss pole. This is a great addition to a monstera collection since the foliage is so unique. Plus, it stays quite a reasonable size.
The Monstera Obliqua is a visually striking plant that is not easy to grow. The obliqua requires constant humidity, and does best in the 80% humidity range. There is a lot of controversy revolving around this plant, since it is easy to mistake it with the monstera adansonii. The hashtag #itsneverobliqua has become prominent in the plant community because of this. If you can get your hands on a real one, its quite an impressive addition to a monstera collection.