The plant species Monstera adansonii is sometimes called the “Swiss cheese plant.” That being said, there are a lot of different kinds of Monstera that are called “Swiss cheese plants.” This can be hard for plant lovers and collectors to understand.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of Swiss cheese plants and how to identify them. We’ll also provide care tips tailored to each variety’s specific needs.
Overview of Monstera Genus
Monstera is a group of about 50 species of flowering plants that are native to tropical parts of the Americas. They are evergreen vines that can get pretty big in the wild. Their aerial roots help them climb up trees and buildings.
The signature feature of Monstera plants is their leaves, which develop dramatic splits and holes as they mature – termed “fenestrations.” This distinctive pattern makes them popular as houseplants.
While Monstera adansonii is arguably the most well-known Swiss cheese plant, there are many other Monstera species and cultivars worth knowing about.
Monstera Adansonii
This fast-growing vine is likely what comes to mind when someone mentions “Swiss cheese plant.” Native to South and Central America, Monstera adansonii has glossy heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 35 inches long and develop holes as they mature.
- Grows 3-6 feet indoors
- Thrives in bright, indirect light
- Tolerates a wide humidity range
- Trailing or climbing growth habit
Popular cultivars
- ‘Monkey Mask’ – Has larger fenestrations
- ‘Variegata’ – Creamy white variegated leaves
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa has even bigger, leatherier leaves that can grow up to 3 feet long on mature plants. It is often confused with adansonii. It also climbs with aerial roots and is a very impressive plant.
- Grows up to 20 feet in the wild, 6-8 feet as a houseplant
- Prefers slightly less light than adansonii
- Appreciates average to high humidity
- Climbing growth habit
Popular cultivars:
- ‘Borsigiana’ – More delicate leaves, faster growing
- ‘Variegata’ – Leaves with white variegation
- ‘Thai Constellation’ – Leaves speckled with yellowish variegation
Monstera Siltepecana
This type of plant has interesting silvery spots on its leaves, which is why it is sometimes called “Monstera Silver” or “Swiss Cheese Vine.” It remains relatively small, topping out around 6 feet.
- Grows 2-6 feet tall
- Thrives in medium to bright, indirect light
- Tolerates a wide humidity range
- Trailing or vining growth
Monstera Dubia
Monstera dubia is a less common, slower growing variety. Unlike most Monsteras, its leaves stay small and do not develop holes. It has a beautiful shingled growth pattern.
- Grows 3-5 feet tall
- Thrives in bright, indirect light
- Prefers high humidity
- Trailing or climbing growth
Popular cultivar:
- ‘Thai Monstera’ – Leaves with cream and green variegation
Monstera Standleyana
Sometimes called Monstera albo, this variety has long, oval-shaped leaves boldly variegated in white. It remains on the smaller side for a Monstera.
- Grows 3-5 feet tall
- Tolerates low to medium indirect light
- Prefers high humidity
- Climbing or trailing growth habit
Monstera Obliqua
With slender, heavily perforated leaves, Monstera obliqua is an intriguing and rare find. This variety stays bushy when young. As it matures, long vines emerge.
- Grows 6-15 feet or more if supported
- Tolerates low to medium indirect light
- Prefers high humidity
- Climbing growth habit
Tips for Caring for Your Monstera
Now that you know how to identify the different Monstera varieties, here are some care tips to keep your plant healthy:
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Provide bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun will scorch the leaves.
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Use well-draining potting mix and avoid overwatering.
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Add a moss pole or trellis for climbing varieties to attach aerial roots to.
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Mist frequently and use a pebble tray to boost humidity if needed.
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Wipe leaves occasionally to prevent dust buildup and promote photosynthesis.
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Repot when rootbound into a slightly larger container.
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Propagate by stem cuttings for new plants.
With the proper care tailored to its variety, a Monstera makes a uniquely beautiful and easy-to-grow houseplant. Just be sure you know exactly which Swiss cheese plant you have!
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There are a lot of monstera plants to choose from if you want to grow one. However, not all monstera species make good houseplants. Here are some of the best monstera species for indoor cultivation.
The swiss cheese plant, monstera, is a much-loved ornamental foliage plant that comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colours. If you want to know more about how to take care of monstera plants, don’t forget to read our article on the subject!
Monstera adansonii Narrow Form
The narrow form is sometimes called Swiss Cheese Vine and the wide form and regular form tend to get called Monkey Mask – but not always! The best way to know what youve got is to compare those leaves, where the differences become much more obvious.
The narrow form has much thinner, more vine-like stems than other adansonii. Leaves are narrower, longer, thinner and smoother, and normally point slightly to one side at the tip. The narrow form tends not to fenestrate as easily when young until climbing and mature. If left to vine or in lower light, it may not fenestrate at all, or may only develop the occasional smaller, fewer holes. When it does mature, the narrow form has fewer holes than others, which are also smaller and more oval than other forms. Tends to be more delicate than other forms also. Quite elegant and tidy compared to other more rambling adansonii.
HOUSEPLANT CARE TIPS | HOW TO CARE FOR MONSTERA ADANSONII SWISS CHEESE
FAQ
Are there different types of Swiss cheese plants?
There are over 50 different types of monstera worldwide. Many have adapted to our climate and are suitable as houseplants in the UK. Here are some of our favourites!.
What is the difference between deliciosa and Adansonii?
Monstera adansonii – The Real “Swiss Cheese Vine” This beauty has smaller, thinner leaves than deliciosa, and features more pronounced holes throughout the leaf—hence the “Swiss Cheese Vine” name. Adansonii is a fabulous houseplant—easy to care for, quick to grow, and happy climbing or trailing.
How do I tell what type of Monstera I have?
- Leaf Shape: Large, round, heart-shaped leaves.
- Stem: Ruffled or bumpy where leaves attach.
- Growth Habit: Spreads out, reaching a wide, often ground-covering shape.
- Other: Grows large, can have a distinctive “nose” structure on the stem.
How to tell the difference between esqueleto and Adansonii?
Adansonii is smaller and thinner. Esqueleto is wider.
Did Monstera plant sell for $5000?
Monster monstera houseplant sells for almost $5000 on Trade Me auction. The monstera deliciosa is a pretty common houseplant in New Zealand, but one particularly special one has just sold for almost $5000 on Trade Me last night.
What is the rarest type of Monstera?
The Monstera Obliqua is often considered the rarest Monstera due to its delicate, lace-like leaves and slow growth. It’s hard to find and can be expensive, making it a prized plant among collectors.
What is the best type of Swiss cheese plant?
We have the Best Monstera Adansonii Varieties for you to choose from if you want the best Swiss Cheese Plant for your home. Monstera adansonii is a popular houseplant that is easy to take care of. If you want to grow its stunning types, then check out the Best Monstera Adansonii Varieties below! 1. Monstera Adansonii Variegata 2.
What is a Swiss cheese plant?
Monstera, also known as the “swiss cheese plant,” is a popular plant for its pretty leaves. It comes in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Read on for some of the best monstera species to cultivate as houseplants, and don’t forget to read our article on monstera care! There are over 50 different types of monstera worldwide.
How big do Swiss cheese plants get?
The most popular ‘Swiss Cheese plant’, Monstera deliciosa is one of the most common of Monsteras and likely the one that everyone has seen the most. This plant is known for the pretty holes that pop up in its dark green leaves. It also gets pretty big—it can grow to be 10 to 15 feet tall indoors and as wide as 8 feet.
What is the difference between Monstera deliciosa and Swiss cheese plant?
Monstera is the common name for monstera deliciosa, a large and big-leafed plant, while Swiss cheese plant is the common name for monstera adansonii, a small plant with narrow and oblong leaves. The confusion comes from the fact that some people call monstera deliciosa “Swiss cheese plant.”
What is a Mexican cheese plant?
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.
How big does a Swiss cheese vine grow?
One of the most common varieties on Monstera, the ‘Swiss Cheese vine’ is a great hanging-basket plant as it tends to grow quite quickly. Indoors, you can expect it to grow anywhere from 3 to 8 feet long and 2 to 3 feet wide, and those signature holed-leaves are a lovely light green that you’ll definitely love.