Here is the difference between Monstera and Monstera deliciosa in plain terms. Monstera is the group name for many plants. Monstera deliciosa is just one plant in that group. People say "Monstera" when they mean deliciosa. But the group holds over 50 species that look and grow in very different ways.
I've seen mislabeled plants at garden centers more times than I can count. Shops stick a "Monstera" tag on adansonii and even on mini Monstera, which is a whole other genus. Last spring I found three plants on the same shelf all labeled "Monstera." Each one was a different species with its own care needs. I bought the mislabeled adansonii for half what it should have cost.
All Monstera genus species sit in the same plant family as pothos. Most of them grow leaves with holes or splits as they get older. M. deliciosa stands out by growing the largest leaves in the group. It's also the only one that makes edible fruit. That fruit gave it the name "deliciosa."
Monstera deliciosa vs adansonii is the most common mix-up you'll see. Penn State notes that adansonii grows 3-8 feet indoors with small, oval leaves full of round holes. Deliciosa grows much bigger at 6-8 feet indoors. It makes wide leaves with deep splits running from the edge toward the center rib.
Monstera Deliciosa
- Leaf size: Mature leaves reach 2-3 feet across with deep splits and oval holes that form along the midrib of the leaf.
- Stem appearance: Thick, woody stems with visible nodes spaced 2-3 inches apart and large aerial roots at each node.
- Growth habit: Climbs upward on supports and can reach 6-8 feet indoors with proper care and a moss pole for structure.
Monstera Adansonii
- Leaf size: Smaller leaves around 6-12 inches long with many oval holes scattered across the surface, earning it the nickname Swiss cheese vine.
- Stem appearance: Thinner, flexible trailing stems that vine and cascade, making it a popular choice for hanging baskets and shelves.
- Growth habit: Trails or climbs reaching 3-8 feet and grows faster than deliciosa but stays much more compact overall.
Other Notable Species
- M. siltepecana: Produces silvery-blue juvenile leaves that look nothing like typical Monstera until the plant matures and develops darker coloring.
- M. obliqua: Has paper-thin leaf tissue with holes making up more than 50% of the leaf surface, and it is extremely rare in cultivation.
- M. standleyana: Features elongated leaves with cream or white variegation and no holes at all, proving how varied this genus can be.
You can check your own plant right now with a few quick tests. Look at the leaf edges first. Deliciosa has splits that cut in from the outer edge. Adansonii keeps its edges intact with holes only in the middle. Next, check your stem thickness. Deliciosa stems feel thick and sturdy. Adansonii stems are thin enough to bend with your fingers.
Getting the species right matters because each one needs different care from you. Adansonii wants higher humidity and prefers to trail or climb thin supports. Deliciosa needs a sturdy moss pole and more room to spread out. Knowing your exact Monstera species helps you give it what it needs to grow its best.
If you're not sure which species you have, take a photo and compare it to the guide above. You can also bring a leaf to your local plant shop for a quick ID check. Most staff can tell you what you have in under a minute. Once you know your species, you can adjust your care routine to match what that specific plant wants from you.
The next time you see a plant labeled just "Monstera" at a store, take a closer look before you buy. Check the leaf shape, stem thickness, and hole pattern against the tips above. You might find a rare species hiding behind a generic label, or you might save yourself from buying the wrong plant for your space.
Read the full article: Monstera Deliciosa Care Guide
