When it comes to captivating indoor plants, Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Deliciosa are two popular choices that plant enthusiasts often consider. Both belonging to the Monstera genus, these plants exhibit unique characteristics and have their own set of care requirements.
In this article, we will delve into the specifics of each plant, highlighting their appearance, growth and care needs, propagation methods, variegated varieties, climbing habits, toxicity, pests and diseases, versatility in interior design, and personal experiences with both Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Deliciosa.
By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of these plants and be better equipped to decide which one suits your preferences and living environment.
The Main Differences Between Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Deliciosa
| Property | Monstera Adansonii | Monstera Deliciosa |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf Size | Smaller leaves | Larger leaves |
| Leaf Shape | Rounded or heart-shaped | Broad, perforated, and fenestrated |
| Growth Habit | Cascading vines | Upright and climbing |
| Plant Size | Compact and smaller in size | Larger and more robust |
| Light Requirements | Tolerates slightly lower light conditions | Requires bright indirect light |
| Variegated Varieties | Variegated forms are available | Variegated forms are available |
| Toxicity | Contains calcium oxalate crystals | Contains calcium oxalate crystals |
| Pet Safety | Keep away from pets and children | Keep away from pets and children |
| Climbing Habits | Requires support for climbing | Requires support for climbing |
| Versatility | Suitable for smaller spaces and hanging | Makes a bold statement in larger |
Short Explanation of the Main Differences
Leaf Size:
Monstera Adansonii has smaller leaves than Monstera Deliciosa, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a plant with a more delicate appearance. The smaller leaf size also contributes to its compact overall size.
Leaf Shape:
The leaves of Monstera Adansonii are typically rounded or heart-shaped, while Monstera Deliciosa’s leaves are broader and famously known for their perforations and fenestrations. The unique leaf shapes of Monstera Deliciosa create a striking visual impact.
Growth Habit:
Monstera Adansonii exhibits cascading vines, which make it ideal for hanging baskets or shelves, adding an elegant touch to vertical spaces. Monstera Deliciosa, on the other hand, has an upright and climbing growth habit, requiring support such as a trellis or moss pole to grow vertically.
Plant Size:
In terms of size, Monstera Adansonii tends to be more compact and smaller overall, making it suitable for spaces with limited room. Monstera Deliciosa, with its larger leaves and robust growth, can become quite sizable, making it a statement plant in larger rooms or areas.
Light Requirements:
Monstera Adansonii can tolerate slightly lower light conditions compared to Monstera Deliciosa. While both plants prefer bright, indirect light, Monstera Deliciosa has higher light requirements to thrive and maintain its striking foliage.
Variegated Varieties:
Both Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Deliciosa have variegated forms available. These variegated varieties exhibit unique color patterns, adding even more visual interest to the plants. However, variegated forms may be rarer and more challenging to find.
Toxicity and Pet Safety:
Both plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause discomfort if ingested. It’s important to keep Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Deliciosa away from pets and children to prevent potential harm.
Climbing Habits:
Both plants exhibit climbing habits and benefit from support structures such as trellises or moss poles. Providing support allows the plants to climb and creates a visually appealing display while promoting healthier growth.
Versatility:
Monstera Adansonii is suitable for smaller spaces, such as apartments or rooms with limited floor space. Its cascading vines make it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or shelves. On the other hand, Monstera Deliciosa makes
a bold statement in larger rooms or areas where its grandeur can be appreciated. It can serve as a focal point, adding a tropical touch to the space.
The main differences between Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Deliciosa lie in their leaf size, shape, growth habits, overall plant size, light requirements, variegated varieties, toxicity, pet safety, climbing habits, and versatility in different spaces. By understanding these distinctions, you can choose the Monstera that best suits your preferences and the specific characteristics you’re looking for in a plant.
Appearance and Size:
Monstera Adansonii:
Monster Adansonii adds elegance to any indoor space, adding a touch of elegance to any indoor space. This plant’s leaves are typically smaller than Monster Deliciosa and feature lacy holes or “fenestrations” that create an eye-catching pattern.
The texture of the leaves is velvety or matte, providing a unique tactile experience for plant enthusiasts. Monster Adansonii plants also come in various sizes, ranging from compact and larger specimens that can make a bold statement.
Monstera Deliciosa:
On the other hand, Monstera Deliciosa boasts large, glossy leaves that give it a truly tropical appearance. The iconic heart-shaped leaves of Monstera Deliciosa are known for their generous size, making this plant a striking focal point in any room.
Unlike Monstera adansonii, the leaves of Monstera Deliciosa do not typically have fenestrations. Instead, they showcase a lush, solid green surface that adds vibrancy to the surrounding environment.
Whether you prefer the delicate allure of Monstera Adansonii or the grandeur of Monstera Deliciosa, both plants offer captivating aesthetics that can enhance your indoor space.
Growth and Care Requirements:
Monstera Adansonii:
When caring for Monstera Adansonii, providing the right conditions is crucial for its growth and well-being. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light, making them well-suited for locations near east or west-facing windows.
Maintaining a consistent temperature between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C) is ideal for Monstera Adansonii’s overall health.
Additionally, this plant appreciates high humidity levels, which can be achieved by using a humidifier or placing it in a well-humidified room.
When it comes to watering, it’s important to strike a balance. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot. Using a well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture is recommended.
Monstera Deliciosa:
Similar to its counterpart, Monstera Deliciosa thrives in bright, indirect light. However, this plant can tolerate slightly lower light conditions than Monstera adansonii, making it suitable for areas with north-facing windows.
Temperature-wise, Monstera Deliciosa prefers a range between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C), similar to Monstera Adansonii. When it comes to humidity, this plant benefits from moderate to high levels. Regular misting or placing a tray of water near the plant can help create a humid environment.
In terms of watering, allowing the top couple of inches of soil to dry out between waterings is recommended.
Monstera Deliciosa is more forgiving when it comes to watering, but it’s essential to avoid prolonged periods of drought or waterlogging.
Propagation Methods:
Monstera Adansonii:
When it comes to propagating Monstera Adansonii, there are a few effective methods to choose from. One common technique is stem cuttings.
Select a healthy stem with a few nodes and aerial roots, and make a clean cut just below a node. Place the cutting in water or a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the node is submerged or in contact with the soil.
Another propagation method is air layering, which involves creating a small wound on a healthy stem, wrapping it in moist sphagnum moss, and securing it with plastic wrap.
Roots will eventually develop in the moss, allowing you to separate the new plant from the parent.
Monstera Deliciosa:
Similarly, Monstera Deliciosa can be propagated through stem cuttings and air layering. For stem cuttings, choose a healthy stem with several nodes and make a clean cut just below a node.
Place the cutting in water or a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least one node is submerged or in contact with the soil.
Air layering can also be utilized by following the same process described for Monstera Adansonii. Both propagation methods have a high success rate, allowing you to expand your Monstera collection or share plants with fellow enthusiasts.
Variegated Varieties:
Monstera Adansonii:
Variegated Monstera adansonii is a highly sought-after and visually captivating variant. These plants display striking patterns of variegation on their leaves, featuring a combination of green, white, and sometimes even yellow hues.
Variegation can occur in different forms, such as random splashes or distinct stripes. Due to their unique appearance, variegated Monstera adansonii plants are often considered rare and can be more challenging to find.
Their scarcity and aesthetic appeal make them highly valued among plant collectors and enthusiasts.
Monstera Deliciosa:
Variegated Monstera Deliciosa is equally fascinating, with leaves that exhibit stunning patterns and colors. These plants showcase variegation in shades of green, white, and cream, adding a touch of elegance and intrigue to any space.
The variegated patterns can vary, ranging from delicate speckles to bold and dramatic swaths of color.
Similar to variegated Monstera Adansonii, variegated Monstera Deliciosa plants are highly sought-after and can be more difficult to obtain. Their unique beauty and rarity make them prized possessions among plant lovers.
Climbing Habits and Support:
Monstera Adansonii:
One notable characteristic of Monstera Adansonii is its natural inclination to climb. This plant produces aerial roots that seek support, allowing it to attach itself to trees or other structures in its natural habitat.
Providing a trellis or moss pole is beneficial to accommodate this climbing habit indoors. The aerial roots can be gently guided towards the support, allowing the plant to climb and create a stunning vertical display.
Training Monstera Adansonii to climb not only enhances its aesthetic appeal, promotes healthier growth, and allows the leaves to develop their distinctive fenestrations.
Monstera Deliciosa:
Similarly, Monstera Deliciosa possesses a climbing nature, making it an excellent candidate for trellises or moss poles.
In its natural environment, this plant uses its aerial roots to anchor itself and reach for higher elevations. You can mimic its natural growth pattern by providing a support structure and creating a visually appealing display.
Additionally, training Monstera Deliciosa to climb can help prevent the sprawling growth that occurs when it is left to
its own devices. With proper support, the plant can develop a more compact and upright form, showcasing its impressive leaves in a more organized manner.
Toxicity and Pet Safety:
Monstera Adansonii:
While Monstera adansonii is a stunning addition to any space, it’s important to be aware of its toxicity. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and discomfort if ingested.
It’s essential to keep Monstera Adansonii out of reach of curious pets and children who may be tempted to chew on its leaves.
If accidental ingestion occurs, symptoms such as oral irritation, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset may occur. In such cases, it’s best to seek medical advice and monitor the affected individual closely.
Monstera Deliciosa:
Monstera adansonii also contains calcium oxalate crystals and should be handled cautiously. While the plant’s name may suggest otherwise, it’s important to note that the fruit of Monstera Deliciosa, often called “Swiss cheese fruit,” is safe for consumption.
The leaves and other parts of the plant should not be ingested. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact a medical professional for advice.
Pests and Diseases:
Monstera Adansonii:
As with many houseplants, Monstera Adansonii can be susceptible to certain pests. Common invaders include spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of infestation, such as webbing, sticky residue, or visible insects, is crucial for early detection.
If pests are detected, treatment options such as insecticidal soap or neem oil can effectively control the problem.
Additionally, Monstera Adansonii may be susceptible to leaf spot diseases caused by overwatering or poor air circulation. Proper watering practices and providing adequate ventilation can help prevent these issues.
Monstera Deliciosa:
Similarly, Monstera Deliciosa can encounter pest-related challenges. Spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs are common pests that can affect this plant. Regularly inspecting the leaves, especially undersides and leaf axils, is crucial for early detection and intervention.
Treating infestations with appropriate methods, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil, can help mitigate the issue. Regarding diseases, Monstera Deliciosa may be prone to fungal infections, such as root rot or leaf blight.
Preventive measures include ensuring proper drainage, avoiding overwatering, and promoting good air circulation.
Versatility in Interior Design:
Monstera Adansonii:
One of the advantages of Monstera Adansonii is its versatility in interior design. Due to its smaller size and more compact growth habit, this plant is suitable for various spaces, including apartments, offices, or rooms with limited floor space.
Monstera Adansonii can thrive in hanging baskets, where its cascading vines and lacy foliage create a stunning visual effect. It’s also an excellent choice for shelves or plant stands, adding a touch of greenery to vertical surfaces.
The elegant and intricate appearance of Monstera Adansonii makes it a versatile and adaptable plant that can complement different interior design styles.
Monstera Deliciosa:
On the other hand, Monstera Deliciosa’s grandeur and majestic presence make it a standout piece in larger rooms or areas where you want to make a bold statement. Its large, glossy leaves and robust growth make it an ideal choice for spacious living rooms, lobbies,
or conservatories. Monstera Deliciosa can serve as a focal point in an interior design scheme, adding a tropical and exotic touch. Whether placed in a corner or near a window, this plant demands attention and creates a sense of lushness and vitality in any setting.
Personal Experiences:
Monstera Adansonii:
In my personal experience with Monstera Adansonii, I have found it to be a delightful addition to my indoor plant collection.
Its delicate leaves and charming fenestrations create a sense of whimsy and elegance in my home. I have placed my Monstera adansonii in a hanging basket, allowing its vines to cascade gracefully and adding a dynamic element to the room.
The plant thrives in bright, indirect light near a west-facing window, and I maintain proper humidity levels by regularly misting it. With its manageable size and easy-care requirements, Monstera Adansonii has quickly become one of my favorite plants to nurture and admire.
Monstera Deliciosa:
My personal experience with Monstera Deliciosa has been equally rewarding. The plant’s large, glossy leaves make a bold statement in my living room, creating a tropical ambiance that I adore.
I have provided a moss pole for support, allowing the plant to climb and showcase its leaves in a more structured manner.
While it requires a bit more space due to its size, the visual impact it delivers is well worth it. I have positioned my Monstera Deliciosa near a north-facing window, where it receives bright but indirect light.
Regular watering and occasional misting have helped maintain its lush appearance, and I enjoy watching its leaves unfurl and grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Deliciosa in low light conditions?
Both plants prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate slightly lower light conditions. However, Monstera Deliciosa has higher light requirements compared to Monstera Adansonii.
How often should I water Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Deliciosa?
It’s important to allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings for both plants. However, Monstera Adansonii is more sensitive to overwatering, so finding the right balance is crucial.
Can I propagate Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Deliciosa in water?
Yes, both plants can be propagated in water by taking stem cuttings with nodes and placing them in a container with water. Once roots develop, they can be transferred to soil.
Are Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Deliciosa suitable for homes with pets?
While both plants are considered toxic to pets, Monstera Deliciosa’s larger size and harder leaves may be more difficult for pets to chew on. However, keeping all parts of the plants out of reach is best.
What are the common pests that affect Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Deliciosa?
Common pests include spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Regular inspection and appropriate treatments can help control these pests and ensure the plants’ health.
Conclusion
Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Deliciosa each possess their unique qualities and charm. From the delicate elegance of Monstera Adansonii to the tropical grandeur of Monstera Deliciosa, these plants offer captivating aesthetics that can enhance any indoor space. By understanding their differences in appearance, growth and care requirements, propagation methods, variegated varieties, climbing habits, toxicity, pests and diseases, and versatility in interior design, you can make an informed choice when selecting the perfect Mon
store for your home or office. Both plants have their beauty and rewards, providing a touch of nature and greenery to your surroundings. So whether you opt for the intricate foliage of Monstera Adansonii or the commanding presence of Monstera Deliciosa, you’re sure to be rewarded with a visually stunning and thriving plant companion.
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