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Feature Friday: The Fascinating World of Monstera Varieties
Care and Styling Tips
John Harrison
May 09, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 17 minutes
MEET TODAY’S FEATUREYou know the classic Monstera deliciosa—those big, dramatic, holey leaves. But oh friend, that’s just the beginning.This Friday, we’re diving deep into the fascinating (and surprisingly diverse!) world of Monstera varieties. From the rare and speckled Thai Constellation to the lacy-leafed Monstera adansonii, these beauties are full of charm, personality, and serious wow-factor. Whether you're a die-hard collector or a curious newbie just getting your feet wet in the plant world, there's a Monstera out there that's bound to steal your heart. These plants range from bold and architectural to delicate and intricate, each one offering its own unique flair. Some climb, some trail, and some stand tall like leafy sculptures—basically, they’re the plant equivalent of having a runway model in your living room. |  |
Hey there, plant pal!
Welcome to the Feature Friday from PlantmyPlants— the cozy corner of the internet where houseplants meet laid-back vibes, with a little jungle flair and a lot of leafy love. Every edition is your gentle nudge to explore the plant world in your own chill, curious way—whether that’s trying your hand at propagation, falling for the under-the-radar beauties, or just vibing with your green gang at home.
This week, we’re putting the spotlight on one of the most iconic—and surprisingly varied—plant families around. Let’s swing into the wild and wonderful world of Monsteras and fall head over roots.
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THE FEATURE
Monstera Deliciosa: The Iconic Classic
Let’s start with the one that probably kicked off your Monstera obsession in the first place—Monstera deliciosa. She's the leafy superstar of Instagram, the darling of interior designers, and a total scene-stealer with those giant, split leaves that scream tropical drama. But don’t let her fame fool you—there’s depth behind the glam. This classic Monstera has been adored for generations not just for her looks, but for her adaptability and growth potential. And while she might be the most well-known member of the Monstera fam, she’s definitely not the only one worth swooning over…
In fact, Monstera deliciosa is often just the gateway plant—the leafy lure that opens the door to a whole world of Monstera magic. Once you’ve cared for one and seen it unfurl a brand-new fenestrated leaf (cue the plant parent pride!), it’s only natural to get curious about her more elusive cousins. From the rare and dreamy to the wild and whimsical, there’s a whole jungle of Monstera varieties waiting to be explored—and trust us, each one has its own vibe and story to tell.
A Glimpse Into Monstera’s Past: From Jungle Floors to Living Room Stars
Monsteras may be all the rage on Pinterest boards and planty Instagrams now, but their roots go way back—literally. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, particularly southern Mexico and Panama, Monsteras like Monstera deliciosa evolved to thrive in shady, humid jungle understories. Those dramatic holes and splits in their leaves (called “fenestrations,” if we’re getting sciencey) aren’t just for show—they help the plant withstand heavy rainfall and let sunlight filter through to lower leaves as they climb up trees in search of light.
First documented by European botanists in the 18th century, Monsteras were brought back to Europe and cultivated in greenhouses as exotic novelties. By the mid-1900s, Monstera deliciosa started showing up in mid-century modern homes, beloved for its sculptural look and lush, statement-making leaves. Over time, its popularity waxed and waned—but let’s be real: she was just waiting for the right aesthetic era to bloom again. Enter: the houseplant renaissance of the 2020s, where Monsteras are now main characters in our living rooms and on our mood boards.
She's the leafy superstar of Instagram, the darling of interior designers, and a total scene-stealer with those giant, split leaves that scream tropical drama. But don’t let her fame fool you—there’s depth behind the glam.
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