Monstera Deliciosa vs. Adansonii (Differences and Similarities)

Last Updated on October 17, 2022 by Admin

Monstera adansonii vs. Monstera deliciosa is a common comparison because of they are the two most popular and well-known monstera species.

To identify one from the other, it is important to know their unique features that make them distinct.

The main difference between the monstera deliciosa and monstera adansonii are the holes in their leaves.

The fenestrations of the monstera adansonii are inside the leaves and you’ll see majority of the leaves consist of holes and less green areas.

In contrast, the fenestrations on the monstera deliciosa start from the edges of the leaves and cut inwards. Therefore, its perforations look like you split the leaves from the edges.

Similarly, the monstera deliciosa is the bigger plant of the two and has larger leaves as well.

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Differences Between the Monstera Deliciosa and Adansonii

When it comes to comparing the monstera adansonii vs. monstera deliciosa, it is not too difficult because they have some distinct differences.

That said, you do want to be careful because some plant shops will intentionally mislabel one monstera for the other in hopes to earn a tidy profit.

Because of the significant price differences between the monstera adansonii and monstera deliciosa, I’ve seen this happen.

And so is the case with other rare and expensive Monstera plants.

Therefore, the best way to avoid falling victim to this is to know the differences between the monstera deliciosa and monstera adansonii.

Leaf Size

One of the telling differences between the monstera deliciosa and monstera adansonii are the size of their leaves.

Here, the monstera deliciosa has significantly larger leaves compared to the monstera adansonii.

And you’ll easily notice this especially indoors.

With the right conditions, the monstera deliciosa will develop large, impressive leaves. This is especially true if you keep it outdoors or see it in its native habitat.

That said, with proper care, you’ll see it produce big leaves as well as a houseplant.

The plant’s leaves reach between between 8 to 35 inches long and 10 to 30 inches wide. But in many cases, you’ll see them get bigger than 40 inches in size as well.

On the other hand, while the monstera adansonii still has impressive sized leaves, they won’t grow as big. They’ll usually be anywhere from 6 to 30 inches long.

Indoors, you’ll usually see monstera adansonii with smaller but more voluminous leaves. In contrast, the Monstera deliciosa will usually have fewer leaves but larger ones in terms of size.

That said, it is very important to note that the size of the leaves of both the plants can vary significantly. This will depend on how much sunlight, fertilizer, water they get.

Similarly, proper repotting and pruning will allow the plants to grow bigger.

Therefore, don’t be surprised to see some much smaller leaves while other having huge leaves.

Fenestrations (Holes in the Leaves)

Another easy way to tell the difference between the monstera adansonii and monstera deliciosa is by their fenestrations or the holes in their leaves.

Monsteras are well loved for the unique looking cuts or holes in their foliage.

Thus, in addition to the size and shape differences, the appearance of the holes and where they develop varies in these two plants.

A simple way to tell the difference is to check if the holes are nearer to the midrib or the edges of the leaves.

With the monstera adansonii you’ll see the holes inside the leaves.

That manes that the edges are still intact even is sometimes only a very slim part of the leaf edge is there.

On the other hand, the cuts of the monstera deliciosa come from the edges of the leaves. And they slice inwards. Therefore, the edges of the leaves are not all connected together.

Similarly, when it comes to the size of the holes, you’ll also notice a difference.

The holes of the monstera adansonii are larger in the middle of the leaves. In fact, you’ll see many monstera adansonii plants whose leaves are more holes than they are leaves.

In contrast, the monstera deliciosa’s leaves are more crescent shaped.

Thus, there will be more leaf than holes in the plant’s foliage.

Leaf Margins

Because both plants have large leaves, they’ve evolved to protect their foliage from strong winds or gusts that can damage or tear their leaves.

This is how the holes of the plants developed.

But for both the monstera adansonii and monstera deliciosa, the difference in the position of their holes affects how their leaf margins look.

Since the holes of the monstera adansonii are in the middle of its leaves, you’ll be able to run your fingers through its smooth leaf edges and encircle the border of each foliage.

Meanwhile, because the perforations of the monstera deliciosa cut through the edges of its leaves, you won’t be able to do the same.

If you run your fingers through its leaf margin, you’ll get interrupted by the splits between the ends of the leaves.

Thus, you won’t be able to encircle the entire boundary of the Monstera deliciosa’s leaves with one motion.

Growth Habit

Both the monstera adansonii and monstera deliciosa are climbers in their natural habitats.

This is why they grow aerial roots as well.

In fact, both plants will produce large woody, aerial roots. In the wild, these roots help them cling onto larger trees and plants for support.

That said, the monstera deliciosa is a moderate grower that will vine as it gets older.

Its stems and leaves will spread outwards as well.

Because the plant is most impressive growing upright, it is best to give it a moss pole or something similar to climb on. This will allow it to grow faster and produce larger leaves.

Meanwhile, the monstera adansonii will likewise happily climb. But it can also trail.

This is why its stems will hang and droop downwards if you do not give it a support to climb on. This feature also allows you place it in a hanging basket to trail downwards.

Size of the Plant

The monstera deliciosa is likewise the bigger plant when compared to the monstera adansonii. This is also part of the reason why its leaves will get bigger with proper care.

Note that the size of both plants will vary a lot depending on where they’re grown.

For example, the monstera deliciosa can grow to 60 feet or taller in their native habitat. But it won’t get anywhere as big if grown indoors.

That said, planting it in your backyard can still yield a very sizable plant.

Indoors, the monstera deliciosa will grow between 8 to 15 feet tall. This makes it a very big plant what will require regular pruning once it gets bigger.

If you keep it outside, it can grow to 30 feet high as well.

On the other hand, the monstera adansonii is not as big a plant.

Grown indoors, the plant will grow to between 3 to 5 feet high and about 1-3 feet wide. If you keep it outdoors, it has the ability to grow to between 8 and 20 feet.

As such, while overall plant size does differ between the two, it is not very easy to compare them this way.

That’s because you’d need to ensure that the two plants where grown at the same time. Additionally, where they are grown matters and the kind of care they get also affects how big they get.

Price

Another big difference between the monstera adansonii and monstera deliciosa is price.

The Monstera Decliciosa is a prized plant. As such, it is much, much more expensive.

Its price can range from as little as $10 all the way to $5,000.

Why?

The bigger, more impressive the plant, the more expensive. The younger and smaller the plant, the lower the price you can get for it.

That’s because of all the time and effort put into caring for this beautiful houseplant.

Similarly, poorly cared for Monstera Deliciosa will be obvious. Its size, leaves, color and quality won’t be as good as most. Thus, the price also won’t be as expensive.

But if you know how to care for the plant, you can get some of these at a bargain because they can be rehabilitated and turned into large, exquisite, gorgeous plants with some work on your part.

On the other hand, the monstera adansonii is a much cheaper plant.

It is still not as cheap as some other houseplants. But it is nowhere near the expensive cost of the monstera deliciosa.

Again, size, quality and where you get the plant affects the price.

But in general, you can find a monstera adansonii for between $10 to $200 or so. Most of them will be under $100.

However, you may come across a very expensive monstera adansonii variety. This is one with white variegated leaves.

The plant is better known as the variegated monstera adansonii or monstera adansonii variegata. And it looks very much like the monstera adansonii but you have slightly lighter green leaves and more importantly the white patterns or variegations.

In contrast, the monstera adansonii has solid green foliage.

The monstera adansonii variegate will usually cost between $700 to $5,000 because it is a very sought after, rare plant.

This is the reason why it is very important to know your Monstera plants if you’re in the market to get one for yourself.

Some are much more affordable while others can be very expensive.

Because there are so many unique looking, rare monsteras around, you’ll see these varieties and cultivars fetch anywhere from $1,000 to as much as $8,000.

Similarities Between Monstera Deliciosa and Adansonii

Now that you know the differences between the monstera deliciosa and monstera adansonii, it is time to look at their similarities.

Because they belong to the same genus, you’ll notice they have many similar features as well.

Roots

One of the unique features of both the monstera deliciosa and monstera adansonii is that they will develop aerial roots.

Aerial roots are different from subterranean roots in that they will grow above the soil.

Additionally, the roots won’t look like regular soil roots. Instead, these are large roots with woody textures. They also grow on the stems at the base of both plants.

You’ll usually aerial roots grow in mature monsteras that are happy and healthy.

Why?

The main purpose of aerial roots is to anchor the plants to their hosts. This allows both the monstera deliciosa and monstera adansonii to cling onto larger trees and plant.

They do so to climb upwards in order to get more sunlight. This helps they grow bigger.

The reason monsteras need aerial roots is that they don’t develop large, thick trunks like trees to support their base as they get bigger.

Instead, they find objects to cling onto for support.

In addition to their support and anchoring purposes, aerial roots also absorb moisture from the air and take in some nutrients dew, rainfall and fallen debris.

That said, some plant owners love aerial roots while others hate how they look.

Overall Plant Care

Among the similarities between these two monstera plants is their overall care and requirements.

This makes it easier to care for the other if you’re already have one of the two plants.

Light Requirements

Both monstera plants thrive with lots of light. Ideally, you want to place them somewhere with bright, indirect or filtered light.

That’s because in their native habitats, huge trees hover above partially blocking the sun.

As such, the monstera adansonii and monstera deliciosa are not used to receiving very strong or intense sun. This is why you do not want to position them in direct sunlight or full sun.

More than 3 or so hours of intense direct sunlight on a regular basis will burn their leaves.

Instead, place them in well-lit locations that have indirect, dappled or filtered light.

Similarly, avoid dark locations.

Too little light will negatively affect the growth of both monsteras.

They’ll grow slowly and won’t reach their true size potential. Additionally, they’ll have fewer leaves with smaller sizes and fewer or no fenestrations.

Watering

Another important feature to consider when caring for both the monstera deliciosa and monstera adansonii is water.

Each of these plants enjoy water. But only to a certain point.

Ideally, they like soil to stay consistently moist.

The key is to avoid overwatering them or keeping the soil soggy and mucky.

Too much water or watering these plants too frequently is a sure way to cause them to deteriorate. Therefore, avoid doing so at all costs.

The reason is that they are susceptible to root rot.

Thus, always allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to completely dry out between waterings. Do not water either plant if the soil feels wet or moist.

Instead, allow the soil to dry partially before you add more water.