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Potting

Monstera Madness: Finding the Perfect Variety for Your Home

By Justin Hancock, Costa Farms Horticulturist

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Monsteras have taken the houseplant world by storm, and it's easy to see why. Their stunning foliage and relatively easy care make them a fantastic addition to any space. But with so many varieties to choose from, how do you pick the right one for you? We share our recommendations!

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Light

Most Monsteras thrive in bright, indirect light. Think of a spot about three feet from a south-, east-, or west-facing window. However, if you're short on sunlight, Monstera deliciosa is a great option as it can tolerate lower light conditions.

Water

When it comes to watering, remember that Monsteras prefer to be slightly dry rather than overly wet. If you're prone to overwatering, consider using a self-watering pot. For those who forget to water regularly, thicker-leaved varieties like Monstera Peru and M. deliciosa are more drought-tolerant.

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Humidity

As tropical plants, Monsteras prefer higher humidity levels. While they can tolerate average household humidity, providing extra humidity, like using a humidifier or misting regularly, can benefit their growth. M. deliciosa and Monstera Peru are particularly good at handling lower humidity.

Temperature

Monsteras generally do well in average household temperatures. Just avoid exposing them to extreme hot or cold drafts.

Size

Monsteras are known for their impressive size. If you have limited space, consider varieties with smaller leaves, like Monstera Peru or Monstera Cobra.

Have a larger space? M. deliciosa, Monstera Thai Constellation, and Esqueleto offer dramatic, large leaves.

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Fenestration

One of Monstera's defining features is the fenestration (holes) in their leaves. If you prefer a clean, hole-free look, Monstera Cobra and Monstera Peru are your best bets.

If you love the fenestrated look, Monstera deliciosa, Monstera Thai Constellation, and Monstera adansonii offer the classic appearance.

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Variegation

Variegated Monsteras, with their streaks and splashes of color, add a touch of flair. However, variegated plants can be weaker and slower-growing due to less chlorophyll. If you prefer a hardy, non-variegated plant, consider M. deliciosa, M. adansonii, Esqueleto, Peru, or M. subpinnata.

For a splash of variegation, Monstera Cobra, Monstera Thai Constellation, or Monstera siltepecana are excellent choices.


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