Alright, plant collectors and Monstera maniacs, buckle up! We’re about to step into the world of botanical unicorns – the rarest Monstera varieties that’ll make your green-thumbed heart skip a beat.
If you thought your Monstera deliciosa was special, prepare to have your mind blown!
We’re talking about the crème de la crème. These aren’t your average grocery store Monsteras. Oh no, these are the holy grails that have plant enthusiasts losing sleep, emptying bank accounts, and refreshing nursery websites like it’s Black Friday.
From variegated stunners that look like works of art to species so rare they might as well be mythical creatures, we’re counting down the top 8 rarest Monstera varieties.
Rarest Monstera Plants
Monstera Obliqua
- Plant Type: Hemiepiphytic vine
- Origin: Central, South America
- Plant Size: 6-10 feet tall
Imagine heart-shaped leaves with holes so plentiful they look like nature’s finest lace. That, my friend, would be the Monstera Obliqua. It’s one of the rarest Monstera varieties in the world, and I’ll argue one of the most beautiful ones.
Caring for an Obliqua is like nurturing a piece of living art. They flourish under high humidity and prefer to shy away from too much limelight, thriving in low light conditions. The leaves are so tender, a whisper could almost bruise them!
As such, Monstera Obliqua is not the type of plant you’d bump into at your local nursery. Their growth speed is reminiscent of watching paint dry. Extremely slow.
If you’re lucky enough to find one, don’t be surprised if it carries a price tag that makes your wallet weep—sometimes soaring to thousands of dollars for a single cutting.
Related: Oldest Monstera Plant in The World
Monstera Albo Borsigiana
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Origin: Central, South America
- Plant Size: 2-5 feet tall
The next is a Monstera Albo Borsigiana. It’s quite the show-stopper in the world of houseplants!
This plant is a variegated version of the commonplace Monstera deliciosa, specifically the ‘borsigiana’ variety. What sets the Albo apart is its striking leaf pattern — a beautiful mosaic of creamy white and green.
- Leaves: Large, glossy, and with an almost artistic flair
- Variegation: Unpredictable, each leaf is a surprise with white and green patterns
Despite their modest maximum height of around 4 feet, they boast a remarkable growth rate. These plants are among the easiest to propagate and nurture, thanks to their low-maintenance nature.
So, you might be wondering, why is Monstera Albo a rare find?
- Mutation: The variegation comes from a mutation; it’s a natural but unstable trait.
- Supply and Demand: It’s simple really, more people want this unique plant than there are plants available.
Monstera Adansonii
- Plant Type: Flowering plant
- Origin: Central, South America
- Plant Size: 3-5 feet tall
Plenty of people are familiar with the Monstera Adansonii variety, famous for its eye-catching leaves that boast many holes. This gives it a truly unique appearance, leading to its popular nickname: the Swiss cheese plant
Also nicknamed the Monkey Mask plant, the Adansonii has a vining nature, meaning it loves to climb and trail. In your home, this friendly plant could easily reach celebrity status, trailing or climbing up to an impressive 10 feet!
Why so special?
Although it’s not as rare as its cousins, like the elusive Monstera Obliqua or the strikingly patterned Monstera Albo, the Adansonii still has a special place in the hearts of plant collectors.
Here’s a quick glance at why we’re all going bananas for the Adansonii:
- Varieties: From narrow to wide leaf forms, this Monstera isn’t one-note.
- Rareness: Got your eye on the variegated version? It’s like finding a four-leaf clover.
- Growth: You can watch it grow without waiting a lifetime—it’s one of the easier Monsteras to care for and propagate. Bonus!
You May Also Like: Monstera Fun Facts
Monstera Peru
- Plant Type: Hemiepiphytic vine
- Origin: Thailand
- Plant Size: 10-16 inches tall
Monstera Peru is a stunner with its dark green, glossy leaves that boast a distinctive, bumpy texture.
You won’t find any perforations on these leaves; they’re all about that solid, variegated dark green, sporting a shiny, leathery touch. They come in a large oval shape, tapering off to a pointed tip.
This Monstera variety is also fast-growing and a breeze to propagate. This amazing specimen is also somewhat low-maintenance and can thrive in various conditions.
If you’re thinking of adding a Monstera Peru to your plant collection, remember, dealing with pests and insects is crucial. It’s the main challenge you’ll need to focus on.
Monstera Siltepecana
- Plant Type: Flowering plant
- Origin: Central America, Mexico
- Plant Size: 6-8 feet tall
Imagine leaves that combine silver with green, splashed with a magical metallic sheen that looks like it’s been kissed by moonlight. With every glance, these lance-shaped leaves, which can stretch up to a whopping 6 inches long, seem to dance with life.
Let’s dig into what makes Monstera Siltepecana so special:
- Foliage: Each leaf boasts a unique pattern that almost sparkles, adding an enchanting vibe to any space.
- Growth: As a vine, it charmingly clambers up anything it can hug, potentially reaching 6 feet indoors—talk about room goals!
These Monsteras shoot up quickly and can easily sprawl out if you don’t keep up with regular trimming. As the leaves age, they develop a striking silvery sheen, which really adds to their appeal.
Monstera Dubia
- Plant Type: Creeping vine
- Origin: Central, South America
- Plant Size: 3-10 feet tall
Unlike its celebrity cousins with their holes and notches, this shy Monstera variety likes to lay low—literally. It grows flat against a surface with its leaves clinging on for dear life.
Its heart-shaped leaves start out wearing a mix of silvery-white and green, almost like they couldn’t decide on an outfit.
As the plant grows up, it goes through quite a transformation. Namely, they transform their juvenile charm and develop a fuller, richer green as they mature.
Here’s a fun fact: Monstera Dubia is a real homebody. This wallflower doesn’t just grow slow, it also plays hard to get when it comes to propagation. Don’t expect it to shoot up overnight or make babies without a bit of a fuss.
So why don’t you see Monstera Dubia at your buddy’s place or the local plant shop?
It’s not the type to hang out just anywhere. This plant is a bit picky, needing just the right nook, cranny, and support to thrive.
It’s unique, stunning, and quite honestly, a collector’s dream. But good luck finding it!
Monstera Standleyana
- Plant Type: Aroid climber
- Origin: Panama, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua
- Plant Size: 2-6 feet tall
Have you ever set eyes on the striking Monstera Standleyana, affectionately dubbed “Philodendron Cobra” or “Monstera Cobra”?
Its charm lies in the tapestry of color across its foliage. With a vibrant dance of white, yellow, and green, the leaves of Monstera Standleyana are a visual treat.
But it’s not just about color; the lance-shaped leaves boast characteristic small holes flanking their edges, akin to love notes from nature.
This rare beauty enjoys the limelight in your indoor plant collection as it trails or vines elegantly, potentially reaching up to 8 feet.
Why is Monstera Standleyana a rarity among its kin?
- Availability: It’s simply not as common as its relatives.
- Unpredictable Variegation: The unique variegation is a serendipitous occurrence. The patches of color are a gamble. Sometimes you win big with a stunning display; other times, it’s a more subdued affair.
- Finicky Variegation: If it doesn’t get its desired conditions, this varity might just revert to plain green.
- Propagation Roulette: The variegation you love might not appear in the next generation.
Monstera Aurea
- Plant Type: Flowering plant
- Origin: Central America
- Plant Size: 3-6 feet tall
Last but not least, a Monstera Aurea? It’s like a piece of modern art in the plant world—no two leaves are the same.
This variegated form of Monstera deliciosa flaunts large, glossy leaves painted with a unique pattern of yellow and green. It’s like nature decided to splash a bit of sunshine on each one!
However, these yellow brushstrokes aren’t just for show; they come with a bit of a catch. The yellow portions are sensitive and prone to damage under intense light.
Why is the Monstera Aurea a rare gem among the foliage?
- Unpredictable Beauty: The variegation you’re admiring is all thanks to a mutation. It’s nature playing lottery, and every leaf is a winning ticket with its unique pattern.
- Optimal Conditions Required: If they don’t get the right care, they might just decide to go back to all green.
- Propagation Gamble: Attempting to propagate these beauties can be hit or miss. Sometimes the offspring decide they don’t want to carry on the family’s variegated legacy.
