Monsterascontain insoluble calcium oxalates that are highly toxic to dogs and cats.

Several species, cultivars, and variegated varieties are growing in popularity, but others are rare and expensive.

It looks similar toMonstera adansonii, but the foliage and height are more compact.

Close-Up Of Potted Monstera Plant On Table Against Wall

Kseniâ Solov’eva / EyeEm / Getty Images

Given its common name, it’s no surprise that theSwiss cheese planthas impressive foliage fenestration when mature.

The vining habit results in the foliage lying close to whatever its stems are trailing up against.

Although it can grow in lowlight conditions,bright, indirect light produces more eye-catching variegation.

Monstera deliciosa in a woven basket on an apartment floor

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

This is one of the species you’ll probably only find at a higher price via specialist suppliers.

This small member of the genus grows quickly and vigorously in the right conditions.

However, unlike many other monstera species, Peru doesn’t develop fenestrations on its leaves.

‘Monstera Acuminata’ or Swiss cheese vine house plant on white background

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Despite this, the thick foliage has eye-catching deep ridges and a glossy dark green color.

Their wafer-thin structure makes them exceptionally delicate, and they are also difficult to find in the wild.

The solid, young, and lance-shaped foliage is blue-silvery gray with green veins.

Swiss cheese plant (Monstera adansonii) in a pot on a wooden desk

The Spruce / Cara Cormack

Mature leaves are dark, glossy green with fenestration and a climbing habit.

Look out for speckles, splotches, and stripes in yellow, cream, or white against glossy green.

Also known as the 5 holes plant, it won’t always develop fenestration in an indoor environment.

Indoor Monstera Peru in a ceramic pot

The Spruce / Cori Sears

But, because they are so tricky and slow topropagate, they are rare and expensive.

The deliciosa ‘variegata’ has naturally occurring variegation as a result of a genetic mutation.

The unpredictability of this mutation means it is still tough to come by.

Monstera obliqua in front of a light wall in a gray striped pot

Kseniya Ovchinnikova / Getty Images

Just remember that this plant won’t develop fenestrations on its foliageregardless of how mature it is.

Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma)

This plant is an honorary monstera.

It’s a perfect option if you are looking for a low-maintenance and easy-to-find alternative.

Green Leaves Pattern of Monstera Pinnatipartita (Siam Monstera) Plant

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The small holes of theMonstera lechlerianadevelop in the centre of the leaves.

Tip

If you’re interested in out-of-the-ordinary species, check out theserare plants well worth the splurge.

Two of the rarest, most sought after monstera varieties are monstera obliqua and monstera Thai constellation.

Rare tropical ‘Monstera Siltepecana’ house plant in small black flower pot on dark black background

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Close up of tropical ‘Monstera Standleyana’, also called ‘Philodendron Cobra’ house plant with narrow dark green leaves with white variegation on dark black background

Firn / Getty Images

Monstera Deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’ cultivar in a pot amongst other house plants

Firn /Getty Images

Monstera Deliciosa Albo Borsigiana Variegated

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Variegated monstera deliciosas in front of a window

The Spruce / Kara Riley

Monstera karstenianum variegated foliage

Sutthipong Kongtrakool / Getty Images

Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma) on plant stand

Firn / Getty Images

Monstera lechleriana

Stefano / flickr / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0