Your cart is empty
Explore our collectionsCoupons
Order Summary
Total₹ 0
Wondering whether Monstera deliciosa or Monstera adansonii is the better houseplant? While both belong to the Monstera family and feature unique fenestrated leaves, they differ significantly in size, growth habit, care requirements, and suitability for Indian homes. In this guide, we’ll compare Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii side-by-side to help you choose the right plant.
If you haven’t noticed those wild, holey leaves popping up all over Instagram lately, have you even been online? Monsteras are everywhere, tucked into living room corners, hanging off balconies, basically photobombing every “plant parent” selfie in India. Two of these stars of the plant world is Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii which have gone from “What is that?” to the “must-haves” faster than the lightning.
Quick Comparison: Monstera Deliciosa vs Monstera Adansonii
| Feature | Monstera Deliciosa | Monstera Adansonii |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf Size | Large, dramatic leaves | Smaller, delicate leaves |
| Fenestrations | Splits reach leaf edges | Oval holes stay inside leaf |
| Growth Style | Upright climber | Trailing or climbing vine |
| Growth Speed | Moderate | Fast |
| Space Required | Medium to Large | Small to Medium |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes | Very beginner-friendly |
| Price in India | Usually higher | Usually more affordable |
| Best For | Statement indoor plants | Apartments and compact homes |
Monstera Deliciosa vs Monstera Adansonii: Key Differences
Monstera deliciosa grows larger leaves with splits extending to the leaf edge and is best suited for spacious interiors. Monstera adansonii has smaller leaves with oval holes enclosed within the leaf blade and grows as a climbing or trailing vine, making it ideal for apartments and compact spaces.
Looking for a healthy Monstera plant? Browse Upjau’s collection of Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii plants grown specifically for Indian homes.
Monstera deliciosa (The Diva Swiss Cheese Plant)
Enormous, super glossy, with dramatic, jagged holes are totally intentional. This diva comes from Latin American rainforests, but she’s living it up in Mumbai humidity now. Makes any flat look like you hired an interior designer, honestly.
The Monstera adansonii, nicknamed the Monkey Mask Plant or Swiss Cheese Vine in India
Way more chill. The “Monkey Mask” is its street name. Smaller leaves, funky oval holes, grows like a vine, so you can hang it or let it trail off a bookshelf. It’s a favorite with folks who live in space-starved apartments (hello, every city dweller).
Both plants are among the best tropical indoor plants loved by all the Indian indoor plant parents. If you want a home looking like it is straight out of a Pinterest board, you should buy the Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii online. First-time plant parent? Proud collector? Either way, this guide’s got all you need to pick your new green sidekick.
Which Monstera Should You Buy?
| Choose Monstera Deliciosa If… | Choose Monstera Adansonii If… |
| You want a large statement plant | You have limited space |
| You have a bright room | You want a hanging plant |
| You love giant tropical leaves | You prefer compact vines |
| You want a long-term showpiece | You want fast growth |
| Budget isn’t your main concern | You want a more affordable option |
Things You Didn’t Know About the Plants
Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant):
• Did you know the “deliciosa” bit is about the fruit? Yep, you can actually eat it, when ripe (otherwise, good luck with your mouth).
• Those crazy holes aren’t just for Instagram clout. In the wild, they let light and wind pass through, so leaves don’t snap off during a storm.
• It’s kind-of-toxic to chew on, not deadly, but your dog or child will not be a fan. Contains calcium oxalate crystals. So, maybe don’t use the leaves as salad bowls.
• In nature, this grows 20 meters up trees. Indoors, give it a climbing stick and just watch it go.
• Monstera deliciosa is pricey compared to other houseplants that you have, because big ones with fancy holes are slow growers. More holes, more cash.
About Monstera Adansonii (Monkey Mask Plant):
• Being one of the rare indoor monstera, Monstera adansonii is the harder-to-find plant in local nurseries in India. You can still buy the Monstera Adansonii online in online nurseries though, because the narrow types are harder to find at local nurseries.
• The holes are more like elongated ovals and never go to the edge, which gives the “monkey mask” effect, hence the nickname.
• While it is often the indoor climbing plant, it climbs trees in the wild. Indoors, it’ll hang down or climb whatever you give it from hanging pots to moss pole.
• Looks delicate but isn’t shy about putting out a new leaf every week, especially during steamy summers.
Monstera Deliciosa vs Adansonii Growth Rate
One of the biggest differences between these indoor Monstera plants is how fast they grow.
- Monstera adansonii is generally the faster grower and can produce new leaves frequently during warm months.
- Monstera deliciosa grows more slowly but eventually develops much larger leaves and becomes a stunning indoor focal point.
- Both plants grow best during spring and summer with adequate humidity, bright indirect light, and regular feeding.
Monstera Deliciosa vs Adansonii Price in India
Prices vary depending on plant size, maturity, and availability.
- Monstera deliciosa usually costs more because mature plants take longer to grow and develop fenestrated leaves.
- Monstera adansonii is often more affordable and easier to maintain in smaller spaces.
- Rare forms and highly fenestrated specimens of either variety can command premium prices.
Looking for a budget-friendly option? Our Monstera Swiss Cheese Plant Sapling and Broken Heart Plant (Monstera Adansonii) Sapling are excellent choices for beginners, and if you’re looking for a healthy, established plant, you can shop our Monstera Swiss Cheese Plant. Collectors often love the rare Monstera Swiss Cheese Variegated for its unique foliage.
Our Experience Growing Both Monsteras in Indian Homes
At Upjau, we have grown and shipped hundreds of Monstera plants across India. We have observed that Monstera deliciosa performs exceptionally well in humid cities and spacious indoor environments, while Monstera adansonii adapts quickly to apartment living and smaller rooms.
For beginners looking for a low-maintenance tropical indoor plant, Monstera adansonii is often the easier choice. For plant lovers wanting a dramatic centerpiece, Monstera deliciosa consistently becomes the showstopper.
Care Guide and Growing Tip
| Care | Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) | Monstera Adansonii (Monkey Mask Plant) |
| Sunlight | Bright, indirect light. Death rays at noon? A big NO. | Medium to bright indirect light; More tolerant of low light |
| Watering | Once a week. Never let it swim in wet soil | Twice a week in summer; less in winter. Don’t let it soak |
| Humidity | 50 to 70%. Give it a mist now and then | Wants 60-80%. Bathrooms and kitchens level humidity |
| Temperature | 18 to 30°C. Don’t bake or freeze it | 18–28°C. Hates cold blasts, so no AC pointing at it |
| Pot Size | Needs roomy pots to stretch, medium to large | Likes it snug, but not cramped. Small to medium |
| Pruning | Remove yellow leaves, tidy up aerial roots | Trim vines, pinch tips for cute, bushy growth |
| Pests | Neem oil wipe-downs for bugs | Can attract gnats and mealybugs. Try sticky traps and neem oil |
| Support | Moss pole or coir stick as plant grows tall and upright | Trailing or climbing; moss pole or hanging basket both work |
For both:
• Soil: Anything airy, throw in perlite or cocopeat for extra credit.
• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks in the growing season.
• Repotting: Repot every 1 to 2 years, preferably in spring when it’s staging a jailbreak from its pot.
Looking for healthy Monstera plants online in India? Upjau offers rooted, established plants delivered safely to your doorstep.
Flowering of the Plants
Both Deliciosa and Adansonii being flowering plants, can technically flower, but don’t hold your breath, especially indoors in India. They DO flower, but only when they feel like it (which is almost never, indoors in India).
Adansonii does a smaller version that goes from creamy white to pale yellow, even rarer. Both types will make you wait years for a bloom, if it happens, congrats. You basically unlocked “Plant Parent: Expert Mode.” But honestly, you just want those cool leaves anyway.
Monstera Deliciosa puts out this weirdly cool, creamy-white flower (maybe after 3 to 5 years) that then turns into the edible fruit IF pollinated (so, basically, outdoors). It’s showy, but forget about it unless your care game is superb.
Common Problems and Easy Solutions
| Problem | Likely Cause | Easy Fix |
| Yellow leaves | You’re drowning it with water | Let the soil dry or check if your pot holes are ok. |
| Brown tips | Too much sun or not enough moisture | Move it or mist it |
| No fenestrations (holes) | Might be too dark, or your plant’s still a baby | Be patient, or move it where it’ll get more light |
| Drooping leaves | It’s thirsty or the temp is too hot | Water it nicely or move it away from the heat |
| Leggy growth | Not enough light | Move it closer to a window |
| White cottony patches | Mealy bugs | Wipe it out with neem oil or soapy water |
| Soil stays wet too long | Bad drainage or wrong soil mix | Change your soil mix or chill on the watering |
| Pale/washed out leaves | Too much direct sunlight | They like it bright but not scorching, move it somewhere darker |
Why Buy from Upjau
When it comes to buying rare indoor Monstera plants in India, the source matters enormously. Upjau has built its reputation as one of the most trusted names for buying Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii online in India at an affordable price.
Here is why plant lovers across India choose Upjau:
• We send established, rooted plants, not sad, half-dead cuttings.
• Lots of varieties in the plants you buy, so you get your classic Swiss Cheese Plant or something on the fancier end like the Monkey Mask Plant.
• We also provide support calls for confused plant parents, and not ghosting you if there’s a problem.
So, are you Team Deliciosa or Team Adansonii?
Honestly, there’s no wrong pick. Deliciosa is slow and majestic, plant you’ll show off for years. Adansonii’s the lively sidekick, rewarding you with new leaves every time you glance away. Both look epic, and both are surprisingly forgiving if you don’t get things perfect.
Pick your fave, buy it from Upjau, the best online plant nursery in India and good luck keeping the rest of your family from stealing cuttings.
Ready to bring home your own Swiss Cheese Plant or Monkey Mask Plant? Explore Upjau’s Monstera collection and find the perfect tropical indoor plant for your space.
Happy plant parenting!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify Monstera deliciosa vs adansonii?
Look at those holes! Deliciosa’s splits go right to the edge, leaves are massive, and it grows upright. Adansonii’s all little oval holes inside the leaf, plus it’s way smaller and climbs or trails.
Which Monstera is best for beginners in India and small spaces?
Adansonii, hands down. Fast, compact, and chill about neglect. But if you want showstopper vibes and space isn’t an issue, get deliciosa.
How do I identify Monstera deliciosa vs adansonii?
Yes, but yields will be lower. Six or more hours of sunlight is ideal.
Can Monstera adansonii grow indoors?
Absolutely. It is one of the most popular indoor climbing and trailing plants for Indian homes.
Is Monstera deliciosa expensive in India?
Generally yes. Mature Monstera deliciosa plants with large fenestrated leaves usually cost more than younger plants and Monstera adansonii.
Why does my Monstera not have holes?
Young plants often produce solid leaves. Insufficient light can also delay fenestration development.