While both of us thrive in bright, indirect light, our tolerance levels differ based on our native habitats. I, Monstera Deliciosa, am a robust climber, naturally ascending towards the forest canopy. My large, mature leaves are adapted to handle and even crave a generous amount of that filtered sunlight. I can tolerate a spot with medium light, but my growth will be slower, and you may not see my iconic splits and fenestrations. In contrast, my cousin, Monstera Adansonii, is more of an understory dweller, often trailing or climbing up smaller trees. Her leaves are more sensitive to intense, direct sun, which can easily scorch her delicate tissues. She is perfectly content and will grow vigorously in bright, indirect light but is also more adaptable to slightly lower light conditions than I am without immediately halting growth.
Our watering schedules should not be the same due to our different growth patterns and root systems. I, Deliciosa, develop a substantial, thick root system to support my heavy, vertical growth. I prefer a thorough drink, but then I insist you let my soil dry out significantly—about 50-75% of the way down the pot—before watering again. My soil should never be chronically soggy, as my sturdy stems are still prone to rot. Adansonii, with her quicker, vining growth and often shallower root system, prefers consistently moist soil. However, "moist" does not mean "wet." She likes to have her top few inches of soil dry out before being watered again. She is less drought-tolerant than I am and will quickly develop crispy brown edges on her leaves if left too dry for too long.
We both hail from tropical regions, so we undoubtedly appreciate humidity. However, my cousin Adansonii is the more demanding of the two in this regard. Her thinner, perforated leaves lose moisture to the air more rapidly than my thicker, leathery ones. She will truly thrive and produce larger, more prolific leaves in a high-humidity environment, such as a bathroom or near a humidifier. While I also enjoy extra humidity, especially for my aerial roots, I am generally more forgiving of the average humidity levels found in most homes. You might notice my leaf tips browning if the air is excessively dry, but Adansonii is likely to show widespread crispiness and slowed growth under the same conditions.
Our growth habits are a key differentiator in our care. I, Monstera Deliciosa, am a true hemiepiphyte. I am genetically programmed to climb. To support my weight and encourage the development of large, mature leaves with deep splits and inner fenestrations, I require a sturdy support like a moss pole or wooden plank. Without it, I will become sprawling and unruly, and my leaves will remain smaller. Monstera Adansonii is also a climber in nature but is most commonly grown as a trailing plant. She will beautifully spill over the edges of a hanging basket or shelf. While providing her with a moss pole will encourage larger leaf growth, it is not as critical for her overall health and presentation as it is for mine. She is the more flexible option for those seeking a cascading jungle vibe.
