The most striking difference lies in the leaves. Monstera deliciosa develops large, leathery, heart-shaped leaves that can exceed 2 feet in width when mature. Its fenestrations (holes and splits) are highly distinctive; they are primarily inner fenestrations—the leaf blade splits from the margin inward, creating deep lobes that extend to the midrib, with secondary holes appearing between the major veins. In contrast, Monstera adansonii has smaller, thinner, and more lanceolate (oval or spear-shaped) leaves that rarely grow larger than a foot long. Its fenestrations are almost exclusively closed fenestrations—the holes form inside the leaf margin and remain enclosed by a rim of leaf tissue, rarely, if ever, splitting to the edge.
These two species exhibit different growth habits. Monstera deliciosa is a vigorous, hemiepiphytic climber that can reach towering heights of 10 feet or more indoors. It develops a thick, sturdy, tree-like stem and produces long, cord-like aerial roots that seek out support and moisture. Its growth is more upright and commanding. Monstera adansonii has a vining or trailing habit. Its stems are thinner and more pliable, making it ideal for hanging baskets or training up a moss pole. It grows more rapidly in length than in girth, often producing long, cascading vines that give it a distinctly different architectural form compared to its larger cousin.
The species name "deliciosa" is a direct reference to its edible fruit, a feature not shared by Monstera adansonii in cultivation. In its natural habitat or under perfect conditions, M. deliciosa produces a large, corncob-like inflorescence (a spadix surrounded by a creamy-white spathe) which, if successfully pollinated, develops into a compound fruit. This fruit is edible only when fully ripe, offering a taste reminiscent of pineapple and banana. Monstera adansonii does flower, producing a smaller, less conspicuous inflorescence, but it very rarely, if ever, sets fruit in a domestic setting, and its fruit is not considered edible.
The difference in scale between the two plants is profound and is a primary consideration for indoor gardeners. A mature Monstera deliciosa is a large, space-consuming floor plant that demands significant vertical and horizontal space. It is a statement piece. Monstera adansonii remains relatively compact in its leaf and stem size, though its vines can grow very long. It is far better suited for shelves, tabletops, or as a hanging plant, occupying a different niche in interior plant design due to its more modest proportions and trailing nature.
