Monstera Obliqua vs Adansonii — How to Tell Them Apart

Learn the key differences between true Monstera obliqua and the commonly mislabeled Monstera adansonii. This visual identification guide covers leaf texture, holes, growth rate, and price differences. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: True Monstera obliqua is one of the rarest houseplants with leaves that are more hole than leaf up to 90% fenestration. Monstera adansonii is commonly mislabeled as obliqua but has thicker leaves with 30-50% fenestration. Obliqua leaves feel paper-thin and almost translucent while adansonii leaves are noticeably thicker and sturdier. True obliqua grows extremely slowly producing only a few leaves per year compared to adansonii rapid growth. There are approximately 17 forms of obliqua but the Peruvian form with extreme fenestration is most sought after. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: Mislabeling by sellers is rampant with 99% of plants sold as obliqua actually being adansonii. Price confusion occurs because true obliqua costs thousands while adansonii costs under . Leaf shape alone is unreliable for identification as young adansonii can have extensive holes. Online photos are often misleading showing the most fenestrated adansonii specimens labeled as obliqua. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Compare leaf thickness by holding a leaf up to light — obliqua is nearly translucent while adansonii is opaque. Examine fenestration percentage — obliqua holes take up 70-90% of the leaf surface. Check growth rate — if it grows quickly and vigorously it is almost certainly adansonii. Consider the price — true obliqua cuttings start at or more from verified sellers. Look at leaf texture — obliqua has a smooth delicate texture while adansonii feels leathery. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

This article is part of our Tropical Plants collection on Houseplants Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.