Monstera plants are among the most popular indoor tropical plants, known for their dramatic leaves and fast-growing nature. Two of the most commonly compared species are Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii. While they share a similar aesthetic and climbing habit, their growth rates, size potential, and care requirements differ significantly.
Understanding the differences in growth rate between Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii helps plant owners choose the right species for their space and expectations. It also helps avoid frustration when one plant appears to grow faster or slower than expected.
This article breaks down their growth speed, environmental needs, structural differences, and what actually influences how fast each plant grows indoors.
Overview of Monstera Deliciosa Growth Rate
Monstera deliciosa is the larger and more vigorous grower of the two species. In optimal indoor conditions, it is considered a fast-growing plant, especially once it becomes established.
Typical growth rate
- Growth can reach 1 to 2 feet per year indoors under good conditions
- Outdoors in tropical climates, growth can be significantly faster
- Leaves increase in size as the plant matures, sometimes becoming over 2 feet wide
Growth behavior
Monstera deliciosa grows as a climbing vine. In nature, it attaches to trees and climbs upward to access light. Indoors, it requires a moss pole or support structure to reach its full growth potential.
As it matures, the plant produces larger leaves with more fenestrations, or natural splits and holes. This transformation is a sign of maturity and healthy growth.
Key growth factors
Monstera deliciosa grows fastest when:
- Light is bright and indirect
- Humidity is moderate to high
- Soil is well draining but consistently slightly moist
- The plant has vertical support
Overview of Monstera Adansonii Growth Rate
Monstera adansonii is often called the Swiss cheese vine due to its perforated leaves. It has a different growth pattern compared to Monstera deliciosa and is generally more delicate.
Typical growth rate
- Moderate to fast growth indoors
- Typically grows 6 inches to 1 foot per year under good conditions
- Growth is more vine-like and trailing unless supported
Growth behavior
Unlike Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansonii is a more flexible climber or trailer. It can be grown in hanging baskets or trained on a small trellis.
Its leaves remain smaller than Monstera deliciosa, even at maturity, but it produces more vines and nodes over time.
Key growth factors
Monstera adansonii grows best when:
- Light is bright but indirect
- Humidity is high
- Soil dries slightly between waterings
- It has something to climb or trail on
Direct Growth Rate Comparison
When comparing Monstera deliciosa vs Monstera adansonii, the main difference is scale versus speed of vine production.
Monstera deliciosa
- Faster vertical and structural growth
- Larger leaves
- More dramatic size increase over time
- Slower to start, faster once established
Monstera adansonii
- Faster vine spread in terms of nodes and branching
- Smaller overall plant size
- More decorative trailing growth
- Faster visual “fullness” in hanging setups
In simple terms, Monstera deliciosa grows bigger, while Monstera adansonii grows more freely and fills space faster visually.
What Actually Affects Growth Rate
Both species can vary significantly in growth speed depending on environment. Growth rate is less about species alone and more about conditions.
1. Light exposure
Light is the most important factor. Both plants prefer bright, indirect light.
- Low light slows growth dramatically
- Too much direct sunlight can damage leaves
- Consistent indirect light promotes steady growth
2. Humidity levels
Both Monstera species originate from tropical environments.
- Ideal humidity is 50 to 80 percent
- Low humidity slows leaf development
- High humidity promotes larger leaves and faster vine expansion
3. Soil quality
Well aerated soil is essential.
A good mix typically includes:
- peat or coco coir
- perlite
- orchid bark
Poor soil leads to root stress and slower growth.
4. Watering habits
Overwatering is one of the most common causes of slow growth.
- Keep soil slightly moist but not soggy
- Allow top layer to dry before watering again
- Ensure proper drainage
5. Support structures
Monstera deliciosa especially benefits from vertical support.
- Moss poles encourage larger leaves
- Without support, growth becomes leggy
- Adansonii can climb or trail depending on structure
Monstera Deliciosa vs Adansonii Growth Rate
The answer depends on how you define growth.
- If you mean overall plant size and leaf development, Monstera deliciosa grows faster and becomes much larger.
- If you mean visible vine spread and coverage in hanging or trailing setups, Monstera adansonii may appear to grow faster.
In controlled indoor environments, Monstera deliciosa typically outpaces Monstera adansonii in total biomass and structural size.
However, Monstera adansonii often gives the impression of faster growth because it produces many small vines and leaves more quickly. Check here for the plant database: https://plants.usda.gov/
Which One Is Better for Beginners?
Both plants are beginner friendly, but they suit different goals.
Monstera deliciosa is better if:
- You want a large statement plant
- You can provide a moss pole or support
- You have space for vertical growth
Monstera adansonii is better if:
- You want a hanging plant or trailing vines
- You prefer a compact plant
- You want faster visible vine spread
Common Growth Problems
Slow growth
Often caused by low light or nutrient deficiency.
Small leaves
Usually a sign of insufficient support or low light.
No fenestrations
Common in young plants or low light conditions.
Leggy growth
Occurs when the plant stretches toward light sources.
How to Speed Up Growth
To increase growth rate for both species:
- Provide bright indirect light consistently
- Use a well draining soil mix
- Maintain moderate to high humidity
- Fertilize monthly during growing season
- Provide climbing support for Monstera deliciosa
FAQ
Is Monstera deliciosa faster growing than Monstera adansonii?
Yes, Monstera deliciosa generally grows faster in overall size and leaf development, especially when supported with a moss pole.
Why is my Monstera adansonii growing slowly?
The most common reasons are low light, dry air, or lack of nutrients. It may also slow down during winter months.
Does Monstera adansonii grow bigger leaves over time?
Leaves may slightly increase in size with maturity, but they remain much smaller than Monstera deliciosa leaves.
Can Monstera adansonii climb like Monstera deliciosa?
Yes, but it is more flexible and can also trail. It does not require a heavy support structure.
Which Monstera is easier to care for?
Both are similar in care needs, but Monstera adansonii is slightly more forgiving in smaller indoor spaces.
How long does it take for Monstera deliciosa to grow large?
Under good conditions, it can take 2 to 3 years to become a large statement plant indoors.
Conclusion
Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii are both excellent tropical houseplants, but they differ in growth behavior and visual impact. Monstera deliciosa is the faster-growing, larger species that develops into a dramatic indoor tree-like plant. Monstera adansonii grows more as a trailing vine and provides faster visual coverage but remains smaller overall.
Choosing between them depends on whether you prefer structural size or decorative trailing growth. Both respond strongly to light, humidity, and support, meaning growth rate is heavily influenced by care conditions rather than genetics alone.
