Monstera Blanchetii vs. Esqueleto (Key Differences and Similarities)  

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For decades, Monstera, also called the Swiss cheese plant, has been a popular houseplant for plant lovers. Now, more people are interested in different Monstera species. Among them, Monstera blanchetti and Monstera esqueleto are quickly gaining popularity.

Here, we examine the similarities and differences between Monstera blanchetii vs. esqueleto and their care requirements, so you can better decide which plant suits your home.

What is Monstera Adansonii Blanchetii?

Monstera blanchetti is a subspecies of the Monstera adansonii, a tropical plant that originates from the tropical rainforest of Central and South America.

The Monstera adansonii is one of the most popular Monstera houseplants with unique characteristics. The vining plant has many nicknames, including the Swiss cheese vine and the five-hole plant.

Monstera adansonii var Blanchetii is different from the original, as it has larger leaves with oblong holes. The Blanchetti is among the most sought adansonii species, along with Monstera adansonii variegata and the Monstera laniata. However, another species of adanonsii, the Monstera acuminata, has much more holes in the leaves than the Monstera laniata.

What is Monstera Esqueleto?

Monstera Esqueleto

Monstera esqueleto, commonly known as Monstera epipremnoides, is a delicate indoor plant known for its large fenestrations.

Monstera epipremnoides is native to the cloud forests of Costa Rica and is a member of the Araceae family, like the Monstera adansonii.

Blanchetii vs Esqueleto: Key Differences

Despite being in the same family, these species have many differences that can help gardeners tell the two apart.

Below are some main differences between the Monstera adansonii var blanchetti and Monstera epipremnoides.

Origin

The Monstera esqueleto plant grows in tropical regions of Costa Rica and is accustomed to high humidity, warm climates, and plenty of rain.

On the other hand, the Monstera adansonii plant is native to Central and South America and some tropical regions of Southern Mexico.

Leaf Shape

Monstera Esqueleto

One of the most notable differences between Monstera adansonii and Monstera epipremnoides is the shape of their leaves.

Monstera adansonii leaves are elongated and perforated, with oval-shaped holes or cutouts along the center of the leaf.

In contrast, Monstera epipremnoides leaves are much more elongated and narrow, with small holes or slits along the leaf margins.

Moreover, the Monstera epipremnoides leaves have a more leathery texture, while Monstera adansonii leaves are more smooth.

The esqueleto leaves support more fenestrations than the Monstera adansonii varieties. The Monstera adansonii laniata and Monstera blanchetti have around five small holes in the leaves, while the esqueleto has bigger holes.

Leaf Color

Monstera esqueleto leaves are bigger and have a light green color, while Monstera adansonii var blanchetii has dark green leaves.

Moreover, the Monstera epipremnoides have shiny, glossy leaves with a slight yellowish tint with a lighter green color in the veins.

Plant Size

Another key difference between Monstera adansonii and Monstera epipremnoides is their size. Monstera adansonii is a relatively small plant that grows to a maximum height of around 6 feet (1.8 meters) when fully mature.

On the other hand, Monstera epipremnoides is a larger plant that can reach heights of up to 30 feet (9 meters) in its native habitat.

While most indoor plants won’t reach these heights, the size difference between the two plants can impact their growing requirements and the amount of space they need to thrive.

Growing Requirements

Monstera adansonii and Monstera epipremnoides also have slightly different growing requirements. Their growth requirements are precise, and you must ensure that you replicate their natural environments so that plants grow quickly and remain healthy.

Below are some of the main growing requirements for the Monstera Adansonii and the Monstera epipremnoides.

Bright Indirect Sunlight: 

Tropical plants are habituated to filtered light in their native habitat and do not do well in bright direct sunlight.

The Monstera epipremnoides prefer six to eight hours of bright indirect light, while the Monstera adansonii prefers four to six hours.

As the plant matures, it requires more light, so avoid putting the house plant in a dark shade.

Moist Soil: 

The plants prefer well-aerated soil that does not constrict root growth. The Monstera epipremnoides prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.0 to 5.7, while the Monstera adansonii prefers neutral soil with a pH of around 7.

You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer to help the plants grow in the growing season. Feed them once a month in summer and spring, and stop feeding them in winter.

Moreover, you can use a potting mix for aroid plants that contains fertilizers. To ensure drainage, you can add perlite or coco coir to the soil mix. Ensure that your pot has adequate drainage holes to avoid over-watering the plants.

Temperature and Humidity

The plants are accustomed to warm temperatures with high humidity in their natural habitat.

The Monstera esqueleto thrives in a temperature range of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, while the Monstera adansonii plant does well in temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Moreover, both plants prefer a high humidity level of above 50%.

Blanchetii vs Esqueleto: Key Similiarities

Despite their numerous differences, these tropical plants share many similar characteristics that make it challenging for plant enthusiasts to differentiate between the two.

Some of the main similarities between the Monstera adansonii var blanchetti and Monstera epipremnoides include:

Petiole

One of the biggest similarities between the two plants is the petiole’s texture, where the leaf joins the stem.

Both Monstera plants have identical petioles, which are long and spherical.

Stem Structure

The Monstera stem in both plants is thick and green, stretching out as the plant grows. Moreover, the nodes on the plants are equally spaced and easy to spot with their brown colors.

Aerial Roots

Monstera aerial roots new growth

One of the most notable similarities between Monstera adansonii and Monstera esqueleto is the presence of aerial roots growing from the stem.

These plants have long, thin roots that grow from the stems and extend into the air, helping them climb and support themselves.

The adventitious roots help the vining plants attach to the forest tree, rock, or a stake indoors and climb. Moreover, the aerial roots can absorb moisture and nutrients from the support.

Aerial roots are not only functional, but they also add an interesting visual element to the plant’s overall appearance.

Maintenance

Monstera adansonii and Monstera esqueleto are relatively low-maintenance plants, making them great options for beginners or those who don’t have much time to devote to caring for plants.

These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and should be watered when the soil begins to dry out. In addition, both plants can benefit from occasional misting or a gentle wipe-down of their leaves to keep them clean and dust-free.

To Conclude: Monstera Esqueleto vs. adansonii

While Monstera adansonii and Monstera epipremnoides share some similarities, these two plants have several key differences. If you’re considering adding one of these Monstera species to your indoor garden, research their specific requirements to ensure that you provide the best-growing conditions for your plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Monstera Esqueleto rare?

The Monstera esqueleto is an extremely rare plant that is only found in the cloud forests of Costa Rica. The Monstera epipremnoides have strict growth conditions and are difficult to find in local gardening centers.

Other rare plants in the Monstera genus include Monstera obliqua and a variegated variety of Monstera deliciosa.

How do I maintain my Monstera plants?

You must know the right growth conditions for the Monstera adansonii or the Monstera esqueleto if you plan to grow them indoors. Since there are only slight differences between the two Monstera species, you can grow them together.

Keep your Monstera plant in a warm area of the house with a west or east-facing window so the plants receive plenty of bright indirect sunlight. You can use a humidifier to ensure high humidity levels. When watering the Monstera plants, check if the soil is dry to avoid overwatering, as it could cause root rot.

You can add a stake to the pot to help your Monstera adansonii and Monstera epipremnoides climb. You can also use hanging baskets for the drooping vines.

Prune your Monstera plants regularly, including any dead leaves, so the vining growth does not get out of hand. You can use the stem cuttings to propagate new ones instead of having to buy another Monstera adansonii online.