This article, “Monstera Adansonii vs. Laniata,” will cover some similarities and key differences between these two popular Monstera variegated varieties. Read on to discover:
- An overview of Monstera Laniata and Adansonii.
- The similarities that both easy plant types share
- The common differences between the two.
And more!
Monstera Laniata
Native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, Monstera Laniata, also known as Swiss Cheese Plant (due to their resemblance to Swiss Cheese) or Laniata’ Large Form,’ is a subspecies of the fenestrated Monstera specie that belongs to the Araceae (Arum or aroid) family.
It has lustrous, green leaves with uniform fenestrations and wide apertures that run in strips down the center vein. Technically speaking, the Monstera Laniata can reach a height of up to 3.65 meters (12 feet).
Monstera Adansonii
Native to Central and South America, West Indies, and Southern Mexico, the Monstera Adansonii plant, also known as Adanson’s Monstera, is a tropical climbing vine that belongs to the Araceae (Arums) family.
It has heart-shaped leaves with a thick, waxy texture that contains large oval-shaped perforations and develops five holes at the time of maturity.
Technically speaking, Adansonii can reach a height of up to 4.00 meters (13 feet).
Monstera Adansonii vs. Laniata — Key Similarities
Monsteras are full of surprises, even better, there are approximately 48 species of Monstera, and the majority of them look similar to each other. Among the variations found in South and Central America, Monstera Adansonii and Laniata are relatively rare.
Wondering what makes the two plants relatable besides their gazes? Read on to discover some similarities that make distinguishing between the two plants difficult.
The Root System
The root system of Monstera Laniata and Monstera Adansonii shares a few similarities. Both variations have aerial roots that allow excess water and nutrients to reach the root.
During the juvenile stage, the roots creep on the ground instead of opting for an upright pattern.
Secondly, the roots of the two plants find support to climb.
As evergreen trailing or vining epiphytes, Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Laniata search for a tree trunk or an anchor to support their climb.
To observe the climbing pattern clearly, wait for the two plants to reach the maturity stage.
Thirdly, both Monstera Laniata and Monstera Adansonii varieties require a proper space for healthy growth and do not like to be root ball bound.
Therefore, if you restrict these plants to a pot (without a suitable medium to climb and survive) during the juvenile stage, they will most likely not grow to their full potential.
The Leaf Structure
Did you know the leaves of any plant show a lot about its nature? Yes, just by observing the leaf structure clearly, you can identify several factors, including the plant’s overall health, nutrient deficiency, root condition, water requirement, and the growing atmosphere.
Surprisingly, when it comes to the similarities between Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Laniata, they share similar leaf structures.
During the adolescent stage to when they are mature plants, the leaves are oval in shape; however, the juvenile stages may reveal a more elongated shape in Adansonii.
On the other hand, both the plant leaves have fenestrations to allow an increased water intake and nutrients to prevent root rot.
However, note that the patterns of fenestrations on the leaves of mature plants may have a few differences. (More on that later!)
The Growing Habits
When it comes to the growing habits of Adansonii and Laniata, they have interesting behaviors to portray.
Like most Monstera varieties, both variations have evergreen leaves due to the absence of a root-bound system. When placed in peat-based potting type, they thrive for years to come.
To initiate the growth of Monstera Adansonii Friedrichsthalii and Monstera Laniata, it is essential to have a warm and humid atmosphere.
As both the plants are found in tropical conditions, tropical rainforests are considered ideal for a constant growth cycle.
Although it is not wrong to classify Monstera Adansonii Var and Monstera Laniata as epiphytes, the true behavior of these monstera plants highlights the nature of a hemiepiphyte (plants that grow without an anchor for the rest of their life cycle).
Moreover, when it comes to Adansonii and Laniata, you can grow both variations in either setting.
For example, many individuals use pots with drainage holes and bamboo poles to allow the plant to grow comfortably.
However, the growth speed and behavior may slightly differ. You may also grow them as indoor plants.
Temperature Limitations
Temperature is one of the many vital factors for the growth of every plant, including Monstera Laniata and Monstera Adansonii varieties.
To plant Monstera Adansonii or its variation Laniata, it is essential to check for the optimum temperature and humidity requirements (nutrient-rich atmosphere).
Considering that both varieties have a human-like nature when it comes to survival, if you store them in extreme environments, you will most likely restrict their survival to a limited time.
Therefore, keeping them at controlled temperatures can facilitate their growth.
Monstera Adansonii Variation Laniata does not tolerate cold temperatures. If it drops below 18 degrees, the plant may lose its growth potential and dry out.
Although the Laniata may be able to survive under the same temperature, it also fails to grow when it drops below 10 degrees.
Monstera Adansonii vs. Laniata — Key Differences
Finally, we discussed the core similarities between Adansonii and Laniata to give you an idea of the shared characteristics, now is the time for key differences.
Although they may not seem too major at first glance, they still matter for people who are adamant about keeping one type of Monstera plant over the other.
Here are some interesting factors for your review.
The Root System
Did you know that when differentiating between Monstera variations, botanists and horticulturists use the root systems for clear identification?
They see if the roots have a root cap at the tip, whether the stems are multicellular, or if root hairs are unicellular.
Despite no major differences, the root of the Monstera Adansonii allows it to take a slower path to growth.
In simple words, when you plant it, you may have to wait longer for the plant to grow to its full potential.
This is mostly due to the creeping roots of the plant in its juvenile state because the minimum exposure to light makes the growth process slower.
On the flip side, Monstera Laniata has relatively faster growth. Despite its closely related similarities, the slight differences lie in the stem cuttings and overall structure, making it more suitable for Laniata to climb sooner to reach a height of up to 3.65 meters (12 feet).
The Leaf Structure
The leaf structure of Monstera Adansonii Variegata and Monstera Laniata may give you a better idea of how they differ.
Although the overall appearance and structure may indicate no distinction, slight dissimilarities exist between the leaves of both varieties.
- Leaf Shape: In the juvenile stage, the leaves of Adansonii are relatively elliptical. However, the leaves take on an oval shape from the beginning stages of growth. While this may be true, you may find the shape of both leaves similar in several cases.
- Leaf Size: Regarding Adansonii, the leaves are generally 3-4 times longer than their width, depending on their growth atmosphere. On the other hand, the size of the Monstera Laniata leaves is relatively shorter— only about two times more than the width.
Things to Remember: It is worth noting that these shapes and sizes of Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Laniata are recorded under optimal conditions.
Considering those poor growing environments may directly affect the plant leaves, if you provide them with fresh water, nutrients, light, and temperature, they will most likely thrive better than ever.
What’s Unique About Monstera Adansonii?
If you clearly look at the fenestrations, the two varieties also show slight variations in this regard.
The fenestrations found on the leaves of Monstera Adansonii have only fewer holes, and these fenestrations do not start near the midrib.
On the other hand, a relatively closer variety, Monstera Acuminata, also has fewer holes that taper to a narrow point.
What’s Unique About Monstera Laniata?
Monstera Laniata (as an older plant) has relatively more fenestrated and glossy leaves than Adansonii, mostly found in abundance.
More importantly, the elliptically fenestrated leaves on the Laniata plant start near the midrib region, presented in a series on the surface of the leaf.
Moreover, you may find a truncating leaf base while others are acute or cuneate.
The Growing Habits
When it comes to growing habits, both species are larger plants that creep on the ground in the juvenile stages and climb as they begin to mature.
Laniata grows relatively faster due to its plain, round stems, while adansonii grows slowly as a new plant.
On top of that, despite its round-shaped stem, it creeps on the ground for longer than Monstera Adansonii Var Laniata.
You can keep both varieties in a hanging basket if you want to encourage their creeping behavior.
Temperature Limitations
Temperature plays a significant role in distinguishing the two variations of the same tropical plant. Monstera Adansonii variation can only survive above 18 degrees, while Monstera Laniata demands a temperature above 10 degrees. (ideal temperature for both: 20-25 °).
Things to Remember: While searching for the temperature limitations for Monstera Laniata, we found that its survival instinct is slightly stronger than the Adansonii plant.
As discussed above, Monstera Laniata can survive above 10 degrees; however, the optimal temperature for its growth lies between 16-28 degrees.
Note that if you store them below the advised temperature, their growth will slow down, and they will more likely have brown leaves.
Bonus: How to Look After Adansonii and Laniata
Since we have discussed the similar and contrasting features of Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Laniata, it is vital to know some core ways to look after the two plants.
Below, we have covered a few tips to help you manage your Adansonii and Laniata with love.
Give the Plants Optimal Light Exposure
Believe it or not, Adansonii and Laniata both require moderate light exposure for a healthy growth cycle.
If you place the pot in too much light, the foliage will burn with direct sunlight. On the other hand, keeping them in too low light can lead to early death.
The Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Laniata light requirements are quite similar, so we recommend keeping them in partial shade like bright indirect sunlight or medium to bright indirect light.
Use Soil With a pH of 5.5-7
These plants grow the best in peat-based soil with moderate proportions of orchid bark, coco coir, and worm castings.
An ideal way is to opt for soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7 that promotes optimal growth, doesn’t clog the root area, and protects against harmful factors, including spider mites (caused by tiny spiders) and white larvae (found on flying insects).
Mimic the Natural Temperatures
Growing a forest plant at home can be challenging; therefore, when it comes to growing Monstera Laniara and Monstera Adansonii plants, temperature and humidity play an integral role. These plants grow in warmer temperatures and humid environments.
To accomplish the growth to its full potential, it is vital to mimic the natural conditions in the surroundings during the growing season.
Fertilize Your Plant Every Month
When growing Monstera Adansonii or Monstera Laniata at home, you may use a suitable fertilizer to repot the plant and prevent stunted growth.
An ideal way is to fertilize your plant every month. You can find some of the many suitable fertilizers in the market to get started.
If you opt for a potting mix, note that it contains a fertilizer that releases into the plant slowly.
Prune When Needed
Since Monstera Adansonii Var Laniata and Adansonii are climbers, they may require pruning while growing in the pot.
It is crucial to use proper pruning shears to cut the stems short. Any damage to the plant can lead to wasted efforts.
While you prune your plant, always remove the dead leaves and refine the stems to ensure the proper Monstera Laniata propagation.
You can even use Monstera Laniata cutting (stem cuttings) for this purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re looking for a Monstera to fine-tune your houseplant collection or feeding your brain with general information on plants, we hope the above information has helped.
However, we’re not done just yet. As a bonus, we’ve taken the time to answer two of the most burning questions about a variegated variety of Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Laniata.
Is Monstera Laniata Same As Adansonii?
The classic Adansonii “Lantiata” is an extremely rare variety of Monstera Adansonii. Despite their similar appearances, the two variations have a few slight differences.
The fenestrations present on the leaves of Monstera laniata are more numerous than those on the Adansonii.
Moreover, the fenestrations begin at the middle of a leaf, and the leaf has a flat texture in the Laniata variety.
How Do You Care for a Monstera Laniata?
If you want to grow Monstera Laniata at home, this is what you need to know about Monstera Laniata care.
- Monstera Laniata requires indirect morning sun to grow properly
- They need constant moisturization for the optimum growth cycle.
- It would be best to use a well-draining soil mix to grow Monstera Laniata.
- You must prune Monstera Laniata’s leaves and stems every month for healthy growth.
This brings us to the end of this article; now, it’s time to hear from you. Any questions? Or maybe there’s something we missed? Either way, feel free to leave a comment below.
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
