Monstera Laniata vs Esqueleto (Key Differences and Similarities) 

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Are you confused about the monstera laniata and esqueleto? Both these plants may look similar, but they are very different from each other.

Belonging to the same family, we will help you understand how to tell the monstera laniata from monstera epipremnoides. In this article, we will explain where both plants originate from and what the similarities and differences between both are. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about monstera epipremnoides vs adansonii.

Monstera Laniata Origin

Monstera laniata or adansonii is another indoor plant that originates in the jungles of Central and Southern America and has been selling commercially since 2016.

This plant looks beautiful when hung in baskets, and its fruity appearance makes it look unique and gorgeous.

Monstera Esqueleto Origin

Monstera Esqueleto

Monstera esqueleto are decorative houseplants that can be planted inside the house to enhance indoor aesthetics. This is a popular plant because of its smart and classy display. It belongs to the family of Araceae, close to Costa Rica.

Monstera Laniata vs Esqueleto: Similarities

It is important to know the similarities between both plants so that you can familiarize yourself with them. Since they belong to the same monstera family, you might find that they have a couple of similarities.

Stem 

Usually, all monstera plants have a similar structure when it comes to the stems. However, monstera epipremnoides and laniata have long vines with aerial roots.

The vines have dark green leaves. Moreover, neither plant grows stolon. This means that they do not have a horizontal branch that grows new plants with roots.

Moreover, the leaves of both varieties start unfurling from the vine directly. The vine also contains nodes, and you will find spots along the plant’s petioles, where the leaves grow from.

Petiole

detail of monstera obliqua petiole

Petiole refers to a component of the plant that connects to the vine and is responsible for holding the blade of the leaf. Monstera plants have round and slender petioles.

When referring to their leaf texture and stalk appearance, you will find no difference between the monstera acuminata and monstera adansonii.

The petioles of both plants are green, and they both have a smooth texture. The leafstalk of monstera epipremnoides grows from 30 to 50 inches, while the leafstalk of laniata grows from 20 to 60 cm.

Root System

healthy Monstera roots

Both monstera laniata and monstera esqueleto have aerial roots. These are roots that help the plant be supported in the air. They are the same as adventitious roots, which are roots that grow sporadically from the ground.

Because of their roots, monstera plants can adapt to any environmental surroundings. They can grow on the wall or thrive in any other growing medium.

Sunlight 

Monstera adansonii requires 3 to 4 hours of sunlight in the morning or 4 to 6 hours of daylight. Similarly, monstera esqueleto requires 6 to 8 hours of sunlight in the morning.

However, both plants require filtered, diffused, indirect light. This means that they will thrive when placed next to a window because of the dappled light.

Temperature 

The ideal temperature for monstera laniata is between 60 to 80 degrees, which is very similar to the ideal temperature for monstera epipremnoides, which is 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Soil 

Monstera esqueleto soil

The soil needed for both plants is similar. Monstera adantonii thrives well in well-aerated soil that has a pH of anywhere between 6 to 7.

Similarly, monstera equeleto thrives in sandy loans and aerated soil that has a pH of 5.5 to 7. Neither plant likes constantly-moist soil.

Fertilization 

Both plants can be fed with a liquid fertilizer that has an NPK ratio of 5-2-3. The plants need to be fertilized during the spring and summer months.

Neither plant should be fertilized in winter.

Monstera Plants vs Esqueleto: Differences

Even though there are various monstera varieties, these differences between the monstera species will help you decide whether you should get the Swiss cheese vine or Esqueleto.

Taxonomy

variegated Monstera Laniata

Taxonomy is the scientific classification of animals and plants based on their natural relationships. Even though it will not help you understand the physical difference between the two monstera species, it will help you understand how monstera epipremnoides and monstera laniata are different.

Taxonomy is usually used by botanists to study the care management and growth patterns of plants. The monstera has a variety of cultivars.

Monstera epipremnoides and monstera adansonii are the most common variations, along with variegata, borsigina, and deliciosa. This means that they belong to the same family while being different in appearance.

Leaf Appearance

young Monstera laniata leaf

Individuals are attracted to monstera plants because of their unique leaves that seem precisely cut by the most delicate gardener. While all monstera plants have this characteristic, each variety has small differences.

Monstera adansonii laniata has green leaves with thin holes. All the leaves vary in shape and size, but they usually grow in an ellipse or flattened circle. While these holes are the defining feature of a monstera adansonii, monstera epipremnoides are different.

While the latter does contain leaves with holes, the incisions are bigger. The holes of this plant grow in different sizes and have an oblong appearance. The perforations also continue from the midrib through the edges of the leaves.

Fenestrations

Monstera laniata fenestration

If your plant’s leaves have unbroken and narrow holes, you are growing a monstera laniata. Similarly, if your plant has leaves that are separated by a boundary or leaf pattern, you are growing monstera epipremnoides.

Are you wondering whether the holes are mainly for plant aesthetics or if they are actually useful for the plant?

Since monstera grows in the rainforest, the perforations are used to help the plant survive extreme environmental conditions, such as strong winds and heavy rain.

Fenestration can be seen in all monstera varieties, but monstera esqueloeto has fenestrated leaves with big incisions. The fenestration pattern is the same as monstera adansonii varieties, but the size of the holes is different.

The monstera laniata has thin and small holes, and the perforations are undivided.

Fruits and Flowers

Monstera esqueleto does not flower much. Even though they can commonly bloom when they grow in their natural origin, they rarely bloom indoors.

However, the monstera adansonii has white and yellow flowers. When grown in the correct environmental conditions, these flowers can grow into edible fruit.

The edible fruit tastes sweet, like a banana or pineapple, making it a wonderful snack.

Growth Rate

small Monstera laniata

Monstera adansonii and monstera obliqua come from the same family, and both have a vining growth form. However, monstera laniata trails more. This is why the adansonii leaves make people fall in love with them- the plant can grow many vines quickly.

In fact, monstera adansonii is known to be the most aggressive viner among all monstera houseplants. Within a year, the plant can climb to a height of 2 feet. The best months to grow this plant are from April to October, as it climbs the fastest during this time.

However, monstera deliciosa is a hemiepiphyte. This means that it creeps on the ground when it is young, and as the plant matures, it becomes an epiphyte. Since it grows under big tree canopies, it only grows in dappled light.

Hence, monstera laniata is mostly used as a vine décor, while the latter is used to decorate baskets because of its drooping vines.

Price

The price you pay for the monstera genus will differ based on the size of the plant and where you are living. However, as a general rule of thumb, epipremnoides are more expensive- you can expect them to cost anywhere between $100 to $200.

This is because epipremnoides are rare plants as compared to the adansonii.

Natural Habitat 

Monstera esqueleto is commonly found in the tropics. It originates in the cloud forests in Costa Rica, where there are warm temperatures, humid weather, and lots of rainfall.

Monstera adansonii, on the other hand, grows in Central and South America. It can also be found in parts of the Caribbean and southern Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Monstera Adansonii the same as Adansonii? 

beautiful leaves monstera monkey mask obliqua (Monstera adansonii) with holes

Yes, Monstera Adansonii and Adansonii are the same. These terms are used interchangeably to define the same plant.

Where can you buy monstera adansonii? 

You can buy monstera adansonni online! There are many trustworthy shops available, including Etsy and Amazon. We are sure that you can find reasonable prices from reliable sellers on these platforms.

Keep in mind that monstera adansonii will not be available in nearly nursery shops. Hence, online shops are your best bet.

What are the different types of Monstera species?

Mature Monstera Deliciosa leaves 

  • Monstera deliciosa
  • Monstera borsigniana
  • Monstera lechieriana
  • Monstera epiprennoides esqueleto
  • Monstera dubia
  • Monstera obliqua
  • Monstera pinnatipartita
  • Monstera variegata
  • Monstera equeleto

Conclusion 

Both monstera adansonii and esqueleto are low-maintenance plants with delicate leaves that are dark green in color. The two plants like humid atmospheres, indirect sunlight, and indoor temperatures.

Learning the similarities and differences between both plants are important because it can help you provide the proper care to each. Both species have exceptional features and can make your house look absolutely stunning.