Few houseplants scream “tropical jungle” like the iconic Swiss cheese plant. Beloved for their bold, fenestrated (hole-filled or split) leaves and lush green presence, these plants are from the Monstera and Rhaphidophora genera and bring exotic, dramatic beauty into any indoor space. Whether you’re outfitting a cozy corner or building an urban jungle, these 10 Swiss cheese-style plants deliver texture, life, and serious visual flair no passport required.
1. Monstera deliciosa
The OG Swiss cheese plant that never goes out of style.
Monstera deliciosa is the most recognizable Swiss cheese plant, known for its large, leathery leaves with dramatic splits and holes. Native to Central America, it thrives in bright, indirect light and adds bold structure to interiors. As it matures, its foliage becomes increasingly fenestrated, creating that lush, tropical aesthetic. It’s fast-growing, low-maintenance, and stunning when trained to climb or allowed to sprawl a must-have for any indoor jungle.
2. Monstera adansonii
Delicate beauty with lacy, perforated leaves.
Also known as the “Swiss cheese vine,” Monstera adansonii features smaller, softer leaves riddled with oval holes. It’s a vining species that grows quickly and can be trained up a moss pole or left to cascade elegantly from a hanging basket. This plant loves humidity and bright, indirect light. Its whimsical, airy appearance makes it perfect for softening modern spaces or adding dimension to plant walls.
3. Monstera obliqua
Rare and exquisitely holey a collector’s gem.
Often confused with adansonii, Monstera obliqua has even more extreme perforation, with paper-thin leaves that are more hole than leaf. This delicate plant is rare in cultivation and prized for its ethereal, lacy look. It requires high humidity, warmth, and gentle handling. While it’s not for beginners, its unique form makes it a stunning showpiece for dedicated plant collectors seeking the ultimate Swiss cheese aesthetic.
4. Monstera siltepecana
A shimmering twist on the traditional Monstera.
This lesser-known species starts with silver-patterned juvenile leaves and matures into larger, fenestrated foliage with proper support and age. Siltepecana combines the jungle vibe of other Monsteras with an extra shimmer, thanks to its silvery veins. It enjoys medium to bright indirect light and regular humidity. Ideal for climbing arrangements, it brings texture and evolution to your plant display as it transitions from juvenile to mature form.
5. Monstera standleyana (Albo Variegata)
Climbing beauty with streaks of creamy white.
This unique Monstera doesn’t have holes but earns a spot on the list for its elongated, variegated leaves that create a bold and artistic look. Standleyana climbs vigorously and thrives with a support pole, adding height and dimension to your plant setup. The creamy-white variegation against dark green foliage gives it a sleek, designer appeal while still channeling that wild, tropical energy.
6. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
The “Mini Monstera” that packs big jungle style in a small space.
Although not a true Monstera, Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is affectionately nicknamed the “Mini Monstera” for its split-leaf look. It grows quickly, climbs beautifully, and stays compact, making it ideal for small spaces or apartments. With its fast growth and architectural form, it’s perfect for anyone who wants the Monstera vibe in a more manageable package. Give it bright light and a trellis or pole to climb, and watch it flourish.
7. Monstera pinnatipartita
Textured leaves with a sculptural feel.
This Monstera variety starts with solid green juvenile leaves that evolve into deeply cut, dramatic adult foliage. The fenestrations develop as the plant climbs and matures, giving it an ever-changing appearance. Pinnatipartita loves warmth, humidity, and something to latch onto as it grows. Its mature form resembles palm fronds with its deeply lobed structure, making it a standout addition to any tropical collection.
8. Monstera dubia
A climbing chameleon with a gorgeous flat-lay growth habit.
Monstera dubia is known for its shingling behavior, where the juvenile leaves lie flat against a surface as it climbs. Its young leaves are heart-shaped with silvery variegation, and mature leaves eventually develop fenestrations if given enough vertical support and time. It’s a beautiful plant for those who enjoy watching the transformation from compact starter plant to full jungle climber.
9. Monstera lechleriana
A bold-leafed alternative to adansonii.
With thick, dark green leaves and fewer but larger fenestrations, Monstera lechleriana is like a chunky cousin to adansonii. It grows rapidly in the right conditions and loves climbing, making it ideal for moss poles or wall trellises. This plant adds a tropical punch to any room while maintaining the classic Swiss cheese vibe. Plus, it’s relatively easy to care for, even for beginners.
10. Rhaphidophora pertusa
Rare, fenestrated foliage for the serious plant lover.
Another Monstera lookalike from the Rhaphidophora genus, pertusa features deeply lobed and naturally holey leaves. It has a more dramatic, sculptural leaf structure compared to others in its genus and provides the same jungle energy in a less common form. It enjoys bright, indirect light and moderate humidity and climbs beautifully with a little support. A fantastic addition for those who want something unique yet familiar.
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