Monstera Confusion: Cheese Plant vs. Adansonii vs. Obliqua 'Peru' – What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever found yourself lost in a tangle of names like Swiss Cheese Plant, Monkey Mask, or Monstera obliqua, you’re not alone. At Happy Houseplants, we hear from customers all the time who are unsure which Monstera they have—or which one they’re actually looking for.

With so many variants, trade names, and mislabels floating around (especially online), we thought it was time to set the record straight. In this blog, we’ll explore four of the most commonly confused Monstera types: the much-loved Monstera deliciosa, the striking Monstera adansonii, the commonly mislabelled but charming Monstera obliqua 'Monkey Mask', and the ultra-rare collector’s dream, Monstera obliqua 'Peru'.

And just to add to the mix—there are currently around 50 recognised Monstera species, plus numerous regional variants and cultivars. On top of that, other tropical aroids like Rhaphidophora, Epipremnum, and even Philodendron can look confusingly similar, especially when young. It’s no wonder plant lovers get tangled in the names!

Monstera deliciosa – The Classic Cheese Plant

Let’s start with the superstar. Monstera deliciosa, often called the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a firm favourite in homes across the UK—and for good reason. With its large, glossy leaves and iconic split patterns, it brings a lush, tropical feel to any space.

• Origin: Central America

• Leaf style: Large, heart-shaped leaves with slits and holes (fenestrations)

• Growth habit: Upright and vining with support

• Best for: Beginners and statement plant lovers

Deliciosa is relatively fast-growing, tolerant of a wide range of conditions, and known for making a bold statement in the corner of a room. But despite its nickname, it's not actually the Swiss Cheese Plant that gives the family its holey reputation...

Buy Swiss Cheese Plant here

Monstera adansonii – The Real "Swiss Cheese Vine"

Enter Monstera adansonii, often confused with obliqua. This beauty has smaller, thinner leaves than deliciosa, and features more pronounced holes throughout the leaf—hence the "Swiss Cheese Vine" name.

• Origin: Central and South America

• Leaf style: Narrower, more elongated than deliciosa, with oval-shaped holes

• Growth habit: Fast-growing trailing or climbing vine

• Best for: Hanging baskets, shelves, and moss poles

Adansonii is a fabulous houseplant—easy to care for, quick to grow, and happy climbing or trailing. But here’s where things get tricky. It’s often sold under names like Monstera obliqua, Monkey Mask, or even just Swiss Cheese Plant, which leads us to…

Buy Monstera adansonii here

Monstera obliqua 'Peru' – The Rare Collector’s Gem

If you’ve ever seen a photo of a Monstera that looks like it’s 90% holes, you were probably looking at Monstera obliqua. But beware—true obliquas are exceedingly rare, and what you’ll find in most shops or online listings labelled “obliqua” is actually just adansonii.

At Happy Houseplants, we’re proud to offer the real Monstera obliqua 'Peru'—a verified, authentic variant with breathtaking, lace-like foliage.

• Origin: Peru, tropical rainforest understory

• Leaf style: Thin, papery leaves with dramatic fenestrations—more hole than leaf

• Growth habit: Slow-growing, compact vine

• Best for: High humidity setups, collectors, experienced plant lovers

Buy Monstera obliqua 'Peru'

Monstera obliqua 'Monkey Mask' – Beautiful, but Commonly Mislabelled

If you’ve seen a trailing Monstera with perforated leaves marketed as “obliqua,” chances are you’ve encountered Monstera obliqua 'Monkey Mask'—a trade name often used for what is actually a form of Monstera adansonii. While not a true obliqua in the botanical sense, this plant is still a striking and easy-going addition to any indoor jungle.

At Happy Houseplants, we’re clear about naming—Monkey Mask is a popular name in the UK for this adansonii-type Monstera, and while it may not be the ultra-rare obliqua 'Peru', it’s still a gorgeous plant with lots to offer, especially for beginners and plant lovers looking for fast growth and bold foliage.

• Origin: Central and South America

• Leaf style: Thicker, heart-shaped leaves with neat oval-shaped holes

• Growth habit: Fast-growing trailing or climbing vine

• Best for: Hanging planters, moss poles, beginners, low-maintenance plant lovers

This plant is often confused with Monstera obliqua peru due to its fenestrated leaves, but the difference becomes clear with time—Monkey Mask is much easier to care for, grows quickly, and has more solid leaf tissue. A fantastic choice if you love that Swiss cheese look without the high-maintenance reputation.

Buy Monstera obliqua 'Monkey Mask 

Why the Confusion?

Unless you're a botanist, have access to DNA testing, or can see the plant in flower (which rarely happens indoors), distinguishing between Monstera species can be incredibly difficult. Young plants often look alike, and even mature leaves can change in shape depending on light, humidity, and support.

Here’s where things get even trickier....

The name “Monstera Peru” is a common trade name, not a formally recognised botanical species. It’s used by growers and retailers, especially in the UK and US, to describe different plants—sometimes Monstera karstenianum, sometimes variants of Monstera obliqua, depending on the source.

In the case of Monstera obliqua 'Peru', this is thought to be a regional variant of Monstera obliqua found in Peru, but it has not been formally classified as a distinct subspecies or variety in scientific literature. It’s an informal name that has gained popularity in the plant collecting world, but not an officially recognised Latin classification.

A note on common plant names – don’t get pulled into the drama!

When it comes to houseplants, especially rarer ones like Monstera obliqua 'Peru', names can cause a lot of confusion—and a lot of opinions. But here’s the truth: plant names aren’t fixed forever. Even in scientific circles, classifications change as new research emerges. What’s called one thing today might be reclassified tomorrow. And in the trade, names often differ between countries, nurseries, and even growers.

So, if you see heated debates online or someone insisting they’re an “expert” on what’s really a Monstera… take it with a pinch of compost. The world of plants is constantly evolving, and nobody has all the answers—certainly not the internet police. What matters is that you're getting a healthy, beautiful plant from a trusted source (like us!), with accurate descriptions and proper care advice. That’s where the real expertise lies.

At Happy Houseplants, we use common trade names that are widely understood here in the UK. Our friends in the USA sometimes use different names for the same plants—which is lovely, of course—but it can cause a bit of confusion, especially since we all speak (mostly) the same language and share a deep love for houseplants! That’s why we always aim to be crystal clear about what you’re getting. Our photos reflect the actual plant you’ll receive, and we only work with trusted growers who specialise in rare species and proper identification. No guesswork, no surprises—just beautiful, healthy plants you can trust.

What’s the Right Monstera for You?

Here’s a quick breakdown: