Plant comparison
Monstera vs Alocasia
Two popular tropical statement plants at very different difficulty levels — one forgives, the other punishes.
| Monstera | Alocasia | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Monstera deliciosa | Alocasia macrorrhiza |
| Light | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) |
| Water | When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7-10 days | When the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 5-7 days |
| Soil | Chunky aroid mix | Chunky aroid mix |
| Humidity | 50-60% | 60-70% |
| Temperature | 18-27°C (65-80°F) | 18-27°C (65-80°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 10-12 (indoor-only in most US homes) | 10-12 (indoor-only in most US homes) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b (heated greenhouse / indoor only) | H1b |
| Mature size | Indoors 2-3 m up a moss pole; 20 m+ in habitat | 60-150 cm tall indoors |
| Growth habit | Climbing evergreen vine — will trail or climb a support | Corm-forming clumping evergreen |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Mildly toxic to pets | Toxic to pets |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Monstera — Monstera if you prefer its climbing evergreen vine — will trail or climb a support habit at indoors 2-3 m up a moss pole; 20 m+ in habitat indoors.
- Choose Alocasia — Alocasia if you prefer its corm-forming clumping evergreen habit at 60-150 cm tall indoors indoors.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Monstera care and Alocasia care. For pet-safety detail see Monstera and Alocasia.
Monstera vs Alocasia — frequently asked questions
Is Monstera the same as Alocasia?
No — Monstera is Monstera deliciosa and Alocasia is Alocasia macrorrhiza. Two popular tropical statement plants at very different difficulty levels — one forgives, the other punishes. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, monstera or alocasia?
Easier comes down to your conditions. Monstera wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and to be watered when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7-10 days. Alocasia wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and watering when the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 5-7 days. Match the species to the brightest spot you actually have and how often you remember to water — both can be the easier pick for the right home.
Is monstera or alocasia safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Monstera is mildly toxic to pets and Alocasia is toxic to pets. Either way, place them out of reach of curious chewers if pets share the home.
How big do monstera and alocasia get indoors?
Monstera matures to indoors 2-3 m up a moss pole; 20 m+ in habitat, with a climbing evergreen vine — will trail or climb a support habit. Alocasia reaches 60-150 cm tall indoors, corm-forming clumping evergreen. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can monstera and alocasia live in the same room?
Yes — both can share a room as long as you give each one a spot that matches its light requirement. Monstera needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window); Alocasia needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window). Group them only if their watering and humidity needs are also close, otherwise keep them on different schedules.