Below are the main variations between a Monstera deliciosa and a Monstera borsigiana.
Geniculum
Geniculum is the primary distinction between a Monstera Deliciosa and a Borsigiana. The stem’s geniculum is where it connects to a leaf.
The wavy structured leaves of Monstera Deliciosa resemble ruffles because to the Geniculum’s wrinkles.
For the same reason, Monstera Deliciosa is frequently referred to as ruffles. However, Monstera Deliciosa is particularly flexible because of the wrinkled geniculum.
In terms of the geniculum in the Monstera, Borsigiana has a geniculum that is comparable to any other typical plant and lacks any distinguishing characteristics.
The stem of Borsigiana is joined to the base of the leaves by a simple, straight geniculum.
While distinguishing them based on their Geniculum, there is one drawback. In the early stages, their geniculum cannot be used to distinguish them.
Size of Leaves
Their size of leaves is another distinguishing characteristic that will make it simple for you to separate them.
One is quite little in comparison to the other, and their leaf sizes are very different.
Large leaves of Monstera Deliciosa can reach a breadth and length of three feet or even more in their natural environment.
Deliciosa leaves have a leathery texture and a lovely appearance.
Borsigiana has much smaller leaves than that. Its leaves only reach a maximum height of 1.6 feet, which is roughly half that of Monstera Deliciosa.
The size of their leaves, however, might vary according on the environment in which they are cultivated.
Growing Habits
Because it grows slowly compared to Borsigiana, Monstera Deliciosa can be a mess as it matures.
However, because Deliciosas are slow climbers in the plant kingdom, they typically slide downhill during their early stages of growth.
Despite being sluggish climbers, they ultimately start to sprawl upwards as they grow older and more mature.
In comparison to Deliciosas, Borsigianas are more orderly and have a better growing process.
They typically have longer stems that grow on the ground because of their vining growth patterns.
They can also be stacked, where they will advance with the stack as it rises.
In its natural environment, Monstera Deliciosa is capable of reaching heights of up to 30 feet.
Both plants mature in around three years, despite having distinct growth rates.
Taxonomy
The scientific term for identifying and naming a plant is taxonomy. The division of a plant into its various components is useful.
The two plants Monstera Deliciosa and Borsigiana are not the same, despite what many people believe.
This taxonomy table illustrates the relationships between Monstera Borsigiana and Monstera Deliciosa.
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility states that although Monstera Deliciosa and Borsigiana are separate plants, they belong to the same taxon.
Stem structure
The spaces between the nodes of the Monstera plants are one of the distinguishing characteristics.
The circular areas or patches that are located between a plant’s stem are referred to as nodes.
The Monstera Borsigiana has more room between its nodes than the Monstera Deliciosa, as can be seen if you pay great attention to the Monstera plants.
One of the reasons Monstera Borsigiana typically grows more quickly and neatly than Monstera Deliciosa is due to this.
WHICH IS THE TRUE SPECIES?
Let’s defer to the authorities on plant taxonomy. The truth is that borsigiana is merely a synonym for deliciosa and NOT a distinct species.
How am I aware? The renowned Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, are the only ones that have made this claim. The only species that is recognized is Monstera deliciosa. Monstera borsigiana is not a separate species; it is merely a synonym.
Smaller plants are still sometimes identified as Monstera borsigiana or Monstera deliciosa var. borsigiana by horticulturists (var. stands for variety). Others will simply attribute any variations to the growing environment, which will undoubtedly have an impact on the already variable Monstera deliciosa species.
Borsigiana, according to some, has smaller leaves and a faster pace of growth. Regardless of the plant you have indoors, leaves will never mature to the size they would in the wild, which causes many individuals to mistakenly believe they have borsigiana.
Whether the plant is growing indoors or outdoors, climate, age, and a host of other factors play a significant role in leaf size and development rate.
In the end, I’ll just accept that Monstera deliciosa is the only recognised species listed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Avoid getting too caught up in the taxonomy or other too analytical justifications. Trust the professionals with the taxonomy.
MYTH: ONLY DELICIOSA HAS THE “RUFFLES BEHIND THE LEAVES
A persistent misconception states that the ruffles at the end of the petiole, close to the leaf, are unique to deliciosa.
The geniculum, which you can see just below where the leaf begins, serves as a “joint,” if you will, that enables the leaves to spin in pursuit of more light.
Both deliciosa and borsigiana—for those who still think borsigiana is different—have the geniculum, according to Enid Offolter of NSE Tropicals.
One extremely significant point to remember is that very young plants lack the geniculum. Therefore, if your plant doesn’t yet have one, it is just too young to have one.
Even the same plant can have distinct leaves, some of which have the geniculum and others which don’t.
Folks, that’s all! I said this would be brief. Even for professionals, plant taxonomy can be highly perplexing, so all we can do is rely on reliable sources. I hope this post has shed some light on the argument between Monstera deliciosa and Monstera borsigiana.
In the end, Monstera deliciosa is the sole species present. No two plants, or even leaves, for that matter, will look same because appearance can vary greatly depending on the growth environment.
Do you have a general obsession with Monstera species? Don’t forget to read my article, “15 Amazing Monstera Varieties to Add to Your Collection.” Why limit yourself to just one of the odd species found in the genus Monstera?
Looking for a Monstera deliciosa or perhaps a Monstera deliciosa with different colors? View the Monstera products available on Etsy (link to Etsy). My preferred one-stop shop for all things related to indoor plants is Etsy.
Are Monstera Borsigiana and Monstera deliciosa the same plant?
This Monstera Deliciosa subspecies grows more quickly than a real Deliciosa and has smaller mature leaves. These plants, Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana Variegata, also exhibit stronger variegation retention after being reproduced. This is a highly common approach to acquire a Variegated Monstera due to the more straightforward nature of growing this plant with variegation intact.
You will mostly find this plant for sale on private growers’ or collectors’ pages since it is not offered in Australia as seed or tissue culture. The Monstera’s aerial roots make propagation simpler, which contributes to its popularity as a considerably more widely available plant. However, the price of the plant is set by the supplier and the price that customers are ready to pay. They are still a pricey choice and are typically offered as a cutting rather than a plant.
Checking the top of the mature leaves is the easiest way to determine whether your plant is a real Deliciosa or a Borsigiana. The real Deliciosa will have a wrinkle where the stem meets the leaf while the Borsigiana does not. However, wait until mature leaves are checked because the juvenile leaves of the genuine Deliciosa do not yet have this wrinkle.
How is Monstera Borsigiana recognized?
The most notable variations between a Monstera deliciosa and a borsigiana are listed below. Knowing these crucial elements can help you avoid confusing one for the other.
Geniculum
The geniculum is among the most well-known differences between Monstera deliciosa and borsigiana. The junction on a plant’s stem that joins it to a leaf or leaf stalk is referred to as the geniculum.
Each petiole on the Monstera deliciosa has a wavy or wrinkled geniculum where it joins a leaf.
Due to their wavy texture and appealing appearance, some people refer to them as “ruffles.” The plant’s unique structure allows for flexibility or movement.
Unlike deliciosa, borsigiana has the usual geniculum of the other plants.
Simply basic and straight, and smooth to the touch, is the leaf base that attaches it to the stem.
Although examining the geniculum of the plant is a very helpful way to determine whether your plant is deliciosa or borsigiana, you cannot see the difference when it is a young plant.
These ruffles only appear on Deliciosa’s semi- to full maturity as it continues to grow.
Growth Habit
The growth habit of the Monstera deliciosa is horizontal and spreading. This indicates that they frequently spread and evolve in tandem with their environment.
Furthermore, because they are slow climbers, you will typically discover them moving downward. But the deliciosa will eventually develop into a vine as it gets older.
However, borsigiana has a tendency to develop in a vining manner. It grows along the ground or up a specific stack and has a larger stem.
In contrast to the deliciosa, borsigiana begins to tangle and climb as a vine during the early stages of development.
It is most likely a deliciosa if your Monstera looks a little messy, with nesting leafstalk and stem.
While this is going on, it appears that you have a borsigiana if your Monstera shows a neater growth.
Monstera Deliciosa Has Larger Leaves
Another characteristic that distinguishes Monstera deliciosa from borsigiana is the size of their leaves.
The leaves of Monstera deliciosa are large, gorgeous, and leathery. In its natural environment, its leaves can expand up to 3 feet (1 meter) in width and length. (Reference: Florida University)
According to reports, the maximum size of its leaves is only 1.6 feet (0.5 meters). However, it is still a lovely houseplant with decent-sized leaves.
You must keep in mind that different environmental factors affect how the plants develop.
Each leaf can vary in size depending on factors including water, light, and the environment in which it is growing.
Comparing two plants growing in the same environment and at the same time is the most effective approach to identify the Monstera variety.
Growth Rate
You might have Monstera borsigiana if the plant you have indoors grows quickly.
Despite usually being smaller than the deliciosa, the borsigiana grows significantly more quickly.
A deliciosa often grows 2 feet (1 meter) every year on average. Therefore, you should anticipate that your borsigiana may grow a little quicker than this.
Do not be concerned if you wind up having deliciosa in your home rather than borsigiana. Deliciosa can reach heights of 30 feet (9 meters) or much higher in its natural habitat.
Additionally, keep in mind that the plant’s growth pace can change based on a number of factors.
Taxonomy
A Monstera borsigiana and deliciosa are frequently considered to be the same plant. Your uncertainty will vanish once you realize that their taxonomy differs slightly from one another.
The scientific field of taxonomy is concerned with the process of naming, categorizing, and identifying plants.
There is a taxonomic synonym for deliciosa and Monstera borisigiana. This indicates that although they belong to the same taxon, they are of different types. Global Biodiversity Information Facility, source.
View the taxonomic hierarchy of Monstera deliciosa and Monstera borsigiana in the table below.
Stem Structure
It will be simpler for you to identify the plant if you look at a particular feature of the Monstera stems.
The distance between their nodes is what distinguishes a Monstera borsigiana from a deliciosa. Nodes are the rounded areas or locations found in between a plant’s stem.
It is the location of the leaves, branching twigs, or buds. It is the place where the petiole, which supports a leaf, joins the main stem of the Monstera plant.
If you look closely, you’ll notice that the deliciosa has far shorter distances between nodes than the borsigiana does.
Because it promotes new growth, borsigiana has a tendency to vine more quickly.
Therefore, if the leaves on your Monstera appear a little haphazardly and are close together, you may be growing a borsigiana.
However, if your plant’s petioles appear to be spaced out and somewhat apart from one another, it might be of the opposite variety.
Price
Along with the morphological differences between Monstera deliciosa and borsigiana, their prize is also able to distinguish between the two.
Monstera deliciosa is a somewhat pricey plant, costing anything from $20 to $100.
Depending on the seller, store, and area, the price may potentially rocket higher. Borsigiana is otherwise cheaper.
Monstera Borsigiana: Is it uncommon?
Monstera Albo Borsigiana, a variegated Monstera borsigiana with white coloring on the leaves, can easily get $100 or more merely for a cutting! A more mature plant may cost several hundred dollars or perhaps up to $1,000 or more.
Why Are Monstera Albo Borsigiana So Expensive?
Due of its rarity and the rarity of plant variegation in general, Monstera Albo Borsigiana is pricey. Particularly the Albo Borsigiana kind of Monstera is expensive due to its rarity.
Naturally, if there is low demand, even something unique will not command a high price. Many individuals desire to put variegated Monstera Albo Borsigiana in their collections because they adore its white colour and fenestrated leaves.
Of course, the demand for Monstera Albo Borsigiana and other rare variegated plant varieties has increased, as have the number of collectors of rare plants and price speculation.
The price of Monstera Albo Borsigiana is very high.
Albo Borsigiana and Thai Constellation are the two most prevalent varieties of variegated Monstera. While they could appear similar at first glance. Their care, development, accessibility, and cost will all be impacted by some obvious distinctions.
It will be easier for you to choose which one to have in your house if you are aware of the distinctions between Albo and Thai.
Mutationnatural vs. tissue culture
It is a naturally occurring mutation in Monstera Albo Borsigiana that first leads to variegation. There once was a normal, green M. Borsigiana whose cells began to spontaneously mutate in a way that caused those cells to stop producing chlorophyll. In the Monstera’s stem, these mutant cells proliferate and are transferred to the subsequent leaf.
The only cells with this spontaneous mutation are white cells. Monstera Albo seeds won’t develop into variegated progeny. Only a cutting from a mother plant can produce a new variegated Monstera Albo.
The genesis of the Monstera Thai Constellation is distinct. It was produced via tissue culture in a lab in Thailand. In this subspecies, every cell of the plant carries the mutation that results in the variegation.
The variegation pattern & stability
Beautiful variegation can be seen on Monstera Albo Borsigiana. Its leaves exhibit white marbling and spots of green color. There will be variations between every leaf.
This pattern of variegation is unstable as a result of its natural mutation. Albo Monsteras can switch back to producing either green leaves or completely white, chlorophyll-free leaves. These stunning, all-white leaves are quite stressful for the plant and will be the first to wither.
The mutant cells found in the stem and leaf node are what cause the albo’s leaves to be variegated. Even within the same plant, this might vary significantly. The color of each leaf will depend on the color of the leaf before it. You can anticipate how much white and green will be on the subsequent leaf by observing the growth and variegation of your Albo.
To sustainably balance beauty and photosynthesis, too much white or too much green in new growth on your Monstera Albo will need to be cut back.
The Albo’s variegation pattern is not seen on Monstera Thai Constellation. The surface of all Thai leaves is covered with tiny creamy spots that look like constellations. The light areas are more of a creamy color than a blinding white. Compared to Albo, Thai Monsteras have fewer and smaller sectoral variations (those big, white patches).
Additionally, Thai Monsteras have substantially more consistent variegation. All of the cells in the plant have the mutation because they were created in a lab. You don’t need to be concerned about your Thai Monstera going back to having only green leaves.
The variation is unpredictable even if it is stable. There is neither an advance nor a regression of white or green leaves from one leaf to the next.
Inter-nodal spacing
The distance between nodes along the stem is referred to as inter-nodal spacing. Thai and Monstera Albo are significantly dissimilar in this regard.
The leaf node on Monstera Albo Borsigiana can grow up to 34 inches long (10 cm). This indicates that the leaves are farther apart.
Due to its more vine-like appearance and growth, Monstera Albo may not appear as lush and verdant as it once did. Using anything like a moss pole will be necessary for this type to climb.
It is also incredibly simple to take cuttings thanks to this longer leaf node. With pruning shears, there is plenty of room to reach inside.
One inch or less is the minimum internodal spacing for Monstera Thai Constellation (23 cm). As a result, the Thai Monstera seems extremely dense, bushy, and luxuriant. However, since there isn’t much place for the scissors, cuttings are more difficult to make as a result.
Leaf size
A slightly smaller subspecies of M. Deliciosa is known as Monstera Borsigiana. The width of its leaves is less than a foot (30 cm).
However, Thai Constellation has considerably larger, more typical Monstera-like leaves.
Rarity
Thai Constellation is substantially more common than Monstera Albo Borsigiana. It can only be created through cuttings, as opposed to Thai, which is cultivated in a lab for commercial production. Albo also grows more slowly than Thai, which extends the period between cuttings.
Thai Monsteras are still difficult to find. They are only made in one lab, and they can only make a certain number at once.
Pricing
Monstera Albo Borsigiana is typically more expensive than Thai Constellation due to their scarcity and high demand.
In some locations, a cutting of Monstera Albo can be purchased for $100 USD; some dealers charge more depending on the cutting’s size. A young plant will cost around $800 USD, while a mature plant would cost over $1,000 USD to purchase.
A young Monstera Thai Constellation will cost between $150 to $700 USD at the time of this publication, which is less than a Monstera Albo of the same size. Additionally, mature Thai constellations can fetch over $1,000 USD. Although less frequent, cuttings of this kind are not unheard of.
That is a lot of data to keep in mind! For an easy and quick comparison, see the following graph: